Restaurant
Sofra Restaurant & Café
A much-loved Egyptian restaurant in a restored 1930s house in central Luxor, serving mezze, stuffed pigeon and clay-pot dishes on a shaded upstairs terrace.
Jewel of the Nile
A small East Bank restaurant serving freshly made British and Italian-influenced dishes at fair prices, with a bring-your-own alcohol policy and a Sunday roast.
At a glance
- Type
- British and Italian-influenced
- Area
- Gazirat Al Awameyah, East Bank, Luxor, Egypt
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Bring your own alcohol
- Sunday roast
- Freshly made dishes
Why we recommend it
Jewel of the Nile is a small, independent restaurant in the Gazirat Al Awameyah area of the East Bank, south of the town centre, that has built up a strong following with visitors and long-stay residents. Its appeal lies in freshly made home-style cooking at reasonable prices, with a menu that leans towards British and Italian dishes alongside local flavours.
The restaurant is a good place to come when you want comfort food after days of temple visits. Dishes are prepared to order, so meals are not rushed, and portions are generous. The Sunday roast is one of its best-known offerings and needs to be booked in advance, which tells you something about its popularity with British travellers in particular.
Jewel of the Nile does not sell alcohol, but you can bring your own, which keeps the cost of an evening down and makes it a relaxed option for a sociable dinner. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, more like a neighbourhood restaurant than a tourist venue.
It suits couples, families and anyone staying in the hotels along Khaled Ibn El Walid Street who wants an independent restaurant within easy reach. Vegetarians should ask about options when booking. The restaurant has been reported to close on Fridays, so check before planning a visit on that day.
Because it is small, booking is a good idea in the high season, and essential for the Sunday roast. The area is a short taxi ride from Luxor Temple and the souq, and close to several of the big riverside hotels, so it is easy to fit into an evening. If you want a drink afterwards, the King's Head Pub and several hotel bars are in the same part of town.
Restaurants like this are a reminder that Luxor is not only a city of day-trippers: many people return each winter for weeks at a time, and independent places with home cooking are where they tend to gather. A small tip for good service is customary in Egypt, and carrying small notes makes this easier.
If you are vegetarian or have allergies, mention them when you book so the kitchen can plan ahead, as dishes are made fresh.
Jewel of the Nile FAQs
Where is Jewel of the Nile?
In the Gazirat Al Awameyah area of the East Bank, south of the town centre.
What kind of food does it serve?
Freshly made British and Italian-influenced dishes.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, guests may bring their own drinks.
Does it serve a Sunday roast?
Yes, and it needs to be booked in advance.
Is it open on Fridays?
It has been reported to close on Fridays, so check before you go.
Is it expensive?
Prices are reasonable.
What is nearby?
The large hotels on Khaled Ibn El Walid Street and the King's Head Pub.