Cameroon Flavours
Cameroonian dishes use spices brought from Cameroon, giving the traditional plates a distinctly authentic character.
Poivre & Salt Restaurant - Cafe
Al Merkdah - Nad Al Sheba 1
Poivre & Salt is a small restaurant-cafe in Al Merkdah - Nad Al Sheba 1, known for Cameroonian home-style cooking alongside familiar favourites. Try the grilled soya meat or the tagliatelle pink sauce in a cosy, welcoming setting.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
119 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Large Portions
Several reviews describe generous servings; one says each order of the recommended dishes was good for two.
Welcoming Service
Reviews consistently mention friendly, attentive hospitality, with staff helping diners choose dishes and making families feel comfortable.
Pasta Standout
The linguini and tagliatelle in pink sauce receive especially strong praise, with reviewers noting fresh pasta and rich flavour.
Shawarma Favourite
Shawarma is another standout, described by one reviewer as the best in Dubai and by another as the best in Riviera.
Cosy Setting
The small space is repeatedly described as clean, cosy and inviting, with light music and views towards downtown Dubai.
Parking Available
One reviewer specifically noted that the location has good parking, useful for a restaurant in a developing residential area.
What to Eat at Poivre & Salt Restaurant - Cafe How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Poivre & Salt Restaurant - Cafe, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Poivre & Salt Restaurant - Cafe, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 2
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Chicken burger Net +3
“Food was testy i orders chicken burger”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was testy i orders chicken burger”April 2025
“We had the fish fatayer, Afro burger & chicken burger. Everything tasted homemade & super fresh.”June 2024
-
Shawerma Net +2
“Just so delicious!! The best burgers and shawerma in Riviera!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Just so delicious!! The best burgers and shawerma in Riviera!”April 2025
“The combination of the best shawarma of Dubai with the most marvelous view at Dubai skyline makes it a fabulous hidden gem. I love this place so much!”February 2025
Honorable mentions (15)
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African burger Net +1
“Tried the African burger...really nice taste and big portion. We'll done guys keep it up. 💯”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried the African burger...really nice taste and big portion. We'll done guys keep it up. 💯”June 2024
-
Afro burger Net +1
“We had the fish fatayer, Afro burger & chicken burger. Everything tasted homemade & super fresh.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the fish fatayer, Afro burger & chicken burger. Everything tasted homemade & super fresh.”June 2024
-
Bolognese Net +1
“The bolognese was perfectly seasoned, and the garlic bread on the side was a great touch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The bolognese was perfectly seasoned, and the garlic bread on the side was a great touch.”July 2025
-
Fish fatayer Net +1
“We had the fish fatayer, Afro burger & chicken burger. Everything tasted homemade & super fresh.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the fish fatayer, Afro burger & chicken burger. Everything tasted homemade & super fresh.”June 2024
-
Garlic bread Net +1
“The bolognese was perfectly seasoned, and the garlic bread on the side was a great touch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The bolognese was perfectly seasoned, and the garlic bread on the side was a great touch.”July 2025
-
Grilled soya meat Net +1
“Memories of Mile 17 Buea Cameroon 🇨🇲 runs through the brain and we immediately settled for their Grilled soya meat 🥩. Dish was sumptuous. Kudos to the chefs for the artwork on plate. Felt the famous 🇨🇲 pepper 🌶️. Had to quench the flames 🔥 with Hibiscus drink. It was refreshing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Memories of Mile 17 Buea Cameroon 🇨🇲 runs through the brain and we immediately settled for their Grilled soya meat 🥩. Dish was sumptuous. Kudos to the chefs for the artwork on plate. Felt the famous 🇨🇲 pepper 🌶️. Had to quench the flames 🔥 with Hibiscus drink. It was refreshing.”August 2024
-
Ice cream Net +1
“Poivre & Salt's yellow rice, chicken burger and ice cream are absolute delicacies, at affordable prices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Poivre & Salt's yellow rice, chicken burger and ice cream are absolute delicacies, at affordable prices.”June 2024
-
Linguini in pink sauce Net +1
“I opted for the linguini in pink sauce, which was a harmonious blend of creamy and tangy flavors, with the pasta cooked to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I opted for the linguini in pink sauce, which was a harmonious blend of creamy and tangy flavors, with the pasta cooked to perfection.”June 2024
-
Pepperoni pizza Net +1
“We enjoyed here pepperoni pizza , test was delicious.service was to good . Staff behavior was very nice ,they properly care about customers with smile and enthusiasm,they also very loveable with kids , we would like to come here again . restaurant located in lagoon side but it will take some time to fully developed but overall experience was very nice”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed here pepperoni pizza , test was delicious.service was to good . Staff behavior was very nice ,they properly care about customers with smile and enthusiasm,they also very loveable with kids , we would like to come here again . restaurant located in lagoon side but it will take some time to fully developed but overall experience was very nice”March 2025
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Poisson braisé Net +1
“In USA where I lived not such originality and organic Savour of “poisson Braisé” and Soya 😃”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“In USA where I lived not such originality and organic Savour of “poisson Braisé” and Soya 😃”February 2025
-
Soya Net +1
“In USA where I lived not such originality and organic Savour of “poisson Braisé” and Soya 😃”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“In USA where I lived not such originality and organic Savour of “poisson Braisé” and Soya 😃”February 2025
-
Tagliatelle pink sauce Net +1
“I was in POIVRE & SALT today guys this TAGLIATELLE pink sauce is the best in all Azizi go there and try it,we even try quesadilla,premium beef Burger and GREEk avocado salad me and my family and friends thanks chef and staff ❤️❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I was in POIVRE & SALT today guys this TAGLIATELLE pink sauce is the best in all Azizi go there and try it,we even try quesadilla,premium beef Burger and GREEk avocado salad me and my family and friends thanks chef and staff ❤️❤️”March 2026
-
Traditional african dish with plantain Net +1
“My wife chose a traditional African dish with plantain, which was an explosion of flavors, perfectly seasoned and cooked to bring out the authentic taste of African cuisine.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My wife chose a traditional African dish with plantain, which was an explosion of flavors, perfectly seasoned and cooked to bring out the authentic taste of African cuisine.”June 2024
-
Yellow rice Net +1
“Poivre & Salt's yellow rice, chicken burger and ice cream are absolute delicacies, at affordable prices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Poivre & Salt's yellow rice, chicken burger and ice cream are absolute delicacies, at affordable prices.”June 2024
-
Milkshakes Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Home-cooked meals at Azizi Riviera, what a delight! Friendly staff, freshly ground coffees, nice milkshakes and mocktails (try the passion mojito), and chef's afro fusion dishes are so delicious, fresh, and tasty !”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Home-cooked meals at Azizi Riviera, what a delight! Friendly staff, freshly ground coffees, nice milkshakes and mocktails (try the passion mojito), and chef's afro fusion dishes are so delicious, fresh, and tasty !”June 2024
Drinks 2
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Hibiscus drink Net +1
“Memories of Mile 17 Buea Cameroon 🇨🇲 runs through the brain and we immediately settled for their Grilled soya meat 🥩. Dish was sumptuous. Kudos to the chefs for the artwork on plate. Felt the famous 🇨🇲 pepper 🌶️. Had to quench the flames 🔥 with Hibiscus drink. It was refreshing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Memories of Mile 17 Buea Cameroon 🇨🇲 runs through the brain and we immediately settled for their Grilled soya meat 🥩. Dish was sumptuous. Kudos to the chefs for the artwork on plate. Felt the famous 🇨🇲 pepper 🌶️. Had to quench the flames 🔥 with Hibiscus drink. It was refreshing.”August 2024
-
Passion mojito Net +1
“Home-cooked meals at Azizi Riviera, what a delight! Friendly staff, freshly ground coffees, nice milkshakes and mocktails (try the passion mojito), and chef's afro fusion dishes are so delicious, fresh, and tasty !”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Home-cooked meals at Azizi Riviera, what a delight! Friendly staff, freshly ground coffees, nice milkshakes and mocktails (try the passion mojito), and chef's afro fusion dishes are so delicious, fresh, and tasty !”June 2024
What to Avoid (3)
Food 3
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Chicken biryani Net −1
“We ordered chicken biryani and milkshake. The biryani was uncooked and chicken was old and dry. Was hard to chew.We immediately gave the biryani back.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered chicken biryani and milkshake. The biryani was uncooked and chicken was old and dry. Was hard to chew.We immediately gave the biryani back.”December 2024
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Fried rice with crispy chicken Net −1
“I ordered fried rice with crispy chicken and I confirmed multiple times on the phone if that is possible and they said yes. And I paid even extra for a bit more but eventually I received just fried rice with normal chicken. It was not even more chicken and the chicken was really hard to chew.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered fried rice with crispy chicken and I confirmed multiple times on the phone if that is possible and they said yes. And I paid even extra for a bit more but eventually I received just fried rice with normal chicken. It was not even more chicken and the chicken was really hard to chew.”January 2025
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Fried rice with normal chicken Net −1
“I ordered fried rice with crispy chicken and I confirmed multiple times on the phone if that is possible and they said yes. And I paid even extra for a bit more but eventually I received just fried rice with normal chicken. It was not even more chicken and the chicken was really hard to chew.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered fried rice with crispy chicken and I confirmed multiple times on the phone if that is possible and they said yes. And I paid even extra for a bit more but eventually I received just fried rice with normal chicken. It was not even more chicken and the chicken was really hard to chew.”January 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Try Traditional. Start with a recommended Cameroonian dish, such as grilled soya meat, rather than defaulting to the more familiar menu items.
Allow Time. Food may be prepared to order, so allow extra time, especially during delivery or busy periods.
Check Sides. Before leaving or accepting delivery, check that expected accompaniments such as plantain, garlic bread or salad toppings are included.
Ask Clearly. If requesting substitutions or extra ingredients, confirm the final preparation before paying; one custom fried-rice order was not made as requested.
Use Parking. Driving is practical according to one reviewer, who specifically reported good parking at the location.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Azizi Riviera 6 - Shop 11
Al Merkdah - Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Uneven Timing
One visit had dishes arriving nearly an hour late and cold, while another delivery within Azizi Riviera took 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Order Errors
Reviews mention missing sides and ingredients, including plantain with mutton stew and garlic bread with soup.
Preparation Issues
A biryani was reported uncooked, with dry chicken, while a separately ordered beef dish was overcooked rather than rare.
Customisation Risk
A fried-rice order confirmed with extra chicken arrived with normal chicken instead, and the chicken was hard to chew.
Small Space
The cafe has only a handful of tables, so the setting may feel limited if you are looking for a larger, livelier dining room.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Poivre & Salt is a small restaurant-cafe in Al Merkdah - Nad Al Sheba 1 where the main draw is Cameroonian home-style cooking, supported by a broader menu of burgers, shawarma and pasta. The clearest reason to visit is the chance to try traditional dishes such as grilled soya meat, rice with plantain and poisson braisé, with spices reportedly brought from Cameroon. The reviews also give the more familiar dishes plenty of attention.
Tagliatelle pink sauce, linguini in pink sauce, burgers and shawarma are all mentioned positively, while the passion mojito and hibiscus drink provide non-alcoholic options. Portions are often described as generous, and one reviewer said the recommended dishes were enough for two. The restaurant is small, clean and cosy rather than spacious, with light music and some skyline views; parking was specifically reported as good.
Service is a strong part of the experience, with repeated mentions of warm, attentive staff and helpful menu guidance. Quality is not completely consistent, though. Reviews report missing sides, an uncooked biryani, overcooked beef and delays approaching an hour, including a 1-hour-20-minute delivery.
If ordering a customised dish or delivery, confirm the details and allow extra time.