Savour Simplicity in Cairo at Greek Cuisine Spot Grecco

As summer comes to a close, we can’t help but reminisce on what our sunny season could’ve been - on weeks that could’ve been spent blissfully lounging by the Mediterranean, sipping on cocktails and carelessly munching on a bowl of tomato keftedes. It’s this life, one one can only imagine lived on Mykonos or Skopelos (yes, like we were in Mamma Mia), that one most fondly yearns for as life resumes its regular autumnal rhythm. Oh, how we wish we indulged in what could’ve been.

Luckily, however, we are granted an experience that brings us as close to that as can be, perhaps with an added edge of luxury, thanks to Mediterranean eatery Grecco. Throw a Big Fat Greek Wedding, because the spot has finally abandoned its post by the North Coast and landed in Cairo to create what they call “an oasis where people can escape the city's pace and immerse themselves in Mediterranean roots.”

Karine Khoueiry, a partner and curator at Grecco, tells Scene Eats, “When we first opened Grecco on the North Coast, the vision was clear: to offer an authentic dining experience that transported guests to the various villages across the Mediterranean coasts, where flavours, traditions, and a sense of community converge.” And so, Grecco was born to celebrate the simultaneous simplicity and depth of Greek, more broadly, Mediterranean, cuisine. 

After indulging in this peaceful philosophy on the crashing shores of the North Coast, Grecco dares to bring it to the urban jungle that is Cairo, at New Cairo’s Garden 8. “New Cairo, with its vibrant, modern energy, offers an exciting backdrop, and at Garden 8, we've been able to adapt Grecco to fit this dynamic urban environment.”

Amid a sea of fine dining destinations that line up essentially every street in Cairo, Grecco stands out. “What sets the Grecco dining experience apart is our dedication to authenticity. We don’t just focus on the food; it’s about the entire experience—from the décor, lighting, furniture, and music to the service. At Grecco, dining is a celebration of life.”

As they expand in Cairo and possibly beyond, the Grecco team keeps one thing in mind: authenticity is key. This is why the restaurant’s decor so closely echoes what Grecco seeks to represent. “We’ve incorporated natural materials like wood, marble and rattan to evoke the feeling of a coastal town, while also ensuring that the space feels contemporary and sophisticated. The open layout and lighting create an inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind. At the same time, the touches of beige, white, green and earthy textures, and the overall flow of the space all reflect Grecco’s roots.”

Delicate flow, peaceful ambience and deep-held roots aside, Grecco does one thing best, and that is serve sumptuous authentic Greek cuisine as you’ve never seen before. With a belief that ingredients can speak for themselves, the restaurant dishes out a menu that is full of simple yet bold flavours. Their grilled octopus is a must-try—it’s tender, flavorful, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Khoueiry, however, can’t help but have a favourite, “Personally, I’m partial to the salmon ceviche, a classic that’s light and packed with flavour—it’s a perfect representation of how something simple can be so satisfying.”