Step into Chef Alberto Landgraf's modern Brazilian marvel.
Having achieved two MICHELIN stars and a placement on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list for his Rio de Janeiro offering Oteque, Chef Alberto Landgraf is now looking to upend the London dining scene with his newest opening, Bossa.
Nestled between the chic locales of Mayfair and Marylebone and a stone's throw from Oxford Street, Bossa's culinary philosophy is centred on infusing the essence of Brazilian cuisine with a modern touch. The intimate 60-cover restaurant features an industrial aesthetic, lofty ceilings and a statement bar backed by bottles to disassociate it from the busy thoroughfare outside. Bossa's beautifully simple dining room offers booths and banquettes, most with a direct view of the sleek counter where the majority of dishes are prepared. For those seeking a post-dinner tipple, Maroto is the restaurant's underground, invite-only cocktail bar, which looks set to rival London institution Annabel's.
Although a six-course tasting menu is offered, diners at Bossa will appreciate the succinct menu divided into three sections: the beginning, the middle and (you guessed it) the end. Although options are limited and portions are small, the resulting dishes are flavoursome, textural marvels that will make you want to forgo the familiar Brazilian churrascarias when dining on the cuisine of South America's biggest country.
Bossa's menu sparks interest with dishes such as Grilled Red Prawn with "Pirão", Garlic and Herbs Vinaigrette (£28) and Octopus Over the Embers with Fresh Peas, Roasted Potatoes and Radishes (£35). Totalling just 22 dishes, a party of six could easily work through most of the menu in one sitting.
We begin with the Beef Tartare (£26), a beautifully presented dish of intricately chopped 14-day dry aged fore rib that hides a creamy Shiitake confit within its confines before being given a generous dusting of Summer Truffle. The result is a robust dish of aromatic greatness with an exciting textural interplay. However, it's Bossa's Roasted Bone Marrow (£26) makes an impression on this Editor-in-Chief. The gelatinous marrow is sizzled on an open fire and scraped from the bone before being placed upon a tapioca 'taco' with a dollop of cashew nut cream, offering a rich buttery punch to the palate. The charred, plump Scallops (£32) with slow-cooked leeks, Buckwheat and Tucupi (a Brazilian root extract) is a Bossa signature and another solid choice.
The Crackling Pork Belly (£32) is a hearty option from the mains. Served with a fragrant Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) broth, sliced Swiss chard, pickled "Biquinho" pepper and black garlic, it's a plate of complementing textures, but the pork is the undeniable star thanks to the alluring crackle that gives way to a meaty flavour enhanced by vinegary pops from the dazzling red peppers.
Desserts range from the Insta-worthy Egg & Coconut Custard (£13), a Brazilian twist on the Portuguese pastel de nata, to the simply stunning Tonka Bean Flan (£15) that has a light and hard-to-place texture complemented by the crunch of Cacao Nibs and an alluring Cupuaçu Jam.
In an effort to replicate the success of Oteque in London, Landgraf has enlisted the expertise of his head Chef Nilson Chaves, along with wine sommelier Laís Aoki, bringing promise and proficiency to Bossa. Service is slick and strong, endearing without being overbearing and executed with astute confidence. The subtle nuances of our table are read and attended to with the utmost care, resulting in a masterful meal which leaves a lasting impression.
The restaurant, which happens to be beside the Brazilian Consulate, is an exciting addition to the London dining scene. It may be more accessible than Oteque, but Bossa does just enough to deviate from the norm. Diners are encouraged to immerse themselves in Brazil's vibrant energy and unfamiliar flavours. We'll be back for more.
GO: Visit https://www.bossa.co.uk for reservations and more information.