Bossa, the stylish Brazilian restaurant nestled a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, is an exciting addition to London’s restaurant scene. Led by the talented Brazilian chef, Nilson Chaves who spent many years at the Michelin starred restaurant Oteque in Rio de Janeiro, this newly opened establishment promises a captivating dining experience.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by the restaurant’s high ceilings, an array of booths that offer both comfort and privacy, and various-sized dining tables. The bar, thoughtfully designed with open shelving against the window, not only reflected the light beautifully through an impressive collection of bottles but also acted as a serene barrier from the bustling thoroughfare outside.

We were seated at a booth overlooking the sleek open kitchen, our host gave us a comprehensive overview of the menus on offer; a 6-dish tasting menu paired with the iconic champagne Laurent-Perrier and Bossa’s new set lunch menu, uniquely divided into three sections: “The Beginning,” “The Middle,” and “The End,”. With dishes changing weekly.
For drinks we ordered the highly recommended Bossa’s house wine, a Napa Valley Chardonnay. The wine has a slight hint of oak but was refreshingly zingy, with mineral undertones, which perfectly complemented our meal.

In “The Beginning,” I opted for the Octopus Vinaigrette with fresh peas and paprika cream. The octopus, lightly grilled and wonderfully meaty, was a true delight. The accompanying sauce was simply outstanding. My dining companion chose the Mussel Escabech with carrot juice, parsley oil, and toasted bread. The mussels were the best we’d ever had, and the sauce was nothing short of exceptional. We were delighted that we kept the sourdough bread as this was the best type of vessel for savouring every drop.

Moving on to “The Middle,” my guest chose the Grilled Bavette with a side of beans, dry banana farofa, and fried rice. The steak, sliced and cooked to a perfect medium rare, was superbly seasoned. The meat and sides evoked the flavours of a recent South American journey. I ordered the Sea Bass, served with pumpkin cream and okra vinaigrette, a pleasant medley of delicate tastes.

For “The End,” I indulged in the Egg and Coconut Custard,  paired with a recommended Jurancon wine, resulting in a perfect combination of flavours that delighted the palate. We also relished the White Peach with Yogurt fig leaf, paired with another recommended wine, adding a sweet and refreshing conclusion to our meal.

The entire dining experience at Bossa was a rich tapestry of cultural flavours that beautifully showcased the essence of Brazilian cuisine. The restaurant’s staff played a pivotal role in enhancing our experience. They were attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, the dishes, and the wines, and their warm and friendly service elevated our visit.

Bossa is a delightful destination for those seeking a taste of Brazil in the heart of London. It offers a culinary journey filled with bold flavours, exceptional cocktails, and a warm, inviting ambiance, all delivered by a dedicated and knowledgeable team.

Address: www.bossa.co.uk

Website: 4 Vere St, London, W1G 0DG

Written by Lorna Byrne

Photos courtesy of Bossa