The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image of Groppi Garden

Cairo’s most iconic cafés and restaurants are more than just dining spots; they are timeless landmarks that carry the city’s cultural memory. From elegant chocolate salons to revolutionary hangouts, and from vintage pizzerias to cosy Italian restaurants, these places have defined what it means to gather, eat, and dream in Egypt’s capital. Today, they remain must-visit destinations for anyone seeking nostalgia, history, and authentic flavours in Cairo.

Groppi

Founded in 1891 by Swiss chocolatier Giacomo Groppi, this downtown institution quickly became the most elegant pâtisserie in the Middle East. During the early 20th century, Groppi was synonymous with sophistication, hosting royalty, statesmen, and Cairo’s elite who indulged in fine chocolates, pastries, and ice cream.

Even today, stepping into Groppi feels like a trip back in time. Its high ceilings, marble counters, and old-world décor whisper stories of an era when Cairo was known as the “Paris of the Nile.” For many Egyptians, buying a Groppi chocolate box remains a family tradition, a symbol of taste and heritage.

Café Riche

A few streets away, in Talaat Harb Square, Café Riche holds a different kind of legend. Established in 1908, it became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and political activists throughout the 20th century. Naguib Mahfouz, Taha Hussein, and many other literary figures once sat at its tables, debating ideas over Turkish coffee.

However, Café Riche’s importance wasn’t limited to culture; it witnessed key moments of Egypt’s modern history. Its old photos, wooden furniture, and walls lined with memories make every visitor feel like part of a long-running conversation.

Maison Thomas

If Groppi represents sweets and Riche embodies politics, Maison Thomas stands for simple culinary pleasure. Opened in 1922 by a French entrepreneur, it introduced Cairo to European-style sandwiches and, later, some of the city’s best pizzas.

Its Zamalek branch still exudes vintage charm, with its checkerboard floors and cosy booths. For decades, writers, journalists, and late-night wanderers have come here to grab a quick bite. Even as Cairo’s dining scene has expanded, Maison Thomas has remained a timeless favourite, a bridge between old European flavours and Egyptian urban culture.

Cortigiano

Though younger than the others, Cortigiano has earned its nostalgic place in Cairo’s dining memory. Opening in the 1990s, this Italian restaurant became the go-to spot for family celebrations and romantic dinners in an era when “eating out” was still a luxury for many.

Its dark wood interiors, hearty pasta dishes, and generous portions created memories for a generation of Cairenes discovering global cuisines. For many, returning to Cortigiano today feels like revisiting their youth, a reminder of when Cairo’s middle-class dining culture was just beginning to flourish.

La Casetta

Opened in the late 1980s, La Casetta quickly became a household name for Italian food lovers in Cairo. Known for its warm, rustic interiors and family-friendly atmosphere, it was the place where many Egyptians first tasted authentic lasagna and oven-baked pizza.

La Casetta wasn’t just about food; it was about experience. Families marked birthdays there, couples had first dates, and children celebrated milestones with generous slices of tiramisu. For many Cairenes, the name still sparks memories of simpler days, when dining out was a rare but cherished occasion.

What unites these places is not only their food and drink but their role as keepers of Cairo’s cultural memory. Groppi and Riche embody Egypt’s cosmopolitan golden age; Maison Thomas reflects the blending of European tastes into everyday Egyptian life, while Cortigiano and La Casetta symbolise the rise of modern middle-class dining culture.