A beloved Kerrisdale restaurant is back after a devastating fire forced it to close more than two years ago.
Nando’s Kerrisdale officially reopened its doors on March 23 at a new location down the street from its original spot.
The restaurant had been a fixture in the Kerrisdale neighbourhood for nearly 20 years before a fire destroyed it in October 2023.
After more than two years of rebuilding, owner and operator Sonny Mahal has finally brought the restaurant back to life.
The new location is at 2179 West 41st Avenue, taking over the space that previously housed Jess’ Restaurant.
Mahal, who is also a Kerrisdale resident, said the reopening is deeply personal.
He shared that Kerrisdale has always meant more to them than just a restaurant location, calling it a place where friendships were built and families gathered for two decades.
Losing the restaurant in the fire was heartbreaking, but the support from the neighbourhood reminded the team how special the connection really was.
The rebuilt restaurant features a completely refreshed interior with a new design direction for the brand.
Highlights include a hand-plastered feature wall, a cork ceiling, and millwork wall panelling.
The space also features chandeliers inspired by Nando’s home country of South Africa, giving the restaurant a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The new design marks a fresh chapter for the brand while keeping the spirit of the original Kerrisdale location alive.
Nando’s first opened in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1987 and expanded to Canada with its first location in 1994.
There are currently 29 Nando’s locations across the country.
Nando’s is known for its signature PERi-PERi chicken, which is marinated in PERi-PERi chili peppers for 24 hours and flame-grilled to order.
Guests can choose their preferred heat level, from mild all the way up for those who love some heat.
The menu also includes sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and salads.
Nando’s Kerrisdale joins other recently opened food spots in Vancouver, including Plain Jane, Stackhouse Sandwich in Gastown, and Cafe Lokal.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 2179 West 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC