Nando's PERi-PERi — Restaurant in Baltimore

I LOVE Nando's. I grew up in UK where there are MANY, locations, now I live in Canada and my city has just one. I always visit Nando's wherever I go as I KNOW I’ll love what’s on the menu. Having had literally 100’s of meals at Nando’s I feel well-qualified to say that:

This. Is. The. Single. Best. Location. I’ve. Ever. Visited.

The food was cooked to perfection, the restaurant was as clean as a whistle, and the staff were happy, courteous and happy to be there.

The reason? The man that is Antonio. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by this amazing gentleman. A welcoming, broad and sincere smile. The kind of warm baritone voice you’d hear the narrator for a top-notch festive Hollywood film invited us in. We were a group of 9 and were seated quickly and with everyone comfortable, we were told that we could order at the counter or from the table using the QR code- whatever we found easiest.

Three of our party have celiac/gluten issues so we asked to place an allergy order. The staff asked us to give them a moment to check the ingredients of everything-consulting a guide behind the counter. This made us feel very much at ease given that they left no doubt as to what we would be served in our order. After placing the order, our cousin got annoyed that we had paid - we were visiting him and so he insisted that he has to pay. So much so that he demanded the order be cancelled and redone so that he could pay. No irritation, not even a furrowed brow appeared on Antonio’s face. He spent the next 10 minutes reprocessing everything, laughing with us and our cousins annoyance with us having paid.

Cue the fastest-arrived food I’ve ever seen at a Nando’s. Nope, not undercooked - perfectly seasoned, perfectly-done skin on the chicken. We ordered platters, individual bowls, kids meals - all perfect.

Once we had finished, Antonio gave us an equally warm send off and that was it, our best Nando’s experience ever had come to an end.

Every team member was excellent. Testament to the fact that a great leader can create an excellent environment and team for any given restaurant, I know that Nando’s operates on a franchise model, but if there is some central training program, Antonio would be THE BEST example for others to follow. A consummate professional, one who cares for each guest as well as his team. If ever there was ‘the best man for the job’ Antonio is he. This man has truly found something he enjoys, and in so doing is not working a day in his life!

As all great bosses do, I hope you’re reading this review too Antonio. I’ll bring this onslaught of platitudes to an end to help you stop blushing. Thank you...

What can I say? Nando’s PERi-PERi ended up being my favorite place during my entire visit to Baltimore—and that’s saying something, because I tried a wide variety of local and cultural eats. Yes, it’s a chain, but it absolutely delivered, and I’m so glad it’s a chain so I can hunt one down in a state closer to where I live.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is colorful, vibrant, and fun, with a lively vibe and unique interior touches. Even the menus have different art covers, which was a thoughtful detail. Ordering is done through your phone (no pressure, no lines), and food is brought straight to your table. They bring cups for water, which you fill yourself from their machines. The music matched the aesthetic perfectly—energetic but not too loud—and honestly, I was dancing a little on my way out.

The menu caters to all kinds of diets, including vegetarian and kid-friendly options (there’s even a kids menu). I attached pictures of the menu and the sauce level chart, which is great because you can customize your spice level and also try out a bunch of their unique sauces from the sauce bar—a fun and delicious touch.

I shared two dishes:

1. Rainbow Bowl (~$16): This was as gorgeous as it was tasty. Bursting with color, flavor, and fresh ingredients. We added halloumi as the protein, and it worked beautifully. A great mix of roasted and raw veggies, grains, and seasoning.
2. Sweet Potato & Halloumi Wrap (~$10): Not quite as impressive as the bowl, but still tasty. The sweet potato could’ve been warmer and I wished for more of the yogurt sauce and jam, but the wrap was satisfying overall. You can also add sides to round it out.

Then came the Naught Natas (egg tart dessert)! I had to try them. They were flaky, soft, warm, and topped with cinnamon sugar. I’ve tried a lot of egg tarts, even in China, and I’d say these held up well, especially for the price ($3 each).

We also tried their Super Bock beer, which had a pale ale-like taste and paired nicely with the bold flavors of the food.

In short, this place was a full-on experience—from the flavors to the atmosphere to the service style. It’s casual yet memorable, and I left happy and full. Whether you’re in a big group, dining solo, plant-based, or just picky about spice, Nando’s will have something for you....

Very different, we don't have anything like this Colonial Heights VA. My husband & I shared a fire grilled whole chicken split into quarters w red skinned mashed potatoes & double sided garlic bread. Although we asked for it to be 'flavored' in mild sauce you could barely taste it but there was a hint of mild, which wasn't that big a deal & definitely not a down point, I just simply asked for a tiny side cup of mild sauce. It was our very 1st time eating there so maybe the chef took pity on us. The meal it's self doesn't look like it would fill you up...but it did!! I really wanted to try a dessert but we didn't live close by that we could have taken some home to enjoy. Maybe another trip back is needed....

I think the only thing I would change is the location of the entrance doors VS the ordering line...not everyone is familiar with how Nando's works or if you get a busy rush the entrance & line are right on top of each other. But I get what they were going for.... This might seem strange to some but I loved the style of the bathroom sinks & side station sink plus the lighting & ceiling style. I'm always looking for new & different design ideas & this was very different. My husband is an electrician & really loved the lighting.

We came in around 6pm on 10-9-18 & it wasn't that busy so it gave the manager a chance to chat & explain the ethnics behind Nando's. & for me it was really something cause I eat alot of ethnic food but also she took the time to help a couple of 'newbies' order dinner. As we were leaving it was beginning to get very busy so I was glad for the personal touch from the manager. All of the staff was super friendly from the moment we stepped in to as we were leaving.

I think it would be a good idea to add a couple of locations around. Course just cause I liked Nando's doesn't mean the next would but it would definitely be an interesting option to the normal burger place around Colonial Heights, VA or even Richmond VA. Colonial Heights sits right on I-95 where I-85 splits so we get tons of travelers & we also back right into Ft Lee & I-295 so there's lots of culture in the area that might enjoy...