"Chef Rui Paula's two-Michelin-star Atlantic seafood, set in an Álvaro Siza landmark on the rocks — a milestone table to book months ahead."
About Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova sits on the rocks at Leça da Palmeira, just north of Porto, where the Atlantic breaks a few metres from the glass. It anchors part of our Porto coverage and our Seafood guide as the region's most dramatic dining room.
The building is the point as much as the food: it was designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, who grew up here. Chef Rui Paula took it over and won the first Michelin star in 2016 and a second in 2019, with executive chef Catarina Correia alongside him.
The Kitchen
Rui Paula builds the menu around a verse from Camões — "through seas never before sailed" — and the Atlantic fish and shellfish landed nearby. Signature plates include red prawn with broccoli and kaffir lime, the "Chanel" squid, and John Dory with endive, all leaning on modern technique, sharp presentation and texture.
The format is a tasting menu, dinner-focused, with wine pairings; spend lands firmly in the top bracket for the region. The kitchen does not chase trend so much as the catch — what arrives from the boats shapes the plate.
The Room
The room is a long, low pavilion of timber and glass that hovers over the sea, so close that spray hits the windows in a swell. Siza's lines are spare and warm rather than cold; the ocean does the decorating.
Service is formal but unstuffy, and a table by the glass at sunset is one of the great romantic seats in Portugal. Book well ahead and request a window when you do.
Not for
Not for a casual, low-key meal, a tight budget or a quick bite — it is a formal two-star tasting menu built for milestone occasions, with a price to match.
Frequently Asked
What is Casa de Chá da Boa Nova known for?
Chef Rui Paula's two-Michelin-star Atlantic seafood, served inside a landmark glass pavilion on the rocks at Leça da Palmeira designed by Pritzker-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Signature plates include red prawn with kaffir lime and the "Chanel" squid.
How many Michelin stars does it have?
Two. It earned its first star in 2016 and a second in 2019 under chef Rui Paula, with executive chef Catarina Correia.
Where is the restaurant?
On the Atlantic rocks at Av. da Liberdade 1681, Leça da Palmeira, just north of Porto in the Matosinhos area.
How much does dinner cost?
Expect top-bracket pricing for a multi-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairings. It is a special-occasion restaurant, not an everyday one.
How do I get a table by the window?
Book well in advance and request a window seat; tables along the glass over the sea are the most sought-after, especially at sunset.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Book months ahead and request a window table over the Atlantic. Find it on the rocks at Leça da Palmeira, north of Porto.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressAv. da Liberdade 1681, Leça da Palmeira
NeighbourhoodLeça da Palmeira, north of Porto
CuisineAtlantic seafood, tasting menu
RecognitionTwo Michelin stars (first 2016, second 2019)
ChefRui Paula, with Catarina Correia
ArchitectureBuilding by Álvaro Siza Vieira
ReservationEssential; request a window seat
