The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Moby Dick Restaurant
Moby Dick is a Hurghada institution, one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in the city, serving fresh Red Sea fish and seafood in a relaxed setting near the marina. The daily catch includes grouper, red snapper, calamari, and prawns — all grilled to order over charcoal. The open-air terrace overlooking the Hurghada marina is a wonderful spot for a leisurely dinner watching the boats return from the sea.
Known for: Fresh daily catch grilled over charcoal — the freshest seafood in Hurghada
Sheraton Road, Hurghada Marina, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
La Plage
La Plage is El Gouna's most romantic restaurant, set on a wooden deck above the water at Abu Tig Marina with panoramic views of the lagoon and the marina. The menu focuses on fresh Mediterranean cuisine — grilled fish, pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza — using high-quality imported and local ingredients. The cocktail menu is excellent and the wine list features bottles from Italy, France, and Lebanon.
Known for: Mediterranean cuisine with stunning marina views — ideal for a sunset dinner
Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Abu Khadeiga
Abu Khadeiga is the local legend of Hurghada's Ad-Dahar neighborhood, a no-frills Egyptian restaurant serving authentic local food to workers, fishermen, and budget travelers since the 1980s. The menu includes koshary (Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils, and pasta), foul medames, grilled chicken, and fresh bread from the wood-fired oven. The prices are absurdly low, the portions generous, and the food genuinely delicious.
Known for: Authentic Egyptian street food at local prices — best koshary in Hurghada
Ad-Dahar, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Jokers Restaurant El Gouna
Jokers is one of El Gouna's most popular and lively restaurants, set in the heart of the downtown area near the central square. The restaurant serves a broad menu of burgers, pasta, seafood, Egyptian dishes, and salads in a convivial atmosphere popular with expats, visitors, and local El Gouna residents. The terrace is particularly pleasant in the evening and the cocktail menu is extensive.
Known for: The social hub of El Gouna — reliable food in a lively atmosphere
Downtown El Gouna, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Kiki's Restaurant
Kiki's is El Gouna's most intimate fine dining experience, a small French-influenced restaurant tucked in the lagoon-side development with tables overlooking the water. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on classical French techniques with Red Sea fish and locally sourced produce. The duck confit, rack of lamb, and fish meuniere are outstanding. Reservations are essential — the restaurant has only 30 covers.
Known for: El Gouna's finest European dining — book at least 48 hours in advance
El Gouna Lagoon Area, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Papillon Restaurant
Papillon is a popular open-air restaurant at the Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna, known for its reliably good food, fair prices, and excellent waterfront location. The menu covers all bases from pasta and pizza to fresh fish and Egyptian mezze. It is particularly popular for lunch, when the marina terrace is buzzing with returning kite surfers, divers, and day-trippers.
Known for: Reliable all-day dining with a perfect marina terrace — ideal for a post-dive lunch
Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Little Buddha Hurghada
Little Buddha is the most glamorous restaurant and bar in Hurghada, housed in a spectacular multi-level venue with a giant golden Buddha statue and theatrical Asian-inspired decor. The menu spans Japanese sushi and sashimi, Thai curries, Vietnamese spring rolls, and fusion dishes that blend Asian flavors with Red Sea ingredients. The cocktail bar is exceptional and the DJ atmosphere makes this the perfect night out in Hurghada.
Known for: Hurghada's most spectacular dining venue — Asian fusion with theatrical cocktail bar
Hurghada Marina, Sakala, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Elysees Restaurant
Elysees at the Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel is Hurghada's premier hotel fine dining experience, offering beautifully prepared international and Egyptian dishes in an elegant beachfront setting. The kitchen is headed by European-trained Egyptian chefs who excel at both classical European cooking and refined presentations of Egyptian cuisine. The seafood mezze and grilled fish are highlights.
Known for: Hurghada's most refined hotel dining — exceptional seafood and Egyptian cuisine
Steigenberger Al Dau Beach, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Moby Dick Restaurant
Papillon Restaurant
Sea Horse Restaurant
El Gouna Fish Market
Bab El Mina
Segara Restaurant Marsa Alam
Captain's Inn Hurghada
Le Meridien Beach Restaurant
Safaga Fresh Fish Restaurant
Quseir Fort Restaurant
Orca Restaurant Shagra
Egyptian
Abu Khadeiga
Fares Restaurant
Alf Leila Wa Leila (Thousand and One Nights)
Oriental Night Restaurant
Papyrus Tea House
Sinbad Restaurant Hurghada
International
Elysees Restaurant
The Hub El Gouna
Sharkys Sports Bar Hurghada
Mediterranean
La Plage
Jokers Restaurant El Gouna
Casa del Mar Restaurant
Fusion
Little Buddha Hurghada
Dusk Restaurant El Gouna
Italian
Portofino Restaurant Hurghada
Torno Subito El Gouna
Bedouin
Bedouin Camp Dinner (Eastern Desert)
Cafe
Breeze Cafe El Gouna
French
Kiki's Restaurant
Indian
Tandoori Night Hurghada
Japanese
Bonsai Restaurant El Gouna
Middle Eastern
The Sultana Restaurant
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |