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.
1. Osten Coffee Bar
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
2. COVA
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
3. Auntie Loulou
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
4. Pottery Cafe
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
5. Costa Coffee
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
6. Cafe Frais
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
7. Cake Cafe
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
8. Bokharest Black Cafe
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
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
10. Sufi Bookstore
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
11. ORIGO Café
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
12. Holm Café
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
Explore the cosmopolitan side of Cairo
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.