Cairo · Zamalek
Pier88
An Italian kitchen on the Nile in Zamalek, with prices to match the view.
Italian cooking — pasta, pizza, antipasti — right on the Nile, on Zamalek island. Go for an occasion rather than a Tuesday night: the draw is the light on the river and the sense that the evening counts for something. Zamalek is easy enough on foot; arrive by car and Saray el-Gezira, wedged between the traffic and the Nile, will have you circling for a space.
The extra bit
Ask for a table on the river side when you ring to book: not every seat looks onto the water. Early evening is the moment — the light drops onto the river before the place fills up.
Know before you go
The prices are not a bluff: this is the top of Cairo's range, and starters and drinks push the bill up fast. Book for the Egyptian weekend, Thursday evening through Saturday — the tables by the water go first. Cards are normal at this level, but keep some cash for the tip. And if you were counting on a glass of wine, ring first: licensing here varies from one place to the next, and nothing about the front door will tell you.
