Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Review for Bossa Nova – Pico Blvd, Los Angeles I’m writing this review to share the deeply frustrating and disappointing experience my wife, Bia, had with Bossa Nova on Pico Blvd on May 19, 2025. She went to pick up a catering order she had placed: 3 portions of beef stroganoff and 1 portion of chicken stroganoff. When she received the order, there were only two containers of beef and one of chicken. She asked if that was everything, since she had clearly ordered three portions of beef. The employee assured her that the three beef portions had been packed into two containers. That didn’t sit right with her, so she opened the foil covering all three containers — all of which were exactly the same size and shape. What she found was even more concerning: the amount of beef in each of the two containers was visually the same as the amount of chicken in the single container, which was meant to be just one portion. If they had really packed three beef portions into two containers, it would only make sense for each to contain more food than the single chicken portion. That was clearly not the case. When she questioned the staff, the response was nothing short of sarcastic and dismissive. One of the employees cynically replied, “Well, the chef already told you that this amount of food won’t feed 24 people.” To which Bia responded: “That’s not the point — the issue is getting exactly what I ordered and paid for.” Then the head chef was called over and told her in Spanish that their portions are for three people each — which she understood, as she is Brazilian. He even held up three fingers to make his point. But here’s the problem: on their own website, it says that catering portions serve 4 to 6 people. So who’s telling the truth? This inconsistency and vague explanation only made it more obvious that the restaurant was not interested in being transparent or fair. When she asked why, if she had ordered 3 portions of beef, there weren’t three containers, the employee shot back: “Did you ask for it that way?” So apparently now it’s the customer’s fault for not knowing how to phrase the order “correctly.” This entire experience was a masterclass in dishonesty, poor customer service, and blame-shifting. It’s sad to say this, but this Brazilian restaurant embodies some of the worst traits often unfairly associated with Brazil: lack of integrity, disrespect, and shady practices. We will never go back, and we advise others to be extremely cautious if you choose to do business with...

So I moved to Hollywood about a year ago and since I discovered Bossa Nova I have been a fan. I bring all my dates here (yes dates), friends, and family and it never disappoints.

Location: My favorite location is off Sunset and N. Formosa Ave in Los Angeles/Hollywood, mind you they have other locations as well.

Service: I work in customer service and I feel like I know what good service is and I don't always expect amazing service but at least decent service, I understand we all have those days but Bossa Nova never lets you down with anything but the BEST service. From the moment you walk up to the check in to the second you leave you are treated with respect. Service is always too notch and I can truly say I appreciate all the hard work everyone does/gives here. FYI… they do not take reservations so it in first come first served and your full party must be present to be seated, with that being said this place is very popular and can get very busy so make sure you get there early or be patient to wait.

Atmosphere: They set the mood for sure. They offer indoor and outdoor seating but my favorite is the back outdoor dinning. The back outdoor dinning has lights, heat lamps, and is very intimate.

Food: Everything is Delicious and I'm not lying. My favorite go to is the Fresh Mozzarella Bruschetta to start with and then have the SALMÃO GRELHADO or the CHICKENS BOWL. The chicken bowl comes with Chimichurri and the salmon comes with this Homemade Passion Fruit Sauce and these two are to die for. I always pay extra to take a side of sauces home with me. Drinks are always ice cold and refreshing, yes I'm talking about adult beverages lol

Parking: Lots of street meter parking around.

If you are thinking about checking this place out I highly...

Parking is limited at this location. Major street so you have to look around for sure. As most parking in Santa Monica is...a pain. lol. This place is open super late into the night so if you're in the area definitely check it out. Love this place!

I first visited this restaurant in Santa Monica on Pico. I fell in love with the place for a couple of years now. I first went there with some friends and I was introduced and hooked. When I saw that they were opening a deli/store style Bossa in my neighborhood I was ecstatic. I went for the first time this last weekend with my family and I was being observant of the place. When you first walk in you're greeted by the hostess, super friendly. I did expect to wait but it was about 35 minutes for a table of 2 and a baby. The wait got up to one hour for larger parties while I was there. I highly recommend making reservations ahead of time if possible.

We started off with an order of the cheese bread balls. So good and be ready for the cheese! We ordered the BBQ, the meat patty is the king of this burger for sure. The onions were good, I like them but it was a little too much for me. Also had a huge chunk of lettuce on it, great for crunch but seemed unnecessary in my opinion. The meat and bbq sauce spread are the highlights of the burger, no need to dress it up with plain lettuce and red onions. The Sunset Pasta, very similar to a creamier alfredo sauce. Really good and filling for sure. When I visit Bossa Nova I tend to get the Chicken Stroganoff with the mash potatoes. So good highly recommend it. The pizzas I have tried are all so good as well. Try them,...