Let's clarify one thing upfront: a properly cooked steak has the potential to salvage even the most awkward of first dates. Picture it: three minutes in, wine glasses are being drained rapidly, you're fidgeting like a five-year-old, and you've mentally compiled a list of 58 places you'd rather be right now because, well, he's certainly not the Shrek to your Fiona. To deflect his probing questions, you take measured bites of a sumptuous steak, relishing its juicy, blush-pink tenderness and nod at the right moments in hopes your exit is fast approaching.

But let's be clear: a steak isn't just any meal that any run-of-the-mill chef can master. It's a hallowed institution in the world of fine dining, reserved for the most daring of culinary artists. It begins with a meticulously sourced prime cut of meat, marinated in a carefully crafted blend of herbs and spices, and expertly grilled for a precise amount of time over controlled heat to achieve that perfect texture.

With that in mind, we've thoughtfully curated a list of Egypt's top steakhouses to bring that much-needed sizzle into your life.

JW Marriott Steakhouse

JW Marriott Hotel, New Cairo

In the words of the late American celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, the perfect steak is always medium-rare. Steak connoisseurs, JW Marriott (literally) understood the assignment and blessed us with the juiciest, most tender steak.

Kazoku

Swan Lake, New Cairo

Seared double-cut côte de boeuf the Japanese way? Where do we sign up?

J&G Steakhouse

St. Regis Hotel, Nile Corniche

Char-grilled and glazed in melted buttery goodness, J&G Steakhouse’s delectable steaks call for a chilled glass of red wine and a much-needed girls night.

Mo Bistro

Branches all over Egypt

Drenched in an aromatic truffle sauce, Mo Bistro’s steaks are a literal sight to behold.

Esca

Almazah, Heliopolis

Esca’s perfectly-seared Chateaubriand exudes an aromatic allure that had us carnivorous foodies feeling that food-coma rush.

Kazlak

Boulevard, New Cairo

Served on a handcrafted wooden platter with an assortment of golden potato wedges, Kazlak’s steaks are locally sourced tender cutlets, juicy, smoky with sprinkles of salt(bae).

Sachi

Heliopolis & Park St, Sheikh Zayed

Witnessing Sachi’s Wagyu steaks - adorned with shallot vinaigrette and paired with crispy artichokes - was a literal love at first sight.

Crimson Bar & Grill

Zamalek & Arkan Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Serving perfectly seasoned sizzling hot steaks paired with an abundance of wine sangrias, Crimson is your go-to spot for a wild single girls’ night out.

Xodo

Four Seasons First Residence, Cairo

Xodo serves rich, juicy and generously marbled steaks coupled with a carnival of sauces that revive your dead taste buds – after one too many Big Macs.

Riviera

Four Seasons Hotel at Nile Plaza

Beautifully laid on a bed of roasted asparagus and potato wedges, Riviera’s beef tenderloin is one to slowly savour as you plan out your next solo trip to Europe.

Bistro Paris

Sarayat, Maadi & Izar Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Bistro Paris’ flaky pan-seared steak frites, crafted with the freshest Parisian ingredients, will satiate your French cuisine cravings and help you live out your Emily in Paris dreams.