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Egyptian · Slow-Cooked · Grills
One of Dahab's most reviewed restaurants. Famous for slow-cooked Egyptian dishes — tajines, grilled meats and rich stews. Arrives busy by evening, book ahead in high season.
Mediterranean · International
Consistently excellent Mediterranean food on El Fanar Street. Popular with long-term visitors and expats. Mezze spreads, grilled fish and warm service.
$$
International · Café · Brunch
Hidden gem with a loyal following. Beautifully presented brunch plates, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere. Fills up fast — arrive early or book via Instagram.
Western · International · Egyptian
A Dahab institution with over 2,500 Google reviews. Huge menu covering everything from Egyptian staples to burgers and pasta. Reliable, cheap and always open late.
Pizza · Italian
Dahab's most-reviewed pizza restaurant. Wood-fired pizzas with generous toppings. Late kitchen makes it a go-to after evening dives or a night out.
Seafood · Egyptian
Waterfront restaurant right on the Mashraba promenade. Fresh fish and seafood with Red Sea views. Popular sunset spot — gets busy from 7pm onwards.
$$
Seafood · International
Popular seafood restaurant in the Mashraba area. Fresh catch daily, prawns, squid and fish cooked to order. Outdoor seating overlooking the bay.
Indian · Asian
Authentic Indian curries, tandoori dishes and naan bread in Dahab. Vegetarian-friendly with many options. One of the few Indian restaurants on the Sinai Peninsula.
Café · Breakfast · Coffee
Exactly what it says. The best full breakfast in Dahab — eggs every way, fresh juice, good coffee and toast. Morning-only so show up before 10am for a table.
$$
International · Bar Food
Beloved Lighthouse area spot with eclectic décor and a great menu. Burgers, pasta and Egyptian food. Popular with the diving and expat crowd. Check their Instagram for specials.
Fusion · International · Egyptian
Stylish fusion restaurant in Assalah. Creative takes on Egyptian and international classics. Quieter than the waterfront strip — great for a relaxed dinner.
Thai · Asian
Dahab's only dedicated Thai restaurant. Pad Thai, green curry, soups and fresh spring rolls. Authentic flavours — a welcome change after a week of Egyptian food.
Western · International
Long-running favourite in the Masbat strip. Full English breakfasts, sandwiches and western mains. Open very early for pre-dive breakfast and late for post-dive dinners.
Egyptian · Middle Eastern · Grills
Slow-cooked tajines, charcoal grills and Middle Eastern mezze. Open very late — a favourite for people who want a proper meal after midnight.
International · Middle Eastern
Reliable all-rounder on El Fanar Street. Egyptian and international menu, generous portions, shisha available. Good option for groups with mixed tastes.
$$
Italian · Pasta
Small Italian-run pasta restaurant with handmade pasta. Limited menu but everything on it is excellent. Book via Facebook — it fills up fast.
Seafood · Egyptian
Budget-friendly seafood spot popular with locals and backpackers. Choose your fish from the display and have it grilled, baked or fried. No frills, great value.
$
Asian · Fast Food
Asian-inspired fast food in Dahab — rice bowls, noodles and wraps at very affordable prices. Popular for quick lunches after a morning dive. Takeaway available.
Egyptian · Meat · Grills
Traditional Egyptian grill house. Slow-cooked meats, kofta, liver sandwiches and foul — the real Egyptian street food experience. Cheap, filling and delicious.
Mixed Cuisine · Food Court
Dahab's highest-rated food spot with multiple vendors under one roof. Great for groups who can't agree on a cuisine — pizza, Egyptian, Asian and more all in one place.
Before you arrive — what to know about eating in Dahab
What food is Dahab known for?
Three layers of food sit on top of each other in Dahab. The base is Bedouin and Egyptian — foul (slow-cooked fava beans), koshary, ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava, not chickpea), shakshuka, grilled red-mullet and bread fresh out of the oven. The middle layer is restaurant Egyptian — slow-cooked tajines and charcoal grills, kofta and stews (try ZANOOBA or Isfahan). The top layer is the legacy of 30 years of backpackers — Italian (Pasta Mia, Athanor), Indian (Namaste), Thai (Pattaya Thai) and Western brunch (Ena's Table, The Breakfast Cafe) — all at fair prices. Seafood from local boats is a daily highlight everywhere on the seafront.
What a meal really costs (April 2026 prices)
| Where | Per person | USD (1 USD ≈ 50 EGP) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Egyptian spot | 80–150 EGP | $2–3 | Foul + ta'ameya + bread + tea |
| Mid-range seafront restaurant | 200–400 EGP | $4–8 | Main + soft drink |
| Sit-down dinner with drinks | 350–700 EGP | $7–14 | 3 courses + a beer or wine |
| Resort / upscale | 600+ EGP | $12+ | Multi-course, wine list |
| Bedouin café at Blue Hole | 50–120 EGP | $1–2.50 | Tea, bread, falafel, fish |
Two people can eat well in Dahab for $20–25/day total. Dahab money guide →
Booking & reservations
Most Dahab restaurants don't take reservations — Dahab runs on walk-ins. Three exceptions worth booking:
- Pasta Mia — DM via Facebook. Limited menu, fills up fast in season.
- Ena's Table — DM @enas.table on Instagram. Brunch and dinner spots both fill.
- Group of 6+ — call ahead to Haven Food Court or Tota so they can table you together.
For everywhere else: arrive by 19:30 if you want a seafront table at sunset; 21:00 is fine off the strip.
Ramadan, off-season and Friday closures
Tourist-area restaurants stay open during Ramadan (in 2026: Feb 17 – Mar 18), but lunch service is reduced and some delay opening to mid-afternoon. The flip side: local Egyptian spots reopen at iftar (sunset, ~18:00 in spring) and stay open very late — Ramadan nights are the best time to try Egyptian dishes you won't find at other times of year. Off-season (May–September), expect afternoon closures during the heat. Some smaller spots close one day a week — call ahead.
Dietary needs
- Vegan / vegetarian: Egyptian staples are vegan by default — foul, ta'ameya, koshary, baba ghanoush, salads. Namaste has the deepest vegetarian menu. Ena's Table handles plant-based well.
- Gluten-free: Rice and bean dishes (koshary excluded — it has pasta), grilled fish and meats are safe. Bread is everywhere; ask "min ghair eish" (no bread) at street stalls.
- Halal: All restaurants in Dahab serve halal-only meat. Pork is not on any menu in town.
- Alcohol: Mid-range and tourist-facing restaurants serve beer and basic wine; cheaper local spots and most off-strip places are dry. Drift Cocktail Bar (Blue Hole Rd) is the only craft cocktail spot.
Cash, cards and tips
Mid-range and upscale restaurants take card; cheaper local spots are cash-only and ATMs are at El Fanar St and Banque Misr. Carry small bills (10/20/50 EGP) for tips, taxis and street food. Some places add a 3–5% surcharge for card. Tip 10% on a finished meal — check first if a service charge is already on the bill (some add 12%). Cash tips in EGP go further than card tips.
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Price Guide
| Symbol | What to Expect | Approx. Meal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Local Egyptian spots, street food, takeaway | Under 150 EGP (~$3) |
| $$ | Mid-range restaurants, waterfront dining | 200–600 EGP (~$4–$12) |
| $$$ | Upscale resort restaurants | 600+ EGP (~$12+) |
Exchange rate April 2026: 1 USD ≈ 50 EGP. Ratings sourced from Google Maps.
Best restaurants in Dahab for…
- Seafood: Shark Restaurant (waterfront, varied menu) · Nemo Dahab (El Masbat) · Friends (budget, fish-by-display).
- Egyptian / slow-cooked: ZANOOBA (2,218 reviews) · Isfahan Tajines · Al Sultan's Kitchen.
- Italian / pizza: Pasta Mia (handmade) · Athanor Pizzeria (wood-fired).
- Indian: Namaste Indian Food.
- Asian / Thai: Pattaya Thai · Box Meal (rice bowls, cheap).
- Brunch / breakfast: The Breakfast Cafe · Ena's Table · Lindy's.
- Mediterranean / fusion: Nawaem · Princess Restaurant (Assalah).
- Open late: Ali Baba (midnight) · Athanor (02:00) · Lindy's (02:00) · Isfahan (01:00).
- Cheap eats / local: Al Sultan's Kitchen · Box Meal · Friends · Haven Food Court.
- Date night: Ena's Table · Princess · Nawaem.
- Group dinners (mixed tastes): Tota · Haven Food Court · Ali Baba.
Restaurants in Dahab by area
- Lighthouse / El Fanar: the seafront strip. Nawaem, Red Cat, The Breakfast Cafe, Athanor, Isfahan, Tota, Namaste.
- El Masbat: the heart of the tourist strip. Ali Baba, Lindy's, Shark Restaurant, Nemo Dahab, Friends Restaurant.
- Assalah: north, quieter. Princess Restaurant.
- Off-strip: ZANOOBA (El Malel), Al Sultan's Kitchen (Talat Harb), Haven Food Court (Talat Harb), Box Meal.
Every Restaurant in Dahab
Beyond our editor's picks above, here's the full directory — 107 restaurants and cafés in Dahab with an established Google presence, ranked by review count. Live ratings and hours, refreshed periodically.
| Restaurant | Type | Rating | Reviews | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Cafe | Restaurant | 4.3★ | 3932 | 07:30–04:00 (Wed 08:00–04:00; Thu 08:00–04:30; Fri 08:00–04:30; Sat 08:00–03:00; Sun 08:00–03:00) |
| ZANOOBA Slow Cooking | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 2218 | 12:00–23:00 daily |
| Shark Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 1662 | 12:00–00:00 (Fri 12:30–00:00) |
| Darwish fishmarket - أسماك درويش | Seafood restaurant | 4.1★ | 1619 | 13:00–22:00 daily |
| Yalla Bar Dahab | Restaurant | 3.9★ | 1427 | 08:00–01:00 (Mon 08:30–01:00; Thu 08:30–01:00) |
| 11:11 Avenue - Specialty Coffee House | Cafe | 4.9★ | 1152 | 08:00–22:00 daily |
| Dai Pescatori | Italian restaurant | 4.3★ | 1131 | 12:30–22:30 (Fri 13:00–22:30) |
| Tim’s Munch | Breakfast restaurant | 4.6★ | 1131 | 08:30–16:00 (Fri 08:30–12:30, 13:30–16:00) |
| Bayside Eatery | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 1082 | 08:00–17:00 daily |
| Nemo Dahab | Seafood restaurant | 4.3★ | 1062 | — |
| قصر المندي للمشويات | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 1006 | 10:00–05:00 daily |
| Sea Bride | Seafood restaurant | 4.1★ | 970 | 12:00–01:00 daily |
| Shanti Garden Restaurant & Cafe | Restaurant | 4.6★ | 889 | 08:00–23:00 daily |
| Al Masri | Meat dish restaurant | 4.3★ | 844 | 11:00–03:00 (Mon 11:00–03:30) |
| Aladdin Restaurant | Seafood restaurant | 4.1★ | 831 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Tango | Sandwich shop | 4.2★ | 780 | 16:00–04:00 (closed Fri) |
| Eldorado Lodge & Restaurant | Italian restaurant | 4.2★ | 768 | 09:00–22:00 daily |
| Lighthouse Divecenter | Diving center | 4.5★ | 753 | — |
| Red Cat | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 744 | 13:30–16:30, 18:00–23:30 (closed Tue) |
| Roots Kushary and more.. | Restaurant | 4.9★ | 712 | 15:00–22:00 (Mon 15:00–20:00; Fri 14:30–22:30; Sat 15:00–23:00) |
| The Breakfast Cafe Dahab | Restaurant | 4.6★ | 692 | 08:00–17:00 daily |
| MiAMi Seafood مطعم أسماك ميامى | Seafood restaurant | 4.6★ | 690 | 13:00–00:00 daily |
| تاك تاك - Tac Tac | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 605 | 12:00–05:00 daily |
| Shader el samak restaurant مطعم شادر السمك | Seafood restaurant | 4.1★ | 591 | 13:00–00:30 (Sun 13:30–00:30) |
| Friends Restaurant | Seafood restaurant | 4.4★ | 590 | 11:00–23:00 daily |
| Alcapone | Seafood restaurant | 4.2★ | 546 | 12:00–00:00 daily |
| Sababa Restaurant & Hotel | European restaurant | 3.9★ | 544 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Mariam Fish Resturant | Seafood restaurant | 4.1★ | 522 | 10:00–22:00 daily |
| Tota Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 500 | 09:00–23:00 daily |
| Meya Meya | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 498 | 11:00–23:00 daily |
| Pasta Mia | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 497 | 13:00–23:00 daily |
| Bedouin Planet | Cafe | 4.1★ | 485 | 20:00–23:55 daily |
| Kware3 House | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 472 | 14:00–02:00 daily |
| Kung Fu Pasta | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 444 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Schoenemanns café | Breakfast restaurant | 4.6★ | 437 | 09:00–20:00 (closed Fri) |
| Seaweed sushi bar | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 436 | 12:00–00:00 daily |
| The Vegan Lab | Vegan restaurant | 4.3★ | 434 | 09:00–14:45, 16:00–21:00 daily |
| Planet canyon | Cafe | 4.3★ | 401 | 09:00–20:00 daily |
| Chillax Cafe & Restaurant Dahab | Restaurant | 4.6★ | 350 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Coffee Om Kalthom | Cafe | 4.3★ | 339 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| El Fanar Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.4★ | 302 | 10:00–00:00 daily |
| Coffee Corner | Cafe | 4.6★ | 299 | 08:00–00:00 daily |
| Coffee wheel | Cafe | 4.6★ | 297 | 09:00–21:00 (Fri 09:00–17:00) |
| مطعم_ لمتنا & Lamtna _Restaurant | Restaurant | 3.6★ | 294 | 12:00–05:00 daily |
| Blue House Restaurant and cafee | Restaurant | 4.3★ | 261 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Tea Garden Dahab | Cafe | 4.5★ | 243 | 14:00–00:00 daily |
| Al sharqawi | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 243 | 10:00–00:00 daily |
| Nubian House - Dahab | Cafe | 4.6★ | 220 | 11:00–02:00 daily |
| Treats | Cafe | 4.8★ | 201 | 09:00–23:00 daily |
| Bedouin Sons | Restaurant | 3.5★ | 198 | — |
| Grandpa's kitchen Dahab | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 190 | 13:00–22:00 daily |
| By the sea | Restaurant | 3.9★ | 183 | — |
| Ena's Table | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 181 | 09:00–00:00 daily |
| Caribbean Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.1★ | 173 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Cafe Del Sur (Cafe, Restaurant, Bakery & Art Gallery) - بن الجنوب | Art cafe | 4.8★ | 157 | 08:00–00:00 (Fri 14:00–00:00) |
| Alma3lim | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 149 | 11:00–06:00 daily |
| Alma3lim | Egyptian restaurant | 4.8★ | 149 | 11:00–06:00 daily |
| Haven Food Court | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 148 | 13:00–00:00 daily |
| Freshop Dahab Juice & More | Cafe | 4.9★ | 146 | 08:00–00:00 daily |
| Eel Garden View Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 145 | 09:00–22:00 daily |
| Ghazala Hotel & Restaurant | Restaurant | 3.9★ | 141 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Kakao Cafe | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 135 | — |
| Alpha Hummus House | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 135 | 10:00–20:00 (closed Mon) |
| الخان Elkhan | Cafe | 3.9★ | 134 | 10:00–03:00 (Thu 10:00–02:00) |
| ElMasryeen King Falafel | Restaurant | 4★ | 134 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Chef Ragab | Seafood restaurant | 4.8★ | 129 | 14:00–23:00 (closed Fri) |
| Nunu's Cafe | Cafe | 4.5★ | 126 | 09:00–18:00 daily |
| Shabka & Senara | Seafood restaurant | 4.4★ | 122 | 13:00–01:00 daily |
| Ecotel Dahab Blue Bay Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.4★ | 121 | — |
| Shells | Restaurant | 3.7★ | 120 | 07:00–20:00 daily |
| Koshari Station | Vegetarian restaurant | 4.2★ | 118 | 12:00–05:00 daily |
| Shababeek Dahab | Restaurant | 4★ | 112 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Moods Art House | Community center | 4.7★ | 110 | 14:00–22:00 (closed Mon; closed Tue) |
| The Planet Cafe | Restaurant | 4.1★ | 108 | 08:00–21:00 daily |
| El Khadawy Restaurant and BBQ | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 101 | — |
| Al Mamaleek Cafe قهوة المماليك | Cafe | 4.3★ | 99 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Food Urge | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 93 | 09:00–19:00 daily |
| ASCENSION | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 87 | 08:00–22:00 daily |
| Mirage village | Restaurant | 4.4★ | 85 | 07:30–00:00 daily |
| Wello’s (healthy food) | Restaurant | 4.9★ | 85 | 08:30–18:00 (Fri 09:00–18:00) |
| Canyon Restaurant | Restaurant | 3.9★ | 75 | 08:00–18:00 daily |
| Same Same But Different | Restaurant | 3.9★ | 70 | — |
| Nakhyl Zone | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 70 | 08:00–00:00 daily |
| Lenopatra Café & Restaurant | Cafe | 4.7★ | 69 | 10:00–02:00 daily |
| Light House Restaurant | Restaurant | 3.8★ | 68 | 08:00–05:00 daily |
| Golden Smash Burgers | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 66 | Temporarily closed |
| Coral Coast Restaurant | Cafe | 3.9★ | 65 | 20:00–00:00 daily |
| Downtown Art café | Restaurant | 3.8★ | 60 | 09:00–02:00 daily |
| Lagona Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.1★ | 58 | 10:00–00:30 (Sun 10:00–01:00) |
| Antika cafe | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 57 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Fayrouz Restaurant & Cafe | Coffee shop | 3.7★ | 54 | 10:00–02:00 (Wed 10:00–17:00) |
| El khan cafe | Cafe | 4.2★ | 54 | 09:00–01:00 daily |
| Elyyan | Seafood restaurant | 4.4★ | 52 | 11:00–22:00 daily |
| Zoghby restaurant | Restaurant | 4.5★ | 50 | 10:00–22:00 daily |
| El Portsaidy Sandwitches | Restaurant | 3.7★ | 48 | 17:00–23:59 daily |
| Farouk Coffe shop & Restaurant | Coffee shop | 4.9★ | 46 | Temporarily closed |
| Happy Land Cafe and Restaurant | Izakaya restaurant | 4.2★ | 45 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Sphinx Cafe & Restaurant | Restaurant | 4.8★ | 43 | 09:00–04:00 (closed Mon) |
| The rock | Restaurant | 3.1★ | 40 | — |
| Coffaien_كوفايين | Cafe | 5★ | 37 | 00:00–24:00 daily |
| Koshary alshaaf | Restaurant | 4.4★ | 36 | — |
| DFC - Dahab Fried Chicken | Restaurant | 3.7★ | 35 | 13:00–01:00 daily |
| Aqua marina restaurant | Restaurant | 4.7★ | 30 | 13:00–23:30 daily |
| Lailaty Coffee Shop | Cafe | 4.5★ | 27 | — |
| Kroosh | Restaurant | 4.3★ | 26 | — |
| Dahabian's House | Coffee shop | 3.6★ | 25 | 07:00–03:00 (Sun 07:30–03:00) |
| Dahab Fish king | Seafood restaurant | 4.5★ | 23 | 15:00–02:00 daily |
Ratings and review counts from Google. Inclusion is not an endorsement — always check recent reviews.
FAQ
What kind of food is Dahab known for?
Dahab's food scene is built on three layers. Bedouin and Egyptian basics — foul (slow-cooked fava beans), koshary, ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), shakshuka, grilled fish from the Red Sea — are everywhere and cheap. Slow-cooked tajines, kofta and grills are the local restaurant specialty (try ZANOOBA or Isfahan). And because Dahab has been a backpacker town for 30 years, you'll find Italian (Pasta Mia, Athanor), Indian (Namaste), Thai (Pattaya Thai) and Western brunch (Ena's Table, The Breakfast Cafe) at fair prices. Seafood from local boats is a daily highlight — Shark, Nemo and Friends are the picks.
What is the average cost of a meal in Dahab?
A full meal at a local Egyptian spot is 80–150 EGP (~$2–3 USD). A mid-range restaurant on the seafront is 200–600 EGP (~$4–12 USD) per person. Upscale resort dining is 600+ EGP (~$12+). Bottled water is 10–25 EGP. Beer 60–90 EGP. Cocktails at the rare bars that serve them, 200–280 EGP. Two people eat well in Dahab for $20–25 USD a day. Tap rate April 2026: 1 USD ≈ 50 EGP.
Is Dahab cheap?
Yes — it's one of the cheapest places on the Red Sea to eat, sleep and dive. A backpacker spends $25–35/day all in (food, hostel, one dive); a comfortable mid-range trip runs $60–90/day per person; resort-style stays $150+. Compared to Sharm el-Sheikh, expect to pay 30–50% less for the same meal in Dahab.
Is $100 a lot of money in Egypt?
Outside resort areas, yes — $100 USD (~5,000 EGP) is two days of comfortable mid-range living for a couple in Dahab, including 3 meals each, drinks, and one activity. Solo travelers can stretch $100 across 3–4 days. Sharm and Cairo are 30–60% more expensive. Carry small EGP bills (10/20/50) for tips, taxis and street food — many local spots are cash-only.
How much is a 3-course meal in Egypt?
In Dahab specifically: a 3-course mid-range dinner with a drink is 350–700 EGP (~$7–14 USD) per person. At Ena's Table or Pasta Mia, plan ~$10–15 with wine. At Ali Baba or Tota, $5–8 will get you starter, main and tea. Local Egyptian spots like Al Sultan's Kitchen serve a full grilled-meat plate for 100–150 EGP.
What's the best restaurant in Dahab?
It depends what you're after. For Egyptian slow-cooked food, ZANOOBA Slow Cooking (4.8★, 2,218 reviews) is the most-reviewed pick. For brunch and a polished plate, Ena's Table. For seafront dining, Shark Restaurant on El Masbat. Pasta Mia for Italian. Nawaem for Mediterranean. Haven Food Court (4.8★) is one of Dahab's highest-rated all-rounders.
Where do locals eat in Dahab?
Al Sultan's Kitchen on Talat Harb St for grills and street food. Friends Restaurant, just inland from the El Masbat seafront, for budget seafood. ZANOOBA for Egyptian classics. Box Meal for fast Asian lunches. Local-leaning spots cluster off the seafront — wherever the menu isn't translated into five languages, you're in the right place. Ask any dive instructor — they all have a falafel guy.
Are there vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Dahab?
No fully vegan-only restaurants exist in Dahab as of 2026, but every restaurant accommodates plant-based diets. Namaste Indian Food has the widest vegetarian menu. Most Egyptian places do excellent foul, koshary, ta'ameya (falafel) and grilled vegetables — all vegan by default. Ena's Table caters well to plant-based diets — ask at the counter.
Is Egypt vegan friendly?
More than most travelers expect. Egyptian staples — foul, ta'ameya (falafel), koshary, baba ghanoush, salads, grilled vegetables, rice and bean dishes — are vegan by default. Dairy and ghee creep into some sauces, so ask. In Dahab specifically, Indian (Namaste) and any Egyptian street-food stall will cover you. International restaurants happily adapt.
Best seafood restaurant in Dahab?
Shark Restaurant for the waterfront experience and a varied menu. Nemo Dahab for fresh catch on El Masbat. Friends Restaurant for the cheapest fresh fish in town — display-fish style, you pick what you want grilled, and they cook it to order. Boats land catch in the morning, so seafood is freshest at dinner.
What kind of fish do they eat in Dahab?
Red Sea catch — sea bream (denis), red mullet, calamari, grouper (lukos), kingfish (wahoo), prawns and crab. Locally caught, seasonal. Most seafood spots use a display-fish system: you pick what you want from the ice, choose grilled / baked / fried, and they cook it whole. Expect 200–500 EGP per person for a fresh-fish dinner.
Best Italian restaurant in Dahab?
Pasta Mia for handmade pasta (limited menu, all of it good — book ahead via Facebook). Athanor Pizzeria for wood-fired pizza (Dahab's most-reviewed pizza spot, 3,086 reviews). Both are Italian-run and open until late.
Best Indian restaurant in Dahab?
Namaste Indian Food on El Fanar St — the only dedicated Indian restaurant in town. Curries, tandoori, naan, generous vegetarian menu, mid-range prices. 4.3★ (840 reviews) and consistently good for vegetarians.
Best breakfast in Dahab?
The Breakfast Cafe (named for a reason — full English, fresh juice, good coffee, open 07:00–17:00). Lindy's opens at 07:00 for a pre-dive plate. Ena's Table for a more polished brunch from 09:00. Many cafés on the seafront also do a basic foul-and-tameya breakfast for 40–80 EGP.
What is a typical Egyptian breakfast?
Foul (slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, cumin and lemon), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava, not chickpea), pickled vegetables, fresh baladi bread, eggs, and sometimes white cheese (gibna beda). It's hearty, vegan-friendly without effort, and runs 30–60 EGP at any street stall in Dahab. Sit-down cafés layer on jam, butter, fresh juice and coffee for 80–120 EGP.
Where can I eat late at night in Dahab?
Ali Baba (until midnight, every night), Athanor Pizzeria (02:00), Lindy's (02:00), Isfahan Tajines (01:00), Pattaya Thai (midnight). Most other restaurants close at 23:00. Bars on the seafront serve small plates until 02:00. After-dive food: most places will reheat for late divers if you call ahead.
What does Ena's Table serve and what does it cost?
International brunch and dinner — beautifully plated bowls, breakfast standards, fresh juices, vegan options. Mains 200–400 EGP (~$4–8 USD), drinks 50–80 EGP, brunch plates 150–250 EGP. Open 09:00 to midnight in Zarnooq. Books fill up fast — DM @enas.table on Instagram for a same-day spot.
Are restaurants in Dahab expensive?
No — Dahab is one of the cheapest places on the Red Sea to eat well. Local Egyptian spots run 80–150 EGP for a full meal (~$2–3). Mid-range restaurants 200–600 EGP (~$4–12). Even Drift Cocktail Bar's craft cocktails sit at 200–280 EGP. Two people eat well for $20.
What's the difference between restaurants in Masbat and Mashraba?
Masbat / El Fanar / Lighthouse is the seafront tourist strip — Shark, Nemo, Tota, Nawaem, Ali Baba, Lindy's, Red Cat, Athanor, with Friends just inland for budget fish. Mashraba, further south, is residential and slightly cheaper, though none of our picks sit there yet; Princess is north in Assalah. Off-strip (El Malel, Talat Harb) is where you'll find ZANOOBA, Al Sultan's, Haven Food Court, Box Meal — locals' favorites at local prices.
Restaurants near the Blue Hole?
Drift Cocktail Bar on Blue Hole Road for cocktails and small plates. Most diving day-trips eat at the Blue Hole's row of small Bedouin café-restaurants — basic but cheap (50–120 EGP), with cushions on the rocks. For a proper dinner, return to Dahab town (15-min taxi, 100–150 EGP).
Do Dahab restaurants take card payments?
Mid-range and upscale restaurants take card; cheaper local spots are cash-only. ATMs are available on El Fanar St and at Banque Misr in central Dahab. Carry small bills (10, 20, 50 EGP) for tips and street food. Some places add a 3–5% surcharge for card — ask first.
Tipping in Dahab restaurants?
10% is the standard tip on a finished meal; some restaurants add an automatic 12% service charge — check the bill before adding more. Round up at cash-only spots. EGP cash tips are appreciated more than card tips.
Do Dahab restaurants take reservations?
Most don't — Dahab runs on walk-ins. Exceptions worth booking: Pasta Mia (DM via Facebook, fills up fast in season), Ena's Table (DM @enas.table on Instagram), Haven Food Court for groups of 6+. For everywhere else, arrive by 19:30 if you want a seafront table at sunset.
Are Dahab restaurants open during Ramadan?
Tourist-area restaurants stay open during Ramadan but lunch service is reduced and some delay opening to mid-afternoon. Local Egyptian spots reopen at iftar (sunset, ~18:00 in spring, ~19:00 in summer) and stay open very late — Ramadan nights are the best time to try Egyptian dishes you won't find at other times of year. In 2026, Ramadan falls roughly Feb 17 – Mar 18.
Where do digital nomads eat and work in Dahab?
Ena's Table, The Breakfast Cafe, Red Cat and Haven Food Court all have reliable Wi-Fi and accept long-stay laptop crowds. Most Mashraba and El Fanar cafés have Wi-Fi but it's slow at peak times — bring a hotspot for video calls. Coworking is at OurHub on El Fanar Street (separate venue, day pass ~150 EGP).
Is Dahab worth it for the food alone?
Not really — Dahab's food is good and cheap, but the food isn't why people come. The reason to plan a Dahab trip is the diving (Blue Hole, Canyon, Ras Abu Galum), the wind (kitesurfing in the lagoon), the Sinai mountains (Mt Sinai, Coloured Canyon) and the laid-back coastal vibe. The food is a bonus that means you can stay 2 weeks instead of 5 days without breaking the budget.
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