Our first chat with Chef Giorgio Diana was nothing short of energizing. Warm, passionate, and charismatic, Giorgio exudes the same vitality in person as he does on the plate. Born in the sun-drenched city of Cagliari, Sardinia, he’s built a globe-spanning career rooted in Mediterranean soul and elevated by international finesse.
At just 17, his culinary journey took him to Germany where he earned formal training and instructor certification at IHK Munich, working under celebrated chefs like Bobby Breuer, Giovanni Marchesani, and Shane McMahon. He rose through Michelin-starred kitchens in Germany before leading fine dining concepts across Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Taiwan, and beyond.
His accolades include Chef of the Year 2022 and a spot at #28 on the 50 Top Italy list. Today, he juggles multiple roles — CEO and founder of Dinner Incredible, a borderless dining event supporting local farms, and COO and co-founder of Storia Katameya Heights, a beloved Mediterranean gem in Cairo.
We chatted with Chef Giorgio to uncover his go-to spots to eat, drink, and shop in Cairo as well as influential local profiles to follow. Here’s his personal city guide (consider it your insider pass).
Get to Know Chef Giorgio in His Own Words
“Hi, I’m Giorgio Diana. I’m the CEO and founder of ‘Dinner Incredible,’ a fantastic culinary event held two to three times a year at top locations around the world, featuring a team of 12 internationally renowned chefs. I’m also the owner of Storia, a fine dining restaurant inside the prestigious Katameya Heights compound in Cairo.”
Why Cairo Should Be on Everyone’s RADARLIST
“First of all, Cairo’s food scene is truly a paradise and it’s evolving every single day. From fine dining restaurants to street food, the city now offers some of the most breathtaking culinary views, whether overlooking the Nile River or the iconic pyramids.”
“Tourism is booming, and this is the place where history began. Cairo feels like an open-air museum, home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient wonders – from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor and Aswan. The new Grand Egyptian Museum is simply incredible.”
“Cairo also offers a rich cultural experience, where Muslims and Christians live together peacefully throughout the city.”
Must-Dine Spots
“As a must-dine spot, you cannot miss eating at Khufu’s Restaurant located right in front of the Pyramids with the best view ever. It offers Egyptian food in a modern way.”
“And of course, you can’t miss our restaurant, Storia, where we offer Mediterranean cuisine with a twist for the Egyptian market. We also have KAZOKU, an Asian restaurant and bar.”
“For nightlife, you cannot miss Lucida where they play Arabic and commercial music.”
As a Latin American restaurant, you cannot miss eating at Chicha Latin Kitchen located downtown in El Gouna by the Red Sea.”
“As a café, you cannot miss Granita in the Zamalek area.”
Must-Do Activities
“The best sports center in all of Egypt is Gezira Club, a beautiful complex where you can play tennis, football, work out in the gym, or go running. Everything related to sports and fitness can be found there.”
“As for cinema, we have the best kino inside the Fairmont Nile City Hotel.“
Must-Follow Profiles
“As a must-follow, you cannot miss Ayman Beky, the guru of the culinary world in Egypt with a perfect vision for the future of the country. He’s the man behind Beky Hospitality Group. I admire him because he has changed the culinary scene in Cairo since he started his company. Back in 2016, he was one of the first — along with me — to offer fine dining in Egypt.”