Nando's Moves To Alexandria's Carlyle Neighborhood After Closing King Street Location

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Nando's PERi-PERi, a South African chain serving Portuguese peri-peri style chicken, is opening Monday in Alexandria's Carlyle neighborhood.

Nando's closed its King Street location last year with a plan to relocate, as ALX Now reported. Th new location is below The Foundry Apartments at 2462 Mandeville Lane, Alexandria, VA.

"We can’t wait to bring our mouth-watering chicken back to Alexandria,” said John Fisher, CEO of Nando’s PERi-PERi. "PERi-PERi – or African Bird’s Eye Chilli – is the heart and soul of the Nando’s experience."

Nando's was started 35 years ago in Johannesburg, South Africa. Its first U.S. location opened in 2008 in Washington, DC. It now has nearly 50 locations in DC, Virginia, Maryland, Chicago, and soon in Texas.

Flame-grilled chicken is the center of the menu at Nando's, from chicken sandwiches and wraps to platters with chicken wings, breasts, legs and thighs.

"We marinate our chicken in PERi-PERi for at least 24-hours, so the flavor goes right through to the bone," Fisher said. "Then we grill it over an open flame and baste it with PERi-PERi sauce to the customer’s preferred spice level. That’s what makes our chicken so addictive."

That can be paired with sides like Portuguese rice, fries, coleslaw, macho peas and more. Vegetarians can find options like the veggie burger and the sweet Potato and halloumi wrap. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the location. For dessert, diners can choose between carrot cake, raspberry cheesecake, the traditional Portuguese tart naughty natas, barely baked brownie, or mango gelato.

The new location offers a mode to its home content with contemporary African patterns and original African artwork. Seating for 72 is provided, as well as an outdoor patio and takeout service. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

On April 22, the Nando's location will hold a community day to benefit Alexandria City High School. That day, all proceeds will go to the school's Parent Teacher Student Association to support student activities.

"Come and grab a meal at Nando’s, either dine-in or takeout, and help support our students,” said Katy Matthews, president of the Alexandria City High School PTSA. "We thank Nando’s for their generosity and welcome them back to the neighborhood!"

The Carlyle neighborhood is an area of new development, including the Carlyle Crossing development with a Wegmans store and three apartment communities.