A South African restaurant known for its spicy, flame-grilled chicken has arrived in Katy. Nando's Peri-Peri has opened its second Houston-area location in the LaCenterra development (23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.).

  

Photo by Michael Anthony

The South African restaurant is now open in Katy.

Located next to Jamba Juice, the new Nando’s features a colorful facade in the form of a hand-painted geometric mural by South African artist Agrippa Hlophe. The mural serves as a backdrop to a pergola that covers the 77-seat patio.

Inside the 70-seat dining room, diners will notice a black-and-white pattern on the walls and colorful disk-shaped light shades on the ceiling. Art pieces from the restaurant’s collection of South American art adorn the walls.

Nando's signature chicken is marinated for 24-hours in Peri-Peri and other spices. Also known as African Bird's Eye Chili, Nando's sources its peppers from 1,400 local farmers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa.

Diners may order their chicken as bowls made with Portuguese rice and vegetables; the Nandocas Choice, a butterflied chicken breast served over garlic bread with coleslaw; as well as skewers, salads, wraps, and plates with whole pieces. Different spice levels cater to diners’ tolerance for heat.

The Katy restaurant joins a Galleria-area outpost that opened last summer in Post Oak Plaza. A Dallas-area location followed in November, and an Austin restaurant will debut later this year. Other locations may be found in the Washington, D.C. and Chicago areas.

"Launching our third Nando's location in Cinco Ranch marks a significant milestone for us in Texas. The reception we've experienced across the state has been phenomenal, with tremendous support and warmth from the local communities,” CEO John Fisher said in a statement. “We are thrilled to not only introduce our renowned flame-grilled Peri-Peri dishes but also to weave ourselves into the vibrant fabric of the Cinco Ranch community.”

The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 am until 10 pm.