If you’re looking for mediocre food and a quick break from shopping, Nando’s Peri-Peri at Springfield Town Center is the restaurant for you.
Aside from being hard to find and not even connected to the inside of the mall, Nando’s is a typical self-order cozy restaurant. While being clean and organized, it lacked menu options. Chicken was the most prominent course offered. Walking to the restaurant, you’re greeted with the view of a friendly server standing behind the register. The fact that it wasn’t a formal environment was somewhat disappointing, but I appreciated the fact that my order was taken right away and I didn’t feel underdressed in my casual jeans and t-shirt.
In all honesty, the price of my meal was more than what I wanted to pay as a high school student with a low budget. I’m used to my meals being seven dollars or less and was reluctant to cough up 12 dollars for just one measly chicken breast.
My appetizer, garlic sticks, was exceptionally flavorful. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived just minutes after I sat down, which was amazingly speedy service.
The entrée potions, in my opinion, were way too big. I didn’t even finish my main dish, flame-grilled chicken breast, which wasn’t mind-blowingly delicious. I probably would have finished more than half of it had the chicken not been as dry as the Sahara Desert. Luckily the marinade was the saving grace of this dish, providing the dehydrated bird with some real zest.
The overall experience of my meal was just okay, nothing spectacular, nothing amazing, just okay. The one thing that bothered me more than anything was how loud the restaurant and the music were. I couldn’t hear anything that the guest I brought was saying and it really frustrated me having to yell across my table just to be heard.
I would give Nando’s Peri-Peri a 2.5 out of 5 star review. It was just exceptionally average. The cons outweighed the pros for me and I probably wouldn’t go just for the fun of it. I would probably steer myself towards another restaurant for more options and a less overwhelming environment. Therefore, I would advise you to try it. But it’s not for everyone, and I am one of those people.