Mediterranean · International
⭐ 4.8 (747 Google reviews)
What it is
Nawaem Restaurant occupies a calm, art-leaning space on El Fanar Street in central Dahab, a couple of blocks back from the Lighthouse seafront. Long-term visitors and expats keep returning for the same reason: consistent Mediterranean cooking, generous mezze and a quiet room that does not chase tourist turnover. The kitchen splits the day into a lunch service and a separate dinner service, with a four-hour break in between. Seating is mostly casual indoor with some outdoor tables, and the room reads as cosy and a little hip. The location on El Fanar puts you a short walk from both Mashraba to the south and Assalah to the north, which makes it a useful pin for a slow midweek meal.
Menu
The menu reads as Mediterranean and international with mezze spreads, salads, grilled fish and meat mains, plus a strong run of small plates for sharing. Google lists vegan, vegetarian, healthy and small-plate offerings, late-night food, dessert and notable coffee and tea. The restaurant is also tagged as an art gallery, which shapes the room more than the menu. There is no full online menu link beyond the Nawaem website domain, so most diners review options on arrival or call +20 106 460 4204 ahead.
Sample prices: Mezze plates 90–180 EGP · Salads 80–160 EGP · Mediterranean small plates 120–220 EGP · Grilled fish mains 280–520 EGP · Meat mains 260–450 EGP · Vegetarian mains 180–300 EGP · Desserts 80–150 EGP · Coffee and tea 35–90 EGP
Practical
| Reservations | Reservations accepted. Call +20 106 460 4204 to book, particularly for dinner on weekends. |
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| Payment | Cash only. Bring Egyptian pounds; ATMs are within a short walk on Mashraba and Fanar streets. |
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| Suitable for | couples · solo diners · vegan and vegetarian · long-stay expats · group dinner · quiet dinner · late lunch |
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| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating noted on Google. Indoor and outdoor seating with table service. |
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| Parking | Free street parking and a small free lot in the area. |
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The basics
| Price range | $$ |
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| Cuisine / type | Mediterranean · International |
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| Address | El Fanar St, Dahab · Open in Google Maps |
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| Hours |
Show hoursSunday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 Monday: Closed Tuesday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 Wednesday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 Thursday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 Friday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 Saturday: 13:00–16:00, 17:00–23:00 |
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| Phone | +201064604204 |
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| Google rating | ⭐ 4.8 (747 reviews · view on Google) |
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How to get there
El Fanar St, Dahab — see our Dahab map guide for the area layout.
Worth it?
Consistently excellent Mediterranean food on El Fanar Street. Popular with long-term visitors and expats. Mezze spreads, grilled fish and warm service. A solid recommendation if you're in the area.
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FAQ
Where is Nawaem Restaurant in Dahab?
Nawaem is on El Fanar Street in central Dahab, a short walk inland from the Lighthouse seafront. The location sits between the Mashraba neighbourhood to the south and Assalah to the north, which makes it easy to reach on foot from most central guesthouses and dive centres.
What are Nawaem Restaurant's opening hours?
Nawaem opens 13:00 to 16:00 for lunch and 17:00 to 23:00 for dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed all day Monday. The kitchen takes a four-hour afternoon break, so plan around the split shift if you arrive in the late afternoon.
Is Nawaem Restaurant cash only?
Yes, Nawaem is cash only and Google explicitly tags the restaurant as requires_cash_only. Bring Egyptian pounds. ATMs are within walking distance on Mashraba Street and along the El Fanar area, so it is easy to top up before you sit down.
Does Nawaem Restaurant take reservations?
Yes, Nawaem accepts reservations. Booking is sensible for dinner on weekends and during peak holiday weeks because the dining room is intentionally small. Call +20 106 460 4204 to reserve a table. Walk-ins are usually fine at lunchtime and on quieter weeknights.
How much does Nawaem Restaurant cost?
Nawaem is mid-range, listed at $$ on the site. A typical dinner with a starter, main and tea lands around 350–600 EGP per person. Grilled fish is the higher end of the menu at 280–520 EGP, while mezze and salads keep a lighter meal under 300 EGP comfortably.
Is Nawaem Restaurant good for vegans?
Yes, Nawaem serves both vegan and vegetarian dishes and the kitchen is also flagged for healthy and small-plate offerings. Mezze plates, salads and Mediterranean vegetable dishes carry the plant-based section. Mention vegan when ordering to make sure dressings and sides match.
Is Nawaem Restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Google lists Nawaem as having a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating. The dining room is mostly on one level and the team is used to flexible seating. Call ahead if you have specific access needs so they can hold a suitable table.
What does Nawaem Restaurant serve?
Nawaem serves Mediterranean and international food: mezze spreads, salads, grilled fish, meat mains and small plates. The menu also covers vegan and vegetarian dishes, dessert, and notable coffee and tea. Late-night food is available within the dinner shift up to 23:00.
Is Nawaem Restaurant good for couples?
Yes, Nawaem suits couples well. Google describes the atmosphere as casual, cosy and quiet, and the restaurant doubles as an art gallery, which gives the room a calm, considered feel. Booking the late dinner shift around 19:30 or 20:00 typically gives the most relaxed experience.
Is Nawaem open on Mondays?
No, Nawaem is closed every Monday. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday with a split lunch and dinner service. If you are in Dahab on a Monday, plan your evening meal somewhere else and save Nawaem for a different day in the week.
Does Nawaem serve alcohol?
Nawaem does not flag alcohol or beer service in its Google attributes. Expect a soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea list rather than a bar menu. If wine or beer matters for the evening, pair the meal with drinks at a beachside bar afterwards along the Lighthouse seafront.
Is Nawaem suitable for kids?
Yes, Nawaem welcomes children according to Google, though the room is calmer and quieter than the seafront pizzerias and grills, and there is no dedicated children's menu listed. Earlier lunch sittings around 13:30 or the start of the dinner shift around 17:30 work best for families.
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