When people think of restaurants in East Cairo, they mainly think of places like Garden 8 or 5A By The Waterway in New Cairo. But there’s a dining and entertainment center that’s slowly making a name for itself, and that’s none other than District 5 by Marakez.
Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in Garden 8, New Cairo
District 5 is on the Cairo-Ain El Sokhna Road, in an area of East Cairo called New Katameya. Besides their restaurants and cafes, they also have retail stores, a cinema and an arcade – so there’s more to do than just eat (although that will always remain our favorite thing to do).
But like we always like to say, not all restaurants are created equal. We’ve listed below our local recommendations for the best restaurants in District 5, and below that is a list of the other restaurants and cafes there if you’re curious. Enjoy and happy eating!
Best restaurants in District 5:
1. Kokomo
This restaurant and bar is known for its smoking and grilling over a wood-fired flame; everything from slow-cooked cuts of meat and brisket to grilled seafood and artisanal pizza (some of the best pizza we’ve had recently, we might add).
They have a branch in Soma Bay during spring and fall, and one in Sidi Heneish in the summer. Their District 5 venue is their first in Cairo, and it has beautiful interior design and a great spot for dinner.
They open at 1:30 pm and on weekends it’s best to reserve: 01200007333
For more info and pictures: Kokomo’s IG
2. Mo Bistro
Mo Bistro has been beloved since back in the day in 2002 when it was known as Cafe Mo in Mohandiseen. Fast forward more than 20 years later and Mo Bistro is still going strong, with multiple branches in District 5, Garden 8 and Capital Promenade in Sheikh Zayed. Mo Bistro has an eclectic menu of dishes both classic and creative, and they never skimp on flavor or quality ingredients. They’re especially known for their flank steak and bone marrow.
For more info, pictures and menu: Mo Bistro’s IG
3. Willow’s
First and foremost, Willow’s is known for being one of the best breakfast places in town (read more: 30 Best Breakfast Spots in Cairo). Second of all, we dare you to enter their District 5 branch and not fall in love with the decor. Thirdly, their all-day menu is massive, so there’s something for everyone – a great family spot.
For more info, pictures and menu: Willow’s IG
4. Mista
Another great option if you’re a big group or a family with picky eaters, because Mista’s menu is huge with tons of options, and even shareable dishes for two like the lamb shank and beef chateaubriand. They also have an extensive bakery with freshly-baked breads, croissants and sweet and savory pastries.
For more info, pictures and menu: Mista’s IG
5. BRISK Haute Cookout
Their tagline is that they serve "American delicacies with a French twist." We're still not sure what that French twist is, but in any case they have great smashburgers as well as brisket in all sorts of ways -- smoked brisket platter, brisket taco, brisket sandwich and brisket toast. They also have a breakfast menu, with items like a smoked roast beef bagel or an egg & brisket English muffin.
For more info, pictures and menu: BRISK's IG
So while the above were our current top favorite restaurants in District 5 (and who knows, they might change in the future), they’re by no means the only restaurants and cafes there.
Other restaurants in District 5:
Carlo’s
Pattini
Lokali
The Wheelhouse
Don Eatery
Butcher’s Burger
Chicken & Ribs
Jimmy's Pizzeria
Between The Buns
Tabali
Cafes:
30 North
1980 Coffee
CAF Cafe
Dipndip
Dancing Goat Goffee
Breadfast Coffee
Antakha
Le Flandrin
Ni Caffe
Nude Bakery
Beano’s
Valu Cafe
Yes Willows is my favourite!