One of the greatest existential questions of all time: why dine indoors when you can dine outdoors? Well, for most places, that is – Cairo is a tad different and the reasons for staying indoors are numerous: the heat, the noise, crowds. You get the idea.
But what about when the weather is nice? Nights in Cairo weather-wise are always pleasant, and what if we could guarantee you’d be away from the noise and the crowds of Cairo streets?
So just for you, because you asked nicely, we put together a list of our very favorite open-air restaurants where you can enjoy a breeze, eat and drink well, and kick back and relax.
Read more: 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Cairo
Read more: 7 Best Restaurants with Pyramid Views
The Smokery
Location: New Cairo
Overlooking the green expanse of the golf course in Katameya Heights, The Smokery is hard to beat when it comes to open-air dinner and drinks with a view in New Cairo.
They serve a variety of upscale international dishes, with everything from sliders to seabass quinoa to sushi. The Smokery in Palm Hills (6 October) is an equally ideal destination if you’re looking to enjoy a breeze and some greenery but on the west side of town.
For reservations and more info: The Smokery’s FB.
2. Villa Belle Epoque
Location: Maadi
This converted villa-turned-boutique hotel is hidden down one of Maadi’s little leafy streets, making it the perfect spot for when you want to eat or drink alfresco but still in relative privacy. Villa Belle Epoque’s restaurant serves its meals next to their small pool, surrounded by trees and flowers.
For reservations and more info: Villa Belle Epoque’s FB.
3. Crimson
Location: Zamalek
Crimson is an open-air rooftop restaurant and bar in Zamalek and has some of the best Nile views in the city. It's a great spot to go get dinner and drinks, or just a beer or cocktail at the bar. Their cocktail list is impressive, but warning - they're expensive!
Their food is good as well, landing them also on our list of best Cairo restaurants for locals and tourists alike.
For reservations and more info: Crimson’s FB.
Read more: 7 Best Bars, Pubs & Restobars in Zamalek
4. 139 Pavilion
Location: Pyramids
This open-air restaurant in the iconic Marriott Mena House hotel is a breath of fresh air from the crowds and bustle of Giza. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner fountain-side, surrounded by flowers and greenery and, you know, THE PYRAMIDS. What a view!
There’s an a la carte menu, but also the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet. At night you lose some of the Pyramids view because they’re not always lit up, but there’s something peaceful and serene in the darkness.
For reservation and more info: Marriott Mena House website.
5. Cafelluca
Location: the middle of the Nile lol
It doesn’t get much more open-air than a felucca in the middle of the Nile! Cafelluca is a set menu ‘restaurant’ that you can book for breakfast, lunch or dinner while sailing down the Nile. It takes a minimum of six people (special rates are also offered if you want to do a romantic one-on-one dinner instead), and they have pick-up branches in Maadi, Zamalek, Dokki, Four Seasons First Residence and Mamsha Ahl Misr.
For their menu, prices and to book: Cafelluca website.
6. Andrea Mariouteya
Location: 6 October City
On the west side of the city and looking for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner? Then Andrea Mariouteya is one of the best. Besides the fact that their position high up on the New Giza plateau gives you great city views, but Andrea Mariouteya has been serving up some of our favorite grilled chicken and meat for decades now (you can read more at Vintage Cairo: 17 Oldest Restaurants, Bars & Cafes in the City).
For reservations and more info: Andrea Mariouteya’s FB.
7. Kebabgy Oriental Grill
Location: Zamalek
Another great grill restaurant, but this time Nile-side. Kebabgy is on the outdoor terrace of the Sofitel Gezirah (one of our favorite hotels in Cairo), and has been a staunch favorite since 1985 - back when the Sofitel used to be the Sheraton! And make sure to try their fresh baladi bread that’s baked in a clay oven right on spot.
Local tip: on weekend nights they have a live ‘takht’ performance (a Middle Eastern instrumental ensemble) from 6 pm to 10 pm.
For reservations and more info: Sofitel Gezirah’s website.
You may also like: 7 Best Nile View Restaurants in Cairo