Restaurants Cost in Cairo (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangeIn Cairo, restaurant prices vary widely by venue. A reasonable working estimate is about EGP 80-250 per person for a simple local meal, roughly EGP 250-700 per person for a mid-range casual restaurant, and EGP 700+ per person at higher-end venues, excluding alcohol in many cases. Where exact official menu pricing is not consistently published across the market, these figures should be treated as estimated ranges rather than fixed tariffs.
Overview
Restaurant costs in Cairo depend heavily on the type of food, district and whether the venue mainly serves locals, tourists or business travellers. Budget eating is still possible at small local restaurants and casual eateries, where dishes such as koshary, grilled items, sandwiches and simple set meals can keep the cost relatively low. Prices rise in upscale areas such as Zamalek, New Cairo and parts of central hotel districts, especially at branded restaurants, international chains and hotel dining rooms. Imported ingredients, air-conditioned sit-down service, alcohol service, and venues inside hotels or major malls usually push bills up. By contrast, neighbourhood restaurants and takeaway counters generally stay at the lower end of the market. Delivery platform mark-ups and service fees can also make app-based ordering more expensive than eating in or collecting directly. Because Egypt has experienced significant inflation and exchange-rate pressure in recent years, restaurant prices can move quickly. For that reason, broad market ranges are often more useful than any single headline figure unless you are checking a live menu from a specific restaurant. In practice, most visitors and residents in Cairo will notice a large spread between inexpensive local dining and premium dining, so budgeting per person by restaurant type is the most reliable approach.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Budget local meal(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for inexpensive local restaurants and casual eateries in Cairo. Estimated range | ~EGP 80 – EGP 250 | Estimated range |
| Mid-range casual restaurant meal(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for sit-down casual dining in Cairo, excluding premium seafood or significant alcohol orders. Estimated range | ~EGP 250 – EGP 700 | Estimated range |
| High-end restaurant meal(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for upscale restaurants and hotel dining in Cairo. Estimated range | ~EGP 700 – EGP 1,800 | Estimated range |
| Coffee or soft drink at a restaurant/cafe(per item) Estimated range based on common menu pricing in Cairo cafes and restaurants. Estimated range | ~EGP 40 – EGP 120 | Estimated range |
| Restaurant service charge and tip(percent of bill) Estimated customary range: some venues add a service charge, and diners may also leave a modest tip depending on service and whether charges are already included. Estimated range | ~EGP 0 – EGP 12 | Estimated range |
Variants & Configurations
How Fees Work
Bills may include menu prices plus tax and/or service depending on the venue; some restaurants show all-inclusive pricing while others add charges at the end.
Factors Affecting Price
- Restaurant type: local eatery, chain, independent casual dining, hotel restaurant or fine dining
- Neighbourhood: central tourist areas, Zamalek, New Cairo and hotel districts often cost more than local residential areas
- Imported ingredients, seafood, steak and alcohol significantly increase the bill
- Dining format: takeaway and street-style service are usually cheaper than table service and delivery apps
- Inflation and exchange-rate movements can change menu prices quickly in Egypt
Local Context
In Cairo, restaurant pricing can differ sharply between local neighbourhood eateries and hotel or expat-oriented venues. Bills may include service charges, and diners sometimes add a small extra tip if service was good. Alcohol is not available everywhere and can materially increase the cost where it is served. Prices in tourist-heavy and upscale districts are usually higher than in ordinary residential areas.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
Prices are shown in Egyptian pounds (EGP). Because of inflation and currency movement, check current menus where possible.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 25 September 2026.
- Egyptian Tax Authority · government
General official context on taxation in Egypt; relevant for understanding that taxes and invoicing rules may affect final restaurant bills.
- Central Bank of Egypt · government
Official currency and macroeconomic context relevant to exchange-rate effects on menu pricing.
- CAPMAS · government
Official statistical context for inflation and consumer price trends in Egypt, relevant to restaurant price volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a cheap meal in Cairo?+
A cheap meal at a local restaurant in Cairo is often around EGP 80-250 per person, depending on the dish, area and whether you order drinks.
How much should I budget for a normal sit-down restaurant in Cairo?+
For a mid-range casual restaurant, budgeting roughly EGP 250-700 per person is a sensible estimate in Cairo.
Are restaurants in Cairo expensive for tourists?+
They can be either very affordable or relatively expensive depending on where you go. Local restaurants are usually much cheaper than hotel restaurants, international venues and upscale districts.
Does the bill usually include service in Cairo?+
Many restaurants add a service charge, but practices vary. It is worth checking the bill carefully before deciding whether to leave an additional tip.
Why do restaurant prices in Cairo change so often?+
Food inflation, imported ingredient costs and exchange-rate changes can affect menus quickly, especially at restaurants using imported goods or operating in premium areas.
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Check current prices at the official source
Egyptian Tax Authority
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