Founded in March 2002 by Rosalia Monroe using recipes she carried in her heart from her native Brazil, and with the support of her husband Dan, her sons Marcio and Joe, and her daughter Adriana. In what once was the kitchen of the old Café di Roma, with only a hot plate burner and a conventional oven, Rosalia started serving lunch to a curious crowd who immediately acquired a taste for her now famous cheese bread and black beans and rice. In response to growing demand from her lunchtime customers, she began serving dinner as well, and in January of 2005 Café Bossa Nova tripled its serving space, expanded its kitchen, and its menu. Guests now enjoy her famous Cheese Bread, delicious Chicken and Hearts of Palm soup, hearty Feijoada (Brazil's National Dish), and refreshing Caipirinhas (Brazil's National Cocktail), along with some American plates with a South American twist. In December of 2010, they opened Rosalia’s Family Bakery right next door to the restaurant. It has become a regular stop for Hillcrest residents and visitors for great coffee drinks, fresh Brazilian pastries and savories treats made from scratch daily. Rosalia’s love of people translate into delightful dishes which reflect the warmth of her Brazilian heritage. The majority of the team have been with them from the beginning and are considered part of the family, they know most guests by their first names. Adopting full Brazilian tradition, guests will never be constantly interrupted or rushed to leave, and they will always enjoy attentive, friendly, and informative service in a relaxing atmosphere. Café Bossa Nova guarantees good food with a Brazilian accent at reasonable prices. They believe that creating and re-creating food that has the authentic character of Rosalia’s beloved Brazil has been the reason that Café Bossa Nova has become a reliable and consistent stop for people that love good places to dine.
