Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe — Restaurant in Cairo

Expensive, normal food, below average hookah “sheesha”. I like the decoration, and the air quality, if you don’t like the smoke this place magically did great job keeping a very good air quality and the place is cold. It is very good place to take a break after a tour in the Khan Khalily and that’s about it. Here is more details about this place. The waiting, if you are going to have dinner you better make a reservation. If you are going for the cafe and hookah, it is better to be there before 4:30. If they told you to wait to be seated, forget about it, don’t wait, it is hardly you will be able to be seated even if you waited for two hours. Basically people setting there calling friends to join them, so the seats will be swapped between friends while you are waiting. The food, over rated over priced, Personally I didn’t like the food, if I go again I will just drink tea and get dessert. The music is the best, and this is where everyone having fun. The Hookah “Shisha” I don’t recommend the hookah in this place, it is below average. I was surprised by the quietly of the hookah, it was heavy, not clean and smelly, I didn’t like it.. The decoration and the seating very comfy and welcoming. The service is good, average, you need to call if you need something, hardly someone will come and check on you without calling. The serving speed is good, you will not wait too long to get what you ask for. The service fees about %12 you like or not. The price, there is a minimum charge. It is very expensive, it is like eating in a five stars hotel, and I will add again over priced. This place is good only if you plan your visit carefully, don’t waste your...

One of the most iconic restaurants and cafes that has been there for ages in Khan El Khalili. This Restaurant attracts as many tourists as locals as well due to its vibrant oriental atmosphere. The restaurant is named after one of the most famous Egyptian writers, Naguib Mahfouz who won a nobel prize in literature in 1988 and used to hang out in this cafe very often.

The decor inside takes you 100 years back with Egyptian vibes from the early to mid 1900s. The waiters are dressed formally, there is live music everyday with Oud that starts around late afternoon. If I'm completely honest, the food is the worst part. It is not bad as per se, but it is mediocre for Egyptian standards. You mainly go there for the atmosphere more than anything.

For starters, we ordered some stuffed vine leaves and kebbeh with a cold refreshing Hibiscus drink. For the main dishes, we ordered a mixed grill platter and a chicken sharkaseyah, which is a hearty chicken dish cooked in creamy walnut sauce. The chicken came cold at first, which through us off, but at least they apologized and served us another fresh one. All in all, I would recommend visiting it and maybe grabbing a drink or a snack whilst listening to oriental live music and enjoying the atmosphere, afterall this restaurant Cafe is definitely...

Where My Love for Koshari Began ❤️

Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Café is where I first fell in love with koshari — and honestly, no other version has quite lived up to it since! This spot captures the heart of traditional Egyptian cuisine, serving up delicious comfort food in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming.

From tameya (Egyptian falafel) and hawawshi to dolma, hummus, and generous meze spreads, the café side offers a fantastic selection of light bites. It’s a relaxed, air-conditioned space — a perfect escape from the buzz of the bazaar, especially for vegetarians or anyone craving authentic Egyptian flavors.

If you’re after something more substantial, the restaurant’s mixed grill platters (lamb, kofta, and chicken) are a highlight, along with starters like grape leaves, sambousek, tahini, and baba ghanoush. Don’t miss out on the kunafa for dessert — it’s the sweet finale you didn’t know you needed.

The traditional décor, with its low arches, gold-lined mirrors, and ambient live music, elevates the experience beyond just a meal — it’s a cultural moment. Whether you're new to Egyptian cuisine or a returning fan, this place is a gem. And for me, it’s the place where a simple bowl of koshari became...