Luxor, a city steeped in ancient history, offers more than just archaeological wonders. While it's renowned for its temples and tombs, Luxor also boasts a diverse culinary scene waiting to be explored. From traditional Egyptian fare to international flavors, here's a guide to some of the best restaurants in Luxor, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Boats meander along the River Nile each day, sailing past the east bank of Luxor, where lush green surroundings slowly give way to towering monuments. These cruise boats offer tranquil respite from the crowded attractions along the river's shores, stopping only to release flurries of visitors into the ancient city of Thebes.
As the political, social, and economic metropolis of the New Kingdom of Egypt at its zenith, Luxor flourished between the 16th and 11th century BCE. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Temple of Hatshepsut. Countless avenues of sphinxes and statues line these imposing temples at the foot of a wadi, the ravine's walls concealing the rock-cut tombs of kings and queens.
After a long day discovering the remnants of this once-thriving civilization, visitors can dine along the Nile and watch the sun set over the nearby sugarcane fields before heading back to their boat. Away from the chaotic landmarks of Luxor, tourists can once again enjoy the gentle sway of the water as they prepare for another day discovering the ancient sites along the river.
Top Restaurants in Luxor
Luxor is known for its outstanding sightseeing, but not for its culinary scene unfortunately (Luxor is long on Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs but short on good restaurants). But never fear, just because Luxor isn’t the culinary capital of the world doesn’t mean there aren’t any good restaurants, you just need to know which ones are tourist traps and which ones are actually worth your time, money and appetite.
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1. Sofra Restaurant
Sofra may literally mean dining table, but it is also a synonym for generosity and hospitality. An old Arabic word, Sofra restaurant embodies this meaning. Located in a rustic Egyptian house built in the 1930s, diners will find themselves surrounded by hand-carved furniture and ornate mirrors, the soft scent of traditional Egyptian dishes enveloping them in a warm embrace.
Sofra has been one of our personal local favorites for more than a decade now. It’s in an old 1930s house that’s been transformed into a restaurant, but they held on to a lot of its original traditional charm.
The downstairs is the main dining area, and there’s an upstairs open terrace that we recommend (needs to be booked in advance though to guarantee a table!). Diners will find themselves surrounded by hand-carved furniture and ornate mirrors, the soft scent of traditional Egyptian dishes enveloping them in a warm embrace. Try the bissara (split fave beans dip), betingan ma’aloob (an aubergine casserole cooked with rice and beef) and mahshi (stuffed vegetables), all of which are best washed down by cups of delicate mint tea. The menu is Egyptian classics with lots of hot and cold mezzes. No alcohol.
You are made to feel welcome as soon as you arrive at Sofra, where you will be greeted by a waiter with a smile on his face. This contributes towards the restaurants awesome reputation and makes it a great draw for Luxor.
There are two floors, so when booking I recommend you ask to be seated on the rooftop terrace, as it offers a relaxed atmosphere and some cool from the Luxor heat.
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It is open air but there are trees and white curtains around the sides of the building to make it feel enclosed. A convenient location on the East Bank of Luxor.
Sofra Restaurant is located just off the main street of Luxor, tucked down the side of Television street. 90, Mohamed Farid street, Luxor, Egypt, 85811.
Most of the East Bank is within walking distance, but if it is hot season, or dark at night, then all the taxi drivers will know the restaurant well.You can walk quite easily to the restaurant from Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum.
I visited Sofra restaurant in the afternoon following an excursion to the West Bank visiting the famous temples and Valley of the Kings. Due to the popularity of the eatery, you have to book several days in advance to secure a table in the evening. All of my food came to my table within ten minutes of ordering which is a testament to the service of the chefs and waiters. I did not get the opportunity to visit at night so can’t comment on the evening service. This put me in a more relaxed mood as I headed to Aswan the next day. It is pay with cash only, as Sofra doesn’t accept card payments.
Sofra offers cooking lessons for tourists wanting to learn the secrets of the souks! This is an off the beat experience which will enhance any Egypt itinerary. The chefs offer a culinary experience, which starts from picking up the fresh ingredients from the local markets, and then a step-by-step lesson on how to cook your chosen meals. You get to choose one starter and one main per person - so choose wisely! Chef Mahmoud and Chef Mohamed really take care and their attention to detail is amazing. Offering a nice authentic Egyptian experience away from the chaos of Luxor and the Temples. Most classes are held in the morning, so you can enjoy the food you have prepared for lunch after.
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Starter. Fava beans are very popular on the Hot Mezze menu, mixed with different spices and sauces for different dishes, however, I did try one of the dishes (pictured), but can’t remember which one now. I also opted for the ‘Daoud Basha’, which was beef meatballs with milled rice in a tomato sauce. There is a Middle Eastern influence on this dish but it felt like an authentic Egyptian dish.
Main course. There were some dishes on the main course that had drawn my attention, especially the rabbit and pigeon, however, I was wary of food poisoning on my whole trip to Egypt following many horror stories from friends. I kept it simple and had the ‘Tagin Ferakh Bil Khodar’, which was quite similar to my starter, but with chicken instead of meatballs. I found it to be very flavourful and tasted similar to a soup, which was ideal for the fresh bread I had alongside it. This dish was my joint favourite on my Egypt trip, along with the traditional Nubian dish I had further south in Aswan. I saw a special of camel advertised, but didn’t try it.
Dessert. I had to try an Egyptian dessert - my sweet tooth insisted! I chose the ‘Roz Bil Haleeb’, a traditional rice, milk and nut dessert. Again, it ticked every box and finished my meal at Sofra off perfectly. I did get offered some fresh mint tea, but declined on this occasion. I witnessed some other guests sharing some tea with the waiters in traditional teapots.
My overall rating would be 9/10 as it was very reasonable and tasty! I felt as though I experienced a peaceful authentic experience in Luxor, in a city where the chaos and culture can be overwhelming.
2. El Kababgy
Serving authentic Egyptian food, El-Kababgy offers sweeping views over the Nile and the west bank of Luxor. It's a great option if you want to sit outdoors right on the Nile with fantastic river views (they also have an indoor section with AC though if it’s too hot to be outside). El Kababgy technically is a meat restaurant (their name coming from ‘kebab’), but they also have tons of vegetarian options so don’t let the carnivorous name deter you. Their food is pretty tasty across the board. No alcohol.
Favourites include hammam (stuffed pigeon), fatta (fluffy rice topped with tender meat and toasted bread) and feteer ("cushioned pies" made of flaky pastry and a range of different fillings).
3. Casa Di Napoli
If you’ve had your fill of Egyptian food, then we suggest you try out Casa di Napoli, Luxor’s best Italian restaurant - loved by tourists and Egyptian locals alike. Located in the Steigenberger Nile Palace hotel, their menu focuses on wood-fired pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics. Alcohol served, and there's entertainment in the evening.
4. 1886 Restaurant
This place is all about the luxury, fine dining experience. 1886 Restaurant is in the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, which is one of Egypt’s historic hotels and steeped in stories (both the hotel and the restaurant have been serving guests for over 130 years!). 1886 only allows formal dining, which means a strict dress code of jacket and tie for men and dresses for women. The service is impeccable but unfortunately sometimes their food (French cuisine) is hit and miss - this restaurant made our list mainly for its ambience, history and overall Old World feel. Alcohol is served.
The Sofitel Winter Palace was built in 1886 and has had its fair share of famous guests, most notably playing host to Lord Carnarvon during his excavations of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the mystery author Agatha Christie when she wrote Death on the Nile. After an afternoon spent drinking sweet hibiscus tea as the sun dances over the river Nile, guests are likely to feel similarly inspired. While visitors can enjoy the views from the hotel's grand communal spaces, ask for a Nile River view room and enjoy intimate sunsets from your private balcony.
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5. Nubian House
If you’re looking for something off the beaten track on the West Bank of Luxor, and a little adventure, then we recommend discovering Nubian House. While Nubia is usually more associated with Aswan, a Nubian couple opened a little authentic ‘restaurant’ on their farm on the Nile in Luxor - although it doesn’t feel like eating in a restaurant, it feels like eating in someone’s home, in the best way. The ingredients are the definition of farm-to-table, the wife is the chef and the husband will show you the utmost in hospitality. They don’t have a menu, but will ask you your likes & dislikes and cook up something homemade and just for you. This isn’t the place to eat if you’re looking for a quick meal between sightseeing; go if you want to spend some time actually getting to know a local family and experience something authentic.
6. Main Court at Al Moudira Hotel
If you want to have dinner or drinks on the West Bank but somewhere more upscale than Nubian House, then the Main Court restaurant at the beautiful boutique hotel Al Moudira is the way to go. Al Moudira is away from the hustle and bustle of touristic Luxor, on the edge of the fields and surrounded by gardens. They have indoor and outdoor seating, Egyptian and international dishes (menu is limited though), and serve alcohol.
At the gateway into Luxor, Al Moudira Hotel sits along the west bank close to the Valley of the Kings. In contrast to the vast expanses of desert surrounding Luxor, the palace was built next to a natural spring, giving life to 10 hectares of greenery that provides a tranquil escape for weary travellers. It was built using distinctive Egyptian architecture, and guests will find themselves surrounded by terracotta domes, handcrafted wooden furniture and painted glass from Alexandria. Try one of their workshops for an insight into local textile design, metalwork and pottery.
7. Al Sahaby Lane
This is where to go if you’re looking for that Instagram view along with your meal. Al Sahaby Lane is a restaurant with outdoor lane seating in the souk, and upstairs is its rooftop terrace with stunning views over the Nile, Luxor Temple and Avenue of the Sphinxes. They have a massive menu with something for everyone - Egyptian fare, international, vegetarian, you name it. They even have a camel burger or camel meat pot if you want to try something different. No alcohol served. A charming Middle Eastern style Vibe.
Other Activities to Enhance Your Luxor Experience
While indulging in Luxor's culinary delights, consider exploring some of its iconic landmarks and unique experiences:
- Valley of the Kings: Tucked into a narrow gorge surrounded by steep, sandy cliffs on the west bank of the Nile. Chosen for its secluded location in order to deter tomb raiders, the mountains hide more than 60 tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs and royals. Visitors can make their way down steep passages into the elaborately decorated burial rooms that lay deep inside the valley. One of the most famous sites is the tomb of Tutankhamun. Discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, it is one of the few tombs not to have been raided before it was found.
- Karnak Temple: Karnak served as a major religious centre for nearly 2,000 years and is now the largest remaining temple construction in the world. Its size is largely owe to the fact that it was built over the reign of a number of pharaohs, allowing visitors to explore a diverse range of structures commissioned by rulers such as Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Amenhotep III and Ramses II. One of the most impressive structures is the Great Hypostyle Hall inside the Precinct of Amun-Re; consisting of 134 towering columns arranged in 16 rows, the hall will soon have visitors questioning how ancient Egyptian builders achieved such an architectural triumph over 3,000 years ago. If, like me, these questions tend to play on your mind, Karnak temple is one of the only places where you are able to see the answer for yourself. Left partially unfinished, the site still holds the construction ramps used during the building process.
- Temple of Hatshepsut: On the west bank of Luxor, the Temple of Hatshepsut was built directly into the natural rock face. As visitors drive up to the site, they'll be struck by the sheer size of its terraces, adorned with colonnades, ramps and statues. Before you enter the temple, be sure to look closely at the depictions of Queen Hatshepsut lining the entrance. One of the few female rulers of ancient Egypt, the statues of the queen portray her wearing a fake beard and masculine garb, both of which are traditionally worn by male pharaohs.
- Luxor Museum: They can often leave visitors slightly wanting. Many of these attractions, most notably the tombs, have been raided by thieves or have had items sequestered by museums.
- Mummification Museum: Anyone interested in Egyptology is likely intrigued by the mummification process and the rituals surrounding it. At the Mummification Museum in Luxor, any questions you have are likely to be answered. Here, visitors can learn about the step-by-step process of mummification, and the various tools and artefacts used, including embalming instruments, canonic jars (used to store organs) and linen bandages.
- Luxor Market: Most of the tourist attractions in Luxor have mini-markets in front of them, filled with peddlers touting their wares to tourists. Whilst the main Luxor market also has many of these tourist trinkets, it is always worth browsing through the range of souvenirs, carvings and clothing in order to find unexpected treasures. Follow the scent of homemade sweets, musk and spices as you head deeper into the market, gathering Middle Eastern za’atar and sumac along the way.
- Felucca ride along the Nile: For visitors who didn't opt for one of the longer cruises down to Luxor, these short felucca rides are a great way to experience the beauty of the river and its surrounding landscapes. The traditional wooden sailing boats have been used on the Nile for centuries, taking visitors on slow meandering tours as they pass through tall reeds and survey local farmers' land.
- Hot air balloon ride: Several companies offer hot air balloon rides across Luxor, with most hotels and local tour guides able to point you in the direction of a reasonably priced option. Whoever you choose to travel with, make sure to request a sunrise or sunset ride. The orange hues of the desert sun dance between ancient landmarks, illuminating the lush fields surrounding the Nile as crops sway in stark contrast to the steadfast desert mountains in the distance.
- A cruise between Luxor and Aswan: Several companies offer overnight cruises along the Nile, ranging from between one and seven nights long. For those looking to escape the usual bustle of travelling, this is perfect. Gliding along the river, nestled amid the rich foliage of the banks of the Nile, visitors can relax as they take in local sites. Stops along the way ensure you still have time to explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and other attractions. If you are looking for opulent luxury, choose the Steam Ship Sudan; built at the start of the 20th century, the ship has been renovated to represent its historical roots in the Belle Époque style.
Visiting Luxor, but wondering if you can visit the tomb of Tutankhamun? Are you heading to Luxor soon?
Luxor is one of the best cities in Egypt, with many bucket list activities to undertake during your trip to the city, so the best way to make the most of your trip visiting the ancient landmarks, is to plan your trip in advance.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Ambiance | Alcohol | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofra | Egyptian Classics | Rustic, Traditional | No | Rooftop terrace, cooking lessons |
| El Kababgy | Authentic Egyptian | Nile Views | No | Outdoor seating, stuffed pigeon |
| Casa Di Napoli | Italian | Hotel Setting | Yes | Wood-fired pizza, live entertainment |
| 1886 Restaurant | French Cuisine | Luxury, Fine Dining | Yes | Formal dining, historic setting |
| Nubian House | Authentic Nubian | Farm-to-Table | No Menu | Personalized dining experience |
| Main Court at Al Moudira Hotel | Egyptian and International | Upscale | Yes | Indoor/outdoor seating, garden views |
| Al Sahaby Lane | Varied | Middle Eastern | No | Rooftop terrace, Nile views |
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