Al Fanar Restaurant

Al Fanar Restaurant occupies a tent-style setting beside the Ras Um Sid lighthouse in Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt. The name means lighthouse in Arabic, and the venue takes full advantage of its headland position, with seating spread across carpeted platforms, cushions and low tables that look over the Red Sea. It is a popular stop for visitors who want an Egyptian and Bedouin-flavoured evening instead of a hotel buffet.

The cuisine centres on Bedouin and Egyptian grills. Bedouin lamb is the listed specialty, slow-cooked or grilled and served with rice and bread, while grilled kofta, spiced minced meat on skewers, is a dependable alternative. Starters such as hummus and baba ghanoush arrive with warm flatbread, and salads, soups and grilled chicken round out the menu. Shisha is served at the tables, and tea, mint drinks and fresh juices are the usual accompaniments. Prices fall in the mid-range ($$) bracket, reasonable for a venue with this location.

The dining room is informal and social. Tent fabric, lanterns and floor cushions set the tone, and groups often settle in for a long evening. There is no formal dress code, though modest, comfortable clothing suits the setting. Noise levels are moderate, with background music, conversation and occasional lively tables, and the cooler air near the water makes evenings more pleasant than midday in summer.

The restaurant is open daily from about 12:00 until midnight. Reservations are advisable for sunset on weekends, when the best seats close to the lighthouse and the water fill quickly; on weekdays and outside high season, walk-in seating is generally manageable. Visitors who prefer alcohol should check availability in advance, since policy differs between venues in the city. Ras Um Sid is a short taxi ride from Naama Bay and the Old Market, and the lighthouse and nearby viewpoints make a pleasant walk before or after a meal.