3 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.

For the city's best traditional Egyptian food, head out of your resort and to this unassuming branch of a national restaurant chain. For something special, order the stuffed pigeon, though this is also a good place to enjoy ta'amiya (Egyptian-style felafel) and stellar sides of baba ganoush or hummus.

A good option in the heart of El Gouna, this restaurant serves a wide range of seafood as well as steaks in the evening. During the day, you'll find light snacks and sandwiches like their delicious shawarma (thin-cut meat and salad wrapped in unleavened bread—like a gyro). There's a terrace overlooking the square, so you can watch the world stroll by or grab your sandwich to go and head to the water.