
Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Cairo, Egypt

1. Café Riche
Steeped in history, Café Riche is a legendary spot once frequented by intellectuals and artists. It offers a nostalgic ambiance and a glimpse into Cairo's vibrant past, perfect for history buffs. The café serves classic Egyptian coffee and has a small but delightful menu.
- Historical Significance: Known for its storied past, it attracts visitors interested in Cairo's cultural evolution.
- Unique Ambiance: Offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that's hard to replicate.
- Classic Menu: Provides a taste of traditional Egyptian coffee and cuisine.

2. Crimson Bar & Grill
Located on the Nile, Crimson offers stunning views of the river alongside a vibrant modern setting. It's known for its sophisticated coffee selections and international dishes. An ideal spot for a sunset coffee experience.
- Location: Provides scenic views of the Nile River, enhancing the coffee-drinking experience.
- Coffee Selection: Boasts a wide variety of coffee, from traditional to modern flavors.
- Modern Décor: Stylish and contemporary, perfect for young travelers.

3. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
An international franchise well-loved in Cairo for its consistent quality and relaxed atmosphere. Offers a wide range of coffee beverages along with delicious pastries and snacks. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a dependable café experience.
- Brand Consistency: Provides reliable quality and service expected from an international chain.
- Menu Variety: Offers something for everyone with its diverse menu options.
- Relaxed Environment: A go-to for those seeking a laid-back and familiar setting.

4. Kivalo
This cozy café is known for its attention to detail in both coffee preparation and design. The baristas take pride in crafting each cup, making it a favorite for coffee enthusiasts. It also has a selection of home-baked pastries.
- Barista Craft: Highly skilled baristas focus on coffee quality and presentation.
- Design Aesthetics: Offers an intimate and tastefully decorated space.
- Homemade Pastries: Complement the coffee with fresh baked goods.

5. Cake Café
Famous for its desserts, Cake Café pairs them beautifully with a varied selection of coffees. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying sweet treats and drinks. Often bustling with locals, it's ideal for a true Cairo café experience.
- Dessert Focus: Offers a wide array of delicious sweets to enjoy with coffee.
- Local Experience: Frequented by locals, providing an authentic café vibe.
- Cozy Ambiance: Warm and inviting, great for a casual visit.

6. Qahwa
Known for its beautiful garden seating, Qahwa provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. It serves a range of specialty coffees and light bites, making it ideal for a relaxing coffee break. The outdoor setting is particularly appealing in good weather.
- Garden Seating: Offers an outdoor oasis in the heart of the city.
- Specialty Coffees: Provides unique coffee options that are both refreshing and flavorful.
- Peaceful Environment: Great for unwinding in a tranquil setting.

7. Nas Cafe
This sleek, modern café offers some of the best coffee brewing techniques in Cairo. The minimalist decor complements the high quality of its coffee. It's perfect for those who appreciate precision in their coffee experience.
- Brewing Techniques: Known for using various modern brewing methods.
- Minimalist Design: Simple and clean aesthetic provides a focused environment for coffee lovers.
- Quality Focus: Emphasizes exceptional coffee quality.

8. Left Bank
Situated along the Nile, Left Bank provides a fantastic atmosphere with stunning views and a sophisticated menu. The café is spacious with a stylish interior, making it perfect for bigger groups. It's known for its international flair, both in decor and in its diverse coffee offerings.
- Riverside Location: Spectacular Nile views create a memorable backdrop.
- Group Seating: Spacious enough to accommodate larger gatherings.
- International Menu: Offers globally inspired coffee and food choices.

9. El Fishawi
This historic café has been open for over 200 years in the Khan El Khalili market. An iconic spot, it immerses visitors in the local culture, offering traditional coffee in a vibrant setting. It's a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Cairo's old markets.
- Cultural Landmark: A key cultural and historical attraction in Cairo.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Presents an authentic Egyptian coffee experience.
- Market Proximity: Located within a famous bazaar, great for combining activities.

10. Beano's
A popular local chain, Beano's offers a wide variety of coffee drinks and a cozy environment. Known for its laid-back vibe, it’s a perfect spot for casual meetups or solo coffee breaks. The consistency across its locations makes it a reliable choice.
- Local Popularity: A favorite among Cairo residents for its casual charm.
- Consistent Quality: Delivers dependable service and coffee quality.
- Casual Vibe: Promotes a relaxed and comfortable experience.

11. Coffeeshop Company
This Austrian café brings European flair to Cairo, offering a mix of traditional and innovative drinks. The modern decor and comfortable seating make it a fantastic spot to unwind. A go-to for those seeking an international coffee experience in the city.
- Austrian Influence: Offers a unique blend of classic European coffee styles.
- Comfortable Setting: Features ample space with cozy seating options.
- Innovation in Drinks: Regularly updates its menu with creative coffee concoctions.

12. Sufi Bookstore & Café
A hidden gem in the Zamalek district, combining books and coffee for an idyllic retreat. Sufi is perfect for booklovers and anyone looking to relax in a soulful environment. Their selection of coffees is accompanied by soothing background music.
- Literary Blend: Offers a unique fusion of books and coffee.
- Soulful Ambiance: Creates a serene setting with music and literary touches.
- Hidden Gem: Provides a sense of discovery with its intimate atmosphere.

13. Mandarine Koueider
Famous primarily for its pastries and desserts, this café offers a delightful coffee selection to pair with its confections. Ideal for dessert lovers and those with a sweet tooth, it makes coffee breaks extra indulgent. The elegant interior adds to the experience.
- Dessert Specialty: Renowned for sweet treats that complement coffee perfectly.
- Indulgent Atmosphere: Offers an elegant setting to enjoy sweet coffee moments.
- Sweet Pairings: Known for expertly pairing coffee with desserts.

14. Kolokolo
This eco-friendly café specializes in organic and sustainable options, from its coffees to its food. It embraces environmentally conscious practices, appealing to eco-minded travelers. The natural decor and atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat in the city.
- Eco-Friendly Focus: Prioritizes sustainable and organic offerings.
- Natural Decor: Creates a calming environment with its nature-inspired design.
- Conscious Choices: Appeals to those who value eco-conscious dining.

15. Maison Thomas
With a reputation for great food, Maison Thomas also serves excellent coffee in a charming, historic setting. Known for its pizza, the café also offers quality coffee to complement its meals. Its legacy in Cairo makes it a familiar name with a welcoming vibe.
- Legacy Café: A well-known name with a long-standing reputation in Cairo.
- Food Pairings: Offers great coffee to accompany its renowned food.
- Charm Factor: Combines historic charm with a lively atmosphere.

16. Zööba
While Zööba is famous as a vibrant fast-food chain focusing on Egyptian street food, their coffee offerings are equally worth noting. They offer a playful twist to traditional beverages, incorporating local flavors. This colorful space is sure to appeal to adventurous coffee drinkers.
- Local Twist: Infuses Egyptian flavors into their coffee drinks.
- Vibrant Setting: A dynamic and colorful space that reflects its food ethos.
- Adventurous Options: Great for those looking to try something new in their coffee routine.

17. Ahl Cairo
This café stands out for its commitment to fostering local artistry and talent, showcasing rotating exhibits along with great coffee. It offers a perfect blend of creativity and caffeine, situated in a cozy, artistic space. Visitors often find more than just coffee, with cultural events and exhibitions regularly held here.
- Artistic Focus: Supports and promotes local artists through exhibits and events.
- Cultural Events: Hosts various activities for those interested in Cairo's creative scene.
- Cozy Niche: An ideal space for enjoying art alongside a cup of coffee.

18. Holborn Books and Coffee
Another spot that combines the love of books with the love for coffee, offering an intimate and quiet retreat. A paradise for bibliophiles looking to escape the city’s chaos. They provide a curated selection of books, paired with a warm cup of coffee.
- Bookish Charm: Caters to book lovers with its curated literary collection.
- Intimate Retreat: Offers a quiet escape for relaxation and reading.
- Dual Experience: Combines coffee enjoyment with book browsing.

19. Cassette
Known for its contemporary design, Cassette serves unique coffee blends in a hip and trendy atmosphere. The café is popular among the younger crowd, seeking both style and quality in their coffee experience. Often featuring live music or art displays, it’s a hub of modern culture.
- Trendy Vibe: Appeals to a younger audience with its stylish decor.
- Cultural Hub: Hosts live events, making it more than just a coffee stop.
- Unique Blends: Offers distinctive coffee choices to try.

20. Fanous Café
Situated in the heart of Islamic Cairo, Fanous Café offers a magical blend of history and hospitality. It's known for its traditional decoration and authentic coffee, making it an experience as much as a beverage stop. Perfect for those wishing to soak in the historical ambiance of the old city.
- Historical Setting: Rich in traditional decor that echoes the history of the area.
- Authentic Experience: Offers genuine Egyptian coffee in an immersive atmosphere.
- Central Location: Ideal for combining a coffee break with sightseeing in Islamic Cairo.