The 10 Oldest Restaurants and Cafes in Cairo: An Exploration of Egypt’s Culinary History

Cairo, a city at the heart of civilization for thousands of years, offers much more than its ancient pyramids and bustling souks. Among its many treasures are some of the oldest and most iconic restaurants and cafes that have survived wars, revolutions, and the ever-changing culinary landscape. These establishments are not just places to eat; they are steeped in history and serve as windows into Cairo’s vibrant cultural and social life.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the 10 oldest restaurants and cafes in Cairo, where you can enjoy delicious food while soaking in the rich history surrounding you.

1. Café Riche

Established: 1908
Location: Downtown Cairo
Famous For Egyptian and French cuisine, intellectual gatherings

Overview:

Café Riche is one of Cairo’s most iconic and historically significant cafes. Opened in 1908, it has been a hub for intellectuals, revolutionaries, and artists. Located in the heart of Downtown Cairo, Café Riche has witnessed many significant events in Egyptian history, including serving as a meeting place for leaders during the 1919 Revolution against British rule.

The café’s interior retains its early 20th-century charm, with wooden tables, vintage mirrors, and dim lighting that give it a nostalgic ambiance. Café Riche serves both Egyptian and French cuisine, with its Egyptian dishes like kosher and French staples like croissants being particularly popular.

Historical Significance:

Café Riche was a popular hangout for notable figures like Naguib Mahfouz, Egypt’s Nobel Prize-winning author. It has long been a meeting place for writers, poets, and politicians. Its role in Egyptian history, particularly during the revolution, makes it one of the most famous cafes in the city.

2. El-Fishawi Café

Established: 1773
Location: Khan El Khalili, Islamic Cairo
Famous For: Egyptian tea, shisha, traditional ambiance

Overview:

Tucked away in the winding alleys of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, El-Fishawi Café is perhaps Cairo’s oldest and most famous coffeehouse. Established in 1773, this traditional café has served locals and tourists for centuries. Known for its Egyptian tea and shisha (water pipes), El-Fishawi has preserved its historic atmosphere with low wooden tables, colorful cushions, and walls adorned with antique mirrors.

The café operates 24/7, making it a perfect spot for visitors to unwind after shopping or sightseeing in the bustling bazaar. Its prime location in Islamic Cairo and its historic charm have made it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Egyptian culture.

Historical Significance:

Over the years, El-Fishawi has been frequented by many famous personalities, including the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, who used to sit here and observe life in Cairo. Its history spans two centuries, making it a living relic of Cairo’s social and cultural fabric.

3. Groppi

Established: 1909
Location: Talaat Harb Square, Downtown Cairo
Famous For: Pastries, ice cream, Swiss chocolate

Overview:

Groppi is synonymous with elegance and luxury in Cairo’s dining scene. Established in 1909 by a Swiss chocolatier, Giovanni Groppi, this café and patisserie brought a touch of European sophistication to Downtown Cairo. Known for its exquisite pastries, ice cream, and Swiss chocolate, Groppi became the go-to spot for Cairo’s elite during the early 20th century.

Groppi’s interior retains much of its original charm, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and large windows overlooking the bustling Talaat Harb Square. While it has seen better days, the café remains integral to Cairo’s culinary history.

Historical Significance:

Groppi became a favorite spot for British officers and aristocrats during the British occupation of Egypt. It was also a popular meeting place for socialites and foreign diplomats. Despite the passage of time, Groppi remains an enduring symbol of Cairo’s colonial past and its cosmopolitan culture.

4. Felfela

Established: 1959
Location: Downtown Cairo
Famous For: Egyptian street food, falafel, kosher

Overview:

Since its opening in 1959, Felfela has served classic Egyptian street food in a more refined, sit-down setting. Located in the heart of Downtown Cairo, Felfela offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, including falafel, foul medames (fava beans), and kosher. The restaurant’s quirky, jungle-like interior, with plants and fountains, creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other eateries.

Felfela is a popular spot for locals and tourists looking for authentic Egyptian food in a casual yet comfortable setting. The restaurant also has a takeout section, where customers can grab a quick falafel sandwich or shawarma.

Historical Significance:

Felfela’s decades-long success has made it a staple of Cairo’s culinary scene. Its longevity is a testament to the quality of its food and the affection that locals and visitors alike have for this beloved restaurant.

5. Abou El Sid

Established: Early 2000s (Traditional Roots)
Location: Zamalek
Famous For: Traditional Egyptian cuisine, molokhia, Maharshi

Overview:

While Abou El Sid is a relatively recent addition to Cairo’s restaurant scene, it draws on the city’s rich culinary traditions to offer a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Located in Zamalek, Abou El Sid serves a menu of traditional Egyptian dishes, including molokhia (jute soup), mahshi (stuffed vegetables), and feteer (Egyptian pies). The restaurant’s décor, with its vintage Arabic posters, chandeliers, and ornate furniture, transports diners to a bygone era.

Historical Significance:

Abou El Sid’s homage to traditional Egyptian cooking, coupled with its nostalgic interior, has made it a favorite for those looking to experience the flavors of old Cairo. The restaurant’s success has led to the opening of several branches across Egypt, but the Zamalek location remains the most iconic.

6. Alfi Bey

Established: 1938
Location: Alfi Street, Downtown Cairo
Famous For: Egyptian and Levantine dishes

Overview:

Established in 1938, Alfi Bey is another historic restaurant in Downtown Cairo known for its traditional Egyptian and Levantine dishes. The restaurant exudes old-world charm with its white tablecloths, wood-paneled walls, and servers dressed in tuxedos. Alfi Bey’s menu features various dishes, including grilled meats, shawarma, and mezza platters.

Historical Significance:

Alfi Bey has been a popular dining destination for nearly a century, attracting politicians, business people, and tourists alike. Its longevity and commitment to quality have made it one of the most respected restaurants in Cairo.

7. El Abd Bakery

Established: 1970
Location: Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo
Famous For: Traditional Egyptian baked goods, fetter, kahk

Overview:

El Abd Bakery is a beloved Cairo institution known for its delicious Egyptian baked goods. Established in 1970, it has been a staple of Talaat Harb Street for decades. It offers various sweets and pastries, including feeders, kahk (Egyptian cookies), and baklava. El Abd is especially popular during the holidays when locals flock to the bakery to purchase traditional sweets for family gatherings.

Historical Significance:

El Abd Bakery’s commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients has earned it a loyal following. Its enduring presence in Downtown Cairo makes it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience authentic Egyptian baked goods.

8. Kasr El-Shouk

Established: 1920s
Location: Heliopolis
Famous For: Grilled meats, Egyptian classics

Overview:

Located in the elegant neighborhood of Heliopolis, Kasr El-Shouk is a historic restaurant that has been serving traditional Egyptian cuisine since the 1920s. Known for its grilled meats and Egyptian classics, the restaurant has a loyal clientele that appreciates its old-school charm and consistently good food. The interior, with its wooden furnishings and vintage décor, adds to the restaurant’s nostalgic appeal.

Historical Significance:

Kasr El-Shouk has been a fixture in Heliopolis for nearly a century, and its commitment to preserving traditional Egyptian recipes has made it a beloved institution in the area.

9. Naguib Mahfouz Café

Established: 1989
Location: Khan El Khalili, Islamic Cairo
Famous For: Egyptian and Levantine cuisine, coffee, tea

Overview:

Named after Egypt’s Nobel laureate, Naguib Mahfouz Café is a relatively recent addition to Cairo’s café scene. Still, its location in the heart of the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar and its homage to traditional Egyptian culture make it a must-visit. The café serves various Egyptian and Levantine dishes, coffee, tea, and shisha.

Historical Significance:

Though not as old as some other establishments on this list, Naguib Mahfouz Café pays tribute to one of Egypt’s most famous literary figures. Its location in Islamic Cairo and traditional ambiance make it a fitting place to experience the city’s cultural richness.

10. El Horreya Café

Established: 1930s
Location: Bab El Louk, Downtown Cairo
Famous For: Beer, coffee, political discussions

Overview:

Since the 1930s, El Horreya Café has been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and political activists. Located in Bab El Louk, this simple, no-frills café is known for its relaxed atmosphere, cheap beer, and lively political discussions. The café’s name, “El Horreya,” means “freedom,” it has long been a place where people from all walks of life come to exchange ideas and debate the issues of the day.

Historical Significance:

El Horreya’s connection to Egypt’s intellectual and political history makes it one of the most essential cafes in Cairo. Despite its humble appearance, the café has significantly shaped the country’s modern cultural landscape.