Casa de Chá da Boa Nova — Restaurant in Matosinhos

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is an extraordinary two-Michelin-star restaurant located in Leça da Palmeira, near Porto. This restaurant, led by renowned Chef Rui Paula, blends gastronomic excellence with architectural brilliance, offering a unique dining experience that stands out.

Ambiance and Location

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is a culinary destination. Designed by the famed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the building is perched dramatically on the Atlantic coast, nestled among the rocks and waves. The natural beauty of the surroundings complements the minimalist yet striking design, which integrates the building seamlessly with the coastal landscape. The dining room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, making the setting an essential part of the dining experience.

Cuisine

Chef Rui Paula’s menu is deeply rooted in the flavors of the Atlantic, with a strong focus on seafood and locally sourced ingredients. His culinary philosophy revolves around honoring the region's maritime traditions while infusing modern, innovative techniques. Each dish was meticulously crafted, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients and the creativity of the kitchen.

The tasting menus are the centerpiece of the dining experience, offering multiple courses that guide the diner through a journey of flavors, textures, and presentations - called moments. Signature dishes feature seafood such as lobster, cod, and octopus, but with unexpected twists that elevate them beyond traditional Portuguese cuisine. The focus on balance and refinement ensures that each course complements the next, leading to a cohesive and memorable meal.

Service and Presentation

The service at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is impeccable, as expected from a two-star Michelin establishment. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and skilled at providing a refined yet warm hospitality. Attention to detail is evident not only in the presentation of the dishes but in the overall atmosphere, from the table settings to the thoughtful pacing of the courses.

Wine Pairings

The wine list is expansive, showcasing some of the finest Portuguese wines, as well as international selections. Carlos, the sommelier, offers expert pairings that enhance the flavors of each course, contributing to the restaurant's commitment to creating a holistic dining experience. We had a great conversation with Carlos and he went above and beyond to make our experience uttlerly memorable.

Conclusion

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is a must-visit for any gastronomic enthusiast. It combines the best of Portuguese culinary tradition with modern innovation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic coast. The artistry and passion shine through in every detail, making it a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're drawn by the architecture, the cuisine, or the setting, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova offers an unparalleled journey for the senses.

Its two Michelin stars are well-deserved, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to excellence in all aspects. And maybe the coveted and rare third star is already on...

They told me it was a two Michelin-starred restaurant. I’d read the reviews, seen the accolades. But truthfully, I expected a lovely, perhaps predictable fine dining experience - nothing more.

What I received instead was artistry. Pure, humbling, and unforgettable.

We opted for the “21 Moment” tasting journey, and I say this without hesitation: every other five-star review I’ve ever written now pales in comparison. Nothing will ever measure up to this experience.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was one of quiet elegance. Each course was delivered with intention, each chair pulled out with care. And the food, every dish, was alive with precision and surprise. The prawns and the lobster were personal standouts, but the beauty was in how each moment unfolded with thoughtful, deliberate pacing. The flavours felt both familiar and completely new.

But what truly sets this place apart is the soul behind it.

Chef Rui Paula took the time to come out and share his story, and it genuinely moved me. He spoke of learning his craft from his grandmother, of the importance of emotion and love in food, and of honouring tradition while pushing boundaries. One dish, a poetic tribute inspired by Chanel, took six months to perfect. Six months. That alone tells you the level of craftsmanship here. And it wasn’t just his vision, he spoke of hand-picking each staff member, of mentoring them to uphold the same standards of excellence and care. You could feel the deep sense of family. Several of them have been with him for years, and that kind of loyalty speaks volumes.

We were even invited into the kitchen. Over 20 people, each meticulously contributing to a single experience. It’s like watching a ballet unfold in steel and steam and quiet purpose. The storytelling didn’t stop at the food, comic strips guided us through the menu’s journey. There was warmth, performance, nostalgia, wit.

And the view… The ocean crashes below you. Sky and sea stretch endlessly. It’s like you’re dining at the edge of the world.

Words can’t quite capture it. Photos certainly don’t. But what I can say is this: I have never experienced anything like Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. It is rare to find a place that not only delivers perfection — but does so with heart, history and genuine humanity.

Come here once, and you’ll carry it with you forever. Thank you to the staff, the chef and to Porto. We also loved...

This was a disappointingly average experience, especially for a 2 star restaurant.

Let's start with the positives: the view from the property can't be beat, and the restaurant certainly adds little touches to deliver an experience that is more than just the food, like the design and sounds of the dessert cart, the mini game during the appetizers, and the bread made right at the table.

The service was a mixed bag. While attentive, I found it very rehearsed and impersonal. Every dish was explained with less than 10-15 words, that's how memorable it was.

The staff were even quite stifling and too formal at times. As an example, when I was returning from the washroom, I passed by a customer who was simply taking a photo of the coast from the window in the main lobby and the staff rushed out to ask her if she needed help finding her table, when it was clear from the context that all she wanted to do was take a photo. She wasn't disturbing anyone else, there were no tables nearby, she wasn't taking an annoyingly long series of selfies, but the staff acted with an urgency as if she was somewhere she didn't belong.

But the most disappointing part was the food itself. The portions were incredibly small, even for a Michelin star tasting menu. This is the only restaurant where I've left hungry after completing a 12-course tasting menu. And for the price, that definitely should not be the case. I came way feeling I overpaid even for a Michelin star experience.

The flavours were also not very refined. More than one dish had too many flavours competing with one another, with no clear direction on what the dish was trying to emphasize.

And the 2 dishes which featured the use of curry were completely overpowered by the curry flavour. I'd expect a kitchen of this standard to know that a little goes a very long way when it comes to using curry powder, especially when portions are this small.

I don't know how or why the Michelin guide rated them 2 stars again. Maybe the 2 stars sets diner expectations too high? Either way I've definitely had much better food at 1 star and Bib Gourmand restaurants, and I would...