ArabesqueThis popular tourist haunt may be a bit pricey, yet the Oriental décor is stunning. A bubbling fountain, contemporary art exhibits and tapestries adorning the walls create a wonderful dining environment. The Egyptian-Middle Eastern food focuses mainly on grilled meats so stick to local dishes like bamia (stewed okra). Arabesque is popular for business lunches. Alcohol is served. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.
Address: 6 Qasr el-Nil Street, Cairo
JustineLike a fine red wine, Justine has improved with age.
Leather armchairs and luxurious décor set the scene while executive chef, Vincent Guillou from Brittany, loves to show off his talents by preparing something seasonal. The à la carte menu is inspiring and guests will feel in the lap of luxury as the wait staff float around attending faultlessly to every whim. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.
Address: 4 Shara Hassan Sabri, Zamalek
The Fat Black PussycatComplete with bar and restaurant sections, the Fat Black Pussycat is a great choice for dining in Cairo. The half-Croatian owner serves some of the most highly recommended pizzas and on occasion, guests can get their toes tapping (or even shake a leg) to live music while dining on some other tasty fare off the constantly changing 100-item menu of small dishes from around the world. The theme nights exploring cuisines of different countries are also not to be missed! Alcohol served. Reservations advisable.
Address: 32 Shara Jeddah, Mohandiseen
CortigianoDelicious food and an inviting, cosy atmosphere have made this restaurant one of Cairo's favorite eateries. Soft lighting and tasteful décor create the perfect atmosphere to dine on such dishes as creamy onion soup, veal cordon bleu stuffed with mushrooms and topped with cheese and tomatoes or thick crust pizzas loaded with toppings of your choice. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.
Address: 44 Michel Bakhoum Street
Al-FanousColorful mosaic and carvings adorn the almost every inch of this Moroccan restaurant where Middle-Eastern pigeon meat, colloquially known as the squab, makes a name for itself in the pie pastilla, a semi-sweet Egyptian dish laced with spices and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The chicken tagine, a stew made with dates served in a colonial ceramic dish comes highly recommended. Alcohol is not served. Reservations advisable.
Address: Riyadh Tower, 5 Shara Wissa Wassef
Bua KhaoWith authentic ingredients flown in from Bangkok and a highly skilled Thai woman at the helm, it's no wonder the food at Bua Khao keeps guests coming back for more. Renowned for serving the best Thai food in Egypt, the massaman and penang curries are to-die-for and the tom kar gai (chicken and coconut milk soup) is a great way to start things off. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.
Address: 9 Road 151, Ma'adi
AubergineThis laid-back predominantly vegetarian restaurant is a rare find, with a light and airy Mediterranean-style ground floor while the upstairs is slightly darker and more intimate. With a constantly changing and inventive menu, guests won't find themselves disappointed or bored with the dishes. Recommendations include the baked avocado, mushroom, and eggplant lasagne, and the pan-fried halloumi cheese with grilled cherry tomatoes. Alcohol is served. Reservations advisable.
Address: 5 Shara Sayed al-Bakry, Zamalek
The Fish MarketGone are the days of traveling to Alexandria for good fresh fish. Nowadays, those looking for decent sea fare can book a table at the Fish Market, situated on the upper deck of a boat permanently moored on the west bank of the Nile. With no menu and just a display of some of the freshest fish Cairo has to offer, diners pay by weight and choose their own fish, shrimp, calamari, crabs and shellfish which is beautifully prepared by the kitchen as you like. Couple that with a slew of Middle Eastern salads and deliciously home baked bread and you have a recipe for success! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.
Address: 26 Shara al-Nil, Giza (on the American Boat)
KandaharOverlooking Maydan Sphinx and complete with exquisite woodwork detailing, the lavish dining area in Kandahar features authentic Indian furnishings. The food tastes as good as the restaurant looks - amazing! The Baingan Bharta (creamy smoked eggplant baked in a clay oven and perfect for dipping fluffy Naan bread in) is an absolute must and Murgh Tikka (spiced chicken kebabs marinated in yogurt) is a firm favorite. Service is excellent. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.
Address: 3 Shara Gameat al-Dowal al-Arabiya, Mohandiseen
Rotisserie BelvedereMarble lines the floors, alabaster lamps adorn the walls and a piano tinkles in the background inviting diners to twirl across the marble dance floor. Couple that with an amazing panoramic view over the city and an inspired menu and you've got a winner. The mushroom and potato pyramids topped with tomato-mango chutney are delicious, but the classic meat and seafood grills take the cake. Desserts are mind blowing and it is advisable to leave a little room for something sweet. Reservations essential.
Address: Nile Hilton, Maydan Tahrir
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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