🍽️ If there’s anything all Egyptians can agree on, it’s that we are a stomach-first people. From the late-night koshary plate in Downtown Cairo to the early morning croissandwich from Maadi’s many bakeries, there’s always something to treat yourself to — and always room for dessert. Getting hungry? Our favorite 2025 bites might be of inspiration to you.

Our favorite dine-in destinations

Here are some of our favorite places of the year — selected for ambiance, experience, and flavor.

#1- Evermore: One of U Venues’ most popular spots, Evermore came as quite the surprise. From brisket pastas to burgers swimming in truffle sauce (a must-try), Evermore proved a worthy contender in the 2025 culinary scene, and one we hope to see expand further in 2026.

#2- Tenaya: A love letter to Nile-side dining, Tenaya is one of the most beautiful eateries we visited in 2025 — a place that achieves culinary excellence while maintaining the warmth and comfort that makes dining truly memorable. Set on the banks of the Nile amidst drifting feluccas and gentle breezes, serial restaurateur Frank Heinen’s latest project serves up a curated menu of dishes drawing from different cuisines, from baked camembert to sharkasiyya. You’ll come for the Nile views and the reputation, but you’ll keep coming back for everything else.

#3- Mazeej Balad: Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something… delicious? Right in the heart of Downtown Cairo, Mazeej Balad, the rooftop restaurant at the newly-opened Mazeej boutique hotel brings the best of both worlds under one proverbial roof. Presenting a selection of familiar Egyptian classics envisioned through a global culinary lens, you’ll find truffle cheese tomato dips, lamb shanks with vermicelli, koshari arancini and all sorts of Egyptian favorites with a twist. The cherry on top? The stylish decor and the gorgeous view of Downtown Cairo, enjoyed best on quiet weekend mornings.

#4- Hara Hachi Bu: A restaurant that doesn’t want you getting full? Stay with us. Having recently opened in New Cairo’s District 5, Hara Hachi Bu presents an interesting culinary philosophy: eat till you’re only 80% full. All about mindful eating practices, this newly-minted Japanese hotspot sets itself apart through only the freshest ingredients and just the right portions.

Our favorite takeout spots

Crashed out on the couch but still craving a hearty meal? We’ve had many such nights, and naturally tried all that Egyptian delivery apps had to offer. Among our favorites:

#1- Mayyal Mayyal: Miss the ‘80s? Well, unfortunately time travel pods aren’t a thing yet, so a taste of the past will have to do. Inspired by Amr Diab’s ‘80s hit of the same name, Maadi’s newest Egyptian street food spot Mayyal Mayyal reeled us in with charcoal grilled goodness and a menu that’s straight to the point — it’s either kofta, hawawshi, or shish.

#2- Bosnian Kitchen: Visa denied? No problem, you can still get a taste of Bosnia here in New Cairo. The Bosnian Kitchen only offers two dishes: Bosnian kebab and a Bosnian-style burger. Both quickly managed to make it onto our list of favorite bites of 2025, if not ever. If a hawawshi, a burger, and a shawarma had a culinary baby, it’d be a Bosnian burger — in other words, you won’t want to miss out.

#3- Gogi: Asian fusion restaurants are a dime a dozen, but Gogi still managed to stand out. With an extensive menu built for sharing, Gogi is all about variety and flavor. We’d recommend going for the vegetable kimbap, the tteokbokki, and the beef bulgogi. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

#4- Il Forno: What immediately sets this pizza joint apart is their commitment to doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering an endless menu of mediocre options. Every option on Il Forno’s menu feels purposeful, curated by someone who understands flavor and genuinely loves pizza, which suddenly stops feeling like junk food and starts feeling like a genuine culinary experience. It’s one fault: you’ll have to pick it up yourself.

Get the worm

Are you an early bird? Can’t relate, but these breakfast spots are sure to make your morning.

#1- Hummus & Go: Craving a familiar breakfast and a new experience? Korba’s Hummus& Go offers a number of Palestinian sandwiches from falafel to foul, like you’ve never had before. All about on-the-go Palestinian classics, the Korba joint, famed for its annual Ramadan suhoor specials, offers breakfast and all day items including — but certainly not limited to — Palestinian kebab shakshouka, fatta makdous, musahab meals, and crispy “intifada” sandwiches.

#2- Duchess: Woke up at 3pm but still craving the most important meal of the day? Duchess will treat you to a royal breakfast experience at any hour. You can choose between a plethora of breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, creative savory breakfast specials, and a selection of sweet breakfast dishes. Friendly tip: don’t miss out on the corn ribs and the bacon butty sandwich.

#3- Bakery Khan: Want to choose your own adventure? When it comes to customizable sammies, there aren’t that many players claiming the game, but Bakery Khan is one. The bakery has a seemingly infinite supply of croissants, pâtés, mana’eech, cinnamon rolls, donuts, danishes, muffins, and other goodies — the sort you find yourself inclined to bring with you on your way to a Friday afternoon gathering. The bakery’s crowning jewel, however? Their sandwiches — and the endless possibilities that come with them.

#4- Mosaique: Offering a stunning view of El Korba, the recently-opened Mosaique is where to go when you’re on the hunt for a cup of coffee, a delicious breakfast, and a slow morning. The restaurant offers a selection of classic Egyptian breakfast dishes with a modernist twist. The breakfast menu leaves no egg unturned, with oriental options, benedicts, and omelets — as well as trays meant for group sharing.

Sweet treats

Dessert proves that the best should always be left for last. Here are a few of our favorite sweet spots:

#1- Weirdough: Cookies, coffee? How about both? Having recently opened their first brick-and-mortar café, Weirdough delivered on all fronts this year. It’s not often you find an establishment with enough diverse flavors of one product to satisfy every craving — but Weirdough has pulled it off. Our cookie of choice: the whipped coffee.

#2- Läderach: Earlier this summer, iconic Swiss chocolatier Läderach opened its doors in Egypt, and given the crowds, hasn’t been able to close them since. We tried a few of their bestsellers, and we can confidently say this: not a single miss on the menu. Our top pick? The FrischSchoggi almond blond — where caramelized white chocolate meets roasted California almonds in a slab that tastes like brown butter and toasted nuts had a Swiss-born love child.

#3- Kroissant: Life’s better with croissants, in croissants, on croissants… you get the point. Reimagining the pastry in ways hitherto unimaginable, Kroissant serves up croissant burgers, croissant benedicts, and croissant everything. You’ll be going back for seconds, but we’d suggest wearing stretchy pants.

#4- Four Seeds: It’s simple: no sugar, no flour, no dairy — and yet, nothing on the menu compromises on taste. Could be magic, could be mastery, but it’s definitely heavenly. Oats, quinoa, flax, and chia — at Four Seeds, the entire menu is crafted using these main ingredients. Sugar is replaced by stevia, carbs are strictly monitored, and gluten is banned from entry. The menu boasts a variety of cakes, cookies, tarts, and a long list of savory keto breads and pastas.

Honorable mentions

• Jimmy’s Pizzeria (Italian);
• Salon Caracas (Lebanese);
• Almeria (Mediterranean);
• Seekh Mashwy (Egyptian);
• Nişantaşi (Turkish);
• Gyoza (Asian).