Nando's PERi-PERi — Restaurant in Peachtree Corners

This was my first time visiting a Nando's, and I'd say my overall experience was good but not great (a 3.5 stars out of 5).

I've heard a lot of good things about the food, so I wanted to try it today, but I guess it was unfortunate timing for the restaurant. When I got there, maybe around 2 PM, no one was manning the dine-in podium. I had never been before, so I wasn't quite sure what to do, so I got in line at the check-out register attached to the bar. Eventually an employee saw me and asked me if I needed assistance. She sat me at the bar since I was dining solo.

After I ordered and received my food (all of which took maybe 15 minutes), I started noticing some of the issues they were having. There seemed to be two main problems: (1) the checkout register wasn't working properly and I guess that somehow impacts the dine-in seating tablet; and (2) certain menu items (like the brussel sprouts) weren't showing up in the QR code menu, so patrons couldn't purchase them. The MOD was definitely busy trying to resolve all the issues and keep folks happy.

As for my meal, I ordered a Rainbow Bowl and the Chips w/ Peri Peri Ranch. The food was tasty, but I guess it fell a little short of what I was expecting taste-wise because of all the hype. I think I would come back and try more of the menu, but I won't be rushing to do so. The biggest damper on the experience was the customer service (or lack thereof), but I understand technical issues happen, so I'm not upset over it. And despite all of this, the atmosphere was still really nice. It felt warm, cozy,...

I was excited when Nando’s opened a new location in Forum! The food was spot on, the staff was friendly enough, and the vibe was perfect…until it wasn’t.

I ordered my first drink, Peach Lemonade Poncha, and it was delicious. Impressed, I decided to try something else off the menu. I placed my order through the QR code again and waited. About 10 minutes past the estimated time shown on the order page, I looked over at the bar, no drinks being made, just staff chatting away like they were on a coffee break. So, I flagged down a hostess (who was super nice) to ask about my drink.

After a brief wait, a bartender finally brought it over…with a side of attitude. She asked me, “Did you order two drinks?” I said, “Yes, this is my second one.” She shot me an evil eye, and then dropped the drink with no apology, just pure bitterness.

If you didn’t believe me, you could’ve ask to see the order confirmation on my phone before making the drink (which, btw, I already showed to the hostess when I asked for help.) But instead, you went ahead and made the drink, and then hit me with an attitude.

The whole time, I was polite, smiling, and even tipped 25% when I placed the order. But this whole situation? Not worth it. Good chicken or not, I’m out. To the bar staff: Maybe a little customer service training wouldn’t hurt. I get it, sometimes customers make you want to roll your eyes, but may be save it for when they...

Nando’s has a unique self-serve setup that’s easy to navigate once you visit a couple of times. You can either order your food at the counter by the bar, or through a QR code at the table. And from there you help yourself to just about everything you’d need during a meal. (Napkins, silverware etc at a station.) On some days, the staff will go the extra mile and bring glasses to the table and check in during your meal. At my last visit, Sarah was really thoughtful and attentive. But for first timers, the staff is always friendly and helpful in explaining how it all works.

The food is generally flavorful, but their hummus with the peri-peri drizzle is to die for! Absolutely a must try! I also really enjoyed the lemon and herb chicken, which was perfectly cooked and well seasoned.

However, I’ve ordered the spicy chicken Caesar wrap a couple of times now, and both times it has come with large, hard pieces of cartilage or bone (those tough chicken “nubs”), which are really unpleasant and take away from the meal. I circled them in the photos I included. It’s just unappetizing and disappointing because the wrap itself is otherwise tasty. Also, the side of brussel sprouts were completely drenched in sauce.

But overall, the flavors are great and the staff is kind, but I hope the kitchen can be a bit more mindful about chicken prep in the wraps...