By Lee Pfeiffer
Cinema Retro isn't generally involved in providing restaurant reviews, but on a recent trip to Egypt to research a future movie location tour, I discovered one of the nation's true hidden treasures: Barry's Oriental Restaurant, which will have special appeal to any James Bond fans, specifically those who like
The Spy Who Loved Me, the only 007 film to date that has been shot in Egypt. I'll save my overall praise of Egypt for a future article. Suffice it to say that, although I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout the world, this is the most enchanting land I've been to - and the people are by far the most accommodating and friendly. I had read about Barry's in the Fodor's travel guide and was intrigued by the fact that it was out of the mainstream. Located directly across from the Giza and Saggara pyramids in Cairo, this quaint dining establishment is nestled in a nondescript backstreet, keeping in synch with its image as a throwback to old Egypt. It's the only restaurant that affords a magnificent view of the pyramids from the balcony where you can dine in the balmy evening weather.
The restaurant, which is often used to entertain dignitaries and political diplomats, has a menu that is not only very varied but also very affordable. There are three levels to the building, all meticulously decorated with fascinating historical artifacts. Best of all the service was beyond meticulous, with wait staff seeming to anticipate your every wish. Aside from the delicious food and wonderful atmosphere (you expect to see the likes of Sidney Greenstreet sitting at the next table), the reason the place has a special appeal for James Bond fans is that you can luxuriate while dining and watch the famed light show on the pyramids that was featured so memorably in The Spy Who Loved Me.Even the narration can be heard with no problem. (If you attend, contact the restaurant to find out what evenings English-language presentations are made at the light show, as it varies from evening to evening.)If you intend to visit Cairo, a visit to Barry's is mandatory if you want a memorable evening - and by all means request a hookah pipe (called a shisha in Egypt), which adds immeasurably to the experience. Visit the restaurant's web site by clicking here