The Best Cafés and Restaurants

During my ten days in Cairo, I had plenty of chances to check out some great food spots, at least when I wasn’t at my Summer School. We ended up eating the same dish every day there, which is probably why I was extra eager to explore Cairo’s food scene and see what the city has to offer. So in this post, I’l tell you what and where to eat in Cairo!

A little disclaimer: my hotel was in Zamalek, so a lot of my recommendations are in that area. While we did have some time to explore Cairo outside of classes, it was oftentimes just easier to stay close to our accommodation. However, I’ve also found some great places all over Cairo, so stay tuned!

If you also want to know the best things to see and do in Cairo, check out my other Cairo post here 🙂

Granita Cairo

Granita is a modern spin on the classic 1930s and 1940s “Grand Cafés” from cosmopolitan Egypt. They serve really good coffee, and yes, they even offer milk alternatives. The menu is a mix of Egyptian and more contemporary dishes, but honestly, I’d recommend sticking to the Egyptian ones. You are in Cairo, after all. Go for something like foul with falafel or shakshuka.

I went for brunch, but the café is open all day from 7am to 10pm, so you can also stop by for lunch, dinner, or even just drinks. There are a few locations around Cairo, but I visited the one in Zamalek. It has this beautiful garden full of plants, perfect for relaxing for a couple of hours. If the weather’s not great, or it’s just too hot outside, the indoor space is just as lovely, with elegant interiors and even live piano music.

I had seen some mixed reviews online about the food and service, but my experience was pretty good. Sure, it wasn’t the fastest service, but I wasn’t in a hurry and really enjoyed sitting in the sun. Maybe I got lucky, but I’d say give it a try and see for yourself!

Just a heads-up: the entrance to the Zamalek location can be a little tricky to find. The area is fenced off, and you’ll need to go through a quick security check with armed guards first. But don’t let that stop you. Once you’re through, you’ll spot the entrance to Granita just like in the photo below.

Cova Coffee Store

This little coffee shop was right next to my hotel in Zamalek, so I stopped by nearly every morning for a good coffee. It feels a bit like a hole in the wall shop, but there were quite a few seats and tables outside. They offer a few sweet treats and make absolute solid coffee. However, when I was there, they didn’t have any milk alternatives.

Oj

Speaking of hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, this one might just be the textbook example. Tucked away on a quiet street in Zamalek, Oj serves excellent coffee and fresh juices in a cozy little space. You’ll spot it right away thanks to the bold “FOR COFFEE LOVERS” sign above the door. Oddly enough, there’s barely any information about it online. No Instagram, no website, just a Google Maps pin. If that doesn’t make it a hidden gem, I don’t know what does!

Sweet Potato Cart

All over Cairo, you’ll spot these charming wooden street carts with little chimneys puffing out smoke. That’s your sign to stop! They’re roasting sweet potatoes right there on the spot in built-in ovens, giving them a perfectly caramelized flavor. Once roasted, the vendor dices them up and seasons the potatoes with salt, black pepper, and cumin. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly kind of addictive. A serving costs around 5 EGP, so it’s one of the cheapest and most satisfying street snacks you’ll find. Whether you’re strolling through Zamalek or near a metro station, keep your eyes out for these carts. They’re a little taste of Cairo you really shouldn’t miss.

Abou El Sid Restaurant

My friend’s Egyptian cousin recommended this place, and I couldn’t have been happier about it. We went to Abou El Sid in Zamalek on our last night in Cairo, and honestly, it was the perfect way to wrap up the trip. This iconic Egyptian restaurant combines cozy, old-world charm with a menu full of traditional dishes. Think foul, kofta, stuffed vine leaves, roasted eggplants, falafel, and all kinds of slow-cooked meat dishes.

The atmosphere is just as special as the food. The interior is dimly lit with ornate lanterns, colourful mosaic details, heavy wooden shutters, and little touches of vintage Egyptian design everywhere you look. It feels like stepping into a Cairo from decades past.

Heads up, though: it’s quite popular. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation, unless you’re as lucky as we were. After a short wait at the bar, we managed to snag a tiny table for three. The prices are a little higher than your average Cairo spot, but honestly, it’s worth it. Abou El Sid is an institution and an experience that you don’t want to miss on your trip.

Koshary Abou Tarek

Another Cairo experience you really can’t miss is trying Koshary. It’s Egypt’s national dish and an absolute street food staple. It’S a bowl stacked with pasta, Egyptian fried rice, lentils, chickpeas, crispy fried onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, and hot sauce. Sounds like chaos in a bowl, and it is. But somehow, it just works.

You’ll find plenty of great Koshary spots across the city, but I went to the legendary Abou Tarek in Downtown Cairo. The restaurant is actually an entire building with multiple floors, and the vibe is exactly what you’d expect. It’s chaotic, packed, noisy, and full of character. The decor includes giant fish tanks and neon lights, which somehow makes it even more fun.

Koshary is basically the only thing on the menu, but trust me, you won’t want anything else. Also, make sure to have your camera ready when you’re being served, because the waiters put on a show assembling your dish. Then it’s up to you to add your own vinegar, hot sauce, and fried onions. I finished my bowl and immediately felt like I could’ve eaten another one. And maybe even a third.

Taboon Restaurant

This Lebanese spot has three locations around Cairo, but I went to the one in Zamalek (of course hahah). Taboon serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with classics like Baba Ganoush, hummus, and shawarma. Plus, their coffee is great and they have freshly made juices and lemonades.

Actually, that’s why we ended up there in the first place. We had some time in the morning before heading to university, so we decided to grab a fresh juice and soak up some sun. The Zamalek location has a few small tables outside, perfect for people-watching. Inside, it’s pretty spacious and even spreads over two floors.

All in all, it’s a great spot to relax, enjoy delicious Lebanese food, and take in the laid-back vibe of Zamalek.

Carlton Roof Garden

And last but definitely not least, a perfect spot to let the evening slowly fade away. We went to the Carlton Roof Garden right after dinner at Koshary Abou Tarek to celebrate finishing our week at Summer School. It’s in Downtown Cairo, about a 20-minute walk from Tahrir Square, with a lovely rooftop terrace that looks out over the busy city below.

You can chill outside and soak up the night air and amazing views, but the inside is just as nice. It’s cozy, and you can even play a round of pool with friends. It’s a great little escape from the chaos of Cairo for a while.

Also, they even serve alcohol, which isn’t super common in Cairo. Since I was with my Egyptian friends, I didn’t want to drink alone anyway. So, on their recommendation, I ordered Sahlab. It’s a Middle Eastern milk drink that’s more like a warm pudding, sweet and packed with sugar, spices, and nuts. Trust me, do yourself a favour and try it!