Iranian sandwiches
Reviews highlight homemade-style Iranian sandwiches, with fresh bread and nostalgic flavours; Momma Mia is singled out as a favourite.
Shams Café
Nad Al Sheba
Shams Café is a small coffee shop in Nad Al Sheba with a relaxed, home-like atmosphere. Customers come for Iranian sandwiches such as Momma Mia, distinctive drinks including pistachio latte, and a welcoming setting for coffee breaks, casual meetups or quiet work.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
125 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Coffee choices
The coffee menu has several memorable orders, including a pistachio latte praised as one of the best in Dubai.
Calm setting
Customers describe the café as quiet, peaceful and beautifully decorated, with outdoor seating that is relaxing.
Work friendly
The work-and-leisure atmosphere suits solo tasks as well as meeting people, although indoor seating is limited.
Warm service
Reviews repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, attentive, respectful and welcoming, with customers saying they feel at home.
Free pastry
Some coffee orders have come with a complimentary croissant or brioche, a welcome extra when available.
Tips for a Better Visit
Specify size. Ask which cappuccino size you want; one reviewer found the small cup unsuitable.
Check temperature. If you prefer warm rather than very hot coffee, repeat the temperature request and check before sipping.
Visit early. For a better chance of finding a seat, arrive before busy periods; a reviewer says seating fills up.
Try the pastry. With some coffee orders, customers have received a free croissant, so ask whether the current offer includes one.
Consider takeaway. Takeaway is worth considering if seating is full; one repeat customer praised the drink packaging and delivery experience.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Shams Café, Azizi, Riviera 8
Al Merkadh - Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Koko Sabzi
Koko Sabzi is mentioned positively, though one reviewer objected to its sauce and sandwich bread.
Homemade pistachio cake
A customer returned for the homemade pistachio cake and enjoyed it.
Iced Spanish
Iced Spanish is recommended alongside matcha and the Kian special.
Turkish coffee
One nearby customer says the reasonable prices made it easy to spend hours enjoying Turkish coffee.
Common Concerns
Cappuccino issues
Two reviews report cappuccinos arriving too hot, while another found the drink unpleasant and questioned the milk.
Sandwich sauce
One customer disliked the sweet orange sauce and low-quality sweet bread used with Koko Sabzi.
Limited seating
The café is small, with not many indoor seats; busy periods can fill the available seating.
Food safety complaint
One review alleges food poisoning after ordering a cocktail and says the complaint received no reply.
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The Bottom Line
Shams Café is a small, cosy coffee shop in Nad Al Sheba that works for a relaxed coffee break, a casual meeting or a few quiet work tasks. The menu has more personality than a standard coffee stop: reviews mention the pistachio latte, traditional Iranian sandwiches, homemade pistachio cake and iced drinks. Momma Mia is described as a standout Iranian sandwich, while another customer calls the pistachio latte one of the best in Dubai.
The setting is a major part of the appeal. Customers describe the décor as beautiful and the atmosphere as quiet, peaceful and home-like, with relaxing outdoor seating. Staff are often described as friendly, attentive and respectful, and some coffee orders have included a free croissant or brioche.
Takeaway packaging has also received specific praise. There are a few things to manage. Indoor seating is limited, and the café can fill up, so arriving earlier may help.
Cappuccino orders deserve extra care: reviews mention a small cup, very hot temperatures and, in one case, a bitter taste. If you prefer a particular size or a warm rather than hot drink, say so clearly and check it before sipping. One customer also reported food poisoning after a cocktail; that allegation is worth keeping in mind when ordering.