Poivre Noir is another chef-owned addition to Kigali’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. It seems like these have been springing up with a bit of regularity over the past few years (along with L’Epicurien, Brachetto, and O’Tamarillo) much to my delight. As with the rest of these places, Poivre Noir impresses with a menu of great dishes and a nice atmosphere that is one of the most popular restaurants in the city for both lunch and dinner.

Helmed by Nathalie and John Goffin, Poivre Noir relocated to Kimihurura in the last year (and took over the old Chapter One location, if anyone remembers that far back). This relocation has been fantastic for the restaurant – the environment, from the porch to the classy decor, is much improved, and the food seems to only get better. There are always catchy tunes playing, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.

The waitstaff are attentive, and Nathalie, the manager and co-owner, flits from table to table checking it with customers – a really nice touch, and something that just elevates the restaurant further.