Quick answers — eating in Cairo
- Best restaurant overall
- Culina
- Best value
- State Restaurant & Bar (EGP 1200-2000 / USD 40-65 per person)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French
- Dishes to try
- Koshary, Ful Medames, Hawawshi, Molokhia
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining restaurants, aim to book at least 3-7 days in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Popular spots can fill up quickly, ensuring your preferred time.
Booking several days to a week in advance is advisable for top establishments, especially on weekends. Smart casual to elegant attire is generally expected. Tipping 10-15% is customary for good service, often added as a service charge. Dinner hours typically commence around 7:00 PM, extending until 11:00 PM or later.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Cairo
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Culina
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European · Giza (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence) · EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person
Culina, located within the Four Seasons, offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on contemporary European cuisine. The setting is refined yet inviting, featuring an open kitchen that showcases the culinary team's precision. It's a go-to for sophisticated diners seeking expertly prepared dishes in a luxurious environment.
Order: Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter, Grilled Beef Tenderloin
State Restaurant & Bar
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary International · Zamalek · EGP 1200-2000 / USD 40-65 per person
State Restaurant & Bar stands out in Zamalek for its chic, minimalist design and innovative international menu. It blends global culinary techniques with high-quality ingredients, creating a vibrant dining atmosphere popular with Cairo's discerning crowd. The service is polished, complementing the inventive dishes.
Order: Truffle Pasta, Glazed Duck Breast
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Cairo
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Izakaya
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese Nikkei · New Cairo · EGP 1800-3000 / USD 60-100 per person
Izakaya brings a sophisticated Nikkei experience to Cairo, blending Japanese precision with Peruvian vibrancy. The restaurant's design is sleek and modern, creating an energetic ambiance. Diners come for the expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and innovative small plates that reflect this unique culinary fusion.
Order: Wagyu Tataki, Yellowtail Ceviche
Nara
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese · New Cairo · EGP 1400-2400 / USD 45-75 per person
Nara provides a contemporary Japanese dining experience, celebrated for its exquisite sushi, sashimi, and inventive hot dishes. The interior is stylish and minimalist, creating a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere. It's a destination for those seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine and a refined culinary journey.
Order: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Black Cod with Miso
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in Cairo
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
8 Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningCantonese · Garden City (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza) · EGP 1600-2800 / USD 55-95 per person
Located in the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, 8 Restaurant offers authentic, refined Cantonese cuisine in an elegant setting. The dim sum and traditional dishes are executed with precision, showcasing classic flavors and high-quality ingredients. It's renowned for its consistent quality and luxurious dining atmosphere.
Order: Peking Duck, Signature Dim Sum Platter
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Cairo
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Pier 88
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian Seafood · Zamalek · EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person
Pier 88 offers a vibrant, upscale dining experience on the Nile, specializing in fresh Italian seafood. The ambiance is chic and lively, attracting a sophisticated clientele. The menu focuses on high-quality ingredients prepared with Italian flair, alongside a selection of fine wines.
Order: Seafood Risotto, Grilled Octopus
French
Best French restaurants in Cairo
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
The Grill Restaurant & Lounge
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench Fine Dining · Garden City (Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino) · EGP 1300-2200 / USD 40-70 per person
Housed within the historic Marriott Palace, The Grill offers classic French fine dining with a view of the palace gardens. The setting is traditionally elegant, providing a timeless backdrop for meticulously prepared dishes. It's a beloved spot for special occasions, known for its impeccable service and refined atmosphere.
Order: Beef Wellington, Crème brûlée
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Cairo
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Sachi Park St.
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean Fusion · Sheikh Zayed · EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person
Sachi Park St. offers a stylish and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dining experience with a contemporary twist. The atmosphere is upscale casual, making it a popular choice for both celebratory dinners and relaxed, yet refined, meals. Its menu emphasizes fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Order: Grilled Halloumi Salad, Truffle Risotto
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Cairo
Abou Shakra
Famous for authentic Egyptian grilled meats and traditional dishes like stuffed pigeons and mahshi. Expect generous portions of flavorful food at reasonable prices, offering a true taste of local cuisine. EGP 200-400.
El Brince
A local institution renowned for its feteer (Egyptian layered pastry) with various savory and sweet fillings. It's a casual, bustling spot perfect for experiencing a beloved local delicacy. EGP 100-250.
Gad Restaurant
A popular chain offering Egyptian staples such as fuul (fava beans), ta'ameya (falafel), and koshary. It's excellent for a quick, filling, and very affordable meal that captures the essence of street food. EGP 50-150.
Zooba
A modern take on Egyptian street food, offering colorful and delicious versions of classics like koshary, fuul, and hawawshi with fresh ingredients and inventive toppings. Casual, vibrant, and very popular. EGP 100-200.
Kazaz Restaurant
Known for its grilled chicken, shish tawook, and other Middle Eastern grilled specialties. It's a reliable choice for a hearty, flavorful meal in a casual setting, very popular among locals for its consistent quality. EGP 150-300.
Local dishes
What to eat in Cairo
Koshary
Koshary is Egypt's national dish, a hearty and satisfying blend of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped with chickpeas, a spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions. It’s an inexpensive, filling street food staple, often served in dedicated Koshary shops like Abou Tarek.
Ful Medames
Ful Medames consists of slow-cooked fava beans, traditionally simmered overnight, then seasoned with olive oil, cumin, and lemon juice. Often served for breakfast, it can be enjoyed plain, mashed, or with various toppings like eggs or tahini. Find it at virtually any local Egyptian restaurant or street cart.
Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a savory Egyptian meat pie, consisting of minced spiced beef or lamb stuffed inside a baladi bread (Egyptian pita) and then baked until crispy. It’s a popular street food, renowned for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Look for it at local bakeries or specialized eateries like El Brens.
Molokhia
Molokhia is a distinctive green soup made from the finely chopped leaves of the jute mallow plant. It has a unique, slightly viscous texture and is typically served with rice, often accompanied by rabbit, chicken, or shrimp. Its earthy flavor is a beloved staple of Egyptian home cooking and restaurant menus.
Ta'ameya
Ta'ameya is the Egyptian version of falafel, distinctively made from fava beans (rather than chickpeas) and spiced with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. These green, crispy fritters are a popular street food, often served in pita bread with salad and tahini. Best enjoyed fresh from a street vendor.
Feteer Meshaltet
Feteer Meshaltet is a flaky, layered Egyptian pastry, often described as an Egyptian pancake or pizza. It can be served sweet with honey, cheese, or sugar, or savory with various fillings like meat or vegetables. It's a versatile dish, delicious at any time of day, found at specialized Feteer shops like El Tabei El Domyati.
Mahshi
Mahshi refers to a variety of vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, cabbage leaves, or vine leaves) stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, then cooked in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting and popular dish, often found in traditional Egyptian restaurants.
Sayadeya
Sayadeya is a classic Egyptian fish and rice dish, particularly popular in coastal areas but widely available in Cairo. The fish (often white fish like cod or sea bass) is baked with caramelized onions and aromatic spices, then served over a flavorful rice pilaf. Abu Shakra is known for its seafood.
How to book a table in Cairo
- · For top fine-dining restaurants, aim to book at least 3-7 days in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Popular spots can fill up quickly, ensuring your preferred time.
- · Many high-end establishments do not require a deposit for standard bookings but may request credit card details to secure larger groups or special events. Always confirm their policy.
- · Consider dining for lunch at fine-dining restaurants; often, they offer a more accessible menu or set lunch deals. This provides a great way to experience the cuisine at a lower price point.
- · Be aware of no-show or late cancellation policies, as some restaurants may charge a fee if you fail to arrive or cancel within a specified timeframe. Communicate changes promptly.
FAQ
Cairo restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Cairo?
Culina in Giza (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence) is the benchmark table — Modern European, acclaimed local fine dining, around EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person per person. Order the Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter, Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Cairo?
Culina in Giza (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence) is the modern European table to book in Cairo (EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person per person). Other strong options: State Restaurant & Bar.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Cairo?
Izakaya in New Cairo is the Japanese table to book in Cairo (EGP 1800-3000 / USD 60-100 per person per person). Other strong options: Nara.
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in Cairo?
8 Restaurant in Garden City (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza) is the Chinese table to book in Cairo (EGP 1600-2800 / USD 55-95 per person per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Cairo?
Pier 88 in Zamalek is the Italian table to book in Cairo (EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person per person).
Where is the best French restaurant in Cairo?
The Grill Restaurant & Lounge in Garden City (Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino) is the French table to book in Cairo (EGP 1300-2200 / USD 40-70 per person per person).
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Cairo?
Sachi Park St. in Sheikh Zayed is the Mediterranean table to book in Cairo (EGP 1500-2500 / USD 50-80 per person per person).
Where can I eat well in Cairo without spending a fortune?
State Restaurant & Bar is the best-value table on this list at roughly EGP 1200-2000 / USD 40-65 per person per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Abou Shakra, El Brince, Gad Restaurant.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Cairo?
For top fine-dining restaurants, aim to book at least 3-7 days in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Popular spots can fill up quickly, ensuring your preferred time. Many high-end establishments do not require a deposit for standard bookings but may request credit card details to secure larger groups or special events. Always confirm their policy.
What food is Cairo famous for?
Koshary, Ful Medames, Hawawshi, Molokhia, Ta'ameya — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Koshary is Egypt's national dish, a hearty and satisfying blend of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped with chickpeas, a spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions. It’s an inexpensive, filling street food staple, often served in dedicated Koshary shops like Abou Tarek.
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