Good Restaurants in Cairo
Cairo is full to the brim with decent eateries with enough diversity to suit all. No doubt your guide books and tour guides can point you in the right direction. New restaurants open all the time and I like to try as many as I can. But over the years, there are a few that keep calling me back, over and over and over again. I mention them below, some serve typical Egyptian food, and some not so typical...
The Egyptian Pancake House
The Egyptian Pancake house is located in the heart of the Khan el Khalili market, and is an old favourite of mine for both food and atmosphere. Serving a selection of sweet and savoury pancakes and pizzas, the outside tables are perfect for watching from afar all the colour and chaos of the bazaar.
And if you get tired of people-watching, the kitchen window is large enough that the chef can be seen beating and tossing the dough to make your dinner.
Abou Tarek
One of the best Kosheri joints in Cairo, Abou Tarek is located in downtown Cairo on Sharia Marout. There is nothing on the menu besides Kosheri and the customary rice pudding dessert. Two can eat for about 30LE in this fishtank filled, air conditioned restaurant.
The Flying Fish Restaurant 166 El Nil Street
An understated restaurant in Zamalek and a popular choice for seafood buffs. There’s nothing particularly Egyptian about the dishes served here, but if you enjoy your fish and seafood it’s great value and tourist free. Some nights there is an Oud player adding a little romance to the proceedings too.
The owner also has a bakery in his portfolio which can be useful if you have a birthday in your group. Give them a call the day before and the staff will source you a chocolate cake the size of a small camel.
*Unfortunately no map is available for this on google maps. Ask your hotel concierge to write the address in arabic and take a cab.
Deals – 2 Maahad al Swissry
Deals is a cosy little pub that serves up pretty decent western style munch too. Popular with ex-pats, this part of Zamalek has a few decent drinking establishments close by (try L’Auberge on the same street to see trendy Cairo) but be sure to get there early if you plan to sit.