Nando's Norwich - Red Lion — Restaurant in Norwich

Oh, Nando’s. Where do I even begin? This place is a true gem, a dining experience like no other. I mean, I’ve been to many restaurants, but rarely do I find one so inclusive that it seems like all the staff are blind and deaf. Talk about dedication to diversity! It’s really a thrill to order and just hope that the waiter kind of senses what you’re looking for, like a game of culinary charades.

Let’s start with the ordering process. You know, in most places, a server might look you in the eye, take your order, maybe even ask a question or two to clarify. Not at Nando’s! Here, you get the thrill of ordering by sheer force of will, hoping that with enough mental energy, the person behind the counter just knows what you want. “Half chicken, extra hot with peri-peri fries?” Nope, sorry, looks like you’re getting a mild wrap with a side salad. It’s like a surprise party for your taste buds—who knew you didn’t actually want what you ordered?

And don’t even get me started on the ambience. There’s something magical about watching the staff wander around like they’re on a treasure hunt, with no map, and no destination in mind. The dim lighting, the subtle hint of confusion in the air—it’s like stepping into an avant-garde performance art piece, with the theme being “How long can they ignore you before you give up?”

But the real highlight has to be the famous Nando’s sauces. They’ve got this whole range of spice levels, which is super impressive—if only the flavor didn’t resemble spicy soap. Honestly, I’ve had milder reactions from actually tasting hand sanitizer. Whether you choose mild, medium, or extra hot, each sauce has that distinctive, mouth-numbing zing of “cleaner meets chili.” It’s like they’ve perfected the art of making your taste buds feel both burned and scrubbed at the same time. Who needs flavor when you can have that unmistakable kick of industrial soap with a hint of pepper?

Ah, and then there was the moment of true Nando’s theater: watching one of the waiters swoop in to pick up a fresh order of chips. Graceful as a newborn deer on ice, he managed to send a good portion of them cascading onto the floor. But don’t worry—no waste here! In full view of the restaurant, he simply crouched down, scooped them right back onto the plate, and continued on his way like he’d just dusted them with a secret ingredient. The crowd was riveted, truly a bold new take on “farm to table”—or in this case, “floor to plate.” It was like a live cooking demo in how not to serve food, and I couldn’t have felt more included in the process.

In short, Nando’s is the perfect place if you love surprises, enjoy guessing games, and think the “no service is the best service” motto should be the gold standard. So inclusive, so unique. Would I come back? Only if I need some good cardio from waving my arms in the air trying to catch...

Was having a long wait but it could have been worst if i didn't told the waiter that I was first before giving tables to other people. She took us to a table of 5 and never told us how it works.

1.It was our first time in Nandos. We looked at the menu and was waiting to be seen untill we asked to order, was told that I need to go to a till to order (again it was our first time in Nandos)

At the till, the waiter was very rude (we think it was because we complaint about being left behind to have a table). She wanted us to order without explaining and I had to keep asking how it works with menus etc and felt she was rushing us and constantly saying that the other waiter lied saying that she told us how it works at nandos (again it was our first time in Nandos).

It took us about 15 minutos to have our food on the table (think its very good time) but never had anyone wishing a good meal or if everything was ok.

We ordered the drinks and that obviously includes a glass for each person but together with the drinks we also ordered a big bottle of water for all of us and we had no glasses for it! I went back to ask for glasses and the waiter (Mango) told me she already have given me a glass! 1 glass! I tought, does she expects everyone to drink from 1 glass or we either drink our drinks (cola, wine, juice) or we drink water in the 5 glasses she gived... She nearly refused to give a glass (only one I've asked in the end).. I think she was afraid I could go to self service coke etc machine and fill up the glasses???

When we left, not even a bye and thank you was said.

Disappointing.. will...

Our recent visit to Nando’s Norwich was truly a wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming and attentive, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant was clean, vibrant, and had a great energy.

We ordered a Veggie Burger meal and a Chicken Sandwich meal, both of which were fresh, flavourful, and cooked just right. The Veggie Burger had a great texture and was packed with taste, while the Chicken Sandwich was juicy and perfectly seasoned. We also had a 1/4 Chicken with fries — the chicken was tender, well-marinated, and full of the signature Nando’s flavour we love, and the fries were crisp and delicious.

The food was served promptly, and everything was presented nicely. Portion sizes were generous and good value for the price. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I would highly recommend Nando’s Norwich to anyone looking for a delicious, satisfying meal in a welcoming setting. We will definitely...