The best restaurants Cairo

Restaurant in the basement, all in finely carved woodwork where you feel like you are in a palace. Good Lebanese address in Cairo where the mezze round is intoxicating (the tray on the table turns so that no guest is harmed!). Don't hesitate to take the kebbah neyah, raw minced meat mixed with olive oil and garlic. Eggplant with pomegranate ('Romanesque' in Arabic) is divine. Sprinkle it with a little arak, and finish with a chicha. In the evenings and on weekends, it is best to book if you are more than two people.

Very nice place in the center of the mall, First Mall. You will find the best French pastries of Cairo orchestrated by the pastry chef Benoît Loncle. The best bread as well, some French people in need of baguette or boule de campagne cross the city to stock up. Excellent cuisine also with some signature dishes: Fayoum duck with orange, seafood fricassee and a competition croque Madame! For fine gourmets and for those nostalgic for French cuisine.

Andréa is an oasis of freshness, with its flower-filled arbors giving the terrace a charm all of its own. The open-air barbecue grills large skewers of quail and chicken, while next door, in the stone oven, irresistible homemade bread is baked. The food is good, the meat tasty and the mezze perfectly cooked, all at an attractive price. If you're a vegetarian, don't bother, or come for the evening entertainment with live musicians and dancers. Smiling welcome and family atmosphere.

Zamalek's chic "delicatessen" offers excellent pizzas (with a really fine dough almost like in Italy!), salads and a delicious chocolate cake. You can eat on the spot, around a few rare tables. Friendly atmosphere. Take away permanently. One could also buy here some cold cuts (pork) until the population took the animal in the face! The best pizza is the simplest, the Margarita. You don't need anything else to continue your visits in joy and good mood. To discover.

In the heart of the capital, Naguib Mahfouz is an oasis amidst the chaos of the great souk of Khan El Khalili, which is always very lively and crowded. The place includes a café section, where drinks and shishas are served, and a restaurant section where classic oriental dishes are offered. The interiors are in keeping with the special flavour of Khan El Khalili, and the spirit of the writers who frequented this café can still be felt. The service is excellent and the choice of food and drinks is above average.

The restaurant belongs to Four Season's at Nile Plaza. It offers various Lebanese and Mediterranean specialties. But also salads, hummus, lamb cooked on wood fire, without forgetting desserts. Don't miss the " Seafood Thursdays " (every Thursday) where you can choose your fish or seafood like at the fishmonger's before cooking it as you wish. Good brunch on Friday as well. For those who are willing to pay the price, this is undoubtedly one of the best gourmet restaurants in Cairo.

Formerly a place reserved for Greek nationals, this club is now open to everyone. You will meet artists and writers who do not make the headlines, but who continue to maintain an intellectual atmosphere. Basic menu of small dishes (mezzé) to share. One comes here above all for its vast exceptional terrace and its authentic atmosphere where tourists, residents and Egyptians mix. The interior room is not unpleasant either, but one has to be tolerant of more or less inspired pianists and singers.

This Syrian restaurant opened in 1949 has kept all its charm, it is an authentic and tasty address. In this chic and slightly old-fashioned decor, a very good cuisine is served with some well-known specialties such as grilled escalopes, chicken livers and pigeon. One is almost touched by the efforts made in the kitchen to present the dishes nicely. The service is courteous and attentive. A classic very appreciated by the Heliopolitans, which is revealing! Alcohol served with a good local wine list.

This Indian restaurant, right in the center of Mohandessin, belongs to the Oberoi group: the setting is chic, the food just right, and the prices very reasonable. What's more, the staff are very friendly: here, the waiters do everything to make you feel at ease. As for the food, there are no surprises: a variety of Indian specialties, from chicken byriani to samoussas and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant can be booked for private parties. Reservations can also be made for takeaway.

It's a fun little trattoria in the Zamalek district, where you can have lunch for little money. The Didos al Dente serves delicious Italian specialities (the pasta is delicious...) made from top quality products. The portions are generous, and you get a full belly out of it. Lovers of fine pizza will not be disappointed, try for example the four cheeses, it is delicious. Attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere, an address with a good price-quality ratio, ideal for small groups.

A place of the Heliopolis bourgeoisie that offers, among other things, Swiss specialities, to be enjoyed indoors or on the pretty terrace. Everything is fresh and of high quality. The atmosphere here is old-fashioned, with antique furniture and decoration from the 1950s. Don't hesitate to try their excellent pastries, among the best in Cairo. You can also buy them to take away. The service is discreet and very professional. Beers and alcohol are served. Excellent value for money. In short, a beautiful address in the heart of Heliopolis.

The Bab-El Yemen restaurant is a popular address for Cairo's Yemeni community, where you don't have to eat greasy food. All specialties are served here, accompanied by freshly baked bread cakes. Specialties include al-Mandi, zurbian, foie, bint al-sahn and all the rest of Yemen's famous cuisine. Sweet tooths are not left out, with delicious desserts, Adeni tea and sweets offered at the end of the meal. An address that will delight all lovers of this cuisine!

Fun setting in a villa and its terrace in the west of Zamalek. The marquee-shaped canvas roof over the garden insulates you from outside noise, almost forgetting you are in Cairo. Mostly Egyptian, the cuisine is of good quality with a few surprises à la carte: sliced veal à la zurichoise, fondue bourguignonne and French fries that some would say are the best in the city! The atmosphere is soft, lulled by the melodies of the pianist who plays live almost every night.

Beneath its nostalgic exterior, this villa features five indoor and outdoor living spaces, where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, chicha, drinks and dancing. Suffice it to say, it's firmly rooted in its time! We're not talking haute cuisine here, but it's not bad at all (pizzas, fajitas, pastas, salads, cordons bleus, grilled meats and fish, ice creams: there's something for everyone!) The combo for a festive evening is to come for an aperitif, then dinner and, finally, to set the dance-floor alight late into the night.

The unmissable restaurant for lovers of French cuisine. Its decor is luxurious but not in the best taste. Here you will find a wide selection of the best Egyptian and world wines. Its main asset is the unobstructed view of the Nile at night, thanks to its huge bay window. The setting is warm, the cuisine excellent with quality service, most of the time. This restaurant offers musical entertainment every evening: don't hesitate to call to find out the musical program of the week.

An excellent place to eat good meat in Mohandessin. Various cuts of well-cooked beef, veal and chicken, as well as a wide choice of burgers, pastas, salads and even some fish. Be warned, the proportions are very generous! The Cheese Cake Madness dessert is mind-blowing, as is the Brownies on Ice - diabetics beware! The decor is impeccable, the service impeccable and the waiters and waitresses very friendly. There's a very American feel, but that's not to be sniffed at!

One of the oldest restaurants in Cairo, nestled in the basement of the President Hotel. Perfect for dining with friends, over small dishes and good spirits. The menu is quite classic but it has the merit of being perfectly cooked. Quite stilted in appearance, the atmosphere can switch to "nightclub" mode when the clock is ticking and the drinks begin to produce some dancing effects on the hitherto upright spines. There's a nice stilted-casual side to it! Allergic to smoke should be avoided.

An institution in Khan el-Khalili, where you can eat fettir, available in any accompaniment: meat, vegetables, cheese, but also chocolate, honey or sugar. The place is just a few meters from the al-Hussan mosque, at the entrance to Khan-al-Khalili. As a result, the restaurant quickly becomes overcrowded. But it's still the best place to have lunch when you finish visiting the Khan in the morning and want to cross Gohar al-Qaed to Islamic Cairo. We recommend it!

Excellent Thai address with many years of reputation. The restaurant is located in the luxurious Sémiramis Hotel, just a few meters from Tahrir Square and the National Museum. Its geographical position makes it a strategic place to take a lunch break before leaving the downtown area and its thousand and one secrets. To digest, walking in the Manial district may be an option. To do this you will only have to go along the cornice and ask one of the falouka navigators to take you across the Nile to the foot of the Manial Palace.

Beautiful boat from Grand Hyatt offering two cruises with lunch or dinner a day. On board, buffet and traditional entertainment.

A very elegant boat for dinner on a two-hour cruise on the Nile. The food is of good quality and the entertainment includes musicians, whirling dervishes and a belly dancer. With her voluptuous swaying, she pays homage to the traditional dances of Upper Egypt, while offering a varied overview of the compulsory figures of what Westerners have renamed "belly dancing". Highly recommended, this luxury cruise is very popular: reservations are essential.

This restaurant is famous for its seafood and fish. Everything is fresh and excellent, just like in Alexandria. You can choose your fish or shellfish (lobster, shrimps, squid, mussels...) as well as your cooking method. These will be prepared according to your taste. Don't hesitate to taste their seafood soup and salads. The service is courteous, but, a small downside, does not speak French. The address is very popular in Cairo. It's a popular place to try if you like to mingle with the locals.

Sabai Sabai is one of Cairo's top Thai restaurants. It offers specialties from all regions of the country. The Asian-inspired interior and decor make the small room a charming and intimate setting for gourmets who come here to feast. Pad Thaï, of course, but also Khod Pud Ka-Prow Kai, tom Jeod Woonsen soup, chicken basil and eggplant, crispy chicken ravioli Tung Tong, or Pla Kapong Neung Ma Now, a lemongrass-infused steamed white fish with spicy sauce, the signature dish! Enjoy your meal!

Don't hesitate to push open the door of this little black storefront, not always easy to find. You'll be transported straight to Korea. With dishes to share and a grill placed directly on the table, this is a place where Korean food is the mainstay, although the restaurant also offers a number of Chinese and Japanese dishes, such as stir-fried rice and fried noodles, which are popular with regulars. On the Korean side, let yourself be tempted by the spicy octopus or spicy beef noodles, a real treat! A good address that we recommend.

Konoz Albahr is the place to go for excellent seafood and other fish dishes. Located on the second floor of the Chill-Out Mall, on Cairo-Alex Desert Road, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the view of this lively district on the outskirts of Cairo. On the plate, seafood takes pride of place (which is rare in this type of neighborhood): butterfly shrimp in butter sauce, sea bream by weight, sole, red mullet and much more... A must for all seafood lovers!

The KMT House is one of the neighborhood's most popular venues. This former villa has been brilliantly converted. The large, shady garden is a great place to enjoy breakfast, coffee or lunch. A real bubble of air in the heart of Maadi, Cairo's usual horns seem far away in this haven of greenery... We particularly appreciate the delicious mocha or the hamburgers served with salad and fries. Note that KMT is also a co-working space, where numerous workshops (yoga, etc.) and events are organized.

The restaurant is located in a beautiful boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Maadi, the Villa Belle Époque offers the comfort and elegance of a bygone era, with all the comforts of today. Built in the 1920s and recently renovated, it occupies a 1,300^m2 plot. The patios are surrounded by lemon, mango, olive and guava trees, as well as century-old palms. On the culinary side, the Acacia restaurant is run by award-winning chefs, offering a range of authentic, carefully crafted flavors.

Peking in Doqqi is one of Cairo's top Chinese restaurants. Mr Shawki and his team go out of their way to satisfy customers, offering a menu that comes close to the quality of Chinese cuisine. Fish dishes, beef barbecues, vegetable noodle stir-fries, mushroom and ginger dishes... There's something for everyone. We also like the beef with oyster sauce, a real treat! In short, a good address for travelers looking for a change of scene from Egyptian flavors...

Crossing the Marriott's luxurious garden to land in this replica of an American ranch, with wooden beams and fake oil lamps, is well worth the detour. Half-vintage, half-hipster decor, with 60s-style pubs for foreign liqueurs. On the menu, the variety of spirits is not as wide, but the fajitas served steaming in their cast-iron dish and the hearty burgers will delight big appetites. The atmosphere is friendly, warm and relaxed: you'll feel right at home. What's more, the service is excellent, making this a highly recommended address!

Opened by Syrians, as the name suggests, the main attraction is the authentic manaïch (a kind of flaky pizza) with thyme, halloumi cheese or meat. But there are of course other specialties on offer, including sandwiches of all kinds, fajitas, hot dogs, burgers, roast chicken... It's a crowded place, so service isn't always as fast as the fast-food look might suggest. Nevertheless, it's a good place to grab a bite to eat all day long.

It is one of the few Mediterranean restaurants in Cairo to succeed in cleverly mixing Lebanese, Greek and Italian cuisine. If you're hesitating, take the risotto, a sure thing here. Many dishes are gluten-free and vegetarian. Tiramisu to be damned and original flavors of homemade ice cream (with chilli pepper for example!). It is the address of choice for gourmets and/or film lovers who leave the Cimathèque just opposite (building on the left of the synagogue). The only downside is the noisy acoustics, especially when it's full on Saturdays.

Overlooking the Nile and the famous Cairo Tower, the restaurant is located on the second floor of the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel. The service, decor, ambience and, of course, the contents of the plate are worthy of such a hotel: top-class. Here, we offer you an explosion of Italian flavors in the heart of Cairo. Travelers looking for a change from Egyptian cuisine while remaining gourmets will be delighted: risotto in all its forms, osso bucco and other meats, and of course succulent pasta dishes and pizzas...

For a lunch or dinner cruise aboard a 2-storey boat with a capacity of 220 people. The decoration is in the colours of ancient Egypt and pays homage to the god Horus. Without being unforgettable, the buffet is quite correct with proposals of meat, fish and shrimps, mezze and pastries for dessert. In fact, one gets on board more for the experience of sailing the Nile and for the shows provided every evening by musicians and belly dancers. Very folkloric!

An address like home... Both buffet and self-service, the restaurant offers a wide variety of typical Egyptian dishes, fresh and served quickly. Their speciality is kochari, which they serve in different ways. It's simple, without fuss, and we love the decoration: falsely kitsch, neo-retro style! Very friendly staff and a light addition: it's the ideal address for a break before returning to brave the Cairo hustle and bustle. Try the thirst-quenching lemon-mint rosewater or the amazing hibiscus juice.

A good seafood restaurant that focuses on the freshness and quality of its products, which are available in all types of cooking: soup, grill, oven, fried... In all honesty, we preferred the fish, shellfish and crustaceans on display rather than the a la carte dishes (shrimp fajitas, seafood spaghetti...). Very good dinner in a quiet room that day, with very attentive service. Prices are about average, but don't forget that taxes and service are added on top of the bill.

A Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Zamalek. Look up and you'll see the restaurant sign on the second floor of the building. Here, French cuisine takes pride of place: salade niçoise, quiches and savoury tarts, blanquette de veau... All at very reasonable prices. It's also a chambre d'hôtes (breakfast included). In short, a good address with low prices, fresh produce and impeccable cleanliness. Very warm welcome from Martine.

The view on the Nile is especially worth the trip for this rather international restaurant.

The setting has everything to please the guests, on the terrace of the Four Season's around the swimming pool and its play of light at nightfall. With a Lebanese influence, the menu features specialities from the Bekaa plain and Zahle, whose culinary heritage has been recognized by UNESCO. Pizza bread topped with zaatar, grilled halloumi, hawarma, fried meatballs: it's a festival of flavors that are served here, sometimes to the sound of live music. Courteous and efficient service as you would expect from a hotel of this standing.

Good Thai address in Heliopolis.

It's a very high-end Indian restaurant. You can also enjoy his menu by the pool, for a chic or romantic dinner. The passing tourist is welcomed as a regular visitor who is pampered with complicity. The waiters take special care with the undecided and those who fear spices to help them choose from a very wide range of tastes and a range of more or less spicy dishes. Butter chicken is a must. We won't forget the view of the pyramids and that feeling of being in a movie!

With a brand name such as this, it is superfluous to detail the menu…

Lan Yuan serves authentic Chinese cuisine and certainly the best Chinese noodles in Cairo! Don't be fooled by its pub-like appearance, this place doesn't serve fish and chips, but rather crispy duck when it's not lacquered, shrimp ravioli, spicy chicken chop-suey, beef in oyster sauce and, of course, Chinese noodles in a thousand variations. Buffet formulas are available at weekends, and the atmosphere is quite festive in the evenings. The restaurant offers a variety of beers and a good wine list.

The most popular Japanese address in Cairo, and therefore most appreciated in Mirage City.

Literally, "the king of shrimp"; so, obviously! Off the beaten track, this address located in the popular district of Choubrah is a true local institution. If the shrimp remains the star, you can also order fish and squid, grilled or fried at your convenience. The mezze served as a starter are delicious, so be careful to save room for the dish you order. We recommend shrimps surrounded by kounafa, angel hair batter: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside... tasty.

A traditional Egyptian address where one is not disappointed by the authenticity of the dishes and even less by the more than generous proportions. Grilled or fried meats, stuffed vine leaves, vegetable tagines, tahini, mixed salads, rice cakes: you will find everything that makes a traditional Egyptian meal with, as a bonus, a direct view of the Sphinx and the pyramids through the bay windows. The place is clean, the prices interesting: only the service sometimes leaves something to be desired when the season is in full swing.

La Trattoria is a chic and friendly Italian address in the heart of Zamalek. It is popular with Italian expatriates and others, as well as with travelers wishing to eat something other than Egyptian flavors. The setting is particularly pleasant, but a little small, so reservations are recommended. In terms of cuisine, you'll find all the Italian specialties here: pizzas, pastas, risottos, as well as a fine menu for meat lovers. The wine list is also well-stocked. On the sweet side, we love the homemade tiramisu!

An international address of Italian inspiration, where you can sit down to get back from the mall.

Refined card controlled by the French head of the establishment.

With its funny front and quirky interior, this is one of the few places in Cairo where you can eat a Savoyard fondue. The prices are certainly quite high, but the quality is there. You can also come here for breakfast, which is very hearty and delights the taste buds. The atmosphere is hushed inside, and you can appreciate the soft and discreet music. The place also has the advantage of being very well located in downtown Cairo, while being sheltered from the hustle and bustle. It would however deserve a small renovation. Friendly staff.

Incredible, but true: a true Breton walk as in Brittany, with authentic buckwheat patties. Served alcohol.