My Journey with Le Relais de l'Entrecôte: From Paris to Cairo

My love for Le Relais de l'Entrecôte began many years ago, when I first stood in line in the heart of Paris to try its famous dish: steak frites with a secret sauce. A restaurant that serves only one dish, it has become a global brand known to meat lovers.

From that moment, I decided to try all 15 of its branches on my travels between Europe, Asia, and even Egypt.

Paris: The Origin and the Crowd

There are three main branches in Paris: Montparnasse, Saint-Benoît, and Rue de Marbeuf. The atmosphere is classic par excellence; wooden tables, striped tablecloths, and the bohemian spirit of Paris. The food is delicious, as expected, but the crowds are part of the experience, especially at dinner, where the wait can be up to an hour.

Geneva... Unforgettable Comfort

When I visited the Geneva branch, I felt I'd found my favorite version. The same authentic flavor and secret sauce, but with a calm atmosphere and friendly service far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. I can safely say it's the best branch I've ever visited.

Middle East Journey

The chain has expanded to Kuwait, Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, with modern décor that suits local tastes while preserving the restaurant's original identity. The Gulf branches are less crowded, and the experience is faster and more comfortable, but they still have a distinctly touristy feel.

Cairo... The Experience Closest to My Heart After Geneva

My last stop was the Arkan Mall branch in Sheikh Zayed, Cairo. It was a new but amazing experience; the same striped tables, walnut salad, and crispy potatoes, with organized service and relative calm compared to Paris. This visit has me anticipating the opening of the new branch in 5A, New Cairo, soon.

The Secret to Success

What distinguishes Le Relaisdel'Entrecôte is simplicity and perfection:

• Salad with walnuts and mustard sauce.

• Steak with fries served twice with a secret sauce.

French desserts like profiteroles and crème brûlée.

No complicated menus or dozens of dishes... one dish served perfectly every time.

The bottom line:

After trying all the branches around the world, I found that the Riyadh branch and then the Geneva branch remain the most beautiful and closest to my heart, as they combine the authenticity of Paris with the comfort of a quiet experience. The Cairo branch was a pleasant surprise: a pleasant and smooth experience, without the overwhelming crowds, and as close to the atmosphere as possible in Geneva.

This restaurant proves that specializing in a single, well-crafted dish can create a global brand that lives in the memory of every visitor.

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For contact or comments:

jouharza@gmail.com