Samakmak is one of Alexandria's best-known seafood restaurants, set on Kasr Ras El Teen Street in the old Anfoushi and Bahari fishing quarter, a short walk from the boats that supply much of the city's daily catch. The kitchen is built around classic Alexandrian seafood cooking rather than a single chef's signature style: sayadeya, a spiced fish-and-rice dish steeped in caramelized onion and tomato, is the dish most associated with the restaurant, alongside grilled sea bream, fried calamari and a shrimp tagine finished with garlic and coriander. The dining room spans a few floors of a converted building near the harbor, with simple tiled or tablecloth-covered tables and a view toward the fishing boats rather than a designed interior; the mood is loud, family-oriented and unpretentious. As with most Alexandria fish houses, the beverage program is limited to tea, juice and soft drinks rather than wine. Samakmak's reputation means weekend evenings draw long waits without a reservation, and phoning ahead a day in advance is the standard local approach for Thursday or Friday dinner.
| Price | EGP 500-1,100 / ~$9.70-21.35 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, roughly 13:00-01:00 (confirm on Google Maps) |
| Reservations | Recommended on weekend evenings; call the number listed on Google Maps |
| Address | 42 Kasr Ras El Teen Street, Anfoushi, Alexandria |
Signature dishes
- Sayadeya (spiced fish and rice)
- Grilled sea bream
- Fried calamari
- Shrimp tagine
Good to know
- Known for
- One of Alexandria's best-known seafood houses in the old Anfoushi fishing quarter
Location
42 Kasr Ras El Teen Street, Anfoushi, Alexandria
31.2103, 29.8814 View on map
Highlights
- Sayadeya (spiced fish and rice) is the restaurant's signature dish
- Grilled sea bream and shrimp tagine are consistently praised
- Set in the historic Anfoushi/Bahari fishing quarter near the working harbor
- One of Alexandria's most recognized seafood addresses
Tips for visiting
- Book a day ahead for Thursday or Friday dinner, when waits without a reservation can run long
- Order sayadeya if trying the restaurant for the first time -- it is the house specialty
- Lunch service is quieter and easier to get a table without booking
- Fried calamari is a good shareable starter while the main fish cooks
Accessibility
The restaurant occupies a multi-floor building in the old harbor district; ground-floor seating is accessible from the street, but upper floors may only be reachable by stairs.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should Samakmak be booked?
For weekend dinners, calling a day in advance is advisable; weekday lunch usually needs no reservation.
What is the restaurant's signature dish?
Sayadeya, a spiced fish-and-rice dish with caramelized onions, is the dish most associated with Samakmak.
Where exactly is Samakmak located?
It is on Kasr Ras El Teen Street in the Anfoushi/Bahari fishing district near Alexandria's old harbor.
Does Samakmak serve alcohol?
No; like most local seafood houses it serves tea, juice and soft drinks rather than wine or beer.