Cairo Restaurants

Cairo's restaurant scene has really developed over the last decade, breaking out of the five-star hotels and onto the streets. Eating out is now a regular form of entertainment, affordable to the growing upper and middle classes in Egypt. Naturally, Egyptian food remains the local favorite, and Cairo is the place to find the best of the country's specialties. Restaurants compete mainly on quality of ingredients rather than refinement of preparations. However, the range of cuisine options has expanded dramatically to include Indian, Thai, French, Italian, and even Japanese.

Local beers (including Stella Premium, Luxor, and Sakara) are common, and you can usually find a range of drinkable, if unremarkable, local wines (the top-rate Grand Marquis label, then the passable Omar Khayyam, Sheherazade, and Obelisque, and a much less wonderful Rubis).

Egyptians eat late: lunch from 1 to 3 and dinner often starting at 9 or 10. Most restaurants are open daily for both lunch and dinner. Dress is generally smart casual. Local beers and wines are served in many restaurants, but expensive imported alcohol is limited to top-end establishments. Although fancier places levy a 12% service charge, it is customary to leave a tip in inverse relation to the size of the bill, ranging from, say, 8% at expensive places to 12% to 14% at cheaper places.

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  • 1. El Jockey

    $ | Rodah Island

    This 1930s neighborhood ice-cream shop is a great place to beat the heat, whether you opt for a scoop of chocolate or a fresh-fruit-flavored icy treat.

    30 Roda St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
    2-2364–7233

    Known For

    • Elaborate ice cream cakes
    • Unique Egyptian flavors like mastic
    • Evening people-watching spot
  • 2. Mahrous Ful

    $$ | Garden City

    Ful (fava-bean stew) carts and restaurants are a common sight in Cairo, but the customers here hail from all over the world thanks to the many nearby embassies and to the freshness and flavor of its offerings. To create the stew, which is served primarily at breakfast but also makes a filling lunch, the beans are slow-cooked in a large metal jug and then mashed and served with tahini and a flavorful oil.

    6 Dr. Mohamed Fawzy St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
    11-1146–4714

    Known For

    • Vegetarian-friendly feast of ful, salad, pickles, chips, and eggs
    • Buzzing 24/7 Cairo street-food experience
    • Pricier than the average ful cart but still very affordable
  • 3. Pane Vino

    $$$$ | Garden City

    The ultra-contemporary and fashionable Italian restaurant at the Semiramis InterContinental puts a modern twist on traditional trattoria fare using authentic Italian ingredients. Signature dishes include crispy fried calamari and carpaccio with rocket salad and Parmesan cheese.

    Corniche al-Nil, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
    2-2798–8000

    Known For

    • Magnificent NIle views
    • A fine yet relaxed setting
    • Tempting cocktails and mocktails

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Taboula

    $$ | Garden City

    This cozy restaurant, with a highly patterned tiled floor and pale stucco walls adorned with Lebanese crafts, comes alive in the evening. Grilled meats are staples here, as are hot and cold mezze. Wines, spirits, and Lebanese arak (an anise-based liqueur) are also available.

    1 Latin America St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
    2-2792–5261

    Known For

    • Charming decor that attracts sophisticated crowds
    • Traditional Lebanese arak (anise liqueur)
    • Delectable knafeh (layers of pastry with cheese) that pairs well with mint tea

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. Aqua

    $$$$ | Garden City | Seafood
    Closed Permanently

    With a dining room lined by wall-size aquariums, this is the coolest and most expensive seafood restaurant in the city. The sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh and varied, but the fusion-style menu moves from the simplest dishes such as panfried prawns, to unusual combinations like sea eel and foie gras, to great extravaganzas that include a terribly indulgent lobster served four ways. This is a grand dining opportunity with service to match. For surf and turf you can also order from the menu of neighboring Steaks restaurant.

    Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Corniche al-Nil, Cairo, Cairo, 11519, Egypt
    02-2791–7000

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Steaks

    $$$$ | Garden City | Steak House
    Closed Permanently

    The sepia-toned photographs of proud owners and their cattle from around the world tell you what's on the menu, if the name of the restaurant isn't obvious enough. The steaks served here are not just any old slabs of flesh. Choice cuts from the finest beef-producing countries vie for attention, including Wagyu beef from Australia and prime or Black Angus meat from the United States. You can combine menus with Aqua, the hotel's seafood restaurant next door.

    Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Corniche al-Nil, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
    02-2791–7000

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

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