7 Best Sushi & Japanese Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt

Local's Guide To Egypt
1 day ago
4 min read

It’s not news to anyone that sushi and other Japanese cuisine have taken the world by storm in the past few decades, and Cairo, Egypt is no different. Sure, it took us Egyptians a minute to warm up to it when we were first introduced, but fast forward to present day and sushi restaurants are a dime a dozen here in Cairo.

Two of the biggest sushi restaurant chains here in Egypt are Mori Sushi and Garnell, which is where most locals get their sushi, but in our humble opinion it’s not the best. The highest quality, most enjoyable Japanese cuisine in the city isn’t at a chain restaurant, but usually way smaller establishments with actual Japanese chefs and authentic ingredients.

Local tip: because you get what you pay for, most of the restaurants on this list aren’t cheap – but you’ll be getting your money’s worth at least.

Makino

Location: Zamalek

Tucked away into the side of the Hilton Zamalek, hidden from sight unless you’re looking for it, is Makino. Makino is very well-known with Japanese expats living in Cairo, but remains a hidden gem to Egyptian locals and tourists. Their kitchen is staffed by Japanese chefs who not only serve up authentic sushi, sashimi, makimono and daily bento, but also udon, ramen and curry katsu. Alcohol is served.

Local tip: They’re open daily from noon to 11 pm, but close for an hour every day from 4-5 pm.

For the menu and more info: Makino

Reif Kushiyaki

Location: New Cairo

Reif Kushiyaki is a restaurant famous for its "unconventional Japanese street food" in Dubai, and it opened its first Egyptian branch in 5A by Waterway in New Cairo (read more: 7 Best Restaurants in 5A). It’s named after Reif Othman (owner and celebrity chef of the Dubai branch) and kushiyaki, which is grilled meat on skewers.

They have indoor and outdoor seating and their menu is a fun mix of appetizers, gyoza, sandos, different kushi skewers, makimono, yakisoba, claypot rice bowls and other Japanese street food faves. Alcohol served and reservations recommended for the weekend.

For the menu and more info: Reif Kushiyaki

Sapporo

Location: Dokki

Sapporo has been the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino’s most famous restaurant for decades. And they were so well known for their teppanyaki, that when we were much younger, we actually thought the restaurant’s name was ‘Teppanyaki’! We were young and dumb, what can we say. Fast forward 20 years later, and you can still order excellent teppanyaki at Sapporo (either a set menu or a la carte) for dinner AND a show. They also have a large variety of sushi, which you can order either in ‘combinations’ or by piece. Alcohol served.

For the menu and more info: Sapporo

L’Asiatique

Location: Zamalek

Similar to Sapporo above, any restaurant that can stand the test of time for decades and still be loved is truly a testament that they’re one of the best in the game. The award-winning L’Asiatique on the Le Pacha 1901 Nile boat in Zamalek has been serving sushi and other Far Eastern dishes for over 20 years. The restaurant is calm with lanterns and low Japanese tables, and kids aren’t allowed after 7 pm. Alcohol served.

For the menu and more info: Le Pacha 1901

Kazoku

Location: New Cairo

Kazoku, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, is a firm favorite when it comes to sushi in Cairo. Their menu doesn’t start and end with sushi though - their menu features everything from sea scallop nori tacos to salmon steak in a wasabi beurre blanc to slow-cooked glazed short ribs in teriyaki sauce.

With both indoor and outdoor seating, Kazoku works as a fine-dining lunch spot during the day (they open at 2 pm) and a dinner & drinks venue at night (they have a full bar). Reservations recommended.

For the menu and more info: Kazoku

Shogun

Location: Nasr City

You can find Shogun at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel, but it’s also accessible through the City Stars Mall. This long-time favorite has a quiet and soothing atmosphere, complete with a fish tank in the middle of the restaurant for even more zen vibes. They have separate teppanyaki and yakitori menus, and their a la carte menu has izakaya style tapas, don, soba, udon and of course their signature sushi rolls and sashimi. Alcohol served.

For the menu and more info: Shogun

Sushimi By K

Locations: New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed

If you don’t want to spend hotel or fine dining prices, but are tired of all the mediocre casual sushi restaurants Cairo has to offer (and there are many), then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Sushimi by K. What started as a small sushi catering business quickly grew in popularity to an actual brick and mortar restaurant in New Cairo, with its second branch in Park St.

Sushimi by K prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, including non-frozen salmon and bluefin tuna. Their sushi menu is massive, alongside a few Japanese main courses for anyone in your group who isn’t on the sushi train.

For the menu and more info: Sushimi by K