It seems like everywhere you turn in New Cairo, there’s a new commercial center with a slew of different restaurants, cafes and bars opening up. And considering how many people now live and work in New Cairo, that’s a good thing in our opinion! 5A by The Waterway is one of the biggest and most well-known commercial centers, so it begs the question – which of its many restaurants and cafes should we go to?
In no particular order, here are our local favorites at 5A:
Babel
There’s no other restaurant in Cairo with the same striking interior design that Babel has – from its dramatic pendant lighting and soaring ceilings to the grand piano, Babel’s ambience immediately elevates your lunch or dinner experience. It’s a Lebanese restaurant with a handful of locations around the Middle East, and its 5A branch in Cairo has been impressing diners since its opening.Â
They also serve shisha and alcohol, keeping in theme with the Lebanese experience. Keep in mind though that Babel is expensive and needs reservations more often than not – so not the place for a casual lunch or dinner.
Esca Terrenal
Speaking of interior design, Esca Terrenal is another beautifully and uniquely designed indoor/outdoor restaurant in 5A, with their swooping industrial arches and distinctive metallic bar. This fine dining restaurant serves an eclectic Mediterranean menu as well as sushi and an extensive drinks menu, same as its flagship restaurant in Heliopolis.
Keep in mind that on weekends there’s a DJ in the later evening and the music gets significantly louder, so that’s the ideal time for some drinks and fun, but those who want a quiet meal should aim to go earlier. Reservations usually needed.
Reif Kushiyaki
Reif Kushiyaki is a restaurant famous for its "unconventional Japanese street food" in Dubai, and it opened its first Egyptian branch in 5A. Named after Reif Othman (owner and chef of the Dubai branch) and kushiyaki, which is grilled meat on skewers.
They have indoor and outdoor seating and their menu is a mix of sushi, skewers, ramen and other Japanese street food faves. Alcohol served.
Ahwet Zeitouna
If you’re looking for great Lebanese food with shisha or wine for lunch or dinner and want a more casual place than Babel, then Ahwet Zeitouna is your 5A destination. They’re going for the vibe and feel of a Lebanese neighborhood cafe, which is a hard ask in a New Cairo commercial center, but they pull it off pretty well with their sunny outdoor dining area.
Brown Nose
What about those who are in 5A looking for a good cup of coffee, breakfast or just a cafe to work or chill in? 5A has a few of those, but one of our favorites is Brown Nose. While we’re not sure if we’re sold on the name, the venue itself is a cozy little coffee shop with outdoor seating and a few seats indoors. They have a a large hot and cold coffee menu, as well as sandwiches, toasties, pastries and their signature ‘croffles’ – croissant waffles! Opens at 8 am.Â
Carlo’s
It seems like on almost every list we write of best restaurants here and there around Cairo, Carlo’s always features – and for good reason. It has a huge menu with something for everyone, and they’re consistently good. (Local tip: try their Egyptian baked rice). They also serve shisha and alcohol, and is always a safe choice for anything from a family lunch to a business dinner to a birthday outing with friends.Â
CAF
Looking for an early morning coffee in a peaceful sunny spot in New Cairo? CAF in 5A is open at 7 am, and they’re known for their strong and extensive coffee menu. It’s a great place to work during the day (or even at night!). They have sandwiches, salads and a bakery but are mainly known for their hot and cold brew.Â