Marhaba means welcome. And welcoming is one way to describe Marhaba Mediterranean Grill’s atmosphere especially during the World Cup, where games are shown on screens throughout the restaurant. The alcohol-free restaurant has been in operation since 2012 and is family-owned.
“Soccer is a huge part of Egyptian culture,” Mohamed Shehata, Marhaba’s owner, says. “We show every match, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere where fans of every country can come together to cheer on their teams. Families are always welcome, making it a great place for parents, kids, and friends to enjoy authentic food while experiencing the excitement of the tournament.”
Marhaba serves authentic Egyptian dishes made fresh daily from family recipes passed down through generations. Some of their most popular menu items include kofta kabob, chicken kabob, beef and chicken gyro, falafel, koshari, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and freshly baked pita bread. (Did anyone else just get very hungry?!)
Desserts include baklava, kinafa (golden shredded pastry over sweet cheese in syrup), and basbousa, semolina cake served in citrus blossom syrup.
There are a few different ways to approach the restaurant including ordering items a la carte off the menu, or by partaking in unlimited visits to their lunch or dinner buffet. Shehata recommends the buffet for first timers since you can experience the variety of Egyptian flavors in one meal. He also recommends the fresh hibiscus juice, a refreshing traditional Egyptian favorite.
For Shehata, the tournament and restaurant are aligned in other ways, too.
“The World Cup brings people together, and that's exactly what Marhaba Grill is all about,” he says. “It's one of our favorite times of the year because it creates a sense of community that goes beyond soccer.”
