Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is home to ten million people. Located near the Nile Delta, the city is home to the Giza pyramid complex and a historic center that has been designated a World Heritage Site. Cairo is vast in many ways: historically, in terms of population, and especially in its food choices. The city offers incredible street food, innovative fusion cuisine, and many traditional restaurants. We have listed the must-visit restaurants in Cairo.
Tip #1: Abou Tarek
A completely new flavor profile elevates street-food gastronomy to a level rarely experienced by international visitors. At Koshary Abou Tarek, tradition merges with the vibrant energy of downtown Cairo, creating one of the city's most iconic culinary experiences. Famous for serving Egypt's beloved national dish, the restaurant offers guests an authentic taste of local culture in a lively and unforgettable setting.
Considered the most famous Koshary restaurant in Egypt, Abou Tarek specializes exclusively in Koshary — a hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, crispy onions, and tangy tomato sauce. The multi-story venue has gained international recognition and has been featured among the world's most iconic restaurants by TasteAtlas. What started as a humble food cart on the corner of Maarouf and Champollion Street is now a buzzing landmark that draws visitors from around the globe.
Opening hours: please check Abou Tarek’s official channels or contact the restaurant before visiting.
16 Maarouf St, Intersection of Champollion St, Downtown Cairo, Egypt
Tip #2: Felfela
Felfela serves traditional Egyptian cuisine in a distinctive dining room in Downtown Cairo. The Hoda Shaarawy branch dates back to 1959.
Its characterful interior makes it a memorable stop in Downtown Cairo. Please ask the restaurant about suitable dishes if you have allergies or dietary requirements.
Opening hours: please confirm the current times directly with Felfela before visiting.
15 Hoda Shaarawy, Bab Al Louq, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4280121
Tip #3: Granita
Granita is definitely a place to relax, cool down and enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food. Named after the popular semi-frozen dessert it’s a frequent hangout that locals truly appreciate.
This colorful café on the grounds of All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek offers a blend of Egyptian and international eats.
All-day breakfasts, a good variety of sandwiches and regional plates are offered. In addition, fresh dessert options are displayed daily.
Opening hours: please check Granita’s official Instagram page or contact the Zamalek branch before visiting.
5 Michel Lutfallah Street, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 11211
Tip #4: Lucille’s
Since 1995 Lucille’s has been the place where locals go when they crave something other than Egyptian food. Lucille’s serves international dishes, pasta, steaks and burgers, and they are also famous for their fluffy pancakes with maple syrup.
The restaurant has two locations – one in New Cairo and one in Sakanat. Don’t miss out on the burgers; Lucille’s has received numerous awards for its juicy beef burgers served on fluffy buns with premium condiments.
Opening hours: please contact Lucille’s directly for the current Maadi schedule.
54 Rd 9, Maadi, Cairo Governorate 4212011, Ägypten
Tip #5: Makino
Locals regard Makino as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cairo. The interior of this Japanese eatery focuses on light neutral colors and wood while the Nile view from the restaurant and its riverside terrace is beautiful.
The same level of care goes into the plating at this eatery located at the Hilton Zamalek Residence. A professional Japanese chef prepares both raw sushi and grilled Japanese delicacies.
Opening hours: please check Makino’s official location and booking links for the current schedule.
21 Mohammed Mazhar, Street Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4271174
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Tip #6: Andrea Mariouteya
Andrea Mariouteya offers an essential Cairo restaurant experience. The eatery has been family-owned and operated since 1958.
Famous for its chicken and stunning location, it is hard to beat a dinner with a view of the pyramids. This is why the spot is usually busy and highly attractive to tourists.
But locals appreciate the food just as much. The restaurant is a premier BBQ spot famous for its grilled chicken and quail as well as its generous mezze variations.
Opening hours: please confirm the current schedule with Andrea Mariouteya before visiting.
New Giza Road, First 6th of October Giza, Governorate 3296101 Cairo
Tip #7: Pier 88 Nile River
Cairo loves Pier 88 Nile River for its exquisite Italian cuisine, pastries and sophisticated ambiance. Executive chefs Mostafa Seif, Artem Vasilevich and Ahmed Agha – all of them award-winning food experts – create classic dishes with a modern twist.
This high-end eatery with a panoramic Nile River view requires a reservation and promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Opening hours: please check the official Pier 88 website and confirm your dining time when reserving.
19 Saray El Gezira Street, Cairo 11511
Tip #8: Fasahet Somaya
Egyptian cuisine without the fuss – this is the best way to describe Fasahet Somaya. This cozy eatery in Downtown Cairo is a place where guests can feel comfortable, almost as if they were in their own home.
Somaya Al-Asyoty runs this home-style eatery without a fixed menu. The chef goes to the markets daily and cooks whatever she can find.
The menu changes with the ingredients available. Check the restaurant’s latest updates for the day’s dishes and serving times.
Opening hours: please check Fasahet Somaya’s official Facebook page or call before visiting.
59 Al Falki, Bab Al Louq, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate 4280123
Tip #9: What The Crust
What The Crust is a small, family-owned restaurant and – as the name suggests – it’s all about the perfect pizza crust!
Owners Dareen and Helmy are pizza enthusiasts who popularized Neapolitan pizza in the Arab world. They have won several awards for their efforts and dedication.
Today What The Crust pizza is served in three different locations. Fresh and locally sourced ingredients are central to the company and every pizza type has its own story.
Maadi opening hours: 3:00 PM–11:00 PM.
Maadi: 275 Mokarrar Street Ezbet Fahmy El Basatin Cairo
Tip #10: Birdcage
Birdcage presents the spirit and flavors of Thailand in an award-winning, authentic setting. Surrounded by exotic water features and luxury table settings the restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Located on the second floor of the Semiramis InterContinental Hotel Cairo this Thai eatery offers a feast not only for the taste buds but also for the eyes.
The Thai kitchen is led by chef Pairote Pimswat, with traditional and contemporary dishes on the menu.
Daily: 12 PM – 12 AM
Semiramis InterContinental Hotel, Corniche El Nile, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Qasr El Nil Cairo Governorate 11511
Tip #11: Sachi Heliopolis
Sachi specializes in fusion cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavors. Elegant presentation, a twist on traditions and premium ingredients define the menu of this eatery in the center of Cairo. Chef Ashour Desouki prepares a wide variety of flavors.
Established in 2014, Sachi now lists four locations: Heliopolis, Park St, Almaza and Marassi. Check the official website for the menu at your chosen venue.
Opening hours and dining sittings: please check Sachi’s official booking page or contact the Heliopolis restaurant.
3 Cleopatra Street, Korba El-Montaza, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate
Tip #12: Osmanly Restaurant
If you’re looking for traditional Turkish cuisine in Cairo, Osmanly Restaurant is the perfect place to eat! Dine like a sultan in an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Try their signature dish Hünkar Beğendi – a mouthwatering braised beef tenderloin served on a bed of creamy roasted eggplant purée – and discover even more exotic flavors.
Daily: 1 PM – 12 AM
Ahmed Ragheb Street 12, 11519 Cairo
Tip #13: Bab El Sharq
Gazing at the Egyptian Museum during your meal is exactly what you can do at Bab El-Sharq. This outdoor restaurant offers traditional cuisine in a unique atmosphere every day.
Meat, fish and vegetarian dishes are all on the menu. The venue also offers flavored shisha, live entertainment and broadcasts of major sporting events. The oriental setting truly transports you into a fairy tale from The Thousand and One Nights.
- Daily: 5:00 PM-1:30 AM
- The Nile Ritz-Carlton, 1113 Corniche El Nil, Cairo 11221, Egypt
- +20 2 25778899, extension 2602
Tip #14: Le Pacha 1901
Le Pacha 1901 is a floating dining destination on the Nile, bringing several different restaurant concepts together in one setting.
A unique culinary experience is combined with a breathtaking view of the Nile. French, Asian, Italian and traditional Egyptian dishes are all offered.
You can dine inside the ship or on the open terrace. With first-class dishes, service and ambiance you will experience an unforgettable evening here.
Opening hours vary by restaurant. Please check your chosen venue on Le Pacha’s official website before visiting.
- 362H+R38، Saray El Gezirah Street, El-Khalig, Zamalek,Cairo Governorate 4270162, Egypt
Tip #15: Crimson Bar & Grill
Crimson will definitely surprise you: located directly on the Nile the restaurant offers a breathtaking view. Thanks to its open seating areas and cozy interior, it invites you to relax and linger. The chefs are inspired by Mediterranean and international flavors and their dishes will definitely enchant you. The cocktails are also highly inviting and the setting is especially idyllic at sunset. Our tip is to reserve a table for the terrace.
Opening hours: please confirm the current schedule directly with Crimson when reserving.
- St. (former Montazah St, 16 Kamal Al Tawil, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
