Yes, Nando’s has restaurants in the United States—but it is not available everywhere. Nando’s PERi-PERi operates in parts of the country, with restaurants concentrated mainly around Washington, D.C., and in the Chicago area. So if you are wondering whether you can get Nando’s chicken in the US, the answer is yes, but your options depend on where you live or are travelling.
The restaurant is known for flame-grilled chicken, its signature PERi-PERi sauce, and a menu inspired by Portuguese and southern African flavours. Below, find out where Nando’s is available in the United States, what you can expect from the menu, and how to check whether there is a restaurant near you.
Is Nando’s in the United States?
Yes. Nando’s has restaurants in the US under the name Nando’s PERi-PERi. The brand’s American locations are concentrated in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and the Chicago region. This means you can visit a Nando’s in certain parts of the country, but you should not expect to find one in every major city.
The US is a much smaller market for Nando’s than some of the countries where the chain has a larger presence. In the United States, the restaurants are clustered in selected areas rather than spread nationwide. If you are visiting a city such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Seattle, do not assume there is a nearby Nando’s without checking first.
Because restaurants can open, relocate, or close, the most reliable way to confirm current availability is to use the official Nando’s US website or its restaurant locator. Search by city, state, or ZIP code before you make a special trip.
Where can you find Nando’s in the US?
Nando’s US restaurants are primarily found in two broad areas: the Washington, D.C., region and the Chicago area. The Washington region includes locations in the District itself and nearby communities in Maryland and Virginia. Depending on the restaurant, it may be convenient for people in suburbs such as Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Arlington, or Alexandria.
In the Chicago area, Nando’s restaurants serve the city and some nearby neighbourhoods. The exact set of operating locations may change over time, so use the current restaurant locator to see which branches are open and how far they are from your address.
In practical terms, Nando’s is easiest to find if you live in or are travelling to one of these established markets. If you are elsewhere in the United States, you may need to travel a considerable distance to visit a restaurant. The chain does not currently have the broad coast-to-coast coverage that diners might associate with larger American fast-casual brands.
Does Nando’s have locations in every US state?
No. Nando’s does not have restaurants in every US state. Its American presence is regional, and most states do not have a Nando’s restaurant. The brand’s presence in the Washington, D.C., area crosses into nearby states, which can make the coverage look wider on a map, but that does not mean Nando’s is available throughout the East Coast.
Likewise, having restaurants in the Chicago area does not mean that the chain has locations across the Midwest. A restaurant in one metropolitan area may still be several hours away from customers in another city or state. Always check the specific address and opening hours rather than relying on a general statement that Nando’s serves a particular region.
If you are planning a visit, it is also worth checking whether the location offers dine-in, takeaway, or delivery. Services and hours vary between restaurants and may be affected by holidays, renovations, or local operating changes.
What is Nando’s known for?
Nando’s is best known for flame-grilled chicken marinated with PERi-PERi, a chilli-based sauce associated with the brand. The name “PERi-PERi” is commonly used for the African bird’s eye chilli, and the restaurant lets customers choose different levels of heat. That makes it possible to order a milder meal or choose a hotter flavour if you enjoy spicy food.
The brand traces its beginnings to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the first Nando’s restaurant opened in 1987. Its food combines influences associated with Portuguese and southern African cooking. The restaurant became internationally recognised for its chicken, distinctive sauces, colourful branding, and relaxed dining style.
In the US, Nando’s offers a familiar core concept while presenting it for local diners. The experience is usually casual: order at the counter or through the restaurant’s available ordering system, choose your chicken and sides, and enjoy your meal in the restaurant or take it to go.
What can you order at Nando’s in the US?
The menu centres on chicken cooked over an open flame and seasoned with Nando’s PERi-PERi flavours. Depending on the location, you may find individual chicken pieces, chicken sandwiches, wraps, and meals designed for sharing. The menu can vary, so check the restaurant’s current offerings before visiting if you have a particular dish in mind.
Customers can typically select a heat level, ranging from mild options to much spicier choices. Nando’s also offers sauces and seasonings that let diners adjust the flavour at the table. If you are new to PERi-PERi, starting with a milder level can help you discover whether you want more heat next time.
Common menu categories may include:
- Flame-grilled chicken served as individual pieces or a meal.
- Chicken sandwiches and wraps with a choice of flavours.
- Side dishes such as chips, rice, corn, salad, or vegetables, depending on the location.
- Sauces that can be added to your meal or taken home.
- Options for sharing, which can be useful when dining with family or friends.
Menu items, ingredients, prices, and portion sizes can differ between restaurants and may change seasonally. If you have allergies or dietary requirements, contact the restaurant or review its current allergen information before ordering. Do not rely on an old menu image or a third-party listing for the latest details.
Is Nando’s in New York, Los Angeles, or other major cities?
Nando’s US locations are not spread across all major American cities. The brand’s best-known US markets are around Washington, D.C., and Chicago. A restaurant may not be available in other large cities, even if Nando’s is familiar to residents who have travelled or lived abroad.
For example, if you are searching for “Nando’s in New York” or “Nando’s in Los Angeles,” check the official locator rather than assuming that a listing in a search result is an operating restaurant. Search engines and map apps can sometimes display outdated information, duplicate entries, or businesses in a different country. Confirm the address and restaurant status before setting off.
If there is no nearby location, you may still be able to order Nando’s sauces or branded products through retailers or online sellers, depending on current availability. These products are not the same as eating at a restaurant, and the selection can differ by region, but they may offer a way to enjoy some of the signature flavours at home.
How to find the nearest Nando’s restaurant
The quickest way to find a Nando’s near you is to use the restaurant locator on the official Nando’s US website. Enter a ZIP code, city, or address and review the results. Before visiting, check the location’s hours, directions, and services. If you plan to order online, confirm that your address falls within the restaurant’s delivery area.
Map apps can also help you compare distance and travel time, especially in busy metropolitan areas where a nearby location may be across town or difficult to reach. However, use the official website or call the restaurant to verify details if the information seems inconsistent.
For a smooth visit, consider checking:
- Whether the restaurant is currently open and its hours for the day.
- Whether it offers dine-in, takeaway, or delivery.
- Whether online ordering is available for your location.
- Whether the menu includes the dish or heat level you want.
- Parking, public transport, or other access details.
Why is Nando’s less widespread in the US?
Nando’s has grown internationally, but restaurant expansion does not happen at the same pace in every country. Building a chain across the United States requires selecting suitable locations, developing local operations, and establishing enough customer demand to support new restaurants. A brand can be well known among international travellers without having branches in every American market.
The company’s US restaurants have developed around particular metropolitan areas rather than through a nationwide rollout. This regional approach helps explain why some diners can visit Nando’s regularly while others have never seen one locally. It also means that online discussions about the restaurant may reflect very different experiences depending on where the person lives.
Availability can change as businesses grow and adapt. A city without a Nando’s today could potentially gain a restaurant in the future, while individual locations can also change status. For the latest information, check the official locator instead of relying on a past announcement or an old article.
Is Nando’s worth trying in the US?
If you enjoy grilled chicken, bold sauces, and the ability to choose your preferred spice level, Nando’s may be worth a visit. It offers a different flavour profile from many standard burger or fried-chicken chains, with PERi-PERi seasoning at the centre of the menu. The mix of chicken, sides, and sauces also makes it easy to build a meal around your appetite and heat preference.
For first-time visitors, a practical approach is to choose a familiar chicken meal, select a comfortable spice level, and try one or two sides. You can always explore hotter sauces or other menu combinations on a later visit. If you are dining with a group, ordering a selection of flavours can make it easier for everyone to find something they like.
Whether it is worth travelling for depends on your location and personal taste. If you are already in the Washington, D.C., or Chicago area, finding a branch may be straightforward. If you are far from those markets, check the distance and current opening details before making a dedicated trip.
Conclusion: Yes, Nando’s is in the US
So, is there Nando’s in the US? Yes. Nando’s PERi-PERi operates in the United States, with its restaurants concentrated mainly in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and the Chicago region. It serves flame-grilled chicken with signature PERi-PERi flavours, alongside sides, sandwiches, wraps, and sauces.
However, Nando’s is not a nationwide chain in America, and many states and major cities do not have a local restaurant. Check the official Nando’s US restaurant locator for current addresses, hours, menu details, and ordering options. That is the best way to find out whether you can enjoy Nando’s close to home or during your next trip.
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