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

Featured image via Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence

Christmas is on the horizon and the festivities have got us glowing with the Christmas spirit. We can’t wait for the celebrations to get into their stride in the upcoming weeks, when the red flowers and decorations shine throughout all of Cairo’s venues. But as we all know, in this season some venues are more festive than others. So if you’re looking for that special place to spend an unforgettable Christmas Eve on 24 December, we’ve got the perfect round-up for you.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence

Enjoy the traditional dinner with a view, but with a special twist at the Hotel’s Tea Lounge. Indulge in festive spirits with a festive-themed four-course set menu dinner prepared by the talented Executive Chef Erwan Laurenceau, and watch brilliant Cairo views from the artistically stunning round window, the Ocular. For reservations and more information, call 0235671600.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

The Garden City hotel has the most diverse offerings for Christmas Eve. You can have a festive dinner buffet with Lebanese and Egyptian meals at Zitouni, or indulge in a scrumptious Italian five-course dinner set menu at Bella. For something more exotic, hit 8 for their authentic Chinese six-course set menu. Livelier settings are found at Upper Deck, with an a la carte menu along with a DJ. Finally, you can go for an elegant night at The Bar, with a set menu dinner and captivating live piano tunes. For reservations and more information, call 0227917000.

The Nile-Ritz Carlton, Cairo

Does it get ritzier than this? Their oriental restaurant, Bab El Sharq is offering Christmas Eve dinner with an all-inclusive minimum charge set at 1280 EGP. This includes delicious Middle Eastern food, in addition to live entertainment featuring a belly dancer and oriental band. You can also head to the Hotel’s Italian restaurant, Vivo, with a five-course meal at the price of 950++ EGP per person. If you want to make it a family dinner, you’ll be glad to know that children under 6 dine for free, while those between 7 and 12 get 50% off. For reservations and more information, call 0225778899.

Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski

A royal Christmas awaits at this luxurious Kempinski establishment in New Cairo. Go for a delightful Italian Christmas Eve set menu dinner (courtesy of Chef Giovanni) accompanied by a guitarist. Or feast on meaty premium steak cuts at Romanov Steakhouse & European Grillroom. Asian delicacies are on offer at Yana, for a unique Christmas Eve dining experience. For reservations and more information, call 01097111151.

Safir Hotel Cairo

Safir Hotel Cairo is giving you two options to spend a magical Christmas Eve dinner. You can head to The Palm’s Coffee Shop for an elegant dinner buffet priced at 350 EGP all-inclusive, or head to Gezeiret El Dahab for a scrumptious set menu, with dishes such as their signature beef fillet or a stuffed shrimp plate, priced at 450 EGP all-inclusive. For reservations and more information, call 01024242450.

Conrad Cairo Hotel

Celebrate in style with a festive atmosphere. Enjoy an extensive Christmas Eve dinner buffet at Solana, or have a five-course Mediterranean dinner at Oak Grill. The table is set at Kamala for an Asian Christmas Eve four-course menu, while Atrium offers an a la carte option with festive goodies. All options are priced at 500++ EGP per person. For reservations and more information, call 0225808481.

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino

Enjoy the set menu of one of the most delicious New York Italian restaurants in town, as Sheraton Cairo Hotel’s Gianini’s offers you a delightful night with their expertly cooked set menu along with the captivating tunes of jazz entertainment, priced at 600++ EGP. For reservations and more information, call 0233369800.

Ramses Hilton

Courtesy of the talented Chef Dimitrios, enjoy the most delicious of meals at Ramses Hilton’s Citadel Grill restaurant. Enjoy your favourite dishes from a special festive menu on 24 December, priced at 350 EGP per person, all-inclusive. For reservations and more information, call 0225777444.

Villa Belle Époque

The beautiful Maadi villa is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner not to miss. Villa Belle Époque is introducing a special family-style menu option that feels just like home. Enjoy the delicious feast, along with a live piano and violin duet, in the privacy you need on such a day. For reservations and more information, call 0223580265.

BONUS PICK: Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

Why don’t you make a trip of it? Sneak off for a long weekend and stay at the glamorous Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, then enjoy the delicious Christmas dinner at Stefano’s Restaurant. The 4-course Italian set menu starts at 6 pm and is priced at 650++ EGP per person. For reservations and more information, call 035818000.