đŸœïžđŸƒ If you’re staying in Cairo this weekend, why not restaurant hop your way across the city dining al fresco? Cairo has no shortage of eateries with a view — perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — and we’re serving up a lot of options for sampling.

For the foodies

#1- Khufu’s: With stunning panoramic views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one would think that would be Khufu’s selling point — but their food rivals even this wonder of the world. With Chef Mostafa Seif at the helm, the choice is yours from a menu of finger-licking Egyptian delicacies with a twist.

BEST FOR- Breakfast.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Khufu’s is located at the Giza Plateau. Reservations can be made through their website.

#2- Mazeej Balad: Downtown Cairo can be a little crowded at times, but why not rise above it all? Mazeej offers just that. Located on the rooftop of the Michelin-key boutique hotel, it offers a 360-view with incredible cuisine offerings. Dishes range from the creative, such as orange blossom and pistachio pancakes, to the traditional, like slow-cooked lamb. Check out our review here.

BEST FOR- Brunch.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You’ll find Mazeej Balad at 11 Mahmoud Bassiouny, Downtown Cairo. Reservations can be made through this link.

#3- Al Khan by Granita: Zamalek’s Granita is one of the city’s most beloved restaurant-cafĂ©s, and it has steadfastly held onto that honor for years
 until its sister gave it a run for its money. Located by the lake in Al Azhar Park, Al Khan whisks you back to medieval times with its arabesque aesthetic and front-and-center view of the citadel. While breakfast with a view would be a fine choice, it’s at night when the restaurant truly comes alive.

BEST FOR-Dinner.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Al Khan by Granita is located in Al Azhar Park, Cairo.

#4- Otto: One could argue that you can’t have a proper al fresco experience without Italian food. Whether you’re craving Cacio e Pepe served from a giant cheese roll, looking to snack on some blueberry risotto, or simply find yourself in need of a Neopolitana, Otto has it all — served up under a gorgeous verdant veranda reminiscent of a loving nonna’s home.

BEST FOR-Lunch.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Otto at New Cairo’s Garden 8. Reservations can be made through their website.

#5- The Smokery: Whether you’re in Heliopolis, New Cairo, or reside west of the capital, The Smokery is always ready to serve. For almost 14 years now, this Cairene culinary hotspot has been dishing out a one-of-a-kind experience. With an international menu brimming with Mediterranean fusion dishes, the food is rivalled only by the outdoor dining experience.

BEST FOR-Lunch and dinner.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find The Smokery at Katameya Heights, Palm Hills, Heliopolis, and in El Gouna.

#6- El Mohammady: Nothing says “national holiday” quite like kabab and kofta by the Nile. With a vast outdoor seating area, the Mansoura-born Egyptian grill house offers quite the non-traditional traditionalexperience. Be careful not to over-order though — portions can be pretty generous.

BEST FOR- Lunch.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You’ll find El Mohammady on the Nile Corniche in Maadi.

#7- Tenaya: A true riverside dining escape worth visiting for the view alone. The menu features all sorts of international staples and beloved Egyptian classics, and dishes that blur the line between both — you’ll find everything from baked camembert skillet to mahshi kromb. You can find our full review here.

BEST FOR- Dinner.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Tenaya is located near the Maadi Sporting & Nile Club on the Corniche.

For coffee, cake, and the spring breeze

#1- Dainties: Cool, calm, and quiet, this specialty coffee house is where to go with a book, a journal, and a friend to enjoy some peaceful quality time. Besides coffee, the New Cairo spot serves up all sorts of breakfast classics, sammies, healthy bowls, and salads.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Dainties at New Cairo’s Stella.

#2- Cake CafĂ©: Located in New Cairo with an outdoor seating area enshrouded in greenery, this cafe is where to go when you’re looking to have some coffee, a nice conversation, and some really good cake. Our favorite slice? Definitely the cherry vanilla.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find it at Swan Lake Katameya.

#3- Garden Promenade CafĂ©: Why not do what European royalty once did? At the Cairo Marriott Hotel’s Garden Promenade CafĂ©, you’ll be surrounded by intricate arabesque gates, marble statues, and the lovely Zamalek breeze.

#4- KMT House: Akin to a picnic experience — with none of the prep — KMT serves up its coffee and international cuisine staples outdoors, surrounded by trees, ponds, and — if you stick around — a great sunset ambiance. Curious to find out more about the Maadi haven? Check out our review here.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You’ll find KMT House on Street 15, Maadi.

Honorable mentions

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