Aswan
The most popular kushari place (a mix of noodles, rice, black lentils, fried onions and tomato sauce) in the souq.
Must-see restaurants in Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh
This supermarket has everything a self-catering traveller could need, and also stocks plenty of imported European brands.
Western Desert
Fresh-from-the-oven sweet or savoury fiteer (flaky pizza), made to order by a friendly crew.
Western Desert
Popular restaurant selling excellent fresh fish – unlikely in the middle of the desert, but true.
Cairo
This narrow restaurant, allegedly the oldest in Cairo, was the favoured drinking spot of the intelligentsia. It's gone to seed somewhat since then, though…
Cairo
Definitely not part of the trendy Zamalek dining scene, this tiny Italian canteen with just a few formica tables has been kicking around for years. It…
Luxor
Mohammed’s is an old-time Luxor throwback, a simple, family-run restaurant attached to the owner’s mud-brick house, where charming Mohammed Abdel Lahi…
Luxor
A small British-run Indian restaurant in neutral colours with plain wooden tables and chairs. On the menu are European versions of Indian dishes such as…
Luxor
Laura and Mahmud have survived the tourist downturn by offering traditional Egyptian food using organic vegetables from their farm, as well as British…
Cairo
The snug, white-walled, candlelit restaurant downstairs offers a decent choice of vegetarian pasta dishes including gnocchi with blue cheese and spinach…
Cairo
One of several Sudanese restaurants and cafes in this alley, this is the tidiest and perhaps serves the most delicious dishes. Try salata iswid (‘black…
Alexandria
This central branch of Egypt's favourite fast-food vendor is cheap-eats heaven, and people flock here day and night. It serves a huge range of filled…
Cairo
Break the routine of eating heavy Egyptian breakfasts with this quaint bakery, which boasts the best Greek yoghurt bar in the neighbourhood. Pick out your…
Aswan
Biti is a popular air-conditioned restaurant that serves good Western-style pizzas. Even more recommended are the delicious sweet and savoury fiteer …
Cairo
This fluorescent-lit place has all the ambience of a car showroom, but it does have great authentic Yemeni dishes, served without cutlery, and huge rounds…
Cairo
Mince feeds big appetites with loaded nachos, crunchy onion rings, melt-in-your-mouth burgers and frothy milkshakes. It's a favourite after-class hangout…
Cairo
Start with terrine de foie gras as you peer at the Pyramids from the 41st floor. By the time your filet d’agneau with tomato confit and a sweet garlic…
Cairo
Maadi locals worship it, but even other Cairenes have yet to discover this hidden boutique restaurant. Villa Belle Epoque is an elegant eatery that will…
Cairo
In France, Paul is just a roadside place to pick up a croissant and coffee, but in the Middle East it serves as a more upscale bistro. Cairo isn’t big on…
Luxor
This comfortable rooftop restaurant serves a set menu with Egyptian specialities, such as molokhiyya (stewed leaf soup) and mahshi kurumb (stuffed cabbage…
Cairo
If you’re just passing through Cairo Gateway bus station and need a meal, take a short walk to Hamada for exceptionally good kushari (mix of noodles, rice…
Luxor
A rather charming and intimate cafe-restaurant set in a building dating back to the early 20th century, with high-ceilinged salons that still cling on to…
Hurghada
In a town where international food rules, it's nice to see a restaurant taking a stand for Egyptian cuisine. The Nubian Cafe does flavoursome tagens …
Sharm El Sheikh
With its cushioned nooks and slightly dishevelled appearance, Moonlight has a more Dahab-like vibe than its fancy-pants neighbours along the beachfront…
Aswan
Small but popular fish restaurant, a short walk from the train station into the souq. It serves fish from Lake Nasser and the Red Sea, chosen from a…
Cairo
You're here for the view more than the food. Eating on the terrace with the expansive lush greenery of Al Azhar Park spread out below you with the…
Alexandria
Just east of Midan Saad Zaghloul, this hole-in-the-wall bakery does good sweets, fiteer (sweet or savoury flaky 'pizza') and croissants, sold by weight…
Sharm El Sheikh
The Sharm Old Market branch of Fares is little sister to the original Fares in Hadaba. The menu is packed to the brim with seafood showcasing everything…
Aswan
A cafe terrace and restaurant to head for at sunset (if you can't get to the Cataract Hotel) for its views over the First Cataract. Sit on the huge shady…
Hurghada
Don't blame us if your dentistry bill skyrockets after a visit to this place. El Zahraa's myriad variations of baklava and kunafa (vermicelli-like pastry…
Marsa Alam
A friendly, local grill on Marsa Alam's main drag, serving kofta (spiced mincemeat grilled on a skewer), chicken, kebab hala (pot-roast meat) and meat…
Siwa Oasis
On the roof terrace of Shali Lodge, this cafe-restaurant is a great place to hang out while enjoying a mint tea or a cold drink. Mains include some unique…
Aswan
A tiny takeaway place hidden among the low-rise apartment blocks, just off the square with the train station. This is where Aswanis go when they want good…
Hurghada
If you’re pining for a steak, look no further. Sprawl out on the terrace beanbags and order your red meat fix. For those too lazy to bar-hop, Shade…
Hurghada
This place makes up for its understated location and interior with its fresh seafood (the fish market is close by). Fish is priced by weight, but there…
Luxor
Maxime's stands out on the tourist strip for serving good quality food at a reasonable price. The menu is large and includes plenty of chicken and…
Aswan
Just off the souq in front of the train station, El Tahrer Pizza is a popular cafe serving pizza and fiteer (sweet or savoury flaky pizza) at rock-bottom…
