Nando's Nakheel Mall Riyadh — Restaurant in Municipality of Olaya

I have visited Nando’s USA, UK and UAE. This was my first time visiting Nando’s KSA, Nakheel Branch. Me and my friend were craving for a chicken, and we decided to go to one of the oldest and world well known restaurants in the world.

Honestly speaking, the experience was not one of the best, especially service wise. When we entered the restaurant, it looked unorganized, dirty and untidy tables, staff was warm and welcoming, but no one offered us a table, and they were not extremely busy, only 4-5 tables were dining in. I chose a table myself, in the corner #27 and I asked a lady waitress, that we want to sit at that table and if possibly she could clean and sanitize that table so we can enjoy our evening, and she agreed to do that. I sat down at the other table for few minutes, to wait for our table to get ready. But the table that I sat was also dirty, salt and bread crumbs, stains from previous customer. Maybe my bad, that I didn’t choose a clean table, but most of them looked unorganized.

After few minutes lady approached to me saying that the table is ready. We sat down, and we did our order, Roca Salad, Corn, Fr. Fries with Chicken, Lentil and Chicken Soup, Chicken with cheese on scewer and chicken burger, as well as mocktails, Cola with Pomegranate and Mojito. I mentioned to the lady that we were very hungry and she handled well with speed of service, however I had to ask her same things few times, pepper, extra tissues, lemon and ice, every time she approached she forgot many things. I ordered to her sparkling water with lemon and ice, but We received Still water and 2 glasses. When our first course arrived, plates and cutleries were not at the table. Another waiter realized it when he dropped our order on an empty table and he had to bring us cutleries and crockery to start our food.

The lady waiter looked very tired, unhappy and not interested in serving us. When the main courses arrived she realized that table is too overloaded with empty and dirty dishes from previous courses and she removed the empty dishes.

Overall the bill was 300+SAR.

The food was quite nice, the salad could have little extra cheese. The bread of burger could have been slightly softer. The rest was really yummy and delicious. 3 stars goes for the food.

When we left, staff again was warm, appreciating and farewelling.

I believe, there is a lack of training for the crew, how to provide proper service and engage with guests to create...

5 Stars. Because 6 wasn’t an option.

There are good meals, great meals… and then there are experiences that just hit different, where the food, the mood, and the energy all line up in an order. That was tonight at Nando’s Nakheel Mall. But let’s be real; the food was great, as expected and we all know it always is at Nando’s , but the reason I’m writing this review is one person and one person only: Luchel.

From the second we walked in, Luchel wasn’t just a waitress, she was a kind vibe. You ever meet someone who makes you feel like they’re actually happy to serve you? Yup like it’s not just a shift they’re working but something they genuinely care about?

That’s what she brought to the table. Smiles that weren’t fake, energy that wasn’t forced, and attention to detail that made the whole meal feel premium even at a casual dining.

She greeted us like she knew us. Friendly, present, but never overstepping. She was fast, sharp, and somehow always nearby exactly when we needed her, Beleive it or not but not once did we have to wave around like lost tourists trying to ask for sauce or napkins. She anticipated. Andd That's rare.

Oh let’s talk menu knowledge. Some people just read the item name back to you. Luchel actually explained what worked, what paired well, and gave us honest and accurate answers. No fake upsells.

No “this is our bestseller” robot script😂. Just clean, confident guidance like someone who knows the table’s trust matters.👌

Like when we were halfway through, she passed by and asked if we’d like extra sauce before we even thought of asking. You know how rare that is?

And it’s not just the service ; it’s the energy. She had this calm, collected professionalism but still managed to carry a lightness and sense of humour that made you want to say, “Man, I hope I get her again next time.” You could just tell she enjoyed the work , and because of that, we enjoyed everything more.

To the Nando’s team: give her her flowers. Whether it’s a raise, a bonus, or even just proper recognition. Luchel is exactly the kind of person that makes your brand look elite.

If every waiter had half the presence, patience, and precision that Luchel has, half the world’s dining problems would disappear.

So here’s my honest, unfiltered verdict - Great food. Great place. But a 5-star review only because Luchel made it a...

Nando's is back in town and now at Nakheel mall!!! Last branch used to be serving Peri Peri chicken goodness in the noughties on Olaya road opposite to Aqariah shopping centre.

We were seated promptly and few plates were put on the table. The menu had to be opened using a QR code on a phone with a data connection.

Once we had decided on what to order: a jumbo platter, espetada, pulled chicken wrap, classic burger, chicken strips, Festa fries, sides of corn on the cob, peri chips, peri wedges, chargrilled veggies and few drinks; they took our order and informed us it would take 15mins which didn't seem possible.

The drinks, sides and smaller items started showing up in 15 minutes but the jumbo platter took 30mins at least.

Noticed the Peri Peri chips and Peri Peri wedges to be low on the peri spice compared to what I've noticed in Nando's in Dubai, London, Sydney or Karachi. Possibly the kitchen was low on the spice and trying to make do with what they had.

The chicken was cooked properly but the basting seemed to have only been put on after the chicken had been grilled, which didn't seem right. The whole point of setting a spice level at the time of ordering is that the chicken is cooked with that particular basting, not splashed on at the end.

Maybe the cooks are new at this particular branch and hopefully the other branches are doing the Nando's Brand and taste justice.

Overall our group felt full and content with the meal. Service was good and courteous. Bill for our party of four kids and four adults came out to be...