Cairo’s 21 Best Date Night Dining Destinations

Situationships instigate one of two emotion-laced trajectories. The first one ends with a full-fledged (almost fictitious) Brontë sisters-esque encounter that never ceases and serves as a constant reminder that love is, in fact, real. The second (and least favourable direction) has you sprawled on a couch buried in lollipop wrappers and empty puff bar containers wondering if your newly-cut fringe was, in fact, what terminated your movie montage. Whichever scenario you find yourself navigating, the need to espouse a series of ‘healing’ date nights morphs into a necessity and the only logical trajectory becomes that of a binge-date spree. To tend to your newly-forged desires, we’ve compiled a list of the boujee-iest date night spots for you (and potential partner) to indulge at.

ZOÉ

If Grecian islands - in all their superfluous glory - could birth a manifestation of their lux connotations it would probably look something like Zoé. Harbouring healing views of Giza, the Four Seasons-affiliated restaurant beckons those treading their veranda to unearth their maxi dresses from their retired state and adoringly gaze into the eyes of your ‘whoever I'm settling for this season’.

BABEL

Lebanon’s finest high-ceilinged (at times menacingly so) droplet chandeliers make for a night of palpable tension and short form exchanges along the lines of “you look really good tonight,” and “thank you, it’s genetics.” Whilst spicy seafood and gloriously garlicky Shish Taouk might distract from the task at hand, the New Cairo hotspot never fails to put our sweaty palms at ease. 

KAZOKU

This is quite frankly where you take your significant other if you know you’re going to pop the question and a few babies down the line. Albeit sexy and exciting, it's a safe option; one that mimics the tepid state of your relationship. Steak is adventurous but only if it's served raw, and your date is certain, just like the ones you’ll potentially have for the rest of your wedded life. 

ESCA

You want to party, go clubbing, grab a couple of drinks, indulge in some comfort fine cuisine and potentially have someone drive you home when colours begin blending into a whirlpool of nothingness. 5A’s Esca is the restaurant channelling those degenerate tendencies but managing to do so with elegance. To confine your date encounters to seated stale conversations is nothing in the face of a night imbued with techno and gin without the tonic. 

XÓDO

You’re into the classics. The dark academia meets the neighbourhood’s sweater weather and tea before bed classics that ultimately compile in predominantly neutral wardrobes. Xódo is the Brazilian steakhouse that somehow managed to tend to your gluten free celiac requirements and ensure that no irritated bowel movements reign on your parade come nighttime. 

KHUFU’S

You are cultured first and boujee second. This is the date night spot that unabashedly fulfils your romantic escapade by the foot of the pyramids. Toggling between architectural masterpiece and historical artefact, the Giza-based restaurant serves as a quaint date night spot for you and your one true love to escape the mundanity of hotel outings and cold city skyscrapers. 

TAIGA

An ode to Singapore’s rich cultural delicacies, chef Taiga Kanekuni, a culinary artisan, believes that the chef is essential in showcasing the storied craft of Edomae sushi by bringing out the natural flavours of each ingredient.

IZAKAYA

Izakaya seamlessly fuses Japanese precision with Peruvian flair to curate an explosive experience for you (pun intended) and your tastebuds. So let your miniscule knowledge on fine Asian cuisine dissipate as you properly acquaint yourself with authentic interpretations. 

TIANMA

If Asia’s biggest countries (China and India included) somehow united (in the culinary not geopolitical sense) it would probably look something like St. Regis Tianma. 

PIER88

Deep fried (footlong) escalope with a side of breathtaking Nile views, Pier88 serves authentic Italian experiences amongst Egypt’s beloved crystalline waters. 

CRIMSON

We said red, and Zamalek’s fine dining establishment Crimson grill is the buzzing Cairene eatery amplifying you and your partners intimate moments. 

LIA

Cocktails and cuisine, this Heliopolis-based boujee date spot lets you wash down the awkwardness with engraved crystal glasses filled to the brim with sunset sangrias. ROSSINI Elegantly mimicking the street-based restaurants lining Rome’s tight-knit walkways, Rossini is the Italian fusion restaurant specialising in seafood and making Heliopolis residents marry on the second date.  

REIF

This New Cairo hotspot lets you hide amongst its dark crevices and indulge in medium-rare steak and lightly seasoned asparagus. You might want to keep your phone on hand (or a candle or two).  SHINKO Baky Hospitality’s cocktail bar not only serves to quench stale conversations but undoubtedly manages to provide enough refined comfort cuisine to bring you back to life. 

LEXIE’S

Famous for their truffle pizza, Lakeview’s Lexie’s is the upscale spot microdosing your date nights with insurmountable amounts of meticulously crafted cheese and staff ready to pile on the aperitifs until your stomach is just as full as your heart. 

THE SMOKERY

Like the name suggests, this Katameya (and now Heliopolis) date spot is where every salmon tartar babes can match wits with steak tartar boys and fight over who gets to pay the bill afterwards. 

THE LEMON TREE & CO.

When life flings lemons your way, you ditch the work-related outing connotations this place provokes, and instead opt for a night of creamy risotto and longing gazes. 

SACHI

Asian and Mediterranean cuisine effortlessly merge seasonings at this Heliopolis establishment. Much like the mingling taking place, this union lets you test drive the relationship as you experiment with flavourable combinations. 

ESTRO

A Sicilian rooftop daydream atop Maadi’s bustling streets, Estro is the only place on this list that demands a red lip and satin backless dress. Your man can swoop in with another pair of his grey joggers but you, our queen, need to fully embrace Italian girl autumn.