Where to Eat in Sharm El Sheikh

By the SharmBeat team · Updated November 13, 2026

Short answer: Most restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh are concentrated in Naama Bay, the Old Market, Soho Square and the hotel areas around Shark's Bay. Naama Bay suits international dining and seafood on the promenade, while the Old Market is the place for local Egyptian dishes, grilled meat and shisha cafés.

Which areas of Sharm El Sheikh have the most restaurants?

• Naama Bay: the central tourist strip, with a long promenade of restaurants, cafés and shisha lounges offering international and seafood menus.
• Old Market (Sharm El Maya): a traditional market area where you find Egyptian street food, grills, juice stands and shisha cafés, usually at more local prices.
• Soho Square: an entertainment and dining complex with a mix of restaurants, cafés and evening activities in one place.
• Shark's Bay and the hotel areas: many hotels have their own restaurants, and several outside venues serve guests staying nearby.

What local food should you try in Sharm El Sheikh?

Egyptian cuisine is easy to enjoy for most visitors, and much of it is vegetarian by default. These are the dishes most visitors look for:

• Koshari: a hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato sauce and crispy onions.
• Ful medames and ta'amia: slow-cooked fava beans and Egyptian falafel, a classic breakfast.
• Grilled fish and seafood: the Red Sea coast is known for fresh fish, often priced by weight.
• Shawarma, kebab and kofta: grilled meat dishes found everywhere from street stands to sit-down restaurants.
• Mezze, bread and dips: shared starters that suit groups.
• Egyptian sweets such as basbousa and om ali, usually served with tea or coffee.

How do you choose a good restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh?

• Check recent reviews and photos rather than relying on a single rating.
• Look for busy tables, especially with local families: turnover usually means fresher food.
• For fish sold by weight, ask the price per kilo and the cooking method before ordering.
• Check whether a service charge is already included in the bill before you tip.
• If you have allergies or dietary needs, tell the staff clearly and ask how the dish is prepared.

Is it easy to eat halal, vegetarian or special diets in Sharm El Sheikh?

Halal food is the norm in Egypt. Vegetarian choices are common in Egyptian cuisine (koshari, ful, falafel, salads and mezze). Vegan, gluten-free and other special diets are easier to find in hotels and tourist-area restaurants, but it is always worth asking how a dish is made.

Frequently asked questions

Do restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh serve alcohol?

Licensed venues, mostly in hotels and tourist areas, serve alcohol. Many local restaurants and cafés do not, so check before you go if it matters to you.

Should I tip in restaurants?

Tipping is customary in Egypt. A service charge may already be added to the bill, so check the receipt first and tip additionally if the service was good.

Can I pay by card or do I need cash?

Cards are accepted in many tourist-area restaurants, but cash in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is useful in markets, small cafés and for tips.

Where can I find local Egyptian food instead of tourist menus?

The Old Market area and small neighbourhood restaurants away from the main promenades are the usual places to find everyday Egyptian dishes at local prices.

More Sharm El Sheikh guides

• Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh: Where to swim and snorkel, how beach access works and reef tips.
• Excursions and Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh: Boat trips, desert safaris, Mount Sinai, Dahab and how to book.
• Nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh: Nightlife areas, types of venues and tips for going out.
• Living in Sharm El Sheikh: Everyday life, services, work, sport and community for residents.

Venues, schedules and prices change often. This guide gives general information, so confirm details directly with the venue or operator. Published by SharmBeat (Safwa Star S&S LTD).