Set in the heart of Cairo's most famous bazaar, El Fishawy is a venerable tea house that has been managed by the same family since the 18th Century. Established in 1773, this place stays open 24 hours a day and occupies a narrow alley off El-Hussein Square. Inside the cafe, cracked mirrors, smoky ceilings, old wooden furniture and a stuffed crocodile lend charm. But the real draw is the crowd, which is a diverse mix of tourists, chic sheikhs, sheesha chain-smokers and local waiters. Mint tea, Turkish coffee and a variety of other hot and cold drinks are available.
Kesmat El Mehelm is known as the "cake fairy," and appropriately so - her creations are both scrumptious and beautiful, full of color and creativity. This is why she opened her store, Cake Cafe, so that the world could taste her creations. In addition to cakes, a variety of desserts and coffees are offered, as well as a breakfast and brunch menu. If you're hungry and are looking for a scrumptious meal that won't break your bank, then Cake Cafe is for you.
Elegantly located on the third floor of the famous Nile City Towers in downtown Cairo, Nineteen Twenty Five is a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant known for its prohibition-era decor and jazzy vibe. The food served here is contemporary and are presented with vivid colors, offering not only a feast for your taste buds but also a treat for the eyes. The bar is stocked with international liquors and spirits, but the cocktails are what run the show. The bartenders are highly-skilled, creating their own takes on classic cocktails, leaving you with a familiar yet new experience. The seating areas are intimate and well spread, which when combined with the jazz music playing in the background makes it one of the best places for a dinner date in the city.
Tucked away in the bustling neighborhood of Maadi, Café Greco is a great place to stop by for a steaming cup of coffee or a classic Arabian tea. A rather casual coffee house, this is where you enjoy your daily dose of caffeine with a side of friendly smiles. Walk in for a taste of their traditional coffees and teas, and you are certain to leave with a new found fondness for Egyptian tea culture.
Reserved only for dinners, Ruen Thai is as its name suggests, is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Thai cuisine. Elegantly located within the luxurious 5-star Dusit Thani LakeView Hotel, the restaurant is mainly frequented by its guests but also welcomes general visitors with open arms The interiors are tastefully done, featuring contemporary furnishings, sleek chandeliers, attractive wall hangings and intimate seating areas. If the extensive menu is too complex for your liking, go for the Thod Mun Goong, Thod Mun Goong and Thod Mun Goong which are some of the restaurant's specialties.
Maximize your Cairo nightlife experience at 35. Nestled alongside the Four Seasons Hotel, this place draws in celebrities and international elite. Select a seat at the bar or a fuchsia velvet booth amidst illuminated furnishings, plasma screens and eclectic lighting. The impressive ambiance is matched by an unparalleled menu of creative cocktails and wine and liquor from around the world. Japanese appetizers share space with French main courses as sushi, sashimi, tempura rolls, Thai-style beef, risotto gambas and tournedos de grillée aux cèpes offer a melange of Asian and European flavors. Celebrated DJs set the tempo of a glamorous night of dancing and high spirits.
One of several coffee bars in this famous hotel, Abou Aly is distinctive for its elegant Asian terrace. It's a good place to go if you want a quiet drink in an attractive setting, and maybe a puff of shisha (waterpipe). The Asian ambience is pervasive, and you might just forget that you're in the Ritz Carlton. In summer, the terrace is a relaxing place to people watch, while in winter it is enclosed and dressed up like a Bedouin tent. A singer entertains in the evenings. The menu is small on snacks, but has several good traditional dessert options. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol are served at moderate prices. Rich apple-flavored shisha is available, and the attendants vigilantly watch the coals. No alcohol is served during Ramadan.
Sofitel El Gezirah is one of the best lodging options of Cairo. Where else can you get the luxury of dining in eight restaurants in the hotel itself? Window On The Nile is one such facility where you can spend your evenings drinking and dancing. Savor the lovely wines, beers and cocktails, and shake a leg or two on the dance floor. Check out the grand chandelier at the entrance—it will take your breath away! A single visit to this lounge is enough to make you a regular.
Nestled somewhere within Fairmont Nile City, L'Uliveto is an upscale Italian restaurant with an impressive interior. The decor consisting of wood and marble flooring, suspended lanterns, leather lounges and plants give this place a welcoming vibe. It is in such a luxurious place that you get to enjoy authentic Italian dishes that are complemented by the wide range of drinks served here.
Walk into the swanky interior of Sachi, a treasure-trove of Mediterranean and sushi and other Japanese recipes that doubles up as a bar. Established in 2014, the restaurant serves delights such as Shrimp Quinoa, Rigatoni, Simon Steak, Filet Mignon, Butterfield Chicken, Warm Molten Tart and Miso Soufflé. Thanks to the aforementioned features, Sachi was one of World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB)'s winners in 2017.
For those who crave excellent Meditterranean cuisine, Sud is just right for you. Ideally located within the premises of Sofitel El Gezirah, dining in this splendid restaurant and bar will be a memorable experience. Feast upon some of your favorite dishes with your family and friends and view the magnificent Nile flowing by. You can also catch this exceptional sight by dining on the terrace. Other dining options for you are Buddha Bar, Vendome, Kebabgy (El) or Deck (Le).
Execs, ex-pats and Saudi sheikhs frequent this not particularly Spanish hotel bar. Come on Thursdays with the rest of the crowd. The soft chairs and small tables lining the bar's corridor invite couples and groups to gather and chat. Stained glass windows with a flamenco dancer and onion domes (perhaps she's performing at the Kremlin?) are about as Spanish as it gets. Tunes by the likes of Britney Spears and Def Leppard are overplayed. The service; however, is sharp. Small mezze dishes can be ordered. There's a free tapas buffet on Thursday nights. Stella local and other drinks are available at very reasonable prices.