Nando's PERi-PERi

My time in DC was in part shaped by the food scene. Nando’s was one of my goto restos. Didn’t think I would be able to make it one this trip, let alone the DuPont location but the Euro embassies had an open house that fateful Saturday, and I took the opportunity to walk through Foggy and around downtown. Looks like the pandemic hit this location hard as the upstairs dining room areas were closed and was rather dimly lit. The food still tasted like Nando’s but the sauces were covered in plastic wrap, silverware was sparse and the workers seemed overwhelmed. I may hit up the Arlington location on the next visit (whenever that may be…); food still pretty good!

Been a while since I’ve had Nandos and it’s just as good as I remembered. Chicken was juicy, flavorful, and spicy! The side portions are a tad small but that’s just how they serve it. Had the 1/4 chicken with rice and coleslaw. The ordering process is not the most customer friendly but I was able to navigate it. Service overall could’ve been friendlier.

The lovely individual who took our order kept asking us to repeat items as she had her earphones in. Staff were yelling across the store about "I just sat down" when told to deal with the walk ins. Our worst service since we came to the states. Compared to the international menu the choices aren't fantastic, no mild option. Chicken has a light orange sauce here rather than the usual red for the hot, I assume just different ingredients, not as nice as other countries. Once you were through the skin it was just a regular old chicken breast, dry in places. Not at all worth the $56USD. My wife did enjoy the garlic bread though, the garlic bread saved it. Wheelchair accessibility: Will require assistance for the heavy doors, but otherwise accessible