9 Best Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt

This Heliopolis landmark, in business for over five decades, often has a line of people waiting to order Egyptian-style beef shawarma, made with a deliciously aromatic marinade and served in a pita or on soft white fino bread or fluffy bread rolls. Although there’s a small top-floor seating area, this is more of a grab-and-go restaurant.

Known for the blue-mosaic niche wall on its facade, this small but beloved branch of Mandarine Koueider is divided into two sections: one side sells Middle Eastern desserts generously stuffed with nuts, and the other sells ice cream in flavors like pistachio, raspberry, or mandarin. The malban bil eshta (Turkish delight filled with cream custard that's flavored with mastic) is a must-try.

Unless you happen to walk in the opposite direction from the sites of Coptic Cairo, you’re not likely to stumble upon this little hole-in-the-wall kiosk, but it's been around for more than 85 years and is well known to many locals. The specialty is sweet couscous, which you can get with toppings like fresh cream or honey, though nothing beats having it the old-fashioned way—with powdered sugar and nuts.

When it comes to speedy service, McDonald's could learn a thing or two from the Saudis who own Al-Tazaj. They claim to get their produce from farm to grill in fewer than four hours, which is why (despite the fast-food joint look) this place turns out juicy grilled chicken—and little else. The birds are small, so you might want two; and while you're at it, ask for an extra container of the garlicky tahini to use as a dip.

Batates & Zalabya is a major chain of street stalls that specializes in two snacks: batates (French fries), and, more notably, zalabya (Egyptian deep-fried dough balls). Although the classic zalabya is served with powdered sugar or sugar syrup, possible toppings here include hazelnut, chocolate, and caramel.

This 1930s neighborhood ice-cream shop is a great place to beat the heat, whether you opt for a scoop of chocolate or a fresh-fruit-flavored icy treat.

As its name suggests, this restaurant specializes in koshary, the street-food favorite that generally consists of macaroni, rice, lentils, and chickpeas topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Sit outside, facing a busy intersection, so you can watch life unfold while you eat.

Latif Wassily is a traditional Egyptian forn (bakery)—one of the oldest in Downtown. Grab-and-go baked goods include croissants that are generously filled with cheese and breadsticks that are liberally sprinkled with sesame and nigella seeds.