Nando's PERi-PERi — Restaurant in Glenarden

Unexpected Flavor and Hospitality Just Outside D.C.

On a business trip outside of D.C., I asked the hotel staff for something a little different—and they pointed me to Nando’s Peri-Peri. I’d never been, but once I stepped inside and read the walls, I realized this wasn’t just your typical grilled chicken joint. With roots in Portuguese and South African flavors, the place already had me intrigued.

I went with something called the Rainbow Bowl—a vibrant combo of avocado, tomato, cucumbers, onion salad, pickled cauliflower, hummus, super seeds crunch, and feta, all layered over warm Portuguese rice and finished with a lemon herb drizzle. I added a grilled chicken breast to it, and the food came out fast. And wow—super flavorful. Not just heat for the sake of it, but real, layered spice. They had a whole variety of Peri-Peri sauces if you wanted to dial things up a notch, and I took a picture of the options—definitely worth sampling a few if you like to customize your spice level.

To drink, I had the Strawberry Rose Lemonade, which was refreshing and just different enough to stand out from the usual soda fountain fare.

Now here’s where it got pleasantly strange—in the best way. I ordered at the counter expecting a typical fast-casual experience, but then they brought my meal out to the table, restaurant-style. And not just that—multiple staff members came by to check in on me, ask how things were going, and if I needed anything else. A really warm, attentive vibe that I wasn’t expecting. The music was chill, the decor had character, and the whole place felt thoughtfully put together.

The location itself is in a very walkable area, perfect for strolling into a few shops afterward and walking off the meal. All in all, this place sits in that sweet spot between fast food and sit-down restaurant—quick enough for lunch, but welcoming enough to linger a bit.

Definitely recommend if you’re in the area and want something bold, flavorful, and just a little...

Food was amazing. Customer service needs work. I dined in with a party of 3 and ordered 3 entrees. I ordered an additional plate of garlic bread separate from the entrees.

When our food was brought out, the garlic bread was on my brother's plate instead of brought out separately. I didn't realize the bread was missing until about 5-10 minutes later. I brought it to the attention of the staff & they went out to the back to check. The employee came back to say that the bread was placed on a plate with another entree. I showed her my receipt that states that a piece was ordered separate and not as an entree side. Instead of just bringing out a fresh piece of bread, they tried to take the bread off my brother's plate! I said okay...don't worry about it if you're going to do all that.

The employee came back out to check and see if I'm okay with that or still want another piece. When I said yes, the MANAGER then comes back out to say, "The extra piece of bread was added to another plate, so you received all the pieces for your table. Are you saying you want a FREE piece now?" I received the piece of bread, but am extremely disappointed in how this matter was handled. If YOU make a mistake, just correct it! People have food allergies and are not always okay with taking a piece of food that has already been touched by someone else! It's BREAD. If I asked for a refund or was nasty with the staff, I could understand not wanting to bring it out. But checking to see if I wanted it then having the manager to come out? Way too much over a $4 item.

I will dine at Nando's again, but will be sure to skip...

So I wanted to give a completely honest review of Nando's. Let me start by saying I truly enjoyed my meals from this restaurant and would definitely go back. About a month ago Yelp and Nando's invited the end squad members to pick up a meal and goodie bag from this location in celebration of the holidays. My Wife and I are in the squad so we went to get out for. Hot it home and thoroughly enjoyed it. She posted her review that night but I wanted to wait. Nando's gave us a coupon to come back for by one get one free meal. I wanted to make sure the food was always on point and not just for the elite squad to give good reviews. They did not disappoint. When we came back we both enjoyed our meals just like we did the first time. Consistently is key. The good was great and the customer service was excellent. My Wife ordered the 12 wings with rice and garlic bread. She says it was perfect and she was able to save dinner fire lunch the next day. I ordered the half chicken with peri-peri chips and garlic bread. Everything was great. The manager came by to check on us and we told him great job. The location is clean and everyone is friendly and they move efficiently. We will be going back. We have lived Nando's for years now. We were card caring members back in the day. We stopped recently just because the quality wasn't as good at the location nearest to our house, which sucks because it is about 7-10 minutes away. But I would make the 15-17 minutes to go this one because they were in point both times we went. First when they knew we were coming and second when they...