Giza is Egypt's most iconic governorate, home to the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx — some of humanity's greatest architectural achievements. Situated on the west bank of the Nile directly opposite Cairo, Giza blends ancient wonders with a bustling modern city of nearly 9 million people. The governorate is the gateway to ancient Egyptian civilization and one of the most visited destinations on Earth.
Giza's culinary scene is anchored by rich Egyptian traditions — hearty stews, charcoal-grilled meats, legume-based dishes, and extraordinary pastries that have fed civilizations for thousands of years. The proximity to Cairo means Giza also offers excellent Lebanese, international, and Italian dining alongside authentic Egyptian classics. From humble street-side koshary vendors to Michelin-worthy restaurants with pyramid views, Giza feeds its visitors magnificently.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Giza.
Koshary
Egypt's national dish — a vegetarian mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce
Where to try: Abou Tarek, Koshari Street, any local koshary shop
Price: $1-2
Foul Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans served with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and cumin — the Egyptian national breakfast
Where to try: El Shabrawy, Felfela, any local breakfast stall
Price: $0.50-2
Hawawshi
Spiced ground beef baked inside crispy Egyptian bread — the ultimate street food sandwich
Where to try: Hawawshi Hamido, El Shabrawy, Mo'men
Price: $1-2
Kofta and Kebab
Charcoal-grilled minced beef and lamb skewers served with bread, salads, and tahini
Where to try: Kababgy El Pyramids, Andrea El Mariouteya, any grill restaurant
Price: $5-12
Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)
Whole pigeon stuffed with rice and herbs — a distinctive Egyptian delicacy
Where to try: Tamr Henna, Giza Palace Restaurant, Felfela
Price: $6-10
Konafa
Egypt's most beloved dessert — fine vermicelli pastry filled with cream or cheese, soaked in syrup
Where to try: Konafa El-Dahan, any Egyptian pastry shop
Price: $2-4
Umm Ali
Egypt's traditional warm bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, cream, nuts, and raisins
Where to try: Om Hassan, Felfela, hotel restaurants
Price: $2-5
Fresh Sugarcane Juice
Freshly pressed green sugarcane — Egypt's most refreshing and iconic street drink
Where to try: Kazouza stalls throughout Al Haram and Giza
Price: $0.50-1
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Andrea El Mariouteya
One of Giza's most beloved restaurants, Andrea El Mariouteya has been serving legendary spit-roasted chicken in a rustic Nile-side setting since the 1970s. The sprawling outdoor dining area along the Mariouteya canal is magical at sunset, filled with local families and celebrities. Their signature dish — crispy-skinned rotisserie chicken served with bread and salads — is considered the best in Egypt.
Known for: Famous spit-roasted chicken — a Giza institution since the 1970s
60 Mariouteya Canal Road, Harrania, Giza, Egypt
Zeeyara Pyramids Elite Restaurant
Perched near the Giza Plateau with unobstructed pyramid views, Zeeyara Pyramids Elite offers an elevated Egyptian dining experience like no other. The menu features beautifully presented versions of classic Egyptian dishes — including a showstopping kofta platter, slow-cooked fatta, and fresh mezze — all enjoyed with the Great Pyramid rising dramatically in the background.
Known for: Authentic Egyptian cuisine with breathtaking direct pyramid views
Al Haram Street, near Pyramids, Giza, Egypt
Moghul Room (Marriott Mena House)
The Moghul Room inside the legendary Marriott Mena House is one of Egypt's finest restaurants — a beloved institution that has served Mughal-inspired Indian cuisine since the hotel's early days. The ornate interior with hand-painted murals, stained glass, and antique chandeliers creates an atmosphere of extraordinary opulence. The tandoor dishes and biryanis are exceptional, and the signature lamb rogan josh is renowned.
Known for: Legendary Indian restaurant in Cairo's most iconic hotel — a Giza dining institution
6 Pyramids Road, Marriott Mena House, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Alfredo Restaurant (Mena House)
The Alfredo Restaurant at Marriott Mena House occupies a gorgeous terrace and indoor space offering Italian and international cuisine with views of the hotel's lush gardens and pyramids beyond. Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an exceptional wine list complement a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Ideal for a romantic dinner with a spectacular backdrop.
Known for: Italian cuisine in a garden setting at Giza's most historic hotel
6 Pyramids Road, Marriott Mena House, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Zitouni (Four Seasons First Residence)
Zitouni at the Four Seasons First Residence is regarded as one of Cairo-Giza's finest Egyptian restaurants, serving elevated interpretations of classic Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine in a sophisticated setting with Nile views. The mezze selection is extraordinary, and the slow-cooked lamb dishes are highlights. An exceptional wine and spirits menu complements the food perfectly.
Known for: Elevated Egyptian cuisine with Nile views at the Four Seasons
35 Charles de Gaulle Street, Giza, Egypt
Felfela Restaurant
Felfela is a beloved Egyptian restaurant chain with strong roots in the Giza area, famous for authentic Egyptian street food classics served in a colorful rustic setting. The restaurant is decked out with traditional crafts, antiques, and folk art, creating an atmosphere as authentically Egyptian as the food. Foul, ta'meya (falafel), koshari, and stuffed pigeon are the standout dishes.
Known for: Classic Egyptian comfort food in a colorful folk-art decorated setting
15 Hoda Shaarawy Street, Giza, Egypt
Abou Tarek Koshary
Abou Tarek is the most famous koshary restaurant in the greater Cairo-Giza area, and a trip to Giza is incomplete without eating their iconic dish. Koshary is Egypt's ultimate comfort food — a hearty vegetarian mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce. The no-frills restaurant is always packed with locals and the koshary is made to order at remarkable speed.
Known for: Egypt's most famous koshary — the ultimate Egyptian comfort food experience
7 Champollion Street, Downtown (branch in Giza City), Egypt
Gad Restaurant
Gad is Egypt's most beloved local fast food chain, offering quick and tasty Egyptian classics at ultra-affordable prices. Found throughout Giza, Gad serves excellent foul, ta'meya, grilled meats, fresh juices, and baked goods that satisfy locals and adventurous tourists alike. The clean, bright cafeteria-style dining is accessible and the food is consistently good.
Known for: Egypt's favourite local fast food chain — authentic Egyptian street food staples
Multiple locations throughout Giza, Egypt
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Egyptian
El Shabrawy
El Shabrawy is a much-loved Egyptian sandwich and breakfast chain with a presence throughout Giza. Their pita sandwiches filled with foul, ta'meya, liver, and other Egyptian fillings are a staple for millions of Egyptians every morning. The fresh-baked bread, reasonable prices, and consistent quality make El Shabrawy a perfect introduction to Egyptian street food culture.
Known for: Egypt's most popular breakfast sandwiches — quick, cheap, and delicious
Multiple locations throughout Giza, Egypt
Pyramids Area Rooftop Restaurant
Multiple rooftop restaurants in the Nazlet El-Semman neighborhood offer spectacular pyramid views with their meals. These locally run rooftop eateries serve a mix of Egyptian staples, fresh juices, and simple international dishes. The combination of cool breezes, pyramid views, and affordable prices makes these some of the most memorable dining experiences in Giza.
Known for: Pyramid view dining — the most spectacular restaurant backdrop in the world
Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
El Dar Restaurant
El Dar is a cherished traditional Egyptian restaurant in central Giza, known for generous portions, low prices, and a genuine local atmosphere. The restaurant serves the full roster of Egyptian classics: foul, ta'meya, grilled meats, stuffed vegetables, and fresh-baked baladi bread. The communal tables and bustling atmosphere give it an authentic working-class Egyptian dining room feel.
Known for: Classic Egyptian home cooking at local prices in a bustling authentic setting
El Ahram Square, Giza, Egypt
Papyrus Restaurant Giza
Papyrus is a comfortable tourist-friendly restaurant near the pyramids offering a wide menu of Egyptian and international dishes at moderate prices. Popular with guided tour groups for its efficiency and the pre-set tour menus, it also serves à la carte to independent travelers. The views of the nearby plateau from the upper floor are a draw.
Known for: Convenient tourist-friendly dining near the pyramids with a full Egyptian menu
Pyramids Road, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Café
Named after Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz who set his novels in Islamic Cairo's alleyways, this restaurant-café offers authentic Egyptian cuisine in an evocative setting that captures the spirit of old Cairo. Though the original is in Islamic Cairo, the Giza branch maintains the same quality of mezze, grills, and oriental pastries with shisha on a comfortable terrace.
Known for: Egyptian cuisine and shisha in an atmospheric old Cairo-inspired setting
Mohandiseen District, Giza, Egypt
The View Café and Restaurant
The View Café near the Giza Plateau is exactly what the name suggests — a café and restaurant positioned for spectacular pyramid views from its outdoor terrace. Serving breakfasts, light lunches, and evening meals of mixed Egyptian and international dishes, it's equally popular for a morning coffee before the pyramids or a cold drink after a long day of sightseeing.
Known for: Unbeatable pyramid views from a comfortable outdoor café terrace
Near Giza Plateau, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Cairo Kitchen Giza
Cairo Kitchen is a beloved mid-range Egyptian restaurant chain offering excellent quality traditional cuisine in a modern, comfortable setting. The menu celebrates authentic Egyptian cooking from different regions — Alexandria-style fish, Upper Egyptian lamb dishes, Delta vegetable mezze — presented in a clean, accessible format. Popular with young Egyptians and expatriates.
Known for: Regional Egyptian cuisine from across the country in a modern setting
Mohandiseen District, Giza, Egypt
Tamr Henna Restaurant
Tamr Henna is a charming Egyptian restaurant in Giza specializing in traditional Oriental dishes and grills, with a warm, lantern-lit atmosphere that evokes old Egypt. The restaurant's specialty is grilled stuffed pigeon (hamam), a delicacy in Egyptian cuisine, as well as Alexandrian fish dishes and slow-cooked lamb. Excellent value for the quality and ambiance.
Known for: Traditional Egyptian stuffed pigeon and Oriental grills in a lantern-lit setting
Dokki District, Giza, Egypt
Café Riche Giza
Café Riche Giza is a classic Egyptian coffee house and café in the Dokki district, serving excellent Egyptian breakfasts, shisha, strong ahwa (Egyptian coffee), and light meals in a traditionally decorated setting. It captures the essence of Egyptian café culture — a place to linger over coffee, read a newspaper, and watch the world go by.
Known for: Classic Egyptian café experience with strong coffee, shisha, and morning foul
Tahrir Square area, Giza, Egypt
Giza Palace Restaurant
Giza Palace Restaurant occupies a beautifully decorated traditional Egyptian building serving authentic Egyptian cuisine in a palatial setting. The banquet-style seating, colorful zellij tilewo rk, and live oud music in the evenings create an immersive Egyptian cultural experience. Particularly popular for group dinners and special occasions.
Known for: Immersive Egyptian cultural dining experience with live music
Pyramids Road, Giza, Egypt
Koshari Street Giza
A modern take on Egypt's beloved street dish, Koshari Street is a bright, clean fast-food concept that has popularized koshary among younger generations and tourists. The menu offers koshary in various sizes with customizable toppings and heat levels, plus fresh juices and Egyptian-style desserts. An excellent first stop for visitors wanting to try Egypt's national dish in a hygienic, accessible setting.
Known for: Modern, hygienic presentation of Egypt's national dish
Mohandiseen, Giza, Egypt
International
Sequoia Restaurant
Sequoia is one of Giza's most atmospheric restaurants, dramatically positioned at the northern tip of Zamalek Island bordering Giza, offering sweeping Nile views from its open-air terrace. The menu offers a wide selection of Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes, shisha pipes, and cocktails in a relaxed but upscale setting. One of the most romantic dining venues in the greater Giza area.
Known for: Nile views and shisha in a romantic open-air setting
End of Abu El Feda Street, Zamalek/Giza border, Egypt
Spectra Giza Restaurant
Spectra is a popular multi-cuisine restaurant in Giza's residential district offering a broad international menu covering Egyptian, Italian, Asian, and American dishes under one roof. Clean, air-conditioned, and family-friendly, it caters to diverse tastes in a comfortable setting. Particularly popular for family dinners where different members have different food preferences.
Known for: Diverse international menu for groups and families with mixed tastes
Mohandiseen, Giza, Egypt
Italian
Pizza King Giza
Pizza King is a popular Egyptian pizza and fast food chain beloved by locals throughout Giza. Their thick-crust pizzas topped with Egyptian-inspired flavors like spicy kofta, halloumi, and zaatar are unique and delicious. The casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide delivery coverage make it a reliable option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Known for: Egyptian-style pizzas with local flavor toppings
Al Ahram Street, Giza, Egypt
Bella Cucina Italian Restaurant
Bella Cucina is one of Giza's best Italian restaurants, beloved by expats and locals who crave authentic Italian cooking. Run by a passionate chef with Italian training, the restaurant's homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and excellent tiramisu are highlights. The warm, intimate dining room is a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside.
Known for: Authentic Italian cooking with homemade pasta in a cozy Giza dining room
Mohandiseen, Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Coffee House
El Fishawi Coffee House
El Fishawi is one of Egypt's oldest and most famous coffee houses, with roots going back to 1773 in Khan El Khalili. The Giza branch maintains the same atmospheric mirror-lined walls, hanging lanterns, and brass fixtures, serving mint tea, Egyptian coffee, and light snacks. Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz was a regular — come for the atmosphere as much as the drinks.
Known for: Historic Egyptian coffee house atmosphere with traditional shisha and tea
Mohandiseen, Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Drinks
Kazouza Egyptian Drinks Bar
Kazouza is a quintessential Egyptian refreshment stop, serving fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, tamarind, hibiscus (karkadeh), and carob drinks that have been staples of Egyptian street life for centuries. These cold natural drinks are perfect for cooling down after a hot day at the pyramids and are found at small stalls throughout Giza.
Known for: Traditional Egyptian cold drinks — essential refreshment after the pyramids
Throughout Al Haram and Giza City, Egypt
Egyptian Fast Food
Mo'men Egyptian Restaurant
Mo'men is Egypt's most successful local fast food chain, competing with international brands on quality and price. Their menu features Egyptian staples — hawawshi, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and fresh juices — served quickly and consistently. The Giza branches are clean, air-conditioned, and popular with families for a reliable no-fuss meal.
Known for: Egypt's most popular local fast food chain with reliably good Egyptian staples
Multiple locations throughout Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Grill
Kababgy El Pyramids
Kababgy El Pyramids is a popular grill restaurant near the pyramid entrance serving Egyptian kebabs, kofta, and grilled meats on charcoal. The charcoal-grilled kofta mixed meat skewers with fresh bread, salads, and tahini are justifiably famous among locals. It's a perfect spot for a post-pyramid lunch, offering hearty portions at reasonable prices.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled Egyptian kofta and kebabs near the pyramid entrance
Al Haram Street, near Sphinx entrance, Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Home Cooking
Om Hassan Restaurant
Om Hassan is a celebrated local restaurant in Giza known for authentic Egyptian home-style cooking at its finest. The menu features traditional slow-cooked dishes like molokhia (Jew's mallow soup), stuffed vegetables, and tender stewed lamb that take hours to prepare. The warm, family-run atmosphere and generous portions make it popular with Egyptian families and adventurous tourists alike.
Known for: Authentic slow-cooked Egyptian home-style dishes rarely found in tourist restaurants
El Ahram Street, Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Pastry
Konafa El-Dahan
Konafa El-Dahan is a famous Giza pastry shop specializing in konafa — Egypt's most beloved sweet, made from fine vermicelli pastry filled with cream or cheese, soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. The shop's variations include classic konafa bil asatsh, chocolate konafa, and mango konafa in summer. Queues form outside even on weekdays.
Known for: Giza's best konafa — Egypt's beloved sweet pastry in all its varieties
Al Haram Street, Giza, Egypt
Egyptian Street Food
Hawawshi Hamido
Hawawshi Hamido is a legendary street food stall in the heart of the Al Haram area, serving what many locals claim is the best hawawshi in Giza. Hawawshi is a spiced ground beef mixture baked inside crispy bread — Egypt's ultimate street food sandwich. The small shop has been operating since the 1980s and local families queue for their lunch here daily.
Known for: The best hawawshi (Egyptian spiced meat bread) in Al Haram — a street food legend
Al Haram Market, Giza, Egypt
French
Paul Bakery Giza
Paul is a French bakery chain with a strong presence in upscale Giza neighborhoods, offering artisan-baked breads, pastries, and light meals in a comfortable café setting. Popular with expatriates and middle-class Egyptians, Paul's croissants, sandwiches, and coffee are reliable and excellent. The Dokki and Mohandiseen branches are particularly lively for weekend brunch.
Known for: Authentic French bakery with excellent croissants and brunch options
Mohandiseen District, Giza, Egypt
International Grill
The Nile Grill at Four Seasons
The Nile Grill at the Four Seasons First Residence offers premium steakhouse-style dining with sweeping Nile views from the 30th floor of one of Giza's tallest buildings. Prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an exceptional wine list are served in an elegant, contemporary setting. One of the finest dinner experiences available in the greater Giza area.
Known for: Premium steaks and seafood with panoramic Nile views from the Four Seasons
35 Charles de Gaulle Street, Four Seasons, Giza, Egypt
Lebanese
Taboula Lebanese Restaurant
Taboula is one of Giza's finest Lebanese restaurants, serving authentic mezze, grills, and fresh salads in an elegant setting. The restaurant is popular with middle-class Egyptians and expatriates for its reliably excellent food and pleasant atmosphere. The fattoush, hummus, grilled halloumi, and mixed grill are standout dishes.
Known for: Authentic Lebanese mezze and grills in the upscale Dokki area
3 Latin America Street, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Light Meals
Pyramids Plateau Café
The official café located within the Giza Plateau complex, providing a convenient rest stop for tourists between pyramid visits. Serving cold drinks, packaged snacks, Egyptian tea, and simple sandwiches, it's not a culinary destination but an invaluable oasis of cold water and shade when temperatures soar. Prices are higher than outside but the location is unrivaled.
Known for: Convenient refreshments inside the Giza Plateau — location is everything
Inside Giza Plateau Complex, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Mediterranean
La Palmeraie (Mena House)
La Palmeraie is the outdoor poolside restaurant at Marriott Mena House, serving Mediterranean and Egyptian cuisine in one of the world's most spectacular settings — with the Great Pyramid rising just behind the pool. The casual pool-day dining here includes fresh salads, mezze, seafood, and light mains, perfect for a relaxed and memorable lunch.
Known for: Poolside Mediterranean dining with direct Great Pyramid views
6 Pyramids Road, Marriott Mena House, Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Seafood
El Borsa Grill
El Borsa Grill is a popular Giza restaurant specializing in Egyptian grills and fresh seafood, with a vibrant local atmosphere and generous portions. The charcoal-grilled whole fish — weighing 400-600g and served with tahini, salads, and pita bread — is the house specialty. The outdoor seating area is lively on weekday evenings with local families and groups.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled whole fish Egyptian style — a Giza seafood staple
Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
Turkish
Simit Sarayi Turkish Bakery
Simit Sarayi is a popular Turkish bakery chain with a Giza presence, serving freshly baked simit (sesame-encrusted bread rings), Turkish pastries, and excellent coffee. A perfect spot for a quick and tasty breakfast or coffee break, attracting a diverse crowd of Egyptian coffee lovers and expats.
Known for: Fresh-baked Turkish simit and pastries with great coffee
Mall of Arabia, 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
Food tours & tastings in Giza
Eat your way through Giza with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GizaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Koshary
The ultimate Egyptian street food — rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce
Find it at: Dedicated koshary shops throughout Giza
Ta'meya (Egyptian Falafel)
Egyptian falafel made from fava beans instead of chickpeas — green inside, crispy outside
Find it at: El Shabrawy, Felfela, and morning street stalls
Foul Sandwich
Slow-cooked fava beans in pita — Egypt's breakfast of champions
Find it at: Morning street vendors and El Shabrawy throughout Giza
Hawawshi
Spiced beef in crispy pita bread — Egypt's answer to the hot dog
Find it at: Hawawshi Hamido and street bakeries throughout Giza
Fresh Sugarcane Juice
Freshly pressed on a wooden roller press — cooling and energizing
Find it at: Juice stalls throughout Al Haram, especially near pyramid entrance
Hibiscus Drink (Karkadeh)
Tart and refreshing dried hibiscus flower drink served cold
Find it at: Street drink vendors throughout Giza
Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)
Egyptian fried spiced potatoes with chili, garlic, and coriander
Find it at: Street carts near Al Haram and Giza market areas
Baladi Bread
Egypt's round, puffed flatbread fresh from the clay oven — eaten with everything
Find it at: Bakeries (forn) throughout every Giza neighborhood
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Al Haram Market
The bustling daily market in the Al Haram neighborhood selling fresh produce, spices, and local products
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Giza Fruit and Vegetable Market
A large wholesale and retail market near the Nile with some of the freshest produce in Giza
Hours: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM daily (busiest in early morning)
Imbaba Market
A vast traditional market area in northern Giza selling everything from spices to livestock — an authentic slice of working-class Cairo-Giza life
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (1-3PM) is the main meal in Egypt — this is when restaurants are busiest and food is freshest
Always ask about the daily specials — Egyptian restaurants often have seasonal dishes not on the menu
Tipping 10-15% is customary at sit-down restaurants; round up at street food stalls
Bottled water or canned drinks are safer than tap water — confirm the seal is unbroken
Egyptian portions are generous — sharing dishes is common and sensible
Many restaurants add a 12% service charge — check before adding more tip
Ramadan dramatically changes dining hours — many restaurants serve late night meals only during Ramadan
The word 'baladi' (local) on a menu usually means the best quality — ask for baladi bread, baladi eggs, baladi tomatoes
- Vegetarian
- Excellent for vegetarians — Egyptian cuisine has rich vegetarian traditions including koshari, foul, ta'meya, molokhia, and numerous vegetable stews. Many dishes are accidentally vegan.
- Halal
- Virtually all food in Giza is halal by default. Alcohol is available at tourist hotels and licensed restaurants but not at local Egyptian eateries.
- Gluten free
- Difficult — Egyptian cuisine revolves around bread and pasta (in koshary). Rice-based dishes and grilled meats are naturally gluten-free. Inform restaurants clearly.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8 per meal | Street food and local koshary shops — foul sandwiches, koshary, hawawshi, fresh juices |
| Mid-range | $10-25 per meal | Mid-range Egyptian and Lebanese restaurants with table service and full menu |
| Upscale | $40+ per meal | Fine dining at hotel restaurants and upscale Egyptian restaurants with pyramid or Nile views |