THE 10 BEST Breakfast Restaurants in Cairo

If you’re searching for THE 10 BEST Breakfast Restaurants in Cairo, this guide is designed like a traveler’s checklist: what to order, when to go, what it will roughly cost, and which neighborhoods make the most sense for your day plan.

Cairo mornings can be surprisingly different depending on where you wake up (Downtown vs. Zamalek vs. Maadi vs. New Cairo), so the “best breakfast” is often the one that matches your route, your budget, and your vibe—Nile-view luxury, classic American pancakes, or a full Egyptian spread.

How to plan a “breakfast in Cairo” morning (fast + practical)

To make the most of Cairo’s traffic patterns, aim to sit down for breakfast between 8:00–10:30 AM on weekdays (earlier is better if you’re crossing the river). Weekends are busier for brunch-style places, so expect waits from 11:00 AM onward.

Budget (typical ranges): 150–350 EGP per person for casual cafés; 400–900+ EGP per person for hotel breakfasts and high-end Nile-view spots (prices vary by ordering style and season).
Time needed: 60–90 minutes for a relaxed sit-down breakfast; 30–45 minutes if you’re grabbing pastries and coffee.
Best transport: Uber/Careem is usually the simplest for tourists; the Metro can be great for specific corridors, but door-to-door rides are easier early in the morning.

Search-intent tip: if you’re Googling for a plan, phrases like “where to eat breakfast in Cairo near the Nile” or “all-day breakfast in Cairo in Maadi” tend to bring more useful results than a single generic keyword.

1) Zitouni (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza) — luxury Nile breakfast

If your ideal morning is a classic hotel spread with a Nile setting, Zitouni at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is a top-tier option for a “Cairo hotel breakfast buffet” style experience.

The restaurant highlights a “Breakfast Nile Buffet” with a range of international and Middle Eastern items.

Menu details referenced online include Egyptian staples like ful medames and falafel, plus Western favorites such as pancakes and waffles—useful if your group wants both local and familiar comfort foods in one place.

What to order

Mix of Middle Eastern breakfast items (like ful medames/falafel) + a sweet plate (pancakes/waffles) for a “best of both” Cairo morning.
If you prefer à la carte, the online breakfast menu lists multiple egg styles and bakery selections.

Planning notes (tour-friendly)

Best for: First morning in Cairo (jet lag = early breakfast = quieter dining room).
Time needed: 75–90 minutes if you want a slow start and photos.
Next stop ideas: Walk/drive to Downtown sights (Tahrir Square area) afterward, or plan a Nile-side stroll if the weather is mild.

2) Chocolate Lounge (Kempinski Nile Hotel) — pastries + brunchy breakfast

Chocolate Lounge at Kempinski Nile Hotel is a strong pick when your “breakfast in Cairo” goal is relaxed seating, sweet bites, and a more lounge-like pace (instead of a quick café stop).

Kempinski notes that guests can visit any day of the week for breakfast or brunch and enjoy freshly made pastries, which makes it convenient if you’re planning around tours and museum opening times.

What to order

A pastry-focused breakfast with coffee/tea if you’re saving appetite for a big Egyptian lunch.
Brunch-style plates when you want a longer, sit-and-chat morning (especially good for couples or small groups).

Planning notes (tour-friendly)

Best for: Travelers staying in Garden City / Downtown edges who want a polished morning without a long commute.
Time needed: 60–90 minutes.
Pro move: Go earlier, then schedule your main sightseeing for late morning to avoid the busiest traffic window.

3) Lucille’s (Maadi / New Cairo) — classic pancakes & all-day breakfast vibes

For many residents and repeat visitors, Lucille’s is one of the most recognizable “American breakfast in Cairo” choices—think fluffy pancakes, waffles, and eggs done diner-style.

Cairo360 specifically highlights Lucille’s as an iconic spot known for pancakes and notes an example listing of opening hours as daily 8:00 AM–12:00 AM for the Road 9 (Maadi) location.

If you like to plan spending ahead, a published online menu list shows breakfast items such as short stack pancakes (57 EGP) and full stack pancakes (67 EGP).

What to order

Pancakes or waffles if you want a “treat breakfast” before a walking-heavy day.
A classic egg-and-toast style plate if you need something filling but familiar.

Planning notes (tour-friendly)

Best for: “All-day breakfast in Cairo in Maadi” type plans—especially if you’re staying in Maadi or visiting expat-friendly streets.
Time needed: 60 minutes (add extra time on weekends).
After breakfast: Pair it with a Maadi neighborhood walk, then head to central Cairo later to reduce peak-hour stress.

4) Ovio (Maadi and more) — European café breakfast & brunch

Ovio is a popular European-style café/restaurant in Cairo, and Tripadvisor lists it under meal types that include Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with cuisine tags like “Cafe” and “European.”

One listed Maadi address for Ovio is “18 11 Road at the Royal Maadi Hotel, Cairo 11511,” which helps if you’re building a driver-friendly pickup point in the morning.

If you like planning what to eat before you arrive, Cairo360 describes Ovio as having a large, versatile menu inspired by European cuisines, and even shares sample brunch item prices in Egyptian pounds (e.g., “Artisan Salmon Toast (56LE)” and “Madame Ovio sandwich (66LE)”) from their brunch roundup.

What to order at Ovio

Egg dishes + toast if you want a filling breakfast that still feels “light enough” for walking-heavy sightseeing later.
Pancakes when you’re treating yourself to a slow morning (Tripadvisor reviews frequently mention pancake options).
If you prefer a savory brunch, consider a toast/sandwich style plate similar to the options Cairo360 highlights (like salmon toast or sandwich-style dishes).

Practical planning notes

Best time to go: 9:00–11:00 AM for a calm sit-down breakfast; after that, it can feel more like a brunch crowd.
Time needed: 60–90 minutes (add extra time if you’re ordering multiple courses).
Best for: Travelers staying in Maadi who want a “Western-friendly” breakfast without going to a hotel buffet.

5) Shakespeare and Co. — all-day breakfast with Victorian-style décor

Shakespeare and Co. is a useful choice when your day starts late, because Cairo360 notes that breakfast is served all day and mentions branches in Citystars and Capital Business Park (6th of October).

Tripadvisor also lists “Breakfast” among its meal types (along with lunch, dinner, and brunch) and describes the concept as a café restaurant/patisserie with Victorian décor and classic French patisserie.

For travelers who like predictable hours, one Tripadvisor listing shows opening hours of 8:30 AM–12:00 AM across the week.

What to order at Shakespeare and Co.

International breakfast plates (Cairo360 mentions options like American, English, and Lebanese-style breakfasts).
Savoury crepes and “healthier” breakfast items if you want something balanced before a full day out.
A pastry + coffee combo if you’re mostly here for atmosphere and a quick refuel.

Practical planning notes

Best for: “All-day breakfast in Cairo” search intent—especially if your morning is packed with transport or you’re starting after 11:00 AM.
Time needed: 60–75 minutes if you’re ordering one main + drinks; longer if you add dessert/patisserie.
Tour pairing idea: If you’re in Citystars, this is an easy breakfast before shopping or a short taxi to Heliopolis sights.

What to order at Shakespeare and Co.

International breakfast plates (Cairo360 mentions options like American, English, and Lebanese-style breakfasts).
Savoury crepes and “healthier” breakfast items if you want something balanced before a full day out.
A pastry + coffee combo if you’re mostly here for atmosphere and a quick refuel.

Practical planning notes

Best for: “All-day breakfast in Cairo” search intent—especially if your morning is packed with transport or you’re starting after 11:00 AM.
Time needed: 60–75 minutes if you’re ordering one main + drinks; longer if you add dessert/patisserie.
Tour pairing idea: If you’re in Citystars, this is an easy breakfast before shopping or a short taxi to Heliopolis sights.

6) Zooba (Zamalek and other areas) — modern Egyptian breakfast classics

Zooba is a strong pick for travelers who want an Egyptian breakfast that feels modern, clean, and fast-paced, while still focusing on local staples.

Tripadvisor lists Zooba’s meal types as including Breakfast and “Brunch,” and it highlights dietary options like vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.

For scheduling, Tripadvisor shows Zooba (Zamalek listing) with hours such as 8:00 AM–1:00 AM across multiple days, which is helpful if you’re aiming for an early start.

What to order at Zooba

Taameya/falafel and ful medames for a classic Cairo morning (and a great value compared to hotel breakfasts).
Fresh juices if you want something refreshing before walking around Zamalek or Downtown.
If you want to preview breakfast-style items, a Zooba menu PDF (GEM menu) shows multiple Egyptian breakfast-related categories and items (including taameya and eggs).

Practical planning notes

Best for: Tourists who want “Egyptian breakfast in Cairo” without guesswork (clear menu, fast service).
Time needed: 35–60 minutes, depending on queue and whether you add dessert/tea.
Next stop ideas: Zamalek galleries/streets, Downtown, or even a quick bridge crossing to the Egyptian Museum area.

7) Beano’s Café — reliable breakfast plates + strong coffee

Beano’s is widely treated as a dependable Cairo café chain for coffee and breakfast, and Tripadvisor reviewers specifically praise breakfast items (including egg options) and the overall experience.

If you like to estimate spending before you go, a Beano’s menu PDF lists example breakfast prices such as “Oriental Breakfast 210” and “Poached Eggs with Smoked Salmon 350.”

For quick planning when you’re in a hurry, elmenus also shows operational details like a listed delivery time estimate (“30 mins”), delivery fee (“19.99 EGP”), and hours (shown as 06:00 AM–09:30 PM for one listing).

What to order at Beano’s

An Oriental-style breakfast plate when you want local flavors in a café setting (the menu PDF includes an “Oriental Breakfast” listing).
Egg-based plates if you want something filling and consistent across branches (Tripadvisor reviews mention their egg selection positively).
Coffee + a light bite when you’re trying to keep breakfast fast and budget-controlled.

Practical planning notes

Best for: A “safe choice” breakfast in Cairo when your group has mixed tastes (coffee lovers, light eaters, and people who want eggs).
Time needed: 45–75 minutes, depending on branch and time of day.
Best time to go: Early morning on weekdays if you want quieter seating.

8) Sequoia (Zamalek) — Nile-view lounge brunch

Sequoia is one of Zamalek’s best-known Nile-side lounges, often recommended for its relaxing atmosphere and river views.

According to Cairo360’s venue listing, Sequoia’s operating hours are 12 PM–2 AM, so it’s better for a late breakfast, brunch, or a “breakfast-for-lunch” plan rather than a super-early start.

The same listing includes multiple contact numbers (including 0227350014) which can be useful if you want to confirm seating or timing on busy days.

What to order (tourist-friendly approach)

Go “light + scenic”: coffee/tea + a small bite, then save your big appetite for an Egyptian lunch later.
If your group likes shisha lounges, Sequoia is often described as a place to enjoy the vibe by the river.

Best time & planning notes

Best for: Travelers searching “Nile view brunch in Cairo” or anyone who wants photos and a slow start.
Time needed: 90 minutes (longer if you turn it into a full lounge hangout).
Next stop idea: Combine Zamalek streets + galleries after, then cross to Downtown later to avoid peak traffic.

Quick reality check: Because Sequoia opens at 12 PM, it complements early-bird breakfast places in this guide rather than replacing them if you’re doing pyramids or museums in the morning.

9) Kazouza — Egyptian street-eats breakfast (and it opens early)

If you want a very “local Cairo” breakfast that’s quick, filling, and built around classic street food, Kazouza is a strong option—especially if your priority is flavor and value rather than a luxury setting.

Cairo360 describes Kazouza as a popular spot that expanded with additional branches, and it highlights that the menu focuses on Oriental food spanning street food and traditional homemade dishes.

For planning, Cairo360 lists hours as 9 AM–1 AM, making it a practical choice for a late breakfast before sightseeing or even a “breakfast-style meal” after a morning activity.

What to order (with example prices)

Cairo360 shares several example items and prices, which helps travelers estimate budget before they arrive.

Sogok sandwich (16 LE), kofta sandwich (18 LE), liver sandwich (16 LE).
Hawawshi (35 LE) if you want something bigger and very Egyptian.
Nutella feteer (75 LE) if you want a sweet “Cairo dessert breakfast” moment.

Best time & planning notes

Best for: Tourists searching “cheap breakfast in Cairo” or “Egyptian street food breakfast in Cairo” who still want a clean sit-down venue.
Time needed: 45–70 minutes (longer if you add dessert).
Practical tip: Order 2–3 items to share (sandwich + hawawshi + juice/tea) so everyone tastes something different without overeating.

10) Desoky and Soda (Maadi) — modern Egyptian comfort food for brunch

Desoky and Soda is frequently treated as a brunch-style spot, and Tripadvisor lists its cuisines as Italian, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian.

Tripadvisor also tags its meal types as including Brunch (along with lunch and dinner), which fits well if your “breakfast” starts late after a long night or a slow hotel morning.

For location planning in Maadi, Tripadvisor lists the address as 9 14 Road, Cairo 11511.

What to order (practical picks)

Go for an Egyptian-style savory plate if you want a filling base before a full day of walking.
If your group has mixed tastes, this place can work well because it blends Egyptian comfort flavors with a broader menu identity.

Best time & planning notes

Best for: Travelers staying in Maadi who want a sit-down place that feels more like “brunch” than “quick café breakfast.”
Time needed: 75–100 minutes if you’re dining as a group and ordering multiple dishes.
Heads-up: Tripadvisor’s listing shows “Add hours / No hours available,” so it’s smart to confirm opening times before you go.

How to choose the best one (fast decision)

To pick from THE 10 BEST Breakfast Restaurants in Cairo without overthinking, match your choice to your day plan:

Early sightseeing day (Giza/Pyramids departure): Choose a place that starts early and serves fast (Zooba, Beano’s, Lucille’s).
Late start + photos: Choose a Nile-view lounge/brunch vibe (Sequoia, Four Seasons Zitouni).
Local flavor + value: Choose street-eats style (Kazouza, Zooba).

All 10 breakfast spots (quick recap)

Zitouni (Four Seasons Nile Plaza): High-end “Nile buffet” breakfast experience.
Chocolate Lounge (Kempinski Nile Hotel): Pastries + brunch in a polished lounge setting.
Lucille’s (Maadi): Iconic pancakes/waffles; opening hours listed by Cairo360 (example: 8 AM–12 AM).
Ovio (Maadi): European café breakfast/brunch; address listed by Tripadvisor.
Shakespeare and Co. (Citystars / other branches): All-day breakfast mentioned by Cairo360.
Zooba (Zamalek + other areas): Modern Egyptian breakfast; hours and meal types listed by Tripadvisor.
Beano’s Café (multiple areas): Breakfast menu items and prices appear in a published menu PDF.
Sequoia (Zamalek): Nile-view lounge; Cairo360 lists hours as 12 PM–2 AM.
Kazouza (multiple areas): Street-eats specialist; Cairo360 lists sample items and prices and hours (9 AM–1 AM).
Desoky and Soda (Maadi): Brunch-leaning concept; cuisine tags listed by Tripadvisor.

Best breakfast route ideas (by tourist plan)

Route A: “Pyramids morning” (best for early starts)

If you’re leaving early, the key is beating traffic and arriving at Giza close to opening.

7:30–8:45 AM: Quick breakfast near you (Zooba / Beano’s / Lucille’s depending on neighborhood).
9:00 AM: Depart toward Giza before mid-morning congestion grows (rush-hour patterns vary, but mornings can be heavy).
Plan note: Egypt’s official ticketing page for “Giza plateau” lists opening hours starting from 07:00 AM with last entry 04:00 PM (seasonal details shown on the page).

Route B: “Downtown + Egyptian Museum” (easy, classic Cairo day)

This works well if you want breakfast, then a museum, then a late lunch—without zig-zagging across the city.

8:00–10:00 AM: Breakfast in/near Downtown or Garden City (Chocolate Lounge is a polished option).
10:30 AM–1:00 PM: Egyptian Museum visit; the museum’s official site lists opening hours as 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily, and ticket office hours 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
After: Cross to Zamalek for Zooba or Sequoia later in the day if you want a second “food stop” with a different vibe.

Route C: “Maadi slow morning” (brunch energy + cafés)

If you’re staying in Maadi, this route avoids long cross-city rides before noon.

9:00–11:00 AM: Ovio for a European café breakfast/brunch.

[5]

11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Optional second stop: Desoky and Soda if your group wants a longer, “hangout” meal.
Alternative: Kazouza when you want street-eats flavor and strong value (Cairo360 lists example sandwiches from 16–18 LE and hawawshi 35 LE).

FAQ: Breakfast in Cairo (tourist essentials)

What are Cairo’s busiest traffic times? A Cairo Forum thread on Tripadvisor mentions peak times around 8 AM–10 AM and 4–6 PM (helpful for planning breakfast location vs. sightseeing).
Which places work for “late breakfast”? Sequoia opens at 12 PM, and Shakespeare and Co. is described by Cairo360 as serving breakfast all day.
Where to get classic Egyptian breakfast fast? Zooba is positioned as a modern Egyptian spot with breakfast/brunch meal types listed, while Kazouza is described as a street-eats specialist with Oriental dishes.

Final tip for THE 10 BEST Breakfast Restaurants in Cairo

The “best” choice depends on your route: if you’re crossing the Nile early, pick a breakfast close to your first attraction, then use a Nile-view spot as a midday brunch reward.

With this approach, THE 10 BEST Breakfast Restaurants in Cairo become a practical travel tool—helping you save time, avoid peak traffic, and still enjoy memorable Cairo mornings.