Cairo Cafe

by joe N.

This was my 2nd excursion into Mediterranean food and i was amazed at how good it was especially compared to what i had tried in San Diego. my wife was taking belly dancing lessons and her teacher dances here from time to time. She is awesome. but I was a bit reluctant to go based upon the decor and location. But Man Was it Great. I liked everything about the place.  cheap and good. great service and what an experience.  This is a place to go for the adventurous open minded diner.

by Stefanie E.

Where else in Indy can you grab a plate full of yummy Mediterranean fare, then go in back and pull up a hookah? What's more, when you partake of said hookah, where else can you feel more like a guest in Jeannie's bottle? Jeannie-aficianados may well remember feeling at home in the erstwhile El Morocco on 86th street, but since that has gone away a very lovely stand-in is the Cairo Cafe. About a year ago, the back room was actually a mini grocery store selling Turkish Delight, hummus, olives and such, but the owners had a more lavish plan in mind. What smart folks. Replete with white lights and floor pillows the color of persimmons and pomegranates, the place couldn't be more welcoming.I really go there for the buffet, though, whose selection is almost overwhelming. The green beans lubi - green beans languishing in a bath of fiery tomato sauce - couldn't be more perfect for a palate in need of a pick me up, and the hummus is heavy on the tahini, making it much more nutty than most I've tried. The salad is simplistic, though gorgeous, with lots of onions, tomatoes, parsley, garlic and lemon juice punctuated by the tiniest bit of olive oil. The kofte kabobs are small, fat and crunchy, just how I like 'em, and they deliver with a rich, smoky flavor.Every time I'm in Indy, I make a wish to eat here. And wouldn't you know, it always comes true!

by Cheap P.

This place saved the arabic food scene in the greater Indianapolis area, with its traditional Egyptian setting and food, its truly a wonderful place to feast. The owners are great/welcoming people and create a nice environment to kick it with friends or family. Btw, amazing desserts.I have 2 reccomendations: 1. When you can afford to, please move to a better/safer neighborhood.2. Push your servers to keep the customers water glasses filled or adopt a system where you keep a jug on each table, there is so much great food and I need alot of water to wash it down :)

by Jennifer L.

Hands-down the BEST Middle Eastern restaurant in the city. If you go at lunch, you can try the fresh, amply stocked buffet, with everything from baba ghanouge (roasted eggplant puree with tahini), to lentil soup, to various rice dishes with nuts and meat. And a lot more. The gyro meat is flavored to perfection, thought it's not always on the buffet. Call ahead. And the pita is properly moist, not dry like at many places. Be prepared to pay $10 or $11 at lunch, though. Try some Egyptian tea for something different. Some nights feature belly dancers. In the back there's a grocery store, where you can stock up on your Middle Eastern specialty groceries.

by Mike F.

I cannot say anything more positive about this restaurant.  I am a very regular customer and have never come close to having a bad meal.  All the food is prepared fresh daily and you'll have to loosen your belt buckle when you are finished.  The staff are all VERY friendly, are happy to answer questions about their food and culture, and treat their customers like family.  I know I will eat here for many years to come!