19 Must-Try Restaurants in Cairo

Located in Kerdasa, within the expansive Al-Haram district, El Sheikh Mohamed is famous for its camel liver—a unique Egyptian delicacy cherished by its loyal fans. Upon arrival, diners are seated around a specially designed table that resembles a large aluminum wok, commonly found at street carts serving liver across the country. Guests can watch as the staff prepares fresh camel liver right before their eyes. In addition to its signature dish, El Sheikh Mohamed offers a selection of other grilled meats, including beef kebabs and kofta, although these are cooked on large grills out of sight.

After exploring the Giza Plateau, step into the serene ambiance of Khufu’s, where Chef Mostafa Seif presents a culinary experience set against the stunning backdrop of the pyramids. Enjoy a glass of fresh banana milk as you choose from four set menus, including a vegetarian option, each featuring a four-course meal with a selection of main dishes. Seif adds gourmet touches to traditional Egyptian fare, such as koshary salad made with mefatela (a traditional dough crafted from unprocessed wheat and flour, forming pearl-like morsels reminiscent of couscous), molokhia (the classic green mallow soup) with rabbit, and savory qatayef, a pancake-like delicacy stuffed and fried, available in both sweet and savory forms. This is a fantastic introduction to Egyptian cuisine, highlighting flavors often missed in tourist-oriented restaurants.

While this residential area of Imbaba remains tranquil during the day, it transforms into a lively hub at night, thanks to Hawawshi El Rabie. Initially a family-run butcher shop, it now serves a variety of Egyptian street food. Grills extend from the corner establishment, allowing customers to watch the staff at work. Popular dishes include mbakbaka with sugok (small pasta smothered in spicy tomato sauce and grilled to achieve crispy edges, optionally topped with beef sausage) and hawawshi (spiced minced beef stuffed in baladi bread, brushed with ghee, and grilled to a golden crisp). If you opt for wara’et lahma (slow-cooked beef thigh with onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrots wrapped in parchment), be sure to get a side of vermicelli rice to soak up the flavorful juices below.

When the residents of bustling Zamalek aren't enjoying coffee at one of the island’s cozy cafes, exploring its boutiques, or visiting art galleries, they flock to Crimson’s inviting terrace for a delightful breakfast or an elegant evening. The terrace offers stunning views of the Nile, setting the stage for exquisite Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Begin with the salmon roll (beetroot-cured salmon paired with cream cheese and shrimp, finished with salty black caviar), then savor the tender grilled chateaubriand meant for two, and conclude with the signature pineapple creme brulee (baked right inside a pineapple). Crimson also boasts an impressive cocktail menu, highlighted by a refreshing gin and tonic infused with coriander and rosemary. It’s advisable to make reservations.

Situated in the vibrant Garden City district of Cairo, Escobar is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views of the Nile from its elevated perch. While the restaurant features a varied menu, the main attraction lies in its impressive selection of beers, wines, and signature cocktails. It's a great venue for larger gatherings, but be sure to book a reservation ahead of time, especially in the evenings.

In the bustling neighborhood of Rod El Farag, Sobhy Kaber is easily recognized by its lively crowd. The spacious restaurant often has a waitlist, especially during peak dining hours, as it draws in a diverse mix of Egyptians and food lovers. The extensive menu features delights like mombar (sausage casings filled with herbed rice), the beloved molokhia (savory green mallow soup), hamam mahshi (fried pigeon stuffed with seasoned rice and gizzards), and a variety of grilled meats. Though located away from typical tourist paths, the enthusiastic staff ensure that Sobhy Kaber is a welcoming spot for visitors.

Located in the heart of downtown, Abou Tarek stands out not only for its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic staff but also for its unique focus: five entire stories dedicated to koshary, Egypt’s beloved national dish, along with a selection of drinks and desserts. Koshary is a delightful blend of rice, pasta, vermicelli, lentils, and chickpeas, all topped with rich tomato and garlic sauces. (It’s also vegan unless specified otherwise.) Each bowl is made fresh upon order, attracting a steady stream of locals from noon until night. The pasta is perfectly cooked, the da’ah sauce is bursting with garlic flavor, and the tomato sauce is always piping hot. Experiencing koshary at Abou Tarek is a must for anyone visiting Cairo.

A tablia is a low, round table commonly found in rural Egypt, serving as a hub for family meals and symbolizing community. This unassuming little restaurant, tucked away in a downtown alley, is run by home cook Samar and her family—her mother, two sisters, and aunt. The menu varies daily, usually decided just a day prior or even the morning of, allowing the family to source fresh ingredients before opening at 4:00 p.m. You can call in the afternoon to check the menu, or simply drop by like most patrons and enjoy the delightful surprise of a home-cooked Egyptian meal, as authentic as it gets.

In Cairo, people usually enjoy alcoholic drinks in dim bars or at home, but Horreya (which means 'freedom') stands out as an 80-year-old exception known to locals. Obtaining a liquor license is often a hassle for shop owners today, but Horreya secured its license decades ago when regulations were more lenient. The cafe features high ceilings and large windows—some obscured for privacy—creating a spacious open hall divided by an invisible line: one side offers traditional nonalcoholic drinks like mint tea and Turkish coffee, while the other serves alcoholic beverages, especially local beers.

Perched on the eighth floor of the charming 1930s Carlton Hotel (not to be confused with the Nile Ritz-Carlton), this peaceful rooftop garden offers the perfect escape after a day of exploring Cairo's lively downtown. This laid-back spot draws a diverse crowd of locals and expats looking to enjoy a cold beer while soaking in stunning views of the city skyline. Access the roof garden through the hotel's understated side entrance and take the elevator up. Open all day, it's ideal for a sunny midday break or a relaxing evening drink.

Nestled in the winding alleys of Cairo’s Ghouriya district, Abo Hashem has a rich history spanning over a century. While it may lack opulence, it offers an authentic Egyptian dining experience featuring a variety of mouthwatering grilled meats like kofta and kebab, served with tehina, fresh bread, and salad. Join the locals and kick off your meal with muyyet salata, a savory salad dressing shot (often called “whiskey”) to stimulate your appetite. The friendly kitchen team skillfully chops, shapes, and grills meats right by the narrow entrance, providing a captivating glimpse into their culinary expertise.

Pigeon stuffed with rice is a cherished delicacy among Egyptians, often served during celebrations, festive occasions, and lunches for newlyweds. This dish is crafted from a domesticated variety of pigeon, similar to squab, raised locally across Cairo and Egypt. Renowned as the prime spot for this specialty, Farahat has become a beloved destination tucked away in the narrow alleys of Al Azhar and Khan al Khalili, even earning a visit from Anthony Bourdain. Squeeze into the cozy seating and order one or two pigeons, each served with bread, tehina, and a cup of comforting pigeon broth that feels like a warm embrace—especially delightful with a squeeze of Egyptian lime.

With two strategically located branches, Zeeyara invites diners to enjoy exquisite settings. One location offers stunning views of the Giza Pyramids, while the Moezz Street branch immerses you in the vibrant atmosphere of historic Cairo. The carefully crafted menu boasts rich flavors to satisfy every palate. Meat enthusiasts will love the Auzy Zeeyara, a platter featuring succulent lamb accompanied by spiced rice and nuts, though the garlicky borghol camel meatballs in butter sauce are equally tempting. Vegetarians can indulge in the herby bessara, a fava bean paste enhanced with coriander and topped with crispy onions, perfect for dipping with baladi bread. The rocca salad combines local arugula, tomatoes, basterma (cured beef), woven Syrian cheese, and onions, all dressed in a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses vinaigrette; a vegetarian version can also be made. Don't miss the date tart with pistachios for dessert, ideally paired with refreshing mint tea. Reservations are recommended and can be easily arranged through the Le Riad Hotel de Charme website or a quick phone call.

Recognized as the first woman-led pizzeria in the area certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, this establishment is known for its light pizzas featuring perfectly thin crusts with just the right char. Each pizza is topped with carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients. Popular choices include the capricciosa, which uses air-dried beef salami in place of ham, the al-pesto with Genovese pesto, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the diavola, adorned with salami, chili flakes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot!

If you're wandering through the Korba neighborhood after sunset, you might find a lively scene filled with haphazardly parked cars and crowds gathering around the local favorite, Abo Haider. This streetfront shawarma shop serves up tender, well-seasoned meat wrapped in soft kaiser rolls. Be sure to order at least two sandwiches per person and pair them with their famous mango juice, made from a secret blend of various fruits and always accompanied by a spoon to scoop up the delicious chunks of fruit resting at the bottom of the cup.

Abo Sherif, a beloved family-run Mytoury, is known for its flaky feteer, a layered pastry with origins that trace back to ancient Egypt. Over time, this dish has been adapted in various ways: in urban settings, it's filled with an array of cheeses, vegetables, and meats based on what customers desire, while in rural homes, it’s often served with a selection of dips such as fresh cheese, honey, and molasses mixed with tehina. Sweet options are also available, featuring clotted cream with honey or halawa (Egyptian sweet). The talented feteer-makers at Abo Sherif transform the cooking process into a spectacle, tossing and flipping the dough before placing it in the oven.

Nestled in Nasr City, Al Awda is a delightful Mytoury that specializes in Palestinian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dishes are bursting with flavor, served up with the warmth and friendliness that reflect the spirit of the Arafat family, who established the restaurant in the 1980s and continue to run it today. Choose an outdoor table to enjoy specialties like roz edra bil lahma (turmeric and safflower basmati rice with chickpeas and beef cooked in a clay pot), musakhan chicken (sumac-spiced chicken with caramelized onions in Palestinian flatbread), and mansaf (braised lamb served on turmeric-infused rice with a drizzle of jameed, a dried yogurt mixed with lamb broth). Al Awda also offers a selection of products, including pickles, baked goods, za’atar, labneh, and fresh cheeses for customers to take home.

Located within the stylish 5A by the Waterway complex in New Cairo, Reif Kushiyaki is an offshoot of chef-owner Reif Othman’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Kushiyaki restaurant in Dubai. This Cairo venue reimagines Japanese street food with a modern and upscale flair, featuring dishes like tender salmon sashimi served with shiso-soy sauce, miso, and spring onion; crispy-bottomed beef gyoza; and spicy goma wasabi beef skewers — all perfect for pairing with a chilled Egyptian Stella beer. The dimly lit ambiance and dark wood furnishings create a cozy and intimate setting, accentuated by a vibrant mural of the restaurant’s anime mascot.

For a taste of traditional Egyptian cuisine in the heart of New Cairo, locals flock to Marzipan. Adorned with photographs of legendary Egyptian film stars and pink Art Deco-inspired decor, this restaurant offers a modern twist on homestyle classics. The extensive menu features a variety of Egyptian delicacies, including crispy basterma rolls (flavorful cured beef with fenugreek), keskh (savory rice pudding topped with crispy fried onions), and molokhia (green mallow soup) served with fresh baladi bread. Don’t miss the roz ma’amar bil hamam (baked rice with pigeon) and the indulgent sharkaseya, a creamy walnut chicken dish paired with white rice.