Must-see restaurants in Western Desert

  • Abdu’s Restaurant

    Siwa Oasis

    Before wi-fi and smartphones, there were places like this – a village hub where people gathered nightly to catch up and swap stories. The longest-running…

  • Tanta Waa

    Siwa Oasis

    Tanta Waa is a great place to hang out after swimming in Cleopatra's Spring. It serves delicious smoothies and fresh juices, pancakes and good paninis…

  • El Forsan Cafe

    Western Desert

    Behind El Forsan Hotel (you can walk through the hotel to enter), this surprisingly lush patch of grass is home to a garden cafe that serves up mammoth…

  • Al Ahram

    Western Desert

    This small, friendly place is a carnivore's favourite. It serves roast chicken and kofta (mincemeat and spices grilled on a skewer) accompanied by modest…

  • Al Babinshal Restaurant

    Siwa Oasis

    On the roof of the hotel of the same name, this might just be the most romantic dining spot in the oases. Moodily lit in the evenings, it’s practically…

  • Abo Ayman Restaurant

    Siwa Oasis

    Roasted on a hand-turned spit over coals in an old oil drum, the chickens at Abo Ayman are the juiciest in Siwa. They’re well seasoned, and served with…

  • Crepiano Cafe

    Western Desert

    Yep. It's a crêperie in Al Kharga. And the crêpes are rather good too. Choose from a plethora of ingredients (from chocolate to sausage and everything in…

  • Nour Al Waha

    Siwa Oasis

    This popular hang-out, in a palm grove opposite Shali Lodge, has shady tables and plenty of tea and games on hand for those who just want to while away…

  • Said Shihad

    Western Desert

    Owner Said is on to a good thing here: grilling up a nightly meat-centric feast to a dedicated following of hungry locals. The shish kebab is the thing to…

  • Samir Restaurant

    Western Desert

    Samir's is the most atmospheric choice of Farafra's admittedly few dining options. Set meals of grilled meat and chicken are the same as the other…

  • Pizza Ibn Al Balad

    Western Desert

    If you're pining for a change from grilled meat and salad, make a beeline for this little place that rustles up some of the best fiteer (Egyptian flaky…

  • Ahmed Hamdy's Restaurant

    Western Desert

    On the main road into town is Ahmed Hamdy’s popular place serving delicious chicken, kebabs, vegetables and a few other small dishes inside or on the…

  • Wimpy

    Western Desert

    This busy joint gets the thumbs up from Al Kharga locals for serving simple but tasty Egyptian feasts of grilled meats, salads, rice and vegetable dishes…

  • Fateer Al Wadi

    Western Desert

    Fresh-from-the-oven sweet or savoury fiteer (flaky pizza), made to order by a friendly crew.

  • Estekoza

    Western Desert

    Popular restaurant selling excellent fresh fish – unlikely in the middle of the desert, but true.

  • Kenooz Siwa

    Siwa Oasis

    On the roof terrace of Shali Lodge, this cafe-restaurant is a great place to hang out while enjoying a mint tea or a cold drink. Mains include some unique…

  • Al Chef

    Western Desert

    Road-stop restaurant on the way to Dakhla serving good basics like chicken, kofta, stews and vegetables. Very lurid decor.