Go Back in Time at These 10 Historic Cafes and Restaurants in Alexandria

Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a pretty weird year so far. So why not vacation in another one? These cafes and restaurants in Alexandria will serve as portals to another time and place. Travel to colonial times (like, not really because eww but you know what we mean) or eat souvlaki how the same way Greeks used to have them and so much more. Whether you remember the time or want to know what it was like, it’s easy to time warp to these destinations.

Sofiano Poulo

While you pass by the Western end of Saad Zaghloul Street, a faintly herbal aroma of roasted java will blindly lead you right into one of the oldest coffeehouses of Alexandria. Established in 1908, Sofiano Poulo was originally a Greek post office that was named after its owner. His son Michael inherited it, to which he later transformed it into a roastery in partnership with an Egyptian family in 1932. Sofiano Poulo witnessed celebrated artists who often visited the place such as Om Kolthoum and Abdel Halim Hafez. Michael sold his share to the Egyptian family after having to move overseas in 1937, but the owner decided to keep its name as a form of appreciation to the friendship they had together, and up until our day, their pictures fill the wall of this antique landmark.

Délices

French for "joy," Délices is one of the biggest touristic cafés and pastry shops in Alexandria -- given the fact that it's an important Greek monument of the ancient city. It was founded by a Greek immigrant by the name of Moustakas Anotonio in 1922 who happened to be a skillful French bread baker until he decided to introduce ice cream to the city of Alexandria, and devising new flavours in the process. It is currently run by Alky Antonio who inherited it from Moustakas, her husband's grandfather. Alky happens to be a third generation Greek-Egyptian, and she heads the Association of Greek Women in Alexandria.

Farouk Cafe

Located in Bahary, this coffee shop was established in 1928 and owned by a Greek Lady by the name Kalimera. It’s believed that King Farouk was once heading to the royal palace and passed by the place where he was interrupted by her who invited him for a cup of coffee as a way to pay tribute. His Highness took on her (big) ask to which resulted in it being his favourite spot. This action caused her to rename the cafe to, well, Farouk's Cafe. With his portraits hanging on the walls in all lordiness, it’s magical how every corner of this place takes you back to old times. 

Trianon

Trianon has been known for being to be frequented by celebrities since 1905 - from writer Tawfiq Al-Hakim to actor Omar El Sharif, poet Abdul Rahman Al-Abnoudi and many more were regular goers to this bedazzling place. The oil paintings on its walls signed by Italian artists, the antique piano in the corner, everything shows how this restaurant was and still is a first-class setting. Trianon is located in Mahtet El Raml and has expanded to have many branches in Alex and Cairo.

Athineos

This place lives and breathes nostalgia located opposite Midan El Raml. Athineos has become a regular hunt for tourists, especially when it comes to breakfasts in the early morning. Honestly, the perfect spot if you're into quietness and want some "you" time.

Ali El Hendy

This café goes back to 1882 when construction began in the heart of the Mansheya area. It belonged to a Greek woman named Maria Khritiobas who partnered with an Egyptian citizen called Ali El Hendy. El Hendy later bought Khritiobas out of the café until he renamed it after himself. This place was used as a hideout to protect citizens during the First and Second World War period.

Zephyrion

Another historic place designed in a very Greek Art-Deco manner, it features both colours blue and white in relevance to the Greek flag. Zephyrion has been serving the finest seafood since 1929. It was located near the English soldiers' campsite back then and was the first to serve grilled shrimp all across Egypt. If you happen to be somewhere near Abo Keir any time soon, this place is absolutely worth a tour.

Chez Gaby

Where pizza was first introduced to Alex. Chez Gaby was owned by a Greek man until he it sold in 1979 to Gabriel, a French-Lebanese who lived in the city at the time. 

Brazilian Coffee Store

Founded in 1929 by a Greek resident who lived in the city and sold it to an Egyptian merchant after the 1952 revolution. It was known in the 60's as the place that gathers ladies of the Greek, Italian, and Armenian communities. This coffee shop is believed to have always been crowded that some customers had to have their coffee standing. The new and reborn version of this place is in Street 9 of Maadi, and they still happen to make incomparable coffee.

Santa Luci

One of the most luxurious places back at the time, especially since it was founded by the head of the Greek community in 1932 -- to which it was inherited by his grandson many years later. We reccomend this place if you're a music enthusiast as it's known for playing the piano all day long. It has kept its design since its inauguration and resembles that of a palace. Every corner has a one-of-a-kind painting by artists from all over the world. Run by a Greek chef, their cuisine is not only Greek but Italian and international as well. Queen Farida, Queen Narimane, Princess Fawzeya, and Dalida are all public figures who liked to hang out at Santa Luci.