Nando’s at St David’s in Cardiff has reopened after a major makeover, so we headed down to see what had changed and whether it still delivers that familiar comfort we all go back for.
Nando’s has always understood its place. It keeps things centred on chicken, chips and rice with a few small twists over time. When new items appear, they fit in naturally, like halloumi, or they add a boost to what people already love. It’s why the chain has stayed popular while others get caught up trying to reinvent everything with unnecessary extras.
The Cardiff restaurant now feels more open and brighter. The new layout brings in more light and makes the space feel less cramped, along with a few extra tables which will be welcome during busy spells. St David’s is an ideal spot too, since queueing inside is always better than waiting on the street.
The decor has had a refresh with new artwork and textures. It keeps that familiar peri peri personality but feels more modern. Staff were on great form during our visit, with Yvonne and Grant giving us a warm welcome. Yvonne also shared the news that they now have a bottomless RUBRO Iced Tea machine, a handy option when you need something cold to balance the heat.
If you enjoy a kick of flavour, there’s a new sweet spice for a limited time. It mixes heat with a sweet barbecue twist that works well if you want something bold without going straight for Extra Hot.
The festive range has also landed, and Nando’s has kept it fun without going over the top. The Total Sleigh burger is the headline item, loaded with chicken breast, melted cheese, bubble and squeak, caramelised onions, lettuce and Churrasco PERinaise in a rustic roll, with peri chicken gravy for dipping. There is also a peri mac wrap if you enjoy their mac and cheese. A warm chocolate orange brownie rounds out the seasonal treats.
Of course, the classics remain. The butterfly chicken, wings, burgers and pittas are still there if you prefer sticking with what you know. Our food arrived quickly, piping hot, and tasted exactly as you expect from Nando’s. The team seemed genuinely excited to show off the changes and get back to grilling.
The refurb goes beyond what guests see. The welcome area is bigger, there are new booths, upgraded lighting, and improved equipment behind the scenes to keep service smooth. Even the bathrooms have been redone. The restaurant now seats 138 people across two floors. St David’s has been home to Nando’s since 2009, and this is the biggest update yet.
The Cardiff team continues its daily food donation work through the No Chuckin’ Our Chicken programme, supporting the Huggard Centre with leftover food. It’s a strong part of what the brand does across the UK.
With four Nando’s across the city, there are plenty of places to get your chicken fix, but the refreshed St David’s location is ready for a busy festive season. The new look, new drinks, and seasonal specials give it a nice lift without changing what people love. It feels familiar, only better.
