Pier 88 Nile River

Pier 88 Nile River is the Zamalek flagship of the Pier88 group, which also runs Khufu's at the pyramids and several venues elsewhere in Egypt. It occupies the upper level of a boat moored on Saray El Gezira Street, and its terrace sits right above the water, giving one of the closest views of the Nile from any restaurant in central Cairo. It has become one of the city's most fashionable places for a night out.

The kitchen is Italian, with a menu divided into antipasti, salads, soups, pasta and main courses. Seafood suits the setting best, with dishes such as fried squid and grilled octopus, and the menu also covers raw fish and meat starters, premium pastas and steaks. The drinks list is a real focus, with a long cocktail menu and wines, and the bar becomes busier and louder as the evening goes on, particularly at weekends.

Pier 88 suits couples, groups of friends and special occasions, and it is a natural choice for anyone who wants dinner and drinks in one place. Children are welcome until 18:00, after which the atmosphere becomes more adult. The dress code is smart casual, and beachwear or sportswear is not accepted. Prices are high by Cairo standards, and there is a minimum spend per person, which includes service charge and VAT.

Booking is recommended, particularly for dinner and for terrace tables, and can be made online through the website, by phone or WhatsApp, or by email. Walk-ins are accepted when there is space. The restaurant closes at midnight on weekdays and at 02:00 at weekends, with last orders 30 minutes to an hour earlier. Allow two hours or more for dinner.

The boat is moored on the eastern side of Zamalek, facing Bulaq and Downtown, a short walk from the Cairo Marriott and a few minutes by taxi from Downtown across the 26th of July Bridge. Sunset is the most popular time to arrive, when the light fades over the river and the city lights come on along the opposite bank. For a more casual drink nearby, the bars and pubs of central Zamalek are a short ride away. Imported bottles can be brought in with a corkage fee, and pets are not allowed. Because the boat sits low on the river, the terrace can be breezy in winter evenings, so bring a light layer between December and February.