Sorrento to Smouha: Alexandria’s The Lemon Grove Embodies Italian Zest

Alexandrians and coastal Italians may not share a language, but they’re fluent in the same habits: leisurely lunches, sea-soaked views, a hint of drama, and a shared conviction that carbs are best served with emotion. Above all, they orbit around a mutual zest for life. Somewhere between espresso shots and sunset strolls, The Lemon Grove opened its doors in Smouha’s Matajer Mall—tuning into those Mediterranean frequencies, Italian in spirit, Alexandrian in setting.

While Alexandria’s vibe has long flirted with Italian influence, the city’s Italian food scene has often felt a little... under-seasoned. “The Lemon Grove emerged from a long-held aspiration to bring a more authentic Italian dining experience to the city,” says co-founder Amr Moussa. “Together with my co-founder Ahmed Ashour, we set out to create a space that reflects that experience—not just through food, but in atmosphere and design.”

The design revolves around openness: an open kitchen, clean lines, greenery, minimalist seating, and a balance of airy sunshine by day and intimate lighting by night. The culinary process is fully visible. “The dialogue between the cooking and the diner is what gives the space its elegance,” says Moussa. From the smoker to the Neapolitan wood-fired oven, much of the action happens in plain sight. “We wanted it to feel immersive—like the kitchen is part of the dining room.”

Heading up the kitchen is Chef Abdelbasit, whose culinary roots trace back to years of training in Italian cuisine. “He’s worked closely with top Italian chefs for years, which has shaped his approach to technique and sourcing,” says Moussa. “He understands not just how to make a dish authentic—but where each ingredient should come from, and why.”

On the menu? A tour of Italy’s comfort canon. Think brisket, salmon, beef fillets, handmade pasta—and of course, pizza. “We don’t cut corners when it comes to pizza: we use a traditional Neapolitan wood-fired oven and are one of very few in Alexandria to do so,” says Moussa. “We also bring in our Caputo flour, mozzarella, and burrata directly from Italy.”

As for what happens beyond the plate, the goal is something that lingers. “Our philosophy is simple: offer something welcoming, memorable, and fresh,” says Moussa. “We want it to feel like a place where people stay a little longer than they meant to.”

Whether you find yourself chasing a truffle pizza with a citrusy mocktail, or twirling fettuccine while eyeing a tiramisu, The Lemon Grove aims to strike that sweet (and slightly salty) spot between Italian indulgence and Alexandrian charm—elegant, lively, and just zesty enough to keep things interesting.