12 Best Cafes in Zamalek, Cairo

Melanie
Contributing Writer
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cafes in zamalek

The affluent neighborhood of Zamalek in western Cairo rests on the northern part of Gezira Island on the Nile. Bordering the Nile River, the upscale neighborhood provides a startling contrast to the rest of Egypt. The area is a cultural hotspot - in fact, the neighborhood houses more foreign embassies compared to any other area in Cairo. As such, you can expect a unique blend of sights and flavors to delight visitors who want to enjoy the cosmopolitan side of the city. For accommodation, you will find plenty of hotels with pyramid views in Cairo that ensure a comfy stay. You can also book any of the several unique Airbnbs to stay in Cairo for a home-away-from-home experience. In the meantime, if you’re looking to try out the food and drink in the area, scroll down to learn more about the best cafes in Zamalek, Cairo.

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1. Osten Coffee Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This cozy place in Zamalek has a menu that is a true delight, featuring a wide range of specialty coffee drinks, from classic espressos and cappuccinos to more exotic options such as Turkish coffee and hot cider. Their frappe options are salted caramel, vanilla, and chocolate. Espresso shakes are also on the menu.

Complementing their coffee offerings is a delectable food menu that boasts a variety of dishes, including smoked salmon croissants, roast beef and cheddar sandwiches, and other hearty grubs such as Greek salad.

Osten Coffee Bar

Address: 23 Hassan Assem, St, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 11724, Egypt

Website: Osten Coffee Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 7am - 12am; Fri: 8am - 12am; Sun: 7am - 11:30pm

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2. COVA

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

COVA is a charming coffee shop in Zamalek that boasts a diverse menu to delight both coffee enthusiasts and food lovers. Their coffee selection is a true testament to their commitment to quality, offering an array of specialty coffee options such as Spanish latte, French roast, and flat white.

They also have unique iced drinks, including mojito and power berry, if you’re feeling adventurous. On a hot day, beat the heat with Maltesers frappe, Snickers frappe, or smoothies such as lemon mint and watermelon.

COVA

Address: 14 Taha Hussein, Abu Al Feda, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4271150, Egypt

Website: COVA

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7am - 12:30am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12:30am

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3. Auntie Loulou

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Auntie Loulou on Thursday, April 15, 2021

Auntie Loulou is a cafe, a dessert shop, and a breakfast restaurant rolled into one. Those who feel homesick or have a hankering for food such as waffles, sweet and savory crepes, and French toast can head to this cafe and restaurant in Zamalek to enjoy these. Fruity shakes and juices can be enjoyed here, perfect for the warm weather. The establishment is filled with homey decor to complete its cozy vibe. Diners have the option of eating indoors or outdoors. WiFi here is decent, considering that it’s for free.

Auntie Loulou

Address: 11 Ahmed Heshmat Street, Zamalek

Website: Auntie Loulou

Opening Hours: 8 am - 11 pm

Price Range: 5-8 USD

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4. Pottery Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Pottery’s juicy,grilled steaks are only made better with your favorite sauce drizzled on top. What’s your go to steak sauce?

Posted by Pottery Cafe on Monday, February 15, 2021

Otherwise known as Borg Om Kalthoum, Pottery Cafe is an outdoor establishment that offers something for everyone. Savory dishes such as steak, pasta, and seafood are served here. Vegetable-based dishes are also available for the health-conscious. Desserts such as apple pie, cheesecake, and crepes are served here as well. Coffees, teas, fruit juices and shakes, and other beverages are here if you need to quench your thirst. Pottery Cafe also has a diverse shisha menu.

Pottery Cafe

Address: 5 Abou El Feda, Abu Al Feda, Zamalek, Cairo

Website: Pottery Cafe

Opening Hours: 10 am - 2 am

Price Range: 7-12 USD

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5. Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee's Cappuccino
Source: Photo by Flickr user Darla دارلا Hueske used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you want to get your caffeine from somewhere tried and tested, head over to Costa Coffee in Zamalek, where you can expect to enjoy the same flavor and service that you’ve come to know and love from the cafe chain. The flat white is one of the must-tries here. Seats are comfortable, which helps in making guests enjoy their coffee experience.

Costa Coffee

Address: 15 El Maraashly St., Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook page: Costa Coffee

Opening Hours: 7 am - 2 am

Price Range: 3-6 USD

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6. Cafe Frais

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The best choice in the winter " Our specialty Lebanese MEZZE dishes from the Levant with " enjoy your time at cafe frais

Posted by Cafe Frais on Tuesday, December 17, 2013

If you like enjoying good views as much as you do sipping a cup of joe, Cafe Frais is the best place for you. Located right in the Novotel Hotel, this rooftop cafe overlooks the Nile River. Those who are heat-sensitive might want to avoid going here during the hot summer days because it does not have an indoor dining area. Besides the caffeinated drinks, the menu also includes fruit juices, sandwiches, salads, seafood, burgers, pizza, and the like.

Cafe Frais

Address: 3 Saraya El Gezira street Zamalek, Cairo

Website: Cafe Frais

Opening Hours: 9 am - 12:30 am

Price Range: 6-12 USD

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7. Cake Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


There is a reason why Cake Cafe is consistently recognized as one of the best cafes in Zamalek, and it’s not just because everybody loves cake. The small but cozy cafe features indoor and outdoor dining areas. While it offers savory dishes such as omelets, eggs, and soups, as well as a variety of soups and sandwiches, the stars of the show remain their cakes, which include vegan and gluten-free options. You can also order custom-made cakes if you wish.

Cake Cafe

Address: 14 El Gezira Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook Page: Cake Cafe

Opening Hours: 8 am - 12 am

Price Range: 6-12 USD

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8. Bokharest Black Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bokharest and love are alike, you can never get enough of both. بوخاريست مش مكان تقضّي فيه وقت ويتنسي، بوخاريست هو...

Posted by Bokharest BLACK cafe on Thursday, May 20, 2021

Bokharest Black Cafe is a good option regardless of whether you’re just looking for a place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a full meal. Besides the caffeinated and ice drinks, as well as fruit juices, the establishment also offers chicken and beef dishes, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts. The cafe also has a shisha menu.

Bokharest Black Cafe

Address: 26 July Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook Page: Bokharest Black Cafe

Opening Hours: 12 - 12

Price Range: 6-12 USD

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9. FIKA

Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.

FIKA is a Swedish cafe chain, and its branch in the city, while relatively new, has already come to be recognized as one of the best cafes in Zamalek. Its high ceiling and glass walls provide a touch of class to the establishment, while its menu showcases their unique take on classic dishes. High-speed WiFi is available on site. This, as well as its relatively quiet atmosphere, makes this a good choice for those who need a place to work or otherwise enjoy a few moments of silence enjoying their breakfast.

FIKA

Address: 6 Bahgat Ali Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook Page: FIKA

Opening Hours: 7 am - 12 am

Price Range: 5-8 USD

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10. Sufi Bookstore

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Sufi Bookstore on Friday, December 9, 2016

You might find it strange to find a book shop on the list, but not if you know what Sufi Bookstore has to offer. Patrons can take their pick from the number of products offered in this establishment, which ranges from books, drinks, food, and even artworks and souvenirs. If you’re in luck, you can even catch a musical performance here during your visit. If you’re looking to spend some time in a unique place filled with character, this should be put at the top of the list.

Sufi Bookstore

Address: 12 Sayed El Bakry Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook Page: Sufi Bookstore

Opening Hours: 11 am - 3 am

Price Range: 3-6 USD

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11. ORIGO Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

لو دايس فى المشويات يبقى لازم تجرب وجبة الميكس جريل البيقدمه #اوريجو و ال بيتكون من ارز و كفتة و ربع دجاج مسحب و شيش...

Posted by ORIGO on Monday, April 19, 2021

If you’re a fan of artisanal coffee, this might be the place for you. Caffeinated beverages are expertly made by the baristas. Besides the great coffee, the establishment also offers smoothies, salads, and pastries. To cap it off, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the items on their menu.

ORIGO Café

Address: 2 Taha Hussein Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Website: ORIGO Café

Opening Hours: 10 am - 11 pm

Price Range: 6-9 USD

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12. Holm Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


It’s hard to identify what makes Holm Café worth visiting: its good food and drinks or its cozy yet gorgeous surroundings. Styling itself as a potluck cafe, the establishment is decorated with beautiful artworks. There is also a spot here where you can literally kick back and relax. Be aware that most of the offerings of the establishment are beverages.

Holm Café

Address: 2 Taha Hussein Street, Zamalek, Cairo

Facebook Page: Holm Café

Opening Hours: 10 am - 11 pm

Price Range: 1-3 USD

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Explore the cosmopolitan side of Cairo

Cappuccino Chiang Mai
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As one of, if not the most cosmopolitan city in Cairo, Zamalek will make the average person’s head whirl because of the ever-changing commercial establishments in the area. Instead of trying out new cafes that may leave you disappointed, go instead for one of the established places where you know you can enjoy good food and drinks. Please your palate by using this list as a guide in choosing where to head to during your outing in Zamalek.

Frequently asked questions about cafes in Zamalek


  • Which cafes in Zamalek have cheap rates?

    If you are looking to explore some of the affordable cafes in Zamalek during a stay in this upscale neighborhood of Cairo, you can visit Auntie Loulou, Pottery Cafe, Costa Coffee, or Cafe Frais.

  • Which cafes in Zamalek offer a great view?

    If you are keen on hanging out in one of the cafes in Zamalek that offer great views of its scenic surroundings alongside delectable fare, you can visit Cafe Frais.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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