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$$$$ | Giza |
If you’re not already spending a night or two at the Marriott Mena House, start your Giza day trip an hour earlier, and treat yourself to a high-end Pyramids-view breakfast at this restaurant within it. Options in the expansive buffet spread, served from 6 am to 11 am, include international items, and there are both indoor and shaded outdoor seating areas.
6 Pyramids Road, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Relaxing atmosphere and pyramid panoramas
- Breakfast buffet with international choices like cured and smoked fish
- Attentive, efficient staff
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$$$$ | Islamic Cairo North |
On the rooftop terrace of Le Riad Hotel de Charme, Zeeyara serves modernized Egyptian dishes, including a remarkable assortment of hot and cold mezzes and soups and specialties such as boneless stuffed pigeon or lamb with rice, mixed nuts, peas, and cinnamon—a must-try even if you're not a fan of lamb. Desserts are also delicious, and the mocktails are worth a try.
114 al-Muizz St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Phenomenal views
- Sophisticated menu
- Cordial, well-trained staff
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Heliopolis |
Known for its relaxed vibe, Zööba offers Egyptian street food featuring modern twists (and slightly higher prices), all of it made with locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the ful (fava-bean stew) and ta’amiya (falafel) with pickled lemons, though the koshary (macaroni casserole) is also divine.
13 Baghdad St., El-Montaza, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Eclectic decor
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Delicious rice with sujuk (fermented, spiced sausage)
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$$$ | Giza |
The Giza Plateau really needed a place like 9 Pyramids Lounge, which is accessed via the Mena House Giza Plateau entrance, where you'll purchase the standard entrance ticket, drive past the pyramids, and be guided to the lounge's parking area. Forego the indoor seating, and head straight to the gazebo-covered outdoor dining area, where you can enjoy Egyptian staples such as ful, ta'amiya, and fiteer while gazing at the majestic pyramids.
Al Giza Desert, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Classic food paired with ancient views
- Accommodating, English-speaking staff
- Generous Egyptian breakfasts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations essential
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$$$ | Zamalek |
You'll feel as if you've entered an Arabian palace when you pass through the portal of this restaurant. The food perfectly complements the decor, with hot and cold mezze and dishes such as moussaka, okra-and-veal-shank stew, and muammar (savory rice with cream)—all of it impressive. Abou El Sid has branches across Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt, but the decor makes the Zamalek location unique.
157 26 of July Corridor, Mohammed Mazhar St., Cairo, Cairo, 12151, Egypt
Known For
- Branches throughout Cairo and beyond
- Convenient location in the heart of Zamalek
- Grilled meats, stuffed pigeon, and other Egyptian classics
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Mirage City |
The decor here pays homage to designs used for the mashrabiya (a balcony with an elaborate screen-like enclosure), the service reflects Egyptian hospitality, and the portions of Egyptian and Middle Eastern food are generous. Thursday through Saturday, the live traditional music can be quite loud; opt for the indoor seating area or avoid weekends altogether if you want a peaceful meal.
N Teseen St., New Cairo, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Live (and often loud) music on weekends
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Freshly baked fiteer with a variety of fillings
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$$ | Islamic Cairo North |
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Fatatry El Hussein (also known as Egyptian Pancake House) specializes in fiteer, Egypt's flaky pastry served with your choice of sweet or savory fillings. For one heavenly bite after another, try the mixed-cheese version; dessert options such as custard or cream and honey will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
123 al-Azhar St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Fresh-from-the-oven fiteer
- Extensive list of savory and sweet fillings
- Fast, friendly service
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$$ | Downtown |
This popular restaurant, built into an alleyway, is a good place to try such Egyptian staples as shorbat ‘ads (lentil soup), which is tasty with a squeeze of lemon in it; ta’amiya (the local version of felafel); and ful (stewed fava beans). You can also enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine with your food.
15 Hoda Shaarawy St., Cairo, Cairo, 11111, Egypt
Known For
- Unique decor
- Egyptian-style felafel made from fava beans instead of chickpeas
- Kebabs by the score
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$$ | Islamic Cairo South |
Options at this local street-food favorite range from ful (fava bean stew) or ta'amiya (Egyptian-style felafel) sandwiches to beef or chicken shawarma wraps. Most customers order food to go, but seating is available if you need to take a break.
125 al-Azhar St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Inexpensive options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike
- Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Fast, efficient service
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$$$ | Zamalek |
Seek refuge from Cairo's crowded streets with bite to eat and a drink (alcoholic or not) at this café set in the gardens next to the restored Gezira Palace. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it serves everything from soups, salads, and sandwiches to pizzas and pastas.
16 Saray El Gezirah St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Charming outdoor setting
- Freshly baked local bread
- A menu with something for everyone
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$$$ | |
With excellent food prepared by Swiss chef Markus Iten, a cozy indoor dining area with a fireplace, and an outdoor terrace with show-stopping views of Qarun Lake, this is the perfect place to fuel up before, during, or after a day of exploring Tunis Village's pottery workshops. The restaurant also offers both pottery and cooking classes.
Izbet, Tunis Village, Qarun Lake Touristic Rd, Faiyum, Egypt
Known For
- Fresh ingredients
- Egyptian and international cuisine
- Authentic experience
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$$ | Downtown |
Conveniently situated a street-crossing away from the Egyptian Museum, La Poire was established in 1975 as a French pastry shop but has expanded its menu to include a variety of savory quick bites and an ever-growing selection of sweet treats.
2 Al Bustan St., Qasr El-Nil, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Sunny (but air-conditioned) setting
- Busy at lunchtime (but the line moves quickly)
- International menu including salads and sandwiches
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$$$ | Zamalek |
This eatery on the 11th floor of the President Hotel has several comfortable seating areas and is the perfect place to grab a quick coffee or a relaxed dinner with drinks. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch here, though reservations are a good idea.
22 Taha Hussein St., Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Stylish design and modern vibe
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Stunning sunset views of Zamalek
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$$ | Heliopolis |
Favored by locals, Le Chantilly is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee and fresh pastries, seated indoors at a wooden table covered with a checkered tablecloth or in the charming outdoor area.
11 Baghdad St., El-Montaza, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- The aroma of freshly baked pastries
- Cozy vintage interior
- Sunny outdoor seating
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$$ | Ma'adi |
Despite the arrival in Cairo of internationally recognized American fast-food chains, expats still flock to Lucille's for burgers and Tex-Mex dishes. Lucille's also serves up hearty Western breakfasts. The authentic diner interior keeps homesick Americans happy.
54 Shar'a 9, Cairo, Cairo, 11557, Egypt
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | |
The backdrop for the gourmet, Bedouin-inspired dishes at the restaurant in the Remal El Rayan eco-lodge are sand dunes and Qarun Lake. All together it makes for quite a remarkable experience.
Wadi El Rayyan Rd, Al Fayyum Desert, Faiyum, Egypt
Known For
- Rich, authentic dining experience
- Mandi-style beef, chicken, and duck with rice and spices
- Scenic views
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$$ | 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
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
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$$$$ | Mirage City |
The sleek, Art Deco–style interior has beautiful mosaic floors and walls adorned with photographs of actors from the 1960s golden age of Egyptian cinema. The food is likewise classic Egyptian; the rice and pigeon tagine and the spicy potatoes with sausage are good bets.
N Teseen St., New Cairo, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Baladi bread freshly baked in a brick oven
- Crispy cheese and pastrami phyllo pastry sticks
- Indoor and outdoor seating
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$$$$ | Mirage City |
Although it offers delicious seafood, soups, salads, and pastas, Mo Bistro specializes in meat dishes. From juicy, tender flank steaks to slow-cooked beef shanks to bone marrow, everything is expertly seasoned and prepared. Reservations are a good idea on the weekends.
Salah El Din Abdel Karim St., New Cairo, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Flavor and quality in every bite
- Generous, shareable portions
- Complimentary basket of fresh bread served with delicious dips
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$$ | Old Cairo |
Thanks to the picture menu, the friendly English-speaking staff, and the free Wi-Fi for customers, this clean, convenient neighborhood restaurant is usually overrun with tourists. The Middle Eastern dishes are often given a local twist, and the menu includes vegan options as well. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas; if you sit outside, you’ll be joined by friendly felines.
Mari Gerges St., Al Kafour, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Known For
- Delicious ta'amiya
- Large portions
- Freshly squeezed fruit juices
