Cairo's Pioneer of Nikkei Dining
Sanctum Hospitality brings you Cairo's first Nikkei restaurant and bar. Izakaya is a fusion of Japanese precision with Peruvian flair.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
#48 in 2022
our awards
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #34 in 2025
In 2025, Izakaya Cairo reached a new pinnacle, climbing to the 34th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This recognition marked three consecutive years of being honored, each year rising higher, solidifying its place as one of the region’s leading culinary destinations. The award celebrated Izakaya’s mastery in balancing heritage and innovation — showcasing the depth of Nikkei cuisine while adapting to the evolving tastes of a sophisticated audience. Its steady climb in ranking reflects not just consistency, but also the spirit of growth, creativity, and resilience that defines Izakaya Cairo.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #38 in 2024
Two years after its debut, Izakaya Cairo climbed to the 38th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. This upward movement reflected the restaurant’s evolving artistry — where signature Nikkei creations met seasonal innovation, all while staying true to its essence of refined hospitality. The recognition highlighted Izakaya’s role not only as a dining destination but also as a cultural bridge, introducing Cairo to a world-class culinary narrative. Rising ten places was a testament to the passion of its team, the loyalty of its guests, and the restaurant’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #48 in 2022
2022 marked a milestone for Izakaya Cairo as it entered the prestigious MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, securing the 48th spot. This recognition celebrated the restaurant’s innovative take on Nikkei cuisine — a seamless fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair — brought to life in the heart of Cairo. Being named among the region’s top 50 was more than an award; it was a testament to Izakaya’s unwavering dedication to culinary creativity, exceptional service, and the ability to craft memorable dining experiences. For Cairo and Egypt at large, Izakaya’s debut on this international stage represented a moment of pride, showcasing local fine dining on a regional platform.
World Luxury Restaurant Awards
Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine in 2020
In 2020, Izakaya Cairo proudly received the World Luxury Restaurant Award as the Country Winner in Egypt for Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine. This accolade recognizes Izakaya’s dedication to honoring culinary traditions while presenting them through a contemporary, refined lens. The Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine category highlights restaurants that preserve authenticity, cultural depth, and a sense of place through food. At Izakaya Cairo, this spirit comes alive in every dish — where Japanese traditions meet Peruvian vibrance, reimagined with elegance and creativity for today’s discerning diner. By earning this national recognition, Izakaya reinforces its standing as a leader in Egypt’s fine dining scene, offering not just a meal, but an immersive journey into the artistry of heritage cuisine elevated for the modern table.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
#38 in 2024
our awards
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #34 in 2025
In 2025, Izakaya Cairo reached a new pinnacle, climbing to the 34th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This recognition marked three consecutive years of being honored, each year rising higher, solidifying its place as one of the region’s leading culinary destinations. The award celebrated Izakaya’s mastery in balancing heritage and innovation — showcasing the depth of Nikkei cuisine while adapting to the evolving tastes of a sophisticated audience. Its steady climb in ranking reflects not just consistency, but also the spirit of growth, creativity, and resilience that defines Izakaya Cairo.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #38 in 2024
Two years after its debut, Izakaya Cairo climbed to the 38th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. This upward movement reflected the restaurant’s evolving artistry — where signature Nikkei creations met seasonal innovation, all while staying true to its essence of refined hospitality. The recognition highlighted Izakaya’s role not only as a dining destination but also as a cultural bridge, introducing Cairo to a world-class culinary narrative. Rising ten places was a testament to the passion of its team, the loyalty of its guests, and the restaurant’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #48 in 2022
2022 marked a milestone for Izakaya Cairo as it entered the prestigious MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, securing the 48th spot. This recognition celebrated the restaurant’s innovative take on Nikkei cuisine — a seamless fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair — brought to life in the heart of Cairo. Being named among the region’s top 50 was more than an award; it was a testament to Izakaya’s unwavering dedication to culinary creativity, exceptional service, and the ability to craft memorable dining experiences. For Cairo and Egypt at large, Izakaya’s debut on this international stage represented a moment of pride, showcasing local fine dining on a regional platform.
World Luxury Restaurant Awards
Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine in 2020
In 2020, Izakaya Cairo proudly received the World Luxury Restaurant Award as the Country Winner in Egypt for Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine. This accolade recognizes Izakaya’s dedication to honoring culinary traditions while presenting them through a contemporary, refined lens. The Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine category highlights restaurants that preserve authenticity, cultural depth, and a sense of place through food. At Izakaya Cairo, this spirit comes alive in every dish — where Japanese traditions meet Peruvian vibrance, reimagined with elegance and creativity for today’s discerning diner. By earning this national recognition, Izakaya reinforces its standing as a leader in Egypt’s fine dining scene, offering not just a meal, but an immersive journey into the artistry of heritage cuisine elevated for the modern table.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
#34 in 2025
our awards
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #34 in 2025
In 2025, Izakaya Cairo reached a new pinnacle, climbing to the 34th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This recognition marked three consecutive years of being honored, each year rising higher, solidifying its place as one of the region’s leading culinary destinations. The award celebrated Izakaya’s mastery in balancing heritage and innovation — showcasing the depth of Nikkei cuisine while adapting to the evolving tastes of a sophisticated audience. Its steady climb in ranking reflects not just consistency, but also the spirit of growth, creativity, and resilience that defines Izakaya Cairo.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #38 in 2024
Two years after its debut, Izakaya Cairo climbed to the 38th spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. This upward movement reflected the restaurant’s evolving artistry — where signature Nikkei creations met seasonal innovation, all while staying true to its essence of refined hospitality. The recognition highlighted Izakaya’s role not only as a dining destination but also as a cultural bridge, introducing Cairo to a world-class culinary narrative. Rising ten places was a testament to the passion of its team, the loyalty of its guests, and the restaurant’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked #48 in 2022
2022 marked a milestone for Izakaya Cairo as it entered the prestigious MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, securing the 48th spot. This recognition celebrated the restaurant’s innovative take on Nikkei cuisine — a seamless fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair — brought to life in the heart of Cairo. Being named among the region’s top 50 was more than an award; it was a testament to Izakaya’s unwavering dedication to culinary creativity, exceptional service, and the ability to craft memorable dining experiences. For Cairo and Egypt at large, Izakaya’s debut on this international stage represented a moment of pride, showcasing local fine dining on a regional platform.
World Luxury Restaurant Awards
Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine in 2020
In 2020, Izakaya Cairo proudly received the World Luxury Restaurant Award as the Country Winner in Egypt for Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine. This accolade recognizes Izakaya’s dedication to honoring culinary traditions while presenting them through a contemporary, refined lens. The Indigenous/Heritage Cuisine category highlights restaurants that preserve authenticity, cultural depth, and a sense of place through food. At Izakaya Cairo, this spirit comes alive in every dish — where Japanese traditions meet Peruvian vibrance, reimagined with elegance and creativity for today’s discerning diner. By earning this national recognition, Izakaya reinforces its standing as a leader in Egypt’s fine dining scene, offering not just a meal, but an immersive journey into the artistry of heritage cuisine elevated for the modern table.
Our Artisans
A family of visionaries, creators, and hosts — united in spirit, they are the soul of Izakaya and the keepers of its craft.
Culinary Team
Martin Rodriguez
Group Executive Chef
Martin is the creative force behind Sanctum’s culinary identity. Born in Peru and rooted in its rich traditions, he brings flavors from his homeland into every dish, infusing them with precision, soul, and imagination. Since arriving in Egypt, Martin has embraced the culture with passion, blending it seamlessly into his cooking. His influence shapes not just the menu, but the very heart of the company’s culinary vision.
Fares Mahmoud
Izakaya Sous Chef
Fares is one of Izakaya’s longest standing team members and a core part of the kitchen’s success. With unmatched expertise in the hot section, he brings a rare kind of intuition and flair to his cooking, elevating every dish with quiet mastery. His presence in the kitchen is impactful, setting the tone for quality, consistency, and teamwork service after service.
Mohamed Said
Restaurant Manager
As the Restaurant Manager at Izakaya, Mohamed plays a central role in shaping the guest experience. From team leadership to service flow, he ensures operations run smoothly and consistently. His presence on the floor has made a lasting impact, setting a high standard for hospitality and helping to build the loyal community Izakaya is known for.
Mahmoud El Sayed
Restaurant Manager
As Assistant Restaurant Manager at Izakaya, Mahmoud supports all aspects of daily service, working closely with the Restaurant Manager to ensure smooth operations. As second in command on the floor, he plays an essential role in upholding the quality, consistency, and pace that define the guest experience.
Sameh Farouk
Chief Mixologist
Sameh brings the art of mixology to life across our diverse portfolio, crafting cocktails that perfectly complement each venue's unique character. From Izakaya's refined Japanese-Peruvian fusion to Mezcal's vibrant Latin spirit, he creates liquid experiences that enhance every dining journey. With every pour, he reimagines classic cocktails through an innovative lens, providing guests with the comfort of familiar flavors, elevated through precision and passion.
Origins
Rooted in heritage yet ever-evolving, Izakaya is a story of cultures intertwined and flavors reimagined.
our story
The Birth of Izakaya Cairo
Cairo's first Nikkei restaurant and bar, Izakaya emerged in 2016 as the inaugural concept from Sanctum Hospitality. Founded by brothers Tamer and Taymour Erian, it represented their vision to bring global culinary innovations to Egypt's dining landscape. The restaurant quickly established itself as a defining presence in Cairo's gastronomic scene, introducing many to the sophisticated fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair.
The Nikkei Journey
Nikkei cuisine itself tells a compelling story of cultural exchange. Born from the Japanese migration to Peru in the late 19th century, this culinary tradition evolved as Japanese cooking techniques embraced Peru's vibrant indigenous ingredients and flavors. At Izakaya, we honor this history while adding our own contemporary interpretation. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Martin Rodriguez, our kitchen creates dishes that are both authentic to Nikkei tradition and uniquely our own.
A Culinary Philosophy
Our approach centers on balance – between technique and creativity, tradition and innovation. Each dish begins with exceptional ingredients sourced both locally and from specialized suppliers. The menu spans from delicate gyoza dumplings and robata-grilled skewers to an extensive raw bar featuring ceviches, tiraditos, and handcrafted maki rolls. These offerings showcase the full spectrum of Nikkei cuisine, where clean Japanese umami harmonizes with bold Peruvian spices and citrus.
Beyond the Plate
Izakaya transcends typical dining to create a complete sensory experience. Our space blends architectural elements from both cultures – subtle Japanese minimalism with touches of vibrant Peruvian artistry. As evening progresses, the atmosphere evolves from elegant dining haven to energetic social destination, making it suitable for various occasions. The bar program stands as a destination in itself, with expert mixologists crafting cocktails that mirror our culinary approach. Signature creations incorporate Japanese and Peruvian elements – think yuzu and wasabi – resulting in distinctive drinks that complement the food perfectly. Our celebrated Next to Japan cocktail exemplifies this approach, having developed a loyal following for its balanced complexity.
Recognition and Legacy
Our commitment to exceptional dining has earned Izakaya numerous accolades, including placement on MENA's 50 Best Restaurants list. These honors reflect our dedication to quality and innovation, but our true measure of success remains the satisfaction of our guests. The original Izakaya Cairo in Palm Hills, 6th of October, paved the way for our growth, establishing a reputation that allowed for expansion to North Coast's Izakaya SHL. Each location maintains the same exacting standards while embracing its unique environment.