At Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas, exceptional dining is defined by the passion, heritage, and mastery of the culinary minds leading our kitchens. Today, in our Fort People series, we are proud to spotlight Chef Mahmoud Youssef, the Head À La Carte Chef leading Club 159 at our resort in Makadi Bay, Egypt.
With more than two decades of culinary excellence across Egypt's premier dining destinations, Chef Mahmoud brings live-fire charcoal artistry, visual harmony, and authentic Egyptian hospitality directly to the Red Sea coast.
At a Glance: Chef Mahmoud Youssef
- Position: Head À La Carte & Live-Fire Specialist
- Venue: Club 159 at Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas
- Culinary Journey: 20+ Years of experience across Egypt’s premier dining hubs (Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Hurghada)
- Culinary Focus: Authentic Charcoal-Grilled Barbecue, Meticulous Plate Composition & Heartfelt Egyptian Hospitality
A 20-Year Journey Born from Passion & Heritage
Chef Mahmoud’s culinary journey began in Mallawi, Minya, Egypt. Driven early on by a deep desire to craft unforgettable dining moments, he discovered that cooking is the ultimate expression of artistic passion and care. He embarked on his professional career in 2001, developing his core skills within Cairo's high-energy restaurant scene.
In 2009, Chef Mahmoud transitioned into luxury hospitality, spending the next decade and a half refining his craft across Egypt’s most prestigious coastal destinations—including Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Hurghada, and Cairo. Throughout this journey, he mastered high-heat live-fire cooking techniques, developed a profound knowledge of local seafood and premium cuts, and deepened his commitment to guest-first service.
In 2024, Chef Mahmoud brought his vast experience, creativity, and unyielding standards to Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas, taking charge of our signature beachfront à la carte venue, Club 159.
Mastering Culinary Artistry: Live-Fire Precision & Visual Harmony
To Chef Mahmoud, cooking is far more than preparing food—it is an art form that engages all the senses:
- Authentic Charcoal Barbecue: Mastering the elemental flame, Chef Mahmoud’s signature specialty lies in authentic live-fire charcoal grilling. Infusing premium cuts of meat and fresh local seafood with smoky depth, he uses precise heat control and delicate marinades to lock in tenderness and achieve perfect caramelization.
- Visual Harmony & Presentation: Guided by the traditional Egyptian belief that "we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouths," Chef Mahmoud meticulously composes every plate so that visual beauty precedes taste, turning fresh ingredients into vibrant, edible art.
- Heartfelt Hospitality: Treating dining as an intimate experience, Chef Mahmoud cooks with a personal promise: to ensure every guest feels as though they are the only person in the restaurant.
"Every dish is a work of art, and every guest deserves an unforgettable experience. When you cook with heart and precision, guests don't just eat—they feel cared for."— Chef Mahmoud Youssef
Elevating À La Carte Fine Dining at Club 159
As the culinary lead driving Club 159, Chef Mahmoud enriches our resort’s diverse dining portfolio alongside masters like Executive Chef Antonio Julian of La Cantina and Chef Ranjan of Bamboo Garden. His work embodies a deep reverence for Egyptian hospitality, where every meal is treated as a celebration and every guest is welcomed like family.
Whether preparing a signature charcoal-grilled dish tailored to a guest's preference or taking time to greet diners personally, Chef Mahmoud is dedicated to crafting extraordinary dining memories on the Red Sea coast.
On your next stay with us at Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas, step into Club 159 and experience Chef Mahmoud Youssef’s charcoal-grilled artistry—crafted with 20 years of authority, passion, and heart.