The Sea Gull fish restaurant is in Mex. The spot is the remains of the old fort in which Bonaparte lived after he had ordered his troops to land by night on 2 July 1798. He mobilized his forces under the leadership of his officers and generals Kléber and a harbor was constructed bearing the name French Harbor, by which it is still called now.

When Mr. and Mrs. Abdel Moneim el Gamal returned from Germany in 1985, hired the skilled workmen who had worked on the restoration of Cairo Citadel to restore this fort into the restaurant we know today. One of its main attractions is the animals and birds on the premises, which children in particular are thrilled to watch.

Primarily a fish restaurant, the Sea Gull has a private fishing fleet to ensure that the best fish and shellfish would be offered. The vegetables and fruits served are also grown on the restaurant’s farm. For those who do not eat fish, grilled meats and chicken are also available. Famous clients have included stars, politicians and writers such as Omar Sharif, Sherihan, Adel Imam, Moufid Fawzi, Youssef Idris, Nelly, the actress Fairuz, Esmat Abdel Meguid, and Mustafa Hussein. Scenes from the TV serial Raafat el Haggan and the film Yacoubian Building were filmed in the Sea Gull.

The chef Mr. Galal, a member of the “Chaine des Rotisseurs”, has offered this recipe of baked fish with potatoes

Traditional Baked Fish

1 kg silver bream
500 g potatoes, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp cumin
Celery salt to taste


3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, sliced
3 green bell peppers, sliced
1/3 cup water
3 tbsp olive oil

- Mix salt, pepper, cumin, celery salt, garlic and olive oil then rub the potatoes and the fish with this marinade.
- Spoon any remaining marinade inside the fish.
- In an oven-proof dish, arrange potato, onion, and pepper slices then add water.
- Arrange fish over the vegetables then drizzle with the second quantity of olive oil.
- Insert in a high oven adding more water if needed.
- Remove from oven when potatoes are tender and fish is golden and flaky.