Carmen Cairo

My 10/10 mid-day pitstop

Rym from Cairo

About me A writer who became a chef still uses poetry to spice food and write simultaneously. I also appreciate philosophy, spontaneous food stops, and gardens. Why Cairo What I like about Cairo is how a person here can spend time on their own yet constantly feel surrounded by people. It’s a very rich city with cultural events, uncountable food options and a w...
""Carmen" in Cairo isn't just my 10/10 -- it's a 10 multiplied by 10! I'd say it's a great mid-day pitstop, but I spend too much time here to call it that."

Amidst the crowd and the daily distractions, it's actually possible to escape for a short while, taking a break and catching a breath that will put you on the right track for proceeding with your daily plans. I remember quite well how I decided three years ago that Carmen would be my pit-stop for fueling my day, the only difference being that pit-stops are supposed to be quick, but you simply can’t be quick when it comes to this secluded, underground piece of peace -- from dates and friends’ ranting sessions to setting up a casual meeting or cheering with a colleague while grabbing the coldest/coolest drinks in town.

If I could rate the place from 0 to 10, I would confidently say it’s a 10 multiplied by 10. The staff is beyond friendly, the other guests are well-aware of personal space and the whole energy is too good to be true. Your wishes are their command and your needs will be immediately fulfilled.

Believe me, I am not being biased, it is a common feeling everyone I know who has visited Carmen can confirm. However, there is one thing that is highly frowned upon: not letting go of any form of negativity the outer world has burdened your shoulders with, no matter how big or small it is. 

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Cairo Spotter Rym

About me A writer who became a chef still uses poetry to spice food and write simultaneously. I also appreciate philosophy, spontaneous food stops, and gardens. Why Cairo What I like about Cairo is how a person here can spend time on their own yet constantly feel surrounded by people. It’s a very rich city with cultural events, uncountable food options and a wide variety of spots. Where else can you find me online? Facebook LinkedIn

About this spot

Al Gazira

Sandwich:

LE

80

227350815

Dec 2, 2025

Our Cairo City Guide

Find your way with 120 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Cairo guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Cairo

Zahrat El Bustan

The Egyptian coffee shop

"Zahrat El Bustan" is my favorite qahwa, or coffee shop, in downtown Cairo. It has built up quite a reputation for itself in the 80 years it's been open...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Osama

Abdelrahman

Dec 2, 2025

Abla Restaurant

When quail is on the grill

"Abla Restaurant" in Cairo is a grill restaurant whose specialties include grilled quail and camel liver, both oriental dishes that aren't so easy to find!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ahmed

Khodeer

Dec 2, 2025

Nile Crystal Restaurant

Dine on the Nile

"Nile Crystal Restaurant" is a boat that takes you on a two-hour cruise on the Nile with an open buffet! I recommend it during Ramadan for Iftar or Sohor!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ahmed

Khodeer

Dec 2, 2025

The Waterway

Elegant night

"The Waterway" in New Cairo is full of a wide range of restaurants & cafes to suit any taste. With so many options, you can decide what to eat on the spot.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mohamed

Khaled

Dec 2, 2025

The Courtyard Maadi

Restaurant square

"The Courtyard Maadi" in Cairo brings together various restaurants with beautiful views over the square. I recommend visiting Café Supreme for the pasta!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Osama

Abdelrahman

Dec 2, 2025

Fathy Ibrahim

Egyptian silver & gifts

"Fathy Ibrahim" in Cairo is an ancient silver and gifts shop, established more than 90 years ago in 1928. I like it cause I'm a big lover of silver gifts!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Concord Plaza

Restaurants and cafes

"Concord Plaza" in New Cairo is a blast of fresh air from the city traffic. Here you'll find more than 30 different restaurants and cafes from all over!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mohamed

Khaled

Dec 2, 2025

Goethe-Institut

German cultural center

The "Goethe-Institut" in Cairo is a cultural center for people interested in German culture. I love their special short & feature-length film projections.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Aisha Fahmy Palace

Ancient palace

"Aisha Fahmy Palace" is a beautiful historic gem in Cairo that nowadays hosts mainly art exhibitions like textiles and fine art paintings...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Jesuit

Hidden theatre

"Jesuit" in Cairo is a theater where new talents come to prove their worth. It's also a film school. But you have to see the shows, trust me...

002-building
Art & culture
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Mohamed

Khaled

Dec 2, 2025

Qahwet Warda

Egyptian atmosphere

"Qahwet Warda" is a special Egyptian restaurant in Mohandseen, Cairo. They only use the freshest local produce to create simple but contemporary dishes...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Cafelluca

2 in 1: cafe + felluca

"Cafelluca" is the first cafe on a felluca in Cairo! Come here and enjoy the Nile from a different perspective while enjoying your coffee or dinner!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Heading to Cairo?

120 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Cairo app Home
Cairo app Home
Cairo app Map
Cairo app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

120 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Cairo

Get to know our other Spotters from Cairo

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7317
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters