Nando's - Colchester in Colchester

Nando’s in Colchester offers a reliably vibrant dining experience with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Known for its Afro-Portuguese peri-peri chicken, the restaurant consistently serves flavorful, succulent chicken with a perfect blend of spices, customizable to various heat levels. The sides, like the peri-peri chips and garlic bread, pair well and add a hearty touch to meals. Service was quick and attentive, it can get busier during peak times, occasionally slowing things down. The ambiance is casual with a warm decor that aligns with Nando’s upbeat vibe. It’s a great spot for casual dinners, quick lunches, and group gatherings, especially if you’re after something more flavorful than typical fast food. A solid choice for peri-peri fans in Colchester!

Love coming to Nandos. I had to lea e a review in regards to how good the staff are here. They really what make co.ing here great. A big shout out to Michelle, who is working the sunday shift 14/10/2024. I had an issue with lifestyle vouchers that ended up with ten long codes that Michelle had to type in. Michelle did it with grace and a great sense of humour.

From the moment we walk in we were targeted. We got told we would be removed if we didn’t all order anything despite the fact we planned on all getting something. Our drinks were forgotten and we found a small wirey hair on my chips. A specific member of staff (I believe the manager) was on her phone majority of the time right next to the food prep area. We were constantly being watched despite behaving well (everyone around us was screaming and being loud but that didn’t seem to catch their attention)

Amazing food here as always and 5 star service from daryl! Food was brought over not long after I'd ordered 👌🏼

The worst food poisoning I’ve ever had in my life. In good mind to sue.

Very good, very friendly staff.

When we were at the entrance waiting to be seated, the manager had sweat dripping from his head and told us to sit on the bench to be seated, others arrived after us and were seated straight away. They got our order wrong, never asked how the meal is, a staff member dropped dirty cutlery at my feet but no one came back to pick it up. No one seemed to know how to run/work in a restaurant. We won’t be returning.

We visited yesterday and this was sadly the worst nandos experience we have had, and we have nandos every week. Firstly, the restaurant has debris over the floor and empty tables, staff took ages to serve us, the restaurant was filled with smoke from what we think was burnt garlic bread and EVERYONE was coughing for about 10 minutes, our server walked away when we ordered wine and beer, our food took about 30 minutes to come and was cold. HOWEVER the saviour of the evening was Elliot! He didn't even have a name badge, his simply said Trainee! Elliot was welcoming, apologetic, polite and professional and was literally running the place single handed whilst all other staff remained behind the counter. I hope he is a Trainee manager and he certainly has the correct skill set. For the love of God give him a payrise and his own name badge! Elliot you are a shining star in this establishment and should be proud of yourself, you will go far!

Was made to wait 10 minutes to be seated when there was at least half a dozen empty tables then once I went to order I was refused payment on a gift card, terrible experience won't be back.

We brought an elderly uncle from overseas (who was tired of pie and mash or fish and chips) to spice up his visit to England: he might not walk as well as he once did, but he got along peri-peri nicely!

Went there for a meal went back home and was sick vomiting got food poisoning I called them they said sorry I said that not good enough people are clearly not using hygiene methods to keep clean don’t go here

Service was great, the manager (i think) was very helpful considering I made a mistake with the app. Food was quick decent. Haven't been to nandos for years and it's a lot better than I remember

Went this evening, received incredibly slow service for how empty it was. When we finally got our food my partners chicken was raw. We told a staff member and she took it to the kitchen where they all looked at it. When he got back ( red/ purple curly haired girl with glasses) she said it was just a vain. I told her it was raw and she stared an argument saying I was treating her as a slave etc. I explained that I didn’t need her attitude and that we just wanted it corrected she continued to argue then rolled her eyes and headed back to the kitchen where she pointed at as to her colleagues and you could see she was slagging us off. We had our food and left. Not even an apology. Aweful time will definitely not be coming back if staff members can’t even be taught Basic customer service. ( I would like to add, there was food piling up on counter when many staff were talking and laughing at the counter ignoring people waiting for their food) if this is how Nando’s treats there customers, no wonder why it’s so empty. Appalled at the girl who was so rude and started attitude there was no need for it at all made us feel targeted there.

2nd worse nandos in the country that we've visited so far and we've been to a lot. We always ask for soft chicken that's not too charred and it was the complete opposite- well over cooked and dry. No Ice on a very hot day. No coke zero and no alternative as staff shortage so noone to change pump. Wasn't great at all and would not recommend.

Telma is the best coustmer service i ever get

It's a unique way to spend quality time with friends and family. The food and services are great. What more, if not Nando's?!

Who doesn’t love a cheeky Nando’s. Friendly and helpful staff

We just visited the Colchester nandos and was welcomed by the nicest staff! They were so lovely and really looked after us very well. Very happy with my visit

The food was okay. The chicken beast was dry. Multicolored slaw was bland.

There isn't any atmosphere but food is really good

Poor £57 for food Had to get them to remake my food as half the filling was missing, the server then brought the missing food items to my table for me to remake myself. I then had to take it all to the till and ask for it to be made again with all of the missing food to be put inside. You wouldn’t serve a toasted cheese sandwich to a customer and then bring over the cheese after and get them to remake it at the table would you? Not overly busy, No sorry or refund. I will not be returning to this store.

Dear Nando’s, This was excellent service and Daryl looked after my daughters allergies amazing. Great food and clean facilities. We will be returning.

Loving the new menu especially the gravy! Your member of staff Amel what a lovely friendly warm welcoming lady! Visited Friday just gone and my daughters words about Amel 'thats the best welcoming I've ever had at Nandos Mum' visited again today🙊 and she remembered us! X

Always enjoy our food at this Nando’s branch. Today’s visit we had the pleasure to be welcomed by Elliott - what a wonderful welcome, polite, attentive , friendly and he was just so lovely! Hope he is still here on our next visit !

Lovely staff and the food was very tasty. The place and atmosphere looked amazing.

If you order online, and you want the great imitator version of their chicken, you might get real chicken sent to you. Please check your food before eating.

Lovely staff, lovely food, lovely music, lovely toilets. On behalf of my mates. Service was amazing and we got our food extremely fast.

Food is fine! Just dine in here if you look for a fast service ,nice atmosphere and good people ,regardless these excellent 3 I don’t wanna talk about the staff and cute waitress which served us today! Omg she was so kind and sharing positive vibes around considering the fact that she was so small ,tiny but so big in the same time ,I think the badge was saying Bianca😍 !! It was a joy to dine in here and I’ll definitely come back again!

Standard nandos experience. Could do with some tlc of the decor

We came to celebrate our daughter’s 14th birthday and everything was just brilliant. Such a great time, excellent food and wonderful service. Very happy and extremely grateful to the team. Thank you for making the occasion so special.

Great service very friendly staff

Quite possibly the worst Nando’s i’ve been in. No cutlery or Cokes on the refillable glasses despite paying £4 for a glass. Service was so poor slammed food on the table the female manager said ‘just sit wherever’ no introduction like a normal Nando’s. Food was very below standard and waitress didn’t care when i asked for cutlery just shrugged her shoulders. The salad i usually order had no dressing and was dry and no chicken despite also paying £3 extra for.

We love going back there and enjoy it every time.

The food was brilliant, and it came quickly, but they forgot about my friend's order after she made it at the counter and we were waiting for it to come for a long time before we decided to complain.

Love the food, atmosphere always good and service excellent

absolutely disgusting services today went in was told to wait 5/10 mins absolutely fine then get told no room for my double pushchair plenary of room i have been in here plenty times no trouble a lot busier then today as well was spoken to disgusting meant to be a family ran restaurant absolutely not

absolutely shocking sevices was told to wait 5/10 mins for a table to then be told no as i have a double pushchair absolutely shocking for a family restaurant been here plenty of times with my double never a problem move chairs it fine my 4 month was sleeping. i said i’m taking my customer somewhere else

As always delicious, ordered the sunset burger with super grains on side and was not disappointed. Loved the bottomless frozen yogurt.

Went for lunch today at about 1:20pm, I was with 3 friends and all of our food came very quickly which was great however it was all cold and the chips were slightly undercooked

Well it’s been a while since I dare try this place again, I use to love Nando’s but yet again an awful meal. Ordered a hot double pitta. I got a dry plain instead. When I brought this up I was just given hot sauce to put over my meal. I’m really not impressed. The last time I came when I said a mistake was made, the same plate was brought back and slammed infront of me. I really have no idea what’s going on in this place, but customer service is extremely lacking.

I got caught Covid after I ate here are few months ago. The table was quite sticky as were the bottles of sauce so I don't think the hygiene is that great. It was also uncomfortably hot but I was sat near the kitchen area. Food was okay.

Ordered a chicken wrap, came with two small pieces of chicken and about half a lettuce in it. I asked for more chicken in the wrap as there was none in it. They remade it but forgot I had paid for extra cheese. I then asked them and the waitress just did a big huff and then was handed 1 slice of cheese not in a bowl or anything in the palm of a managers hand. The garlic bread was also stone cold. Wouldn’t recommend unfortunately.

Food was good when it eventually arrived long wait apart from that I enjoyed nando's

Very friendly staff. Always go above and beyond to cater for my gluten allergy friend.

Absolutely had a lovely time at this restaurant today. The staff were absolutely unreal and helped me with the gluten free menu. Nothing was too much for them. Definitely recommend. And the warm chocolate pud is a must!!!

Food was faultless as always, service could’ve been better

Not happy with the food they served us, it was not freshly grilled...

service was poor, food was very low quality, not fresh!

Despite maintaining Nando's food quality standards, there was an issue with slow service. Tables were available, but took too long to be allocated.

Great service very friendly staff thanks

The driest and overcooked chicken i have ever had, couldnt finish it because it tasted like rubber. Fries were cold. Worst takeaway i have ever had. Wasted 28quid. This is not how I remembered Nandos, will never be returning and would recommend you do the same.

Food was lovley. Service was ok

All was good and very pleasant from Shannon o very pleasant person

Everything here was really good - the staff, food and atmosphere. Bang in the town centre.

Ordered a chicken wrap there was one piece in it showed staff and they did nothing and said to take a pice from the other half food was cold and the staff I spoke to was not helpful

Perfect atmosphere, the food was spectacular and I barely had to wait 5 minutes, the spice description was spot on, staff were very respectful and every Interaction I had with them they had smiles. Will go there after college almost every time. 👍

Food took 30+mins to arrive. Not a very pleasant greeting at the door. Waitress brung two wrong orders and stood there starting at us saying nothing.

It was my first time at Nando's. They didn't have what I chose. The table was dirty, but the service was very good 👌

Go regularly with my Son, always good food at a good price and with great staff.

Some rough loud customers and a stoner had urinated everywhere in the loo just as I walked in, everything the staff was doing was fine.

Food delicious. Tried the new fully loaded chips dish really tasty

Right from its inception in South Africa I have been a great fan of this restaurant for around 30 years. I used to long for the great succulent chicken and good piri piri sauce and to pop in to the Cape Town branch it was such a treat. I decided to try out my local branch and too my shock the Chicken Prego was the size of a drinks coaster, dry with a slight coating of sauce. It was bland and tasteless. The chips were just ordinary oven chips and the rice tasted it was microwaved from a instant rice bag. Family of 3 the bill was around £80 with drinks included. Very poor value. I don't know if this Franchise has poor standards and has dropped the ball or are other branches just the same. Either way I will never go in to another Nandos again. The only saving grace was the staff were helpful and polite. On a Friday evening it was empty except for their dedicated Deliveroo riders that were queuing up at the window. I really can't see this restaurant surviving with overpriced poor quality food.

We have been to the Nandos at Colchester Three times! All of the experience was horrible! First time staff said we have to come back after 40 minutes as all the tables were occupied! Okay we can understand that! During the second visit we were not allowed to place some second order , saying that they were about to close! Okay!!! Third time we went there around 8pm on a Friday and ordered through the website at the Table and paid. But we have been told by the staff that the food is finished and they were not ready to offer some alternatives! Yes, of course they refunded! We been to many other branches and this is the only place we have been treated unfairly!

The restaurant was not a bad experience. The food was okay, but not the best in the world. I had the chicken livers to start, they were really good, but too hot. That was my mistake, as I asked for hot, I should have had medium. Not badly done at all. After that I had a piece of chicken. A quarter. It was overdone and not too palatable, but I ate it. Well overpriced as far as I am concerned; something like £ 16.00. The service was tolerable, but not magnificent. Tty it, it is not five star by any means, but it is palatable.

We ordered a whole chicken to share in two with 4 small sides. The plate was marvelous and It came out quickly. We also ordered a bottomless coke. We paid less then 30 pounds (~15 for each) We went in lunch hour, so It was a bit crowded, but the service was good anyway.

Great food, as always, restaurant was clean and kept tidy but little cramped when full.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nando's and experienced service that went above and beyond my expectations, all thanks to the incredible waitress named Theo. I am absolutely delighted to write this review and express my utmost satisfaction with the outstanding service I received during my visit. From the moment I walked through the doors, Theo greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel instantly welcomed. Her positive energy and genuine enthusiasm for her job were contagious, creating a wonderful ambiance throughout the restaurant. It was evident that she genuinely cared about providing an exceptional dining experience for each and every customer. Theo's attentiveness and professionalism were truly remarkable. She anticipated my needs and ensured that I had everything I required throughout my meal. Not once did my glass go empty, and she was always ready with a friendly recommendation or to answer any questions I had about the menu. Her knowledge of the dishes and ingredients was impressive, and she took the time to explain the various options and provide personalized suggestions based on my preferences. What truly set Theo apart was her genuine passion for customer satisfaction. She went the extra mile to ensure that I was completely satisfied with my meal, constantly checking in to ensure that everything was to my liking. Her ability to make me feel valued as a customer was exceptional, and it made my dining experience truly memorable. Theo's efficiency and attention to detail were also commendable. Despite the restaurant being busy, she never appeared rushed or overwhelmed. Her impeccable timing in delivering each course showcased her skill in managing her section with grace and precision. She effortlessly balanced her numerous responsibilities while still providing each customer with undivided attention. Beyond her exceptional service, Theo's friendly and charismatic personality added an extra layer of enjoyment to my dining experience. She created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making me feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Her infectious laughter and genuine interest in her patrons created an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations. In conclusion, my time at Nando's was elevated to new heights by the incredible service provided by Theo. Her passion for her job, attention to detail, and warm personality were truly exceptional. I cannot commend her enough for her outstanding service and the positive impact she had on my dining experience. Nando's is fortunate to have such an exceptional waitress on their team. I highly recommend visiting Nando's and requesting Theo as your server – she will undoubtedly make your experience a delightful one! Thank you, Theo, for making my visit to Nando's truly memorable. Your dedication to providing exceptional service deserves the highest praise.

This is by far the best Nando’s, and the manager is so lovely. Food always comes quick and tastes 10/10

My go to spot in town! Was recently served by a passionate bright young woman, i believe her name was Teo, and the food was as good as ever! Cant go wrong at Nandos.

Usual good food. Friendly service.

Amazing place! Very clean lovely staff. And food is servers fresh and quickly!

Poor compared to any other nandos. Staff weren't helpful and it needs a revamp including the toilets.

The food was really tasty, the serve was out of this world, very pleasant and friendly and the staff were so helpful and lovely. Would definitely come back again.

Oh My God! I had a double Chicken and Cheese Wrap a few weeks ago, and it was that good, I creamed in my calvin Classics (Yes they have many holes in them as I prefer to spend my money on expensive video games instead, roll on Christmas Grandma). Anyway the staff were amazing and even one of the male staff flirting with me (Marc). He was that fit, not even King Arthur would be able to pull me out of him. Fully deserving of a 5*, Trus me daddeh!

Was lovely here! Staff were friendly, food was spot on! Thank you.

Very long wait for order which when it arrived was underwhelming. The chicken breast was chewy - not nice. The main thing which I found confusing was the bill came to just over £100 but they added £20 tax on top! This was in addition to the food being charged full price as shown on menu, so what was the £20 - was that service charge? Didn’t look at the receipt until we returned home or would have questioned it. Won’t be eating at any Nando’s again.

Be wary, Sat waiting for 15minutes for food after payment was taken only to be told my payment was sitting “in the cloud” will be refunded and I should order again. Waste of time.

The food was really good. It came out quite quickly. The waitress that served us (Tao) was so nice and friendly. Will definitely be coming again

Well don’t know what its normally like but hit this about 745 week day and got seated and served quick then food came quick and portion was good been other Nando’s and portion somtyms not good so yeh 5 stars for me

We went to tollgate but found it easier to get in here.

The food was good but there was a man working there called will who was very rude. He was blunt and when he was serving us at the till he threw the yhougurt pot on the counter and walked away. He also act sarcastic towards us almost like he was mocking us

The was a worker called will who is was very rude and ignorant

We had lunch and was hosted by Will. Will was very welcoming and accommodating. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience.

Was shocked at how dirty it was. There were many tables with dirty plates etc on them from the moment we arrived til the moment we left! Food was nice as any other Nando’s

Food was alright. However between the 5 of us 4 of us ate before my friend was even given his food. So our quick Nando’s turned into a long waiting game. It’s was well over 40 minutes. The review page asked me what food I’d recommend and my answer is one that would actually arrive.

Abhorrent egregious service provided to my table of 5. My friend waited over 40 minutes and customers who ordered afterwards received their order before us. Highly disappointing.

Nandooo 💯 been here twice in one week don’t ask me why #deliciousfood

Dry chicken... Say no more really

Stand up comedy. The fact that this place served chicken to a vegetarian and didn’t even apologise… This is absolutely ghastly behaviour and a complete joke. A little message to the manager, you ain’t it bud.

Absolutely appalling. My friend, who has been a vegetarian for a number of years, ordered The Great Imitator wrap, lemon and herb. When she received it, she claimed it was hotter than lemon and her usually is, so I tried it. I professed it tasted like actual chicken and joked that this may be my new order (I have never tried a veggie option from Nandos, so I was not meant to know what The Great Imitator tasted like). A few more bites in, and she saw blood in her wrap, and it was then she knew that it was real meat. She did not receive an apology from the manager that this had happened. It is utterly disgusting that no apology was given. If you are a vegetarian, stay clear of this Nandos!!!

Not what I ordered, no seasonings on anything, chips, wrap, pittas... all bland and no sauces in the bag... Reported to their customer services and I'm waiting to hear back. Whoever made the items did not care at all. I won't bother with takeaways from Nandos again. EDIT; Okay, I might give them another chance... their customer service team were swift and helpful, providing a full refund... The extra star is for them. ⭐️

A quiet, cozy place. They cook deliciously, the portions are large. I will advise friends and acquaintances.

Very lovely staff especially Selena, such a lovely and polite member of staff. She made myself and friends feel soo welcomed.

Not as good as Tollgate one. They gave me the wrong order and told me to accept it. The Peri tamer wings were not marinated well enough

Food was OK but ordered a chicken burger which came in a ciabatta bun. Very difficult to eat. Staff were friendly, but the whole place felt run down in need of a refurb.

Lately going down as the service is not as used to be, the food takes longer, moody managers, stressed staff, no one checks on you as they leave the meal on your table on a rush to keep having a chat behind the counter.

Really happy with the service I was offered here! I had an altercation with the delivery service and Deliveroo were absolutely useless in helping me with the situation. As a last resort I called Nando's direct and Colchester Head Street handled the situation perfectly. In particular, the manager on shift; Matt was so helpful and made our night! Thank you again, you saved our Friday night!

Okay branch, great attentiveness to allergens, but the place felt cluttered and unlively. Its not an issue as the food is top notch!

After a day out exploring the area, ended up in Colchester for the evening with a friend. It was getting late and we were getting hungry and it was a choice between taking a supermarket ready meal back to our Airbnb or eating out. She pointed to the Nandos opposite and said 'how about there?'. I've never been to a Nandos but was game - as she explained it is basically spicy chicken and sides. Once i got the qr code on our table to work I set about ordering for us. I went for chicken thighs and their new special smokey sauce rated as hot strength with rainbow slaw and broccoli. My friend (who doesn't do spicy!!) had chicken breast with mild lemon and thyme, standard coleslaw and spicy rice. I really enjoyed it - loved the sauce which was a nice warmth without burning your mouth. Chicken was juicy and the sides although small were pleasant. Could tell the slaw had been made up several hours earlier though. Service was quick but food arruved before our drinks which we had to ask for. On the whole not bad but not sure if justified the price tag of nearly £14 for the meal (drinks on top).

Always love a nandos! Healthy, filling, and my kids love it too!