Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed
Learn More
Restaurant Reviews
Find Restaurants in Your Area
Select a Location
Reserve now:

Bossa Nova Reviews List

Bossa Nova

Bossa Nova Flavor.





Created with the look and feel of the Favela, Bossa Nova brings the flavor of Rio's Streets to San Francisco. The Favela (Rio's vibrant ghetto culture)is the birthplace of Samba and Bossa Nova. Music and dancing bursts out of dancehalls and clubs into the streets. The air is fragrant with lime, sizzling churraquinho and fresh seafood. Cachaca flows as freely as conversation. The Favela is the place of the people.





Only 1.5 blocks from the Orpheum Theater.
See more Bossa Nova details
93 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(93 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 93 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(43)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
3.2 / 5
(Very Good) 3.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(53)
  • neighborhood gem(40)
  • romantic(25)
  • good for groups(21)
  • special occasion(18)
  • hot spot(11)
Bossa Nova Reviews List
Review 1 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A bit of Brazil

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Although I've never been to Brazil, Bossa Nova provided the character to give me a flavor a new region. The menu offered a variety of mix and match from small plates though grande. The food was tasty and the doughnut dessert to die for - and I don't like doughnuts."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Top marks

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"from the outside it doesn't look like much but the food and service was great. just a short walk to the Orpheum Theatre it's very busy Pre-Show. If going to the theater I'd suggest a 6 pm arrival time as the kitchen can get backed up/. Top marks for the service and the servers knowledge. She went out of her way for us including making a special trip to get some coffee due to an order mix up. We Loved it!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great little restaurant for pre dinner theater. Loved the lamb kababs and beet salad, both delicious."
Dined on 5/10/2013
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Unique and yummy, but S-L-O-W ...

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"NOT another Brazilian steakhouse, Bossa Nova serves up authentic Brazilian specialties you won't find many places. Food and drinks were really excellent. Waiter was helpful and friendly - but the very tiny kitchen here seemed to have trouble keeping up with food orders for a full house. We had a 6:00 reservation and an 8:00 show a block away at the Orpheum. We barely made it, and that was with no time for dessert or coffee. Dishes arrived in an odd order, with the last few dishes having to be practically inhaled in order for us to make our show. The food and drinks were good enough and interesting enough that I would go again; and even recommend the place. But don't go if you have someplace else to be that evening!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

I really think that if they

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I really think that if they advertise something on the website, they must have it and honor they own words.
my girlfriend is Brazilian and fell very dissapointed with the food.
"
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great neighborhood restaurant,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great neighborhood restaurant, interesting decor and menu. Tasty authentic, Brazilian food and drink."
Dined on 04/22/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very disappointing. Just returned from Rio de J and wanted to compare Feijoada dishes. Bossa Nova's was bland and luke warm. Expected better."
Dined on 04/10/2013
 2004
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

It's a bar food not a restaurant.

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It's a bar food not a restaurant. Meat (beef & lamb) was good w/coconut rice but tartar and cheviche were bad, no taste at all. And a service, it was one of worst. Once was more than engough for us."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2003
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very Enjoyable!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Solid food prep. Good folks run the place, very friendly and helpful. Can get a bit busy for the staff. Very easy to have a good time here."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: late-night find
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food is really tasty, but

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food is really tasty, but the service was awful - 1 cook, 1 server and 1 bartender/host bus person. They need to get a little help in there. They are only 1 block from the Orpheum Theater! They have a gold mine there if it was just run right. We all had to leave without dessert or coffee. We were there at 5:15 and got out of there at 7:15. 3 hours for an appetizer and an entree!!!! I loved the food though, and we will go back again but allow at least 21/2 hours to eat! Barbara Wolpman"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2004
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Lovely space, warm and friendly

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Lovely space, warm and friendly staff, fabulous Caipirinha. Appetizers okay and the meals were fabulous. Dessert was also very delicious. Price was great and all members (5) of our party loved it."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food and within walking

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good food and within walking to Orpheum Theater"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

food and ambiance very good.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"food and ambiance very good. The service sequence a little slow, would definately go back"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Quaint little place, good food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a very nice dinner in this quaint little Brazilian restaurant. We enjoyed the fried goat cheese as an appetizer, very tasty. My husband had the lamb chops which were prepared simple but delicious. I had the salmon which was cooked perfectly and finished with a pineapple glaze."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was a great experience.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was a great experience. The food was very good. Had mussels and lamb chops. And the service was very attentive and great. Will come back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food is really tasty,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food is really tasty, the drinks are also great, but the service is slow for American standards. So come prepared, count on it, relax, and enjoy the experience. Dinner took the four of us 2 hours - drinks, appetizers and entrees. I haven't been to Brazil, but if you have been to southern or eastern Europe - well, then, its like that. The music is quiet but great, and with the decor it makes for a nice ambiance."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I am a foodie and overall

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I am a foodie and overall the flavors were just ok."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2008
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

This place has great mixed

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This place has great mixed drinks. I had a blood orange caipirinha ($10), and it was great.
However, I thought the food was unimpressive. It is not at all authentic to Brazilian cuisine, and it's not exciting as fusion, either. It seems more like watered down Brazilian cuisine."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2008
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was good (we had

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was good (we had mussles, lamb chops, and the pork belly). I hesitate to call the food great because the drinks were so bad, they shadowed the flavor of the food. The wine was particularly terrible. For the ambiance of the place, the drink menu needs to be stepped up a notch."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and great service!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Comida deliciosa! Muitos pratos típicos e varias opções no menu. Outstanding service!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The drinks were amazing, it's

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The drinks were amazing, it's difficult to have only one or two of their caipirinhas. The food was great, except for fried smelt, I tried that for the first time and did not find it much to my liking. The rest of the food we ordered, lamb tenderloin, goat cheese with bread and tuna tartar, were amazing. The ambiance of the place is great, very social, fun, but at the same time cozy, not too loud and not too crowded."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was great but the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was great but the wait staff was overwhelmed by how packed the place was, and couldn't seem to keep up with the needs of the table. Meal timing was poor, responsiveness of requests was slow, and several things had to be asked for multiple times. Its a pity since the food was really great as were the drinks."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

You should try Bossa Nova

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is the second time we've been to Bossa Nova for dinner and we enjoyed it just as much this time as we did the first. Our only complaint was that for our old eyes reading the menu was a little difficult in the low light. Once past the menu, the ambience was quite nice."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2009
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Difficult to find, especially

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Difficult to find, especially at night. Signage is small and unlit.
People were friendly, food good and restaurant uncrowded on this Wednesday night."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2007
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was absolutely divine.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was absolutely divine. We tried some of the small plates, and entrees which were made to perfection. My only complaint was we got a table close to the entrance door, and so every time it opened there would be a cold draft that was a little annoying."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

food at bossa nova was tasty,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"food at bossa nova was tasty, but a half hour or more wait between salad and entree....with not all the tables full, was ridiculous. it was steak after all! 5 minutes to cook. the people next to us got their pitcher of sangria (ordered with the appetizer) midway through dinner, after 2 requests. i would not go back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Post-Orpheum matinee. Neighborhood

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Post-Orpheum matinee. Neighborhood is a little dreary, walked right past because the signage isn't super obvious. Interior in daylight is dingy, but as night comes on and the place fills up, very dramatic.
The wispy Brazilian gal who eventually came to take our order after leaving us seated for about 7 minutes in the empty room wasn't particularly warm but pleasant enough. Since I was driving back to Monterey I mentioned that I wasn't drinking. She suggested a Virgin Mojito. I ordered the raspberry and was not disappointed. No rum, but still a fun drink. My husband got a regular one and liked it.
Beet salad, very good. The lamb and beef skewers each came with to-die-for cocoanut rice. Yellowtail Hamaichi yummy. We'd come back for sur"
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Worth the Wait

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had Valentine's Day dinner here and was pleasantly surprised. Read about the slow service so was not expecting to be in and out the door. Definitely a slower paced meal but if you have the time, sit back and enjoy the great food!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A small and cozy restaurant,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A small and cozy restaurant, the food was delicious. We were visiting San Francisco and chose this restaurant to have Brazilian food. My husband chose the fejoada. I chose the lamb brochettes. Both were delicious. We will return to Bossa Nova on our next trip to SF."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Not very enticing from the outside, but nice inside. The food was fabulous. Mixed crowd. Enjoyed an early dinner before the show at the Orpheum."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Bossa Nova

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was very delicious and cooked to our liking. The skewers are a must try as well as the Goat Cheese appetizer. The coconut rice was surprisingly irresistible. For desert, my girlfriend ordered the Coconut Flan. It wasn't anything too special but was still a treat."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and great service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We enjoyed everything we ate and drank. We started out with tapas: tuna tartar, crusted goat cheese and toast, and a beet salad. We had the lamb tenderloin skewer and their beans (figuoida sp?). We had 2 of the Brazilian drink caiperina (delicious) each. The only food that we were over the top about were their desserts. We had the coconut flan. The service was excellent. The ambiance was ok, not very romantic. They have a speak easy downstairs that looks like fun. We had difficulty finding the restaurant since there wasn't a sign. Only the name was over the door."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 34 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Six of us went to Bossa Nova

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Six of us went to Bossa Nova after a recent performance of Wicked. We ordered several appetizers and would recommend the goat cheese. Everyone's entrees were very good. The salmon or pork chop would be my recommendation. Service was slow even though the restaurant was quite empty when we first arrived."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 35 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food is really good, service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food is really good, service is not. Not enough staff before a show, when asking the staff it is always busy before a show and the answer was YES before every show we're packed. so you would think they would staff for a large crowd. Very dark so a mini flashlight may help read the menu. My wife could not see it at all as she has trouble seeing at night or in the dark so I had to read her the menu. Big crowd in a small place."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2011
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 36 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Nice!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Enjoyed all the tapas that we ordered."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 37 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Robert Irvine's Help is Needed

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A good review doesn't make a good restaurant and Bossa Nova proves that notion. The food was very good: mussels in coconut milk, pineapple glazed salmon with black beans, romaine salad and mustard glazed pork chop with mashed sweet potatoes, but the service was poor, noticeably as the restaurant got busy. We were seated quickly and got water almost immediately. We were ready with our selections when the waier came but the two wines on the menu were not available because it was "out of date." The salad had to go back ("no anchovies") and it went down from there. We got one return visit from the waiter during the meal but no offer for desert or coffee. It's really just a bar (with good food), but not a proper restaurant (paper napkins!)."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2007
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 38 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Generally enjoyed the food

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Generally enjoyed the food and atmosphere of the Bossa Nova with the exception that their speciality pork chop, which was seasoned nicely but significantly overcooked! Easy walking distance to the Orpheium Theatre."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 39 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Great food nice ambiance.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food nice ambiance. Service was terriblethe waiter was rude"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 40 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We went before going to see

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We went before going to see Wicked. We were celebrating my godchild getting a full-time job at Stanford. The owner was very friendly. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. You made the night a special memory for her. I recommend the mojitos!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 41 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Don't forget to order the lamb!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Bossa Nova is truly a neighborhood gem. If you're not careful, you'll walk right past it. The food is amazing; everything we ordered was just so good. Order the lamb skewers. This is the best lamb I have ever tasted. Amongst other things, we also ordered the Goat Cheese Tapas Plate. The goat cheese was covered in honey then roasted in the oven to perfection, served over sauteed onions and yellow raisins. This was one incredible creation that I would like to recreate! Our waiter was very knowledgeable and even gave us some unique information on the hotel we stayed at."
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 42 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great food, mediocre service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had reservations, but when we arrived, the front door was locked. The staff saw us, and left us waiting another 5 minutes before letting us in. We were the first ones there, and they were somehow out of the corn and cheese fritters, one of my favorite dishes. The service was extremely slow. It took a long time to get our food. The food was delicious though. We ordered dessert. We waited over a half hour until someone came over and asked us how things were. When we mentioned we were still waiting for our dessert, they went to check, and it seems as if the order was put in at that time, I saw people who arrived after we did, finish their meals and leave before. I will not be going back."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2009
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 43 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

In Love!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were going to see a musical and found this by chance online and decided to give it a shot. Eh hum...speakeasy??!!! LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! It was extremely busy, but since I owned a restaurant, I completely understood as did my date. The manager sat us downstairs and we were beyond thrilled and surprised because it didn't look like there could be a downstairs but that was actually the most magnificent part! I'm in love! Can't wait to go back!! The service and food were top notch!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 44 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved the place, would go

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loved the place, would go back again, but there wasn't live music on Wednesday night as they had advertised, the band was "on vacation". Had to wait quite some time for server, but ambiance and food were worth it. If you're not in a rush, it's a great place to mingle, date, come before a play at the Orpheum (it's only 2 blocks away)."
Dined on 01/30/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 45 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We were on our way to see

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were on our way to see Wicked and when the server realized this, she made it a point to speed our entrees along and kept us informed on how much longer it would be, all with a smile -- she was great! The food was amazing too -- will definitely go back!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 46 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A pleasant surprise

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Hard to find secret, little sign on the door. First impression was dark inside, didn't expect much. I WAS WRONG!!! I ordered the roasted pork chop with mustard glaze reduction. SO GOOOOOOOD! My husband had the filet salmon, he loved it. This was a very good surprise, unexpected in the neighborhood."
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 47 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

All of my review is based

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"All of my review is based on a Saturday night, 6:30 Resv and 8:00pm theatre tickets. So we asked to plan accordingly....they were very busy, seemed to be short staffed by my account of other restaurants. After 20 mins took order, after 20 mins. got cocktail, after 20 mins got everything to eat at once, after 10 got bill back, had a dish removed for not being served, got up to leave and the dish that was ordered at 6:50pm, finally arrived at 7:45. Food was nothing special, poor Brazilians......"
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: late-night find
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 48 for Bossa Nova
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We chose Bossa Nova to experience

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We chose Bossa Nova to experience Brazilian food, music and language. We got 2 out of 3. All of the servers were nice but none were Brazilian. Nonetheless we had a very pleasant evening and enjoyed our dinner. Two suggestion: It would be nice to include some linguica in the feijoada and a little more pinga in the caipirinhas. See you next time."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Bossa Nova
Based on the average of (45) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
3.2 / 5
(Very Good) 3.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic