I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
February might have come and gone but that doesn’t mean we need to throw romance out the window with it. Spring is in the air and the nights are getting longer and lighter; so what better way is there to celebrate the season than with some ‘al fresco’ dining in one of Sharm’s most relaxing, romantic restaurants.
On the deck restaurant at Iberotel Lido is one of Sharm’s hidden gems. Many of you have probably tripped pass it, early morning with sleepy eyes while you are on the way to Naama Bay jetty but have you ever thought of stopping off for a refreshing sun-downer or booking a romantic meal for two?
Like many people I was also guilty about forgetting this hidden, peaceful corner of Naama Bay, but luckily for me I now have it on my list of perfect places to dine. The restaurant as the name suggests is located on the large open-air wooden deck over the water. It is a rustic setting but this doesn’t reflect the style of the cuisine or service.
Our waiter greeted us and showed us to our table by the water’s edge. The view is spectacular as the deck extends out from the shoreline, over the water. This gives the impression you are floating out at sea and looking back onto Naama Bay. The lights of the shops, restaurants and bars twinkle back at you, whilst you watch the lionfish hunting and the boats gently rocking in the bay. Just the natural ambiance is mesmerizing; add the soft guitar music and some candles and you’ve got the perfect place.
The waiter served our drinks and a fresh bread basket with pretty rose sculptured butter pats while we looked at the menu. The restaurant describes the menu as fine dining offering seafood and international gourmet dishes. It was a nice surprise to find that the description matched the menu and there was a nice variety between seafood, meat and vegetarian options, however it was more Italian than international.
As a fish and seafood lover it was quite difficult to choose from the selection of appetizers; I was tempted by the Carpaccio di Salmone e Branzino (salmon and grouper Carpaccio), Zuppa di mare – saffron and tomato broth with calamari, shrimp and fish but in the end chose the Prawn and Calamari salad. My partner went for the meat option of the classic Italian Carpaccio di Manzo. Both dishes were very nice and served with some spectacular sculptured garnish.
For the main there is a selection of classic pasta dishes including homemade tortellini and ravioli, plus fish, meat and chicken dishes. There is also the option of ‘fresh from the market’ fish and seafood per kilo. I had the Salmon filet served with a light mustard sauce and grilled vegetables and my partner chose the Pollo al limone. The mains were suitably sized for fine dining which meant there was room for desert – which was equally impressive. How could anyone resist the Chocolate fondant cake served with vanilla ice cream?
On the deck offers an idyllic setting to have a romantic evening. The restaurant is never over-crowded; the ambiance is subtle and relaxed and set against the amazing back drop of Naama Bay. This would be the top place to pick on a summer night as the gentle sea breeze is refreshing, it is quiet and private yet you are literally steps away from some of the most famous Naama nightclubs for after dinner entertainment.
If romantic dining is not on you ‘to do’ list then don’t strike Iberotel Lido off as there is so much more to this lovely boutique hotel. The swimming pool is located on the roof of the hotel and offers amazing sea views. Why not get a day pass which includes a towel and chill out up on the roof for the day. Sip cocktails whilst you dip and watch the dive boats. The bar La Folie is also open for drinks and snacks – which would make a lovely place for a sun downer, and if you want to really splash out why not book a suite and enjoy a weekend away.
Tags:dinner, fish, fresh, night, sea, water
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