4.6 from 1,950+ Google reviews#1 on TripAdvisor
24-Hour Piri Piri
Southampton's charcoal piri piri rotisserie chicken
This is the dish we built Diego's on: chicken marinated for a full 24 hours, then slow-turned over charcoal until the skin crisps and the smoke works its way in. If you want proper peri peri chicken in Southampton, we have been perfecting it since 2007.
24-hour marinade
Our chicken sits in the piri piri marinade for a full day before it ever meets the grill. That is how the flavour gets right down to the bone.
Slow-turned over charcoal
We roast the Portuguese way, on the rotisserie over live charcoal. Crisp skin, juicy meat and that unmistakable smoky finish.
Doing it since 2007
Piri piri chicken is our founding dish, and we have been serving it in Southampton for the best part of two decades. Practice makes perfect.
From the grill
Our rotisserie chicken
Half Rotisserie Chicken
SignatureGF£17Whole Rotisserie Chicken
SignatureGF£32Quarter Chicken
GF£12Chicken Tenders
GF£16Smoky Piri Piri Wings
SpicyGF£17Chicken & Chorizo Skewers
GF£18
From a quarter to the whole bird
Order a Quarter Chicken for a quick lunch, a Half for the classic plate, or the Whole Rotisserie Chicken with two large sides to share.
4.6 from 1,950+ Google reviews#1 on TripAdvisor
As close as real Portuguese food as you can get. Simply delicious and a great cure for the homesickness feeling. Workers super helpful, and the food is just perfect.
Totil Me · via Google
Good to know
Your questions, answered
Where is the best piri piri chicken in Southampton?
Diego's Rotisserie on Bedford Place. Our piri piri chicken is marinated for 24 hours and slow-turned over charcoal, and it has been our signature dish since 2007.
How spicy is your piri piri chicken?
The marinade brings warmth and depth rather than blow-your-head-off heat, so most people are very happy with it. If you want more fire, our Smoky Piri Piri Wings turn it up.
Can I get a whole rotisserie chicken to share?
Yes. The Whole Rotisserie Chicken is £32 and comes with two large sides, perfect for two to share or the centre of a bigger table.
Is your rotisserie chicken gluten free?
Our rotisserie chicken is marked gluten free on the menu. Just let the team know when you book or order and we will look after you.
More from the grill
Feeding a crowd? See private hire and events, or view the full menu.
From the journal
More about our rotisserie chicken
- 21 August 2026Peri Peri vs Piri Piri: The Real DifferenceConfused about peri peri in Southampton? We explain what sets real Portuguese piri piri chicken apart, from the chilli to the charcoal.
- 31 July 2026Where to Find a Proper Charcoal Grill in SouthamptonLooking for a proper charcoal grill in Southampton? Here is what real charcoal cooking tastes like and where to find it in the city.
- 20 June 2026What Makes Real Piri Piri Chicken? The Portuguese Tradition Behind Diego'sReal piri piri isn't a sauce you pour on at the end. Here's the Portuguese tradition behind Diego's 24-hour marinated, charcoal-grilled chicken.