Top 15 Cafes in Cairo for the Best Food and Drinks

A beautiful city on the Nile River, Egypt’s capital city of Cairo is a must-visit since it is home to countless historical monuments, including the Pyramids of Giza. And with so much to see here, it goes without saying that you would need to stop once in a while to get something to eat or drink! Well, there are several cafes in Cairo that are sure to be a great pit-stop while exploring the city. Most cafes are open throughout the day and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, tasty beverages, and desserts. 

The following are 15 of Cairo’s most popular cafes:

1. Cake Cafe

Run by a woman who learned the art of cake making in Switzerland, Cake Cafe is one of Cairo’s most popular places to visit if you love all things sweet! It is known for its various cakes, cupcakes, cookies, coffee, fresh fruit juices, etc. Although small, the cafe boasts simple and modern decor, including marble accents, plants and shelves filled with beautifully decorated cakes. You can also grab breakfast or lunch here since it is quite famous for its sandwiches and salads. Outdoor seating is also available. 

Address: Al Sheikh Al Marsafi, Omar Al Khayam, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4270151, Egypt
Timings: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Popular cakes/pastries: Red velvet cupcakes, rainbow cakes, apple date cakes, lemon bars, oreo cheesecakes
Average cost: Approximately EGP 200 - EGP 300 for two

2. El Fishawy Cafe

The oldest cafe in Cairo and a well-known hangout spot for intellectuals, the El Fishawy Cafe is located within the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It opened before Napoleon invaded Egypt and is known for its old-school interiors. The cafe features dark mashrabiya panelling, Moorish tiles, old copper chandeliers, handmade arabesque furniture, yellow ochre walls, and many mirrors. You could also try their flavoured shisha while you are here. The El Fishawy Cafe is best known for its different kinds of tea. Nuts are often served with drinks. You might even come across someone singing old ballads here. 

Address: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular drinks: Sweet mint tea, hibiscus tea, karkade, black tea, black Turkish coffee, mint lemonade, mango juice
Average cost: Approximately EGP 150 - EGP 200 for two

3. Fresco Bakery

A small cafe in Cairo known predominantly for its scrumptious baked goods, Fresco Bakery is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth! With cream walls featuring a few framed pictures and bright yellow lighting, the cafe has very simple interiors. It is a great place to hang out with friends or even for a coffee date. Besides its yummy desserts and savoury snacks, Fresco also serves a variety of beverages such as cappuccino, Nutella espresso, hot chocolate, green tea, fresh fruit juice, flavoured tea and more. 

Address: 49 Hassan Afalaton, Off EL Nozha St Ard، Al Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM 
Popular dishes: Nutella croissants, carrot cakes, vanilla doughnuts, brown French baguettes, Sicily sausage pies, pizzas
Average cost: Approximately EGP 150 for two

4. Tasa

Tasa in Cairo’s Heliopolis suburb is the perfect cafe to visit if you are a cheese lover. It is known for its rustic interiors, which feature mosaic tiled pillars, ochre-coloured walls with exposed bricks at the bottom and wooden furniture. The cafe is open throughout the day and is a great place to get breakfast, lunch or even a late-night dinner. You can also watch live sports here while you munch on their tasty food or sip on beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, black tea, fruit juices and more. 

Address: 20 Al Somal, El-Montaza, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate 4460245, Egypt
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular dishes: Foul with meat casserole, chicken roll sandwich, Ghariba pan, melted cheese with chicken fajita pan, Alfredo pasta
Average cost: Approximately EGP 100 - EGP 150 for two

5. Cafe Corniche

Situated within the InterContinental Hotel in Cairo, Cafe Corniche is a relatively high-class establishment known for its impeccable service. It has simple decor, including marble-topped tables, wooden pillars and beams on the ceiling, and hanging lights. The cafe is an excellent choice if you’re looking to grab a quick bite or a drink. They also serve alcohol along with tea and coffee. While you’re here, try something from their amazing dessert selection, which features cheesecakes, fruit salads, cookies, fruit tarts and chocolate croissants. 

Address: Corniche El Nil, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Cairo القاهرة، 11511, Egypt
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular dishes: Greek salad with beef, fatayer spinach, smoked salmon, penne arrabiata, lentil soup
Average cost: Approximately EGP 400 - EGP 500 for two

6. Antique Khana

Antique Khana in Cairo is a popular cafe in Cairo synonymous with tranquil and cosy vibes. The establishment boasts antique-looking interiors which feature wooden panelling and furniture, marble tables, patterned ceilings, table lamps, and shelves full of books. They have a large selection of snacks and meals along with beverages like fruit juices, green tea, Turkish coffee, lattes, mojitos and more. Don’t forget to try out their desserts; crêpes, chocolate cakes, cheesecakes and brownies are some of the favourites. Soothing music in the background adds to the ambience. 

Address: Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4271034, Egypt
Timings: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Popular dishes: Chicken caesar salad, Thai noodles, fish croquette, shakshuka, Halloumi cheese, burger
Average cost: Approximately EGP 100 - EGP 150 for two

7. Naguib Mahfouz Cafe

Located in the heart of Khan el Kahlili, the Naguib Mahfouz Cafe in Cairo is an elegant yet old-school establishment. It is named after the country’s most famous novelist and is well-known for its quality service. The inside boasts beautiful decor, which includes wooden panelling on the walls and ceiling, an arched roof with colourful designs, mirrors and intricately designed furniture. If you’re not in the mood for a full-fledged Egyptian feast, you can just drink Turkish coffee, espresso, latte, flavoured tea or apple cider with a tasty dessert like milk pudding, fruit salad or feteer meshaltet. 

Address: 5 ش Sekat Al Badstan, خان الخليلى، El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331310, Egypt
Timings: 10:00 AM - 11:45 PM (Monday), 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Tuesday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Wednesday), 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Thursday to Friday), 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Saturday to Sunday)
Popular dishes: Meat Shawarma, shish tawook, kebab and kofta, Egyptian fattah, Tabbouleh, tomato soup
Average cost: Approximately EGP 150 - EGP 300 for two

8. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

One of the best places for breakfast in the city or a coffee date, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a popular chain of cafes that boasts a casual ambience. It has minimalistic and modern decor, including handcrafted oak panelling, hanging bulbs, plants and quotes on the walls. They serve a wide variety of hot and cold beverages such as Moroccan mint tea, Jasmine dragon tea, hazelnut iced coffee, cinnamon iced coffee with whipped cream and more. They can also be customised with vanilla, chocolate or hazelnut powder, caramel syrup, oreo pieces, ice cream scoops etc. 

Address: 389V+7VC, Makram Ebeid, Al Manteqah as Sadesah, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate 4450435, Egypt
Timings: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM 
Popular dishes: Eggs benedict, avocado wraps, club sandwiches, yoghurt granola, double cheese croissant, Break o’ Day
Average cost: Approximately EGP 100 for two

9. Cafe Greco

Cafe Greco in Cairo, known for its relaxed vibes, is an excellent place to hang out with friends. A cosy coffee shop with simple decor, it features fresco-like paintings on the wall, marble top tables, pillars with photo frames and yellow lights. Outdoor seating is also available. They serve both breakfast and lunch here. Besides their wide selection of tasty and freshly brewed beverages, Cafe Greco also serves food like sandwiches, salads, cakes, pastries, brownies etc. 

Address: 64 Rd 9, Maadi Al Khabiri Ash Sharqiyah, Maadi, Cairo Governorate 4212011, Egypt
Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Popular drinks: Espresso, Cappuccino, flavoured latte, Café au lait, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies, sattwa tea
Average cost: Approximately EGP 100 for two

10. Vinni Cafe & Deli

Vinni Cafe & Deli is a very popular cafe in Cairo that is ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has simple interiors with wooden tables, leather couches, tiled walls and drawings on the walls. You can also opt to sit outside. It is known for its delicious Egyptian and Italian food and numerous beverages like cappuccino, latte, Turkish coffee, hibiscus tea, passion fruit smoothie, oreo cookie shake, Vinni cocktail and more. Don’t forget to try their wonderful desserts, including Nutella crêpes, oreo madness, cheesecakes and brownies. 

Address:  22 Hendawi, Ad Doqi A, Dokki, Giza Governorate 3753420, Egypt 
Timings: 9:30 AM - 2:00 AM 
Popular dishes: Cheese toasties, Vinni’s special breakfast, chicken soup, tuna salad, chicken fingers, margherita pizza, Mexican pasta
Average cost: Approximately EGP 200 - EGP 300 for two

11. Sweet Boutique

Situated within the Nile Ritz- Carlton Hotel in Cairo, the Sweet Boutique is an upscale bakery best known for its cakes, traditional local desserts and premium chocolates. The cafe’s simple decor features brown and cream walls, glass displays containing delicious baked goods and glass shelves lined with sweets containers. If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, you can also grab a bite to eat; their menu includes pizzas, salads and sandwiches, drinks like coffee, smoothies, hot chocolate, and local and imported alcohol. 

Address: Nile Corniche, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 11221, Egypt
Timings: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday), 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Wednesday)
Popular sweets: Baklava, fruit salads, Maamoul, macarons, Basbusa, French pastries, Häagen-Dazs ice creams
Average cost: Approximately EGP 250 - EGP 300 for two

12. Zack’s Bakery Cafe

The perfect place for breakfast or brunch, Zack’s Bakery cafe in Cairo is popular for delicious homemade meals, baked goods and sweets. The cafe has casual and relaxed vibes with couches, wooden tables, and racks stacked with books. They have a wide selection of yummy dishes and beverages such as gingerbread lattes, peach iced teas, cold brews, fruit juices, milkshakes etc. What’s more, you can also pick something from the dessert menu, which features carrot cakes, brownies, vanilla pound cakes, lemon drizzle loaf cakes and more. 

Address: Al rehab mall 1، Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM 
Popular dishes: Strawberry vanilla croissants, salmon deluxe sandwich, Turkey & cheese bagel, yoghurt and granola bowls, maple syrup pancakes, salads
Average cost: Approximately EGP 250 for two

13. Origo Cafe

One of the most visited cafes in Cairo, the Origo Cafe is a small and cosy establishment with simple yet fun decor. It is a great place to work, meet friends, have a date or simply read. The cafe has wooden chairs and stools with printed cushions, framed pictures on the walls and dolls and plants on the counters. Their extensive menu includes tasty drinks and desserts like milkshakes, Turkish coffee, fruit juices, iced coffee, carrot cake, brownies, banana split and cheesecake. There is soothing music that plays in the background!

Address: 2 Taha Hussein Street, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 11561, Egypt 
Timings: 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM 
Popular dishes: Sojouk omelette, club sandwich, seafood cream soup, tuna salad, cheese burger, quattro formaggio pizza. 
Average cost: Approximately EGP 150 for two

14. Blaze Restaurant & Cafe

Open till late at night, the Blaze Restaurant & Cafe is a popular cafe in Cairo set a little away from the bustling city. It is known for its casual vibes; the inside features wood panelling, wooden tables and hanging bulbs, while the outdoor seating area has couches, fairy lights and lots of plants. The ambience is wonderful at night when the lights are turned on. Along with their delicious food, their menu includes tasty desserts and beverages such as molten lava cakes, chocolate fudge brownies, cheesecakes, fruit juices, mocha frappes, hot chocolate etc.   

Address: 49 El-Nozha, Almazah, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate 4461120, Egypt
Timings: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Popular dishes: Chicken quesadillas, falafel wraps, omelette crepes, blaze onion soup, Texas chilli fries, spaghetti meatballs
Average cost: Approximately EGP 250 - EGP 300 for two

15. Garden Promenade Cafe

The Garden Promenade Cafe is located within the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino and is an upscale cafe. It boasts spectacular interiors with golden pillars, massive green doors, chandeliers and wooden tables. There is also an outdoor seating area that overlooks the hotel’s well-manicured lawn. Besides their mouth-watering food, you can also try something from their extensive drinks menu, which has cappuccinos, cafe lattes, tea, aquatic oasis, wine and beer. Don’t miss out on their delicious desserts like cheesecake, tiramisu, ice cream, pastries etc. 

Address: Saray, 16 Mohammed Abd El-Wahab, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 11211, Egypt
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular dishes: Egyptian falafel, lamb kofta, margherita pizzas, grilled beef fillet, caesar salad, seafood penne pasta
Average cost: Approximately EGP 250 - EGP 300 for two