Egyptian dining in Kensington, Alexandrie is the hidden gem you need to know about

Fine dining is something I’ve decided that I really was meant for. Yes, I love a good burger joint, but sometimes you absolutely need to put on a fancy frock, sip on great wine and spend the night indulging.

Which is exactly what we did when we visited Alexandrie.

I must have been by it plenty of times. It’s not far from where we live and I’d definitely clocked it as a place we needed to visit ages ago. Finally we did, and I’m so glad. 

On a very dreary evening in London, we walked in the rain to the restaurant. It’s easy enough to miss if you don’t know where to look, it’s on the opposite side of the road to where pedestrians would naturally walk. If you’ve ever spotted Kensington Coffee, it’s exactly opposite, nestled between estate agents.

The exterior is beautiful. The black tiling has a sense of understated elegance and we knew when we walked through the doors that it was going to be a good night.

First things first. I’ve never tried Egyptian food (that I know of), so I was keen to investigate the menu. But it also meant that I didn’t have much to compare it to in terms of prior experience.

The restaurant is set across two floors and the menu claims to be inspired primarily from Egyptian cuisine with influences from France, Italy and Greece. Scanning the menu, there’s definitely plenty of Mediterranean influence, so actually, there’s plenty of flavour on the menu that anyone would be familiar with.

Ironically, we started with a bottle of Argentinian Chardonnay that I selected. But the evening was cool and in the autumn and winter months, it’s my favourite wine to order.

Following our perfectly poured glasses, out came the hoummous, babaghanoush, and aubergine and poivron salad along with lightly toasted flat bread. Oh. My.

The hummus was without a doubt some of the best I’ve ever eaten. I had to restrain myself from asking for more of it. When I couldn’t stop raving about it, Kate, our server told us that it’s all freshly prepared in the kitchen and one of her favourite starters to order while she’s there. Also, I feel like I should have worked in a restaurant at some point, because hoummous perks are serious business.  So, count me in already for coming back for more of that.

Starting things off

The main event

Something Sweet

My one regret of the night was that I didn’t order this one of their specialty dishes, the Molokheya, a traditional Egyptian herb soup served with rice. So next time, that’s on the agenda for me.

I feel kind of bad that I’ve told you about Alexandrie now, because I feel like I’m spoiling the secret. But here you go, it’s Kensington’s Egyptian hidden gem, I’ll see you there!

Kelly xox

PS. Our meal was complimentary at Alexandrie’s, but all food choices, opinions and photos are mine.