Restaurants

Portuguese-style piri-piri (chilli-spiced) chicken is the stock-in-trade of this international chain. The interior of the Bethnal Green branch warm yellow and orange walls, terracotta tiled floors, sturdy dark wooden furniture has a cosy, friendly atmosphere. The bonhomie is aided by such slogans as wipe that smile off your face and our chicks rule, displayed on employee uniforms, walls and napkins. Upbeat staff guide customers through the not-so-tricky process of ordering at the counter, before escorting them to a table. The menu includes salads, steak and vegetarian choices, though most punters plump for the finger-licking option. Choose the piri-piri spice level for your chicken, which is added to the pre-marinated, pre-cooked birds. These are then briefly flame grilled. Fast food it is, but not as you know it. Many ingredients are fresh, theres a good selection of Portuguese wine and beer, and youll even get proper crockery. This branch sells halal chicken too. With such attention to detail, the Nandos chain is set to grow still further.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008