In this article we give you our recommendations of restaurants in Cairo. The huge Egyptian capital offers many gastronomic options that will allow you to get to know Egyptian cuisine in the best way possible. Popular and fine dining restaurants, street and market stalls, and terraces and boats. Cairo is suitable for all tastes and budgets.
In addition to the restaurants, in Cairo it’s also essential to delve into the world of cafés, the city’s true popular culture.
In this article we take a look at the restaurants and cafés that are a must on a visit to Cairo.
- Dining at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids
- The best restaurants in Cairo
- The best bars in Cairo
- Recommendations and advice
- Where to stay in Cairo
Dining at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids
To begin our tour of Cairo’s restaurants, there’s nothing better than the three in the Barceló Cairo Pyramids hotel, a four-star establishment overlooking the Pyramids of Giza. Firstly, the Horus restaurant, located on the 12th floor of the hotel, offers spectacular views of the Pyramids and is a wonderful place to enjoy a dinner with sunset views. It’s the jewel in the hotel’s crown. The menu features both local and international cuisine.
The Nefetari and Sphinx restaurants complete the hotel’s offer, with Italian specialities and a dinner buffet, respectively. This wide variety is very appealing if you decide to stay at this hotel, but dining on the terrace of the Horus restaurant should definitely be on your agenda.
In addition, at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids you’ll find three bars that complement the restaurants on offer. In particular, the Osiris Pool Bar, a beautiful pool bar located on the 8th floor of the building where you can try some traditional shisha.
The best restaurants in Cairo
In a city like Cairo and with a cuisine like Egypt’s, the dining options are endless. We can’t summarise all the best restaurants in the city in a single article, but we can offer you a wide range of choices to suit all tastes and budgets. Check out the list below!
- Zööba: this popular restaurant chain is a good place to go for some good falafel or hawawshi at very reasonable prices. You’ll find seven of their restaurants in different areas of the city.
- Abou El Sid: if you’re looking for a nice restaurant on the banks of the Nile, Abou El Sid is the right choice for you. Local gastronomy surrounded by very special décor to complete the Egyptian experience.
- Le Pacha 1901: have you ever thought of dining on a boat on the River Nile? Well, on the eastern side of Gezira Island you’ll find a boat anchored in the harbour that’s home to seven different elegant restaurants where you can indulge yourself. Highlights include Carlo’s and L’Asiatique, voted the third best restaurant in Africa.
- Koshary Abou Tariq: a classic in the centre of Cairo that serves only one dish: the popular koshary, a base of rice, chickpeas, and vegetables, which is one of Egypt’s national dishes. This restaurant is an institution for the people of Cairo and is located near Tahrir Square.
- Zitouni: a good option if you’re looking for an elegant restaurant in the centre. Zitouni’s menu offers Egyptian specialities as well as those from other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries.
- Fasahet Somaya: also near Tahrir Square is Fasahet Somaya, a small and charming restaurant with home-style cooking that will surprise you. There, every day is a surprise: Somaya, the owner, prepares a daily menu based on what she finds in the market.
The best bars in Cairo
Cairo is also about its cafés where you’ll find a unique atmosphere that will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the bustling Egyptian capital. You should definitely visit the following bars and cafés in Cairo:
- Café El Fishawi: located in the famous Khan Al-Khalili market, it’s a local institution that must feature in your plans.
- Cairo Jazz Club: if you’re looking for a bit of nightlife, this is the oldest live music bar in the city.
- Shahrazad Cairo: here you’ll find one of the most famous belly dancing shows in the city, with good food and a very local vibe.
- Zigzag: if you’re looking to do some clubbing, the DJs at Zigzag are happy to play electro and R&B music. It’s in the heart of the city centre.
Recommendations and advice
Dishes such as kushari, hawawshi, tabbouleh, koftas, and falafel should feature among your meal plans in Cairo. For dessert, you can order om ali, a mixture of bread, milk, nuts, and coconut, or baklava, which is popular in many countries. And don’t miss the coffee and tea, of which you can try many varieties.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and alcoholic beverages are prohibited for followers of this religion. You can find local beers, wines, and spirits in some hotels and restaurants. Beer was already a popular drink in ancient Egypt. Even so, take the opportunity to try other things, such as the delicious fruit juices that Egyptians drink.
Remember not to drink tap water or accept ice cubes from an unknown source. Drink bottled mineral water that you’ve opened yourself to ensure food safety.
And enjoy Egypt’s gastronomic delights!
Where to stay in Cairo
Downtown Cairo and Gezira Island are two of the main areas where you can find a wide range of accommodation in the Egyptian capital. These areas are home to a large number of international luxury hotel chains, so check to see if they’re within your budget.
Alternatively, the Barceló Cairo Pyramids is an excellent option, halfway between the city centre and the Pyramids of Giza. This Western-style establishment has everything you need for a pleasant stay in the city, with restaurants and bars to ensure you’re spoilt for choice.
