Nando's PERi-PERi — Restaurant in Calgary

The only thing about that experience was the food. We, a party of 2, chose to do dine-in. I’ve had the food to-go before but never for dine-in so this was the first time.

We let them know it was our first time, their only instruction was that we have to pay and order at the cash register up front. We ordered at the front, the other person in my party ordered 1/4 breast w/ fries on the side and a strawberry lemonade. I ordered 1/4 leg w/ roasted brussel sprouts and an extra side of ranch from the section of the menu that says extras. The person at the cash register then asked if there was a drink I wanted with my order, I responded with no and they said “not even water” so I said “water is fine”. They handed me two glasses and two straws. No water and not the strawberry lemonade we ordered. Went back to the table confused, no option for utensils, didn’t know where the napkins were, didn’t know where to get my drinks. We scan the area and find a drink machine, no option for water or the strawberry lemonade. We go to the table wait 10 minutes and decide to go to the front, turns out we were supposed to get both initially and didn’t. In the end I still didn’t get my water.

We waited over 30 minutes for our order, not even half the tables were full. Food came and I noticed that there was a sauce on my brussel sprouts that didn’t fit the description of the item and I didn’t receive the ranch I ordered. I asked for my ranch and was told that it was put onto my brussel sprouts. When I explained that I asked for it on the side and paid extra for it they didn’t care to fix their mistake although we did let them know we didn’t order it this way. I decided to eat it as is, I had already put in all the effort and nothing was resolved.

The food was good until me and my other party member witnessed a server take, what I assumed was a half drunk strawberry lemonade, from a dirty table and pour it back into where the drink originally was dispensed from. What made it worse was that we had already drank over half of the strawberry lemonade we had ordered.

The food is always great when we order it to-go it’s disappointing to know that I’ll more than likely never want to order from nandos again or at the least to dine-in. I wish we didn’t tip initially. Also the door going into the restaurant is very heavy and...

I don’t typically leave negative reviews unless issues are ongoing. Too often, a business gets hit with a bad review over a one-off experience that doesn’t reflect the whole picture. But after a bad experience yesterday and another today, I have to say something.

The food is consistently delicious, one of the reasons I’ve used them monthly for larger catering lunches with clients in the NE. But these recent experiences have missed the mark. The manager, in particular, lacks accountability and professionalism and could really benefit from customer service training. That said, all other staff I’ve dealt with have been fantastic.

I placed a catering order through the new app (as instructed) a couple of days in advance for an 11:45 AM pickup. Since it was for an important group, I arrived right at opening (11:00 AM) to confirm everything was on track. The manager assured me it was and would be ready on time.

When I returned at 11:45, the food was only half-prepared. I was told there had been an issue with the online payment (though no issue popped up on the app and order was confirmed), and because of that, they hadn’t fully prepared the order. That doesn't make sense. Oddly, they had my phone number and had already begun some of the prep, so why not call? And why tell me everything was fine when I checked in earlier?

In the end, I was delayed nearly 30 minutes, which disrupted our meeting. There were a couple of small mistakes with the order, and the drinks were completely forgotten (though I was refunded). Frustrating, but I didn’t make a fuss.

I returned today for lunch and to ask about getting points on yesterday’s large order. The staff greeted me warmly, except for the manager. I saw her roll her eyes and overheard her ask another employee to take my table, whispering other things. I felt awkward, skipped asking about the points, ate, and left.

The food is great, and the team, aside from the manager, is professional. But that kind of energy isn't worth it. I don’t think I’ll return or use them again. Barcelos may not be as good, but at least I’m treated with respect. Overall disappointing.

RESPONSE TO RESPONSE: Lame Ai auto-response to a concerning review. It’s obvious you did not get the point, and the link you provided did not even work. All good, one less customer to...

A Flavorful Feast with Warm Ambiance

If you're craving flame-grilled chicken with a bold kick, Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken delivers on every level. From the moment you step in, the restaurant’s vibrant and eclectic decor sets a welcoming tone. The interiors, with their warm lighting and handcrafted woven light fixtures, give the space a unique, modern-African flair—distinct yet comfortable.

The Food: We tried the classic grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and the medium-spiced chicken burger with charred corn on the cob. Both dishes were full of flavor—perfectly grilled, juicy, and seasoned with Nando’s signature peri-peri spices. The mashed potatoes were creamy and homestyle, while the corn added a sweet, smoky touch. Everything felt fresh and well-prepared.

The Drinks: Paired with iced soft drinks, the meal was both refreshing and satisfying. The attention to detail, even down to the striped paper straws, didn’t go unnoticed.

The Service & Experience: Staff were friendly, the service was prompt, and the restaurant was clean and organized. There’s a casual, friendly vibe that makes it great for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.

Final Thoughts: Whether you're a fan of heat or prefer something milder, Nando’s allows you to customize your spice level without sacrificing flavor. It’s a go-to spot for comfort food with a punch, and the aesthetic interiors make it all the more enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for hearty meals with a touch of...