A guide to food and drink in Sharm el Sheikh

Exploring Sharm el Sheikh's delicacies

Freshly made pita style bread is a staple part of Egyptian food, and is eaten with most meals. Falafel, fried balls of fava beans, are believed to originate from Egypt and can be found both on street stalls and in restaurants. There are also delicious Mediterranean influences in dishes such as stuffed vegetables and lightly spiced rice wrapped in vine leaves.

A Middle Eastern mezze is the best way to savour the diversity of local dishes. Enjoy aubergines, garlic yoghurt and a fantastic array of spicy sausage or koftas when eating here, while pulses also feature on most local menus.

An exotic Egyptian experience at Farsha Cafe, Sharm el Sheikh

From the moment you enter Farsha Cafe, you’re in for a treat. The restaurant is set halfway up a steep hill, with magical views over the Red Sea and is decorated with cushions strewn across the floor in Bedouin style. The decor is finished off with wonderful ornate lanterns hanging from the ceiling and outside the restaurant.

Open until 3am, this is the place to enjoy a range of delicious Egyptian snacks such as freshly fried dumplings with delicious fillings. The fried chicken or the fresh fruit and nut platters are also worth sampling. Shisha is a house speciality here, too.

Mediterranean delights at Viva Beach, Naama Bay

With reasonably priced food and a wide range of cocktails, this beach bar is always popular on Egypt holidays. There’s a fantastic choice of seafood and you can even select your lunch from the fresh fish counter.

With large portions of salad and some of the most impressive looking prawns you’ll ever encounter, the extensive menu has many delights. Viva Beach also specialises in steaks, and with its shoreside location, you can enjoy your meal and walk straight into the sea.

Hamburger heaven at the Hard Rock Cafe, Nabq Bay

If you’re craving a good old-fashioned burger, you might as well eat one in style. The Hard Rock Cafe comes with regular events, music videos playing on big TVs and a cool vibe, making it the ideal place to enjoy American cuisine at its finest.

But it’s not just a meat eater’s paradise, it also has an extensive vegetarian menu, so don’t worry you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. From the classic burger and its generous bacon and cheese topping, to the shrimp platter or the rib-eye steak, you’re in for a feast when you eat here.

Explore Egyptian food at El Masrien, Sharm el Sheikh

El Masrien has a reputation for fantastic grills. This restaurant’s extensive menu is a delight, from starters made with Baba Ganoush – a delicious aubergine and sesame seed dip – to main courses such as grilled koftas, steak and chicken. There’s also plenty for vegetarians to enjoy including some tasty vegetable tagines.

Open from lunch until late, eat in the air-conditioned indoor restaurant or take a seat outside. If you can’t manage all of your meal, the restaurant is always happy to prepare a doggy bag – bonus.

Italian favourites at il Vizietta, Nabq Bay

With a vast range of Italian dishes on the menu, anyone craving a pizza or lasagne will be delighted by this restaurant’s tasty options. From beautifully presented seafood platters to a wonderful selection of cold meats and all the pizza toppings you could crave, il Vizietta is a paradise of traditional Italian cusine.

Open until late and serving alcohol to wash down your food, this cafe is a relaxed eatery for a chilled out meal at an affordable price.