We’re always asked for our recommendations when it comes to places to eat or get a drink, especially in Garden 8 in New Cairo – one of Cairo’s many commercial centers where the dining options are abundant. Ain’t nobody got time to waste money or appetite at a bad restaurant!
Read more: 5 Best Restaurants in District 5, Cairo
So if you’re heading to Garden 8 in New Cairo any time soon and want to know what restaurant serves what and whether they’re worth it, here’s our personal picks:
Mo Bistro
Mo Bistro first opened its doors back in 2002 as Cafe Mo in Mohandiseen, and in the two decades since then has evolved into the beloved Mo Bistro, with branches in Garden 8, Sheikh Zayed and District 5. Mo Bistro has a massive menu of international dishes both classic and creative, and they never skimp on flavor or quality ingredients like some of the other restaurant chains in Cairo. They’re especially known for their flank steak and bone marrow.
For more info, pictures and menu: Mo Bistro’s IG
Ozel
There aren’t a ton of Turkish restaurants in Cairo, but Ozel is one of the best. They have pages of Turkish cold meze, hot meze, pide, main courses, grilled dishes and premium steaks to choose from – but do not, and we mean, DO NOT sleep on their desserts! Ozel’s desserts deserve an article on their own.
For more info, pictures and menu: Ozel’s IG
Binge
If you’re in the mood for a drink and some comfort finger food, then look no further than Binge. This gastropub has a large outdoor terrace so you don’t have to worry about being stuck inside and coming out smelling like beer, smoke and fried food like many other gastropubs in Cairo. Binge’s menu is full of fun favorites like sushi, tacos, all kinds of appetizers, pizza, burgers and even a ‘build your own pasta’ option. They open daily at 2 pm but kids aren’t allowed after 7 pm.
For more info, pictures and menu: Binge’s IG
Salt of Earth
Think European bistro meets Egyptian farm to table. A great place to head to in New Cairo for breakfast, considering they’re one of the few real restaurants open at the early hour (for Egypt, at least) of 8 am. Their breakfast menu includes crowd-pleasers like layered souffle pancakes and cured salmon avo toast. But even if you go miss breakfast, Salt of Earth’s lunch and dinner menu won’t let you down either. Recommended dish: their tarragon chicken
For more info, pictures and menu: Salt of Earth’s IG
Umami
Brought to you by certified master chef Tarek Ibrahim, Umami has a creative international menu, with a wide array of breakfast items that include a bakery, all sorts of eggs, breakfast skillets and a handful of Egyptian favorites such as feteer meshaltet. For lunch and dinner, you can choose between a large selection of ‘small plates’ (tapas style) or large plates, as well as classics such as pizza, pasta, burgers, etc.
For more info, pictures and menu: Umami’s IG
Nüwa
If you’re in Garden 8 and in the mood for something Asian, then look no further than Nüwa. Whether you’re craving Chinese, Thai, Indian or Japanese, Nüwa is an Asian fusion restaurant with a massive menu that allows you to pick and mix from your favorite cuisines. Love noodles, curry and sushi and not sure what to pick? Order them all!
Syne
Another pleasant indoor/outdoor restaurant in Garden 8 that serves breakfast (from 9 am), lunch and dinner. Their menu covers everything from asparagus seafood risotto to chimichurri flank steak to pizza and burgers.
For more info, pictures and menu: Syne’s IG
**Local tip: if you’re more in the mood for an alcoholic beverage than actually eating a full-on meal in Garden 8, we recommend both Origins and Buoy by Kiki’s. Both places have a beautiful venue and ambience, but we weren’t blown away by the food, hence why they didn’t make the list of top restaurants. But if you’re just in the mood for a drink and a small plate or two, then make sure to check them out.
I agree with this selection of restaurants, and I go to Garden 8 almost on a weekly basis!
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