Popular local places to eat in Sharm, with honest notes on halal food and alcohol.
Most meat in Egypt is halal, but halal is not guaranteed everywhere in Sharm, and many restaurants, bars and hotels serve alcohol. If either matters to you, ask before you book.
These are popular local places, checked in October 2026:
1. Fares Seafood, Old Market
A long-running Sharm seafood restaurant, open from 11am until late.
2. El Masrien, Old Market
A busy Egyptian grill house for kofta, kebab and lamb, open from 11am until late.
3. Abou Ali, Old Market and Hay El Nour
Egyptian street food: ful, ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) and kofta. The Hay El Nour branch is open 24 hours.
For ice cream, Vanilla Café in Naama Bay is known for its Italian gelato.
Tips for families
- Tap water is not safe to drink outside the big hotels, so stick to bottled water.
- Check the bill for a service charge, often 10 to 12%. Leaving 5 to 10% extra in cash for good service is appreciated.
- Ask about children's portions.
- On Fridays, some small local shops close for a while around midday prayers.
Questions about eating out in Sharm? Message us on WhatsApp.
