Cauris SARLS

Cauris African Restaurant has established itself as a must-visit destination for lovers of African cuisine in Luxembourg. Nestled at 7 Esplanade de la Moselle in Wasserbillig Mertert, this establishment offers a delightful escape in the heart of Europe, with breathtaking views of the Moselle River being one of its major assets. The team, led by Lady De and Chef Mawo, offers a true immersion in the flavors of the African continent, primarily from West Africa (Togo, Senegal, but also with touches from other parts of Africa), with plans to expand the menu to include East and Southern Africa in the near future.

The establishment is distinguished first and foremost by its exceptional setting. Located on the riverbank, the restaurant boasts a terrace where one can enjoy a meal while admiring the tranquil flow of the Moselle. The venue is new, recently renovated, and features tasteful décor in warm wood tones, with a spacious and bright interior. Several customers have highlighted the pleasure of simply sitting down for a coffee and a slice of cake, or enjoying an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the river, like the cappuccino with a slice of apple tart mentioned by a visitor cycling from Trier. The restaurant also offers a €22 lunch menu, which remains affordable for Luxembourg, as well as a takeaway and delivery service that will delight those in a hurry or who live further away.

The menu is designed to satisfy all palates, including vegetarians and vegans who will find a wide selection of meat- and fish-free dishes. Among the standout dishes, fufu consistently receives rave reviews: expertly prepared and served with a variety of sauces (peanut sauce, mafé), it’s an unmissable discovery. The Royal couscous , available in a vegan version, and the guinea fowl (especially the Yassa and Royale versions) are also must-tries. The sea bream , carefully grilled, is also praised for its tender flesh. Those who enjoy spicy food will be delighted with the mafé , the okra dishes, or the alloco (fried plantain) served as a starter or main course in a particularly successful vegan tart. The sweet potato fries make an original and flavorful side dish, and the pilau rice perfectly complements the experience. The avocado-beetroot tartare as an amuse-bouche and the marinated salads demonstrate a welcome creativity.

The drinks also deserve special mention: the fresh, homemade juices ( hibiscus , ginger, baobab, and tamarind) are prepared on-site and offer a refreshing break, as does the African herbal tea , whose composition intrigues and delights the curious. The African Shiraz on the wine list pairs perfectly with the spicy dishes. For dessert, the mango-coconut panna cotta and the chocolate doughnuts bring the meal to a sweet and exotic close.

The warm welcome is unanimously praised as one of Cauris ‘s strongest points. The multilingual team (French, German, English) is remarkably helpful in explaining dishes to those unfamiliar with African cuisine, advising those who are undecided, and even offering tastings. Chef Mawo, in particular, takes the time to share his passion and story, creating a genuine connection with guests. Pets are even welcome, with water offered free of charge. The friendly, family atmosphere, enhanced by cultural touches (an African music group at Christmas, an African DJ for Valentine’s Day, the opportunity to play the djembe), transforms every visit into a memorable experience. The restaurant also offers buffet options upon request for private or corporate events and can adapt dishes to specific dietary requirements.

However, a few points deserve mention for the sake of transparency for future customers. Wait times can be long on some evenings: several visitors reported delays of 45 minutes or more during busy periods, even when the restaurant wasn’t full. This wait is partly due to the freshness of the dishes, which are prepared to order, but it’s advisable to allow extra time, especially on weekends. The value for money is also a point of contention: some consider the prices (around €24 for the royal couscous, €28 for a chicken dish with a side) high for the portions served, while others find them consistent with the quality of the fresh ingredients and the authenticity of the cuisine. It’s worth noting that a cash register error was reported and quickly corrected by management, who offered a refund, demonstrating a serious commitment to customer feedback. An isolated case of unattended waiting on the terrace was also mentioned, although management reacted by apologizing and increasing team vigilance.

On a practical level, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, has free parking nearby (as well as a public car park a five-minute walk away), accepts reservations, and offers card payments. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and open from Wednesday to Sunday with extended hours on weekends for both lunch and dinner. The availability of takeout and delivery significantly increases the restaurant’s accessibility for local residents.

Ultimately, the Cauris African Restaurant in Wasserbillig is a highly recommended stop for anyone wishing to discover or rediscover Luxembourg’s exotic cuisine . Between the freshness of the ingredients, the authenticity of the recipes, the warm welcome, and the enchanting setting on the banks of the Moselle River, the experience more than justifies the detour, provided you budget accordingly and are prepared to wait a little during peak hours. For cyclists traveling between Trier and Wasserbillig, or for travelers crossing the border, it’s a truly exceptional culinary experience.