Zanilli's Coffee & More
Montazah · Alexandria, Egypt. A laptop-friendly cafe verified for remote workers and digital nomads.
Alexandria has 5 laptop-friendly cafes in our guide, and Zanilli's Coffee & More ranks #4 with a work-friendly score of 7/10. Its WiFi clocks at 25 Mbps — 4% faster than the city average of 24 Mbps. Power outlets are available throughout the cafe. Perfect for casual working sessions.
Work-Friendly Assessment
👍 Solid Pick
Score is close to the Alexandria average of 7.2/10.
25 Mbps — 4% faster than Alexandria average
About Zanilli's Coffee & More
Zanilli occupies a prime open-air position inside Montazah Gardens, right beside the Palestine Hotel on Alexandria seafront. Operating since 2006, it is the only outdoor dining spot within the palace grounds, with tables spread across a stone terrace shaded by mature trees and overlooking the Mediterranean. The setting feels removed from the city — manicured lawns, the Montazah Palace silhouette in the background, and a steady sea breeze replace the usual downtown traffic noise. The crowd is a mix of Egyptian families on weekends, hotel guests, and a scattering of remote workers who have found this unlikely productive pocket.
WiFi runs at 25 Mbps with good consistency, handling video calls and collaborative tools without dropout. Power outlets are accessible at the covered interior tables and along the terrace wall seats, though the fully outdoor positions lack them. The moderate noise level comes from garden visitors and the occasional shisha pipe rather than street traffic, creating a pleasant ambient backdrop. Seating comfort rates excellent — deep cushioned wicker chairs and padded bench seating along the terrace wall let you settle in for extended sessions.
Coffee costs $3 USD, and the menu extends to sandwiches, salads, seafood, and pasta, covering full meals without leaving the gardens. Open 9 AM to 11 PM daily. Reaching Montazah requires a taxi or bus along the Corniche from downtown, roughly 30 minutes. Best for workers who want a Mediterranean garden setting with fresh air and sea views, and don't mind the commute from central Alexandria.
Key Highlights
25 Mbps WiFi
Good stable connection at the only open-air seaside workspace inside historic Montazah Palace gardens
$3 Coffee
Full menu including seafood, pasta, salads, and shisha alongside coffee and beverages all day
Seaside Gardens
Tables on a stone terrace under mature trees with direct Mediterranean views and palace backdrop
Excellent Seating
Deep cushioned wicker chairs and padded bench seating designed for extended comfortable sessions
14-Hour Access
Open 9 AM to 11 PM daily providing a full working day in a garden environment
Compare to Other Cafes
| Feature | Zanilli's Coffee & More | Corcovado | Trianon | Brazilian Coffee Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| WiFi Speed | 25 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Power Outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Price | $3 | $3 | $2 | $2 |
| Noise Level | moderate | moderate | quiet | quiet |
Why Alexandria for Remote Work?
At $900 per month all-in, Alexandria ranks among the cheapest Mediterranean cities where you can actually get work done from a cafe. Fixed broadband averages 31 Mbps citywide, and the five laptop-friendly cafes in Roushdy, Gleem, and San Stefano deliver around 24 Mbps over WiFi -- enough for video calls with some margin. Coffee averages $2.60 at work-friendly spots, though traditional Egyptian ahwa serves Turkish coffee for as little as $0.30. The modern cafe scene clusters in Roushdy and San Stefano, where chains like Cilantro and Brazilian Coffee provide consistent connections and air conditioning.
Alexandria's digital nomad community is medium-sized and growing, drawn by the extreme affordability and Mediterranean climate that runs milder than inland Cairo. English proficiency is medium -- sufficient for cafe orders and basic interactions, though you'll hit walls outside tourist-facing establishments. The city compensates with genuine warmth from locals, legendary seafood that costs a fraction of European equivalents, and cultural anchors like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Better air quality than Cairo and a 32-kilometer Corniche promenade give you proper breaks between work sessions, and the growing coworking scene with spaces like The Circle provides backup when cafe WiFi falters.
Internet reliability remains the main frustration. Speeds can drop unpredictably, and occasional power outages compound the problem, so always keep a mobile hotspot ready -- Vodafone and Orange both offer generous data plans under $10 for 20-30 GB. Women working from cafes should be aware that street harassment is common and may influence which neighborhoods feel comfortable for extended sessions. If your stay overlaps with Ramadan, expect altered cafe hours and reduced daytime food options, though many modern establishments in tourist areas maintain regular schedules.
Tips for Working From Cafes in Alexandria
Stock up on mobile data early
Egyptian SIM plans are absurdly cheap -- Orange offers 20 GB for about $4. Buy at the airport with your passport and use it as your primary backup when cafe WiFi stumbles in older neighborhoods.
Map Ramadan-friendly cafes ahead
During Ramadan, many local cafes close during daylight hours. Modern chains in Roushdy and San Stefano typically stay open, but confirm hours in advance to avoid wasted trips across the city.
Work mornings on the Corniche side
Cafes facing the Mediterranean catch the morning breeze and stay cooler longer without heavy AC. Afternoon heat pushes everyone indoors, making interior spots more crowded after 2 PM.
Buy Every 2-3 Hours
Order a drink or snack every couple of hours to support the cafe and keep your seat.
Test WiFi First
Run a quick speed test before settling in to avoid surprises during important calls.
Visit Off-Peak
Arrive 8-11am or 3-5pm to grab the best seats and the fastest WiFi.
Bring Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for blocking lunch rushes and chat.
Carry a Power Bank
Outlets aren't guaranteed everywhere — a backup keeps you working.
Respect Quiet Zones
Take long video calls outside or in coworking spaces, not in quiet cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria safe for digital nomads working from cafes?
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Plan your stay in Alexandria
Get the full city guide with cost of living, neighborhoods, visa info, and more — everything a digital nomad needs.