2 Best Restaurants in Sharm el-Sheikh and Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Although this is a great place to sample ful (a hearty, flavorful stew of mashed fava beans) and ta'amiya (Egyptian-style felafel), save room for baba ghanoush (stewed eggplant with tomatoes and tahini) and the mashi (stuffed grape leaves, zucchini, and baby eggplant). This location, which has a large dining room, is only a few blocks from all the action of the Old Market, so there's always a taxi (or Blue Bus) nearby to get you back to your hotel. The Hay Lel Nour location is a bit farther out, but it's in a non-touristy neighborhood, giving you the opportunity to experience everyday Egyptian life as well as traditional Egyptian food.

Candlelight and live traditional music make the dining room here romantic, and the menu highlights the varied cuisine of India. Choose from entrees such as the rich palak paneer (homemade cottage cheese in spinach) or the flavorful fish curry featuring sea bass; sides include several type of naan as well as fragrant biryani (saffron rice with chicken). Top off your meal with a refreshing kulfi (dense, Indian-style ice cream) for dessert.