Although you may be visiting Cairo for its rich cultural history, it is almost impossible to ignore the abundance of delicious food available.

Updated in 2025, originally published in August 2020.
Whether you want delicious, traditional Egyptian food, or simply Middle Eastern dishes, we got you covered. Here are our recommendations for the restaurants you need to go to before your trip in Cairo ends.
View this post on Instagram
Khufu’s Restaurant – spectacular views
With a stunning view of the pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre, and Khufu, Khufu’s Restaurant is where contemporaneity meets tradition, offering a reimagined take on Egyptian gastronomy. Guided by Chef Mostafa Seif’s, Khufu was founded in 2022 as a celebration of culture and culinary excellence. From bold reinterpretations of classic street food to the creation of avant-garde recipes, each dish reflects the essence and philosophy of the restaurant. Its innovative Koshary, Egypt’s national dish par excellence, features quail eggs, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crispy fried chickpeas. Don’t hesitate to try it!

Le Tarbouche – lavishly Khedive style
Le Tarbouche provides the finest in Egyptian and Arabic gastronomy along with a level of hospitality which will make you feel right at home. With its upscale ambiance and beautiful views to the Nile river, it is the perfect option to experience the richness of the region’s culture at an accessible price.

Zooba – best street food
So popular that it even expanded to New York City, if you want a quick and casual way to experience traditional Egyptian food, look no further than Zooba. Available in multiple districts throughout Cairo, by transforming well known Egyptian street food into gourmet meals, they offer a delicious variety of food that no one can turn down.

Naguib Mahfouz Café – most historical
Named after one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, this café is home to some of the most authentic Egyptian cuisine in the country. Founded in 1989, the same year Mahfouz was given the Nobel Prize for Literature, it actually became one of the famed writer’s favorite spots. Furthermore, when evening strikes, you can enjoy the various singers performing classical songs.
Al Khal – most classical

If you’re looking for an upscale restaurant that serves authentic Egyptian food, you’ve come to the right place. The atmosphere is undoubtedly classical, as the restaurant itself uses wood and fabrics printed with 18th-century Egyptian designs to create a culturally rich atmosphere. Main dishes vary from Egypt’s most famous dish, koshary, which is a unique blend of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and tomato salsa, to other classic meals, such as lamb and stuffed pigeons.

