Looking for a place to sip a coffee and work, but far, far away from your desk? Or maybe you want to read a book and decompress by yourself – even better. Zamalek in general is an ideal neighborhood for just that; most of its cafes are small and cozy and away from the hustle and bustle of the usual crowds.
Below we put together a list of our favorite Zamalek cafes: some shine because of their aesthetics, others because of their food and/or coffee, and some because they allow you to be outdoors and still relax, which is no easy feat in Cairo.
Note: Zamalek is home to other big coffee shop chains like Beano’s, Starbucks and Costa Coffee, but for our list we stuck to our favorite less-franchisey cafes.
So next time you’re on the island with your laptop or your book and not sure where to go, head to one of these chill cafes.
Granita
Opening hours: 7 am – 10 pm
Nestled next to the All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek is Granita, a “concept cafeteria” that’s a nod to the ‘grand cafes’ of Egypt back in the 1930s and 1940s – think Groppi and other vintage cosmopolitan cafes.
They have both an indoor and outdoor area perfect for sunny brunches, work meetings and or just enjoying a coffee and pastry solo. They offer breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pienirli (Greek pizzas), appetizers, main plates and homemade desserts.
For more info: Granita
Cake Cafe
Opening hours: 8 am – 11 pm
Cake Cafe has now become a Cairo phenomenon, with multiple branches in Sheikh Zayed, 6 October, New Cairo and even Hacienda on the North Coast. But it all started in Zamalek in 2013 when a tiny cafe with a few sidewalk tables opened next to Gezira Club – the start of Cake Cafe. Fast forward almost 10 years later and it’s still a Zamalek favorite for those looking for a spot to have coffee, dessert, work, or even bring their dog (more dog-friendly spots, please!).
Besides the cakes and desserts they’re named for, they also have breakfast, sandwiches, flatbread and pizzas & pasta.
For more info: Cake Cafe
Holm Cafe
Opening hours: 8 am – 11 pm
Close by to Cake Cafe but even smaller, is Holm, which touts itself as your “neighborhood potluck cafe” (we’re not particularly sure what that means). Holm has one little outdoor table, and inside there’s comfy couches and chairs to work or sip your coffee as well. Their menu has baked goods, desserts, sandwiches, salads and of course coffee and juices galore.
Its second floor is particularly pleasant, with windows overlooking trees and flowers (and the occasional passing car, this is still Cairo after all).
For more info: Holm Cafe
L’Aroma
Opening hours: 9 am – 1 am
Ah, the OG of Zamalek cafes to work in. We don’t remember exactly how long L’Aroma has been around for exactly, but it’s definitely the oldest on this list. For years L’Aroma has served up coffee and a workspace for all the companies and media agencies in its vicinity.
It’s comfortable and spaced out enough that you can have a meeting or be on a call without feeling like you’re announcing everything on a megaphone to the coffee shop at large. L’Aroma has also gained in popularity since its inception, with a citywide presence now outside of Zamalek.
For more info: L’Aroma
Antique Khana
Opening hours: 9 am – 1 am
Tucked away from sight on the second floor of a residential building, Antique Khana is a hidden gem in Zamalek unless you’re one of the wise ones in the know (and if you are, come work with us lol). It’s a beautifully decorated cafe/restaurant with a nod to all that is nostalgic and vintage. It’s run by a family that loves music, books, antiques and the good ol’ days, and it reflects in Antique Khana.
Besides their coffee and drink menu, they have a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options – everything from pasta to salmon teriyaki.
For more info: Antique Khana
30 North
Opening hours: 8 am – midnight
This is a good option for all those who are looking to sit outdoors without having to battle it out for the limited outdoor seating at places like Cake Cafe or Holm. 30 North is in the Iconia courtyard (the building that used to be the AUC dorms), and ¾ of it is open air (with a small indoor section as well). In the winter they provide heaters for the outside area.
Besides 30 North’s own menu (which excels especially in coffee and breakfast), adjacent in the courtyard is Chicken & Ribs and Butcher’s Burger, alongside Stavola gelato.
Local tip: not all the outdoor tables have electric outlet access, so make sure your laptop is charged or try to nab a table next to an outlet.
For more info: 30 North
Amor Perfecto
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 11:30 am
This one is for all the coffee aficionados out there. Amor Perfecto is a branch of a Colombian specialty coffee shop based in Bogota that has been winning awards since 1997, and they’ve started to spread globally. They especially pride themselves on their baristas who will help you pick your cup of specialty joe based on your personal coffee preferences.
The specialty coffee there is definitely the star of the show, and you can buy the coffee beans as well. Don’t go if you’re hungry though; they have a few desserts to go alongside the coffee but not much beyond that.
For more info: Amor Perfecto
Sip
Opening hours: 8 am – 11 pm
This cafe hails all the way from Lebanon, and is known for their specialty coffee. Sip’s Zamalek branch is close to the Marriott (that area seems to be good real estate for cafes), and has not only outdoor seating but also great indoor aesthetics.
Besides your standard coffee menu, Sip has a range of house blends and they also sell coffee by the 200gm bag (with beans from Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Ethiopia). You can also buy a bag of their house blend. Their food menu has the expected cafe fare of breakfast, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
For more info: Sip
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