1886 Restaurant

The 1886 Restaurant is the formal dining room of the Sofitel Winter Palace on Corniche El Nil Street, on Luxor's East Bank in Egypt. The hotel takes its date from its opening year, 1886, and is among the best known historic hotels on the Nile, so the restaurant carries the same name and a sense of occasion. It is classed as fine dining and serves French and continental cuisine at dinner only, from 19:00 to 23:00 daily. There is no Michelin rating to report. Signature dishes include beef fillet, seafood bisque and chocolate fondant, a menu that follows classical hotel-restaurant lines rather than modern experimentation. Set menus cost roughly EGP 3,000-5,000 (about $60-100), which makes it the most expensive meal in the Luxor listings and a special-occasion choice. The dining room is formal and quiet: tables are spaced, service is attentive, and a jacket is recommended for men, with smart attire expected generally. Noise is low and the mood is closer to a grand hotel than a lively restaurant. The hotel's garden and Nile frontage add to the atmosphere, though the dining room itself is the focus. Wine and beverage programmes in international hotel restaurants in Egypt typically include imported and Egyptian wines; guests should ask for the current list when booking, since availability and pricing change. Reservations are essential, and visitors are advised to book several days ahead in high season from November to March, and to confirm dress requirements at the same time. Because the restaurant serves dinner only, it suits an evening after a day at Karnak or the West Bank. The average rating is around 4.6. As a hotel venue it is open to non-guests, but guests of the hotel may receive priority for tables. Visitors should arrive on time, as the kitchen runs to a set service pattern, and mention any dietary restrictions when reserving so the chef can plan a suitable menu.