After much anticipation, Nando's Peri-Peri is ready to open its first Austin location at 1825 McBee St. on November 13. The South African chain specializes in a spicy Portuguese-African style of barbecue chicken, and has locations around the world, including three existing locations in Texas.

Announced in August of 2023, this newcomer has been in the works for more than a year.

"Peri-Peri" (sometimes piri piri) refers to a pepper that was introduced to South Africa via former Portuguese territories in Africa — namely Mozambique, where most of Nando's peppers are grown — so it's traveled a long way. Nando's was founded in 1987 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has since become very popular in the United Kingdom; so much so that some Austinites may not realize it's not a British brand.

There are some cool African elements sprinkled throughout the interior.Photo courtesy of Nando's PERi-PERi

It's a great culinary match for Austin, though, considering how similar peri-peri chicken is to American barbecue (although Texas barbecue specifically is a bit more minimalist with the spices). This type of chicken is spicy without knocking diners off their feet, plus a bit tangy. Nando's says its 24-hour marinade features salt, garlic, lemon, onion, oil, and vinegar.

There are varying levels of spice available, but the peri-peri pepper is about 20 times hotter than a jalapeño, so there will always be a little heat, even if diluted.

The menu at Nando's gets its variety from sides, but the star of the show is always the chicken. Diners can pair with it rice, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, fries, or other sides; add it to a salad; enjoy in a sandwich, and more. For beverages, guests can enjoy beer and wine on tap or bottled, plus cocktails.

This fast-casual restaurant is a bit more upscale than others in the arena.Photo courtesy of Nando's PERi-PERi

“Austin has a reputation for welcoming bold flavors and experiences, so we’re thrilled to be opening our doors in the vibrant Mueller neighborhood," said Sepanta Bagherpour, the chief marketing officer of Nando’s North America, in a press release. “This location has elements you won’t find at any other Nando’s, from exclusive South African art to handcrafted furniture pieces. We’ve gone above and beyond to create an atmosphere as exciting and dynamic as our menu.”

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture — the firm behind P. Terry's flagship, several Hai Hospitality projects (Uchi, Uchiko, Loro), and many other restaurants and hotels — designed the 61-seat space. According to the release, pendant lights by Mash.t Design reference Johannesburg’s skyline, shades by Ashanti Design support communities in Madagascar and Malawi, and a woven waiting bench by Dokter & Misses in collaboration with Katlego Tshuma also ties in more African aesthetics.

A patio is a must-have in the Mueller neighborhood.Photo courtesy of Nando's PERi-PERi

Nando’s Peri-Peri in Mueller is now open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm.