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Shop No. 7 Marimba Shopping Centre
Belverdere
0777 006 825/741245

Excellent Value and a Pleasant Experience at Nando’s Marimba 2011
Not being an advocate of fast food in any shape or form, I did question my own ability to review Nando’s in Marimba Park, in an unbiased way.  Having two teenage daughters who would jump at the chance of anything fried and fast made it possible for me to take it in my stride.

The shopping centre at Marimba is looking better now and occasionally I take a trip down there just to buy spices and fresh coriander from the vendors outside when Spar fails to deliver.  Nando’s in Marimba has taken over some of the pavement area with umbrellas and seating.  The Nando’s corporate colours are easily recognisable and the restaurant itself is set just off the walkway in the main part of the centre.  Parking is easy – right outside so keeping an eye on your car is convenient.  There are still a few very nasty potholes, but an effort has been made to fill them in.

The queue to place orders was noticeable but at least it was moving along at an even pace.  We chose to sit indoors as the hustle and bustle was alluring and perfect for a bit of people watching.  A waiter came to our table immediately and we ordered drinks.  The place was full of families and the takeout lunch queue was mainly workers from the shopping centre.   The décor is very appealing and matches the Nando’s ethos of spicy and Portuguese.  Great care has been taken over the way the seats have been arranged and the lighting is contemporary.  The restaurant itself, just over a year old, is absolutely spotless.  I had to request something at the counter and took a quick peek behind at the grills.  They too had been properly cleaned and didn’t show any build up of grease.  I noticed a man with crutches sitting in the corner with his family.  The waiter had bought a bowl and a towel to his table so that he could wash his hands.  This was a very gracious touch, especially as there was a clean and hygienic area at the back of the restaurant housing a sink, soap and hand towels for patrons.  There is no toilet as water has always been a problem in this part of town.

We ordered our food, chicken wings as a starter, peri peri chicken and chips and a chicken wrap and salad for our mains, all mild I might add.  My daughter said the restaurant reminded her of “South” (Jo’burg – probably on a fast food jaunt with her Dad that Mum knew nothing about!!).  The food came altogether but as we were hungry it was of no concern.  The chicken was perfect.  The chips were the best I have eaten out in a very long time, crispy golden on the outside and soft in the middle.   The green salad was so fresh, the lettuce leaves burst with juiciness as you bit into them.  The substantial wrap with peri peri chicken strips and sauce with cucumber was very filling.  Our waiter had been polite and efficient and our food had arrived quickly.   We ordered sticky toffee pudding, which was undeniably gorgeous.  Unfortunately, it was served in its takeaway packaging.  I had a cappuccino as I noticed they had a rather impressive coffee machine.  Please take note……… this was an extremely good cup of cappuccino!  I like my coffee fairly strong and not wishy-washy.   You couldn’t go wrong in taking a trip to Marimba Park just to experience excellent coffee.

Well done Nandos in Marimba Park! The décor, the staff, the food, the coffee were all excellent and very good value for money at $30 for 3 people.
Speciality Restaurant
4 Plates
Expect to spend $10 to $20 per head
Marimba Shopping Centre, Marimba Park, Harare