Many aspects come together to make holidays in Egypt truly unforgettable. Of course, the countless ancient attractions on offer lay at the heart of adventures through this incredible country.
But enjoying delicious food and drink in amazing restaurants makes all the difference between a good and a great holiday.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect breakfast before heading out on one of our tours in Egypt, or you want to find the ideal place for dinner after a day of exploring, Mr & Mrs Egypt are here to help.
We’re frequently asked about where to find the best places to eat in Cairo or the best restaurants in Egypt — so we decided to put together a guide!
Please read on to discover our top 15 recommended restaurants in Egypt.
If you have any questions for us, please feel free to get in touch.
Le Pacha 1901
Le Pacha has seven restaurants and one bar/lounge/nightclub-style venue.
Carlo’s is a favourite of ours, with its mix of several different cuisines, including local Egyptian favourites. You can also order shisha.
The pan-Asian restaurant L’Asiatique is another standout and was voted the third best in Africa.
Piccolo Mondo also deserves an honourable mention for its wonderful Italian cuisine and view overlooking the Nile.
- Location: Zamalek
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Abou El Seid
If you want classic Egyptian dishes in a relaxed setting, Abou El Seid is the place to go.
The decor, music, and wall art on their own make it worth a visit, but the food is also excellent!
They also serve shisha and Egyptian twists on classic cocktails, such as vodka with fresh sugarcane juice.
- Location: Zamalek, Heliopolis, 6th of October and Tagamo’a
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Pier 88
Pier 88 sits on the upper level of a docked boat in Zamalek overlooking the Nile.
During the day, it’s a quietly sophisticated restaurant where you can enjoy drinks overlooking the water.
In the evenings, it has more of a nightclub feel to it. We advise making reservations if you plan to visit.
- Location: Zamalek
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
If your view of the river inspires you to get out on the water, read through our Guide to Cruising the Nile in Egypt.
Zooba
Zooba is an excellent choice for all newcomers to Egypt looking for a ‘light’ introduction to Egyptian street food without the risk of accidentally eating literal street food.
Zooba has grown so popular over the years that it now has branches not only throughout Cairo but also in New York City!
- Location: Zamalek, Maadi, Sheikh Zayed, Madinaty, Heliopolis, New Cairo
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: No
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Crimson
Crimson is located on the roof of the Zamalek building, with both indoor and outdoor terraced seating overlooking the Nile.
The view is breathtaking, and the food is of the same quality. Their menu features a variety of delicious appetisers, pasta, and grilled dishes, as well as one of Cairo’s most extensive cocktail lists.
Evening fare is recommended, and booking is essential.
- Location: Zamalek
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
139 Pavilion
This open-air restaurant in the iconic Marriott Mena House Hotel is a welcome respite from Giza’s crowds and bustle.
Eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner by the fountain, surrounded by flowers, greenery and, of course, THE PYRAMIDS. What a sight!
- Location: Giza
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Having seen the Pyramids, make sure to include the other must-see sites in our Cairo Travel Guide for Planning the Perfect Visit.
Kebdet El Prince
Kebdet el Prince (‘El Brens, ‘ as we locals call it) is a must-visit for any adventurous eater, whether local or visitor.
This restaurant is not fancy or in a trendy neighbourhood, but it is PACKED, which is a testament to how good their food is.
Kebdet El Prince, named after a liver dish with the same name, is one of Egypt’s most popular local eateries.
It is located in Imbaba and serves a delectable selection of Egyptian dishes such as molokhia, oriental sausages, and Fattah.
- Location: Imbaba
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: No
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Cucina
For decades, this popular Italian restaurant at the JW Marriott in New Cairo has been a crowd favourite.
Split into two storeys around an open rotunda with a ceiling painted to look like you’re outside, it’s a little kitsch, but we can’t complain — Cucina has always delivered great service and great food.
- Location: New Cairo
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Lexie’s
This chic but still relaxed Italian restaurant is a mix of bar and indoor/outdoor dining.
Their pasta is all homemade and not your basic penne or spaghetti. Here you’ll find scarpinocc, tortellini, caramelle, and mafaldine.
They also serve pizza as well as main courses like veal Milanese, salmon confit, and pan-roasted chicken.
- Location: New Cairo
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Are you looking for attractions off the beaten track on your trip to Egypt? Check out our recommendations for 6 awesome places in Cairo that most visitors don’t see.
Carlo’s
What began as a favourite eatery on Zamalek’s iconic Le Pacha 1901 boat, which is home to several of Cairo’s best restaurants, grew into its own star (the Justin Timberlake of Le Pacha restaurants, if you will).
Carlo’s launched new locations at Arkan Plaza (across from Gigi Burger Bar) in 6 October City, as well as New Cairo, Heliopolis, and Telal on the North Coast.
The Arkan branch serves the same excellent meals and shisha as the Zamalek location.
- Location: Zamalek, Heliopolis, New Cairo and 6th of October
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Akemi
Akemi Sushi and Steak Restaurant has an outstanding location opposite the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. It is located just a couple of minutes walking distance from the entrance gate.
Enjoy unparalleled views of the pyramids while watching a magnificent sunrise or sunset. In the evenings you can also see the sound and light show from the terrace restaurant.
Explore a journey through history where Egyptian heritage meets luxurious European hospitality. All that and the food is great too!
- Location: Giza, Pyramids
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Nile view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Greek Club
The Greek Club is by far one of Alexandria’s most well-known restaurants, and for good reason: the view of the Alexandrian harbour is unparalleled.
To clarify, this eatery is officially called the White and Blue Restaurant, but locals call it the Greek Club.
The menu consists of seafood and a few select Greek dishes. They serve a selection of beer and wine to complement the view.
On weekends, we strongly advise making reservations for the outdoor terrace.
- Location: Alexandria, Qaitbay Citadel
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Sea view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
We provide luxury tours throughout Egypt, and Alexandria is one of our most popular locations. Discover more about our multi-day Egypt tours featuring Alexandria.
Seagull
The outdoor seating at this seafood restaurant is more spacious. Everything here is delicious, from the fish to the shrimp to the soups.
Visit in the afternoon or at sunset. Seagull is closer to the beach than other restaurants, allowing you to fully appreciate the sea breeze and fresh air.
- Location: Alexandria, Al Kornish, Al Max, Qesm Al Dekhilah
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: No
- Sea view: Yes
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Chez Gaby
Chez Gaby au Ritrovo, a cosy taverna-style restaurant, has been open since 1979. It serves amazing pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics. They also offer wine and beer to complement your meal.
It’s a family-run business, and the pizzas are named after various family members and close friends, adding to the homey atmosphere.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
- Location: Off Fouad Street, close to the Alexandria Opera House
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: Yes
- Sea view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Teatro Eskendria
Teatro is not only a restaurant and cafe serving traditional Egyptian fare such as feteer, tagines, and casseroles, but it is also a cultural centre and art space.
Teatro is owned by a group of artists and is housed in an Italianate-style building that dates back to 1928.
Apart from being a restaurant, Teatro also has a gallery and a bookstore, as well as exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, and children’s activities.
- Location: 25 Fouad Street, El Raml Station
- Dress code: Casual
- Alcohol served: No
- Sea view: No
- Vegan and vegetarian options available: Yes
Combine Egypt’s Best Restaurants with Our Highly Rated Tours!
Our carefully curated multi-day tours of Egypt are the perfect complement to these restaurant recommendations.
There aren’t many better ways to spend time than learning about the history, folklore, and culture of Ancient Egypt with the promise of exceptional food to come!
If you have questions about any of the tours we operate, please feel free to contact us.