Mark Buehl
We had just got to the DC area and met family for dinner at Nova Europa, one of their favorite restaurants. We were very impressed at the food and service. The atmosphere was very European, nice and quiet. We normally do not order appetizers, but after a long flight, we were hungry. We were glad we did. A nice selection and very good. Everyone had something different and we all loved our choice. This is a restaurant that I would want to try everything on the menu.
… moreAdalyn French
My boyfriend and I love trying new foods from around the world and we came across Nova Europa while looking for authentic Portuguese cuisine. Everything was amazing, from the food, to the service, and the atmosphere. Special gratitude for Manuel, who gave his best recommendations for dishes and shared his personal story with us and gave insight regarding the history of the dishes and the restaurant. We ordered the Sardines Escabeche and Caldo Verde as appetizers, grilled octopus and Bacalhau Assado for main dishes, and for dessert, the traditional Pasteis de nata. We were so impressed at how beautifully prepared and delicious everything was. It was a wonderful experience and will definitely be on our list of places we want to revisit!
… moreSophie Hannah
This is was so absolutely delicious. It was quiet and classy, perfect for a date night or anniversary. We got for drinks the Hugo spritz and the spicy margarita, which I liked, and would love to try more of their wine list. Then we got the sausage appetizer, which was flaming and delicious, and the soup du jour was very mild and nice. I got the steak Portuguesa which had such a good sauce I was blown away! My partner got the veal Francesca. We also got the baked Alaska, which was also set on fire and charred a little, but was really great to end the night.
Very beautiful atmosphere with the dark wood, leather, and paintings.
… moreEthan Weisgerber
My girlfriend and I are spicing up our date nights by eating at different countries’ each month – this month was Portugal and I’m so glad we chose Nova Europa for our Portuguese experience because it did not disappoint. We asked our waiter Manuel for some Portuguese recommendations to which he proceeded to bring us Sardines, salted cod, octopus, and of course the delicious Pastel de Nata pastry to which he eagerly waited for us to try each dish, and provided the history and stories behind them. Such a beautiful experience and a big thank you to Manuel and crew for treating us so well! Could not recommend enough!
… morePeter Rappaport
This restaurant is nothing short of exquisite. From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in a space that is effortlessly beautiful—warm, elegant, and thoughtfully designed, with an atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels intentional, from the décor to the lighting to the calm, inviting energy of the room.
The food is exceptional, but the pastéis de nata deserve special recognition. They are, without exaggeration, the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly crisp, flaky pastry giving way to a silky, delicately sweet custard with just the right hint of caramelization—each bite is absolute perfection. They alone are worth the visit.
What truly elevates the experience, though, is the service. The staff are attentive, warm, and genuinely gracious, striking that rare balance between professionalism and heartfelt hospitality. You never feel rushed, yet everything flows seamlessly. It’s clear they take pride not just in the food, but in creating an experience.
This is more than a meal—it’s an experience that captures the soul of Portuguese cuisine and hospitality. Beautiful, delicious, and unforgettable. I cannot recommend it highly enough and will absolutely be returning
… moreJessica A.
We had a mother’s day reservation for Nova Europa around 5:30.
The place was pretty full, and maybe they weren’t used to it, because service was a mess. We were there from 5:30 to 8:30 and most of that was sitting and chatting while waiting for them to bring out food. I think it took an hour for dinner to come out. We had a terrible time trying to grab the waiter when he forgot a plate.
The menu was almost entirely seafood and veal, even the appetizers. As someone who doesn’t eat seafood, that made my options pretty slim! But you go where mom picks on Mother’s Day! I ended up getting the steak with pepper sauce and it was just out. Of. This. WORLD. Good. All of the food was really phenomenal honestly, even the rolls blew me away with how soft and fresh they were.
Atmosphere was VERY dated in my mind, but a lot of people think that all the dark wood is elegant! It was tired but clean and maintained. It was really classic rolls-salad-dinner service though.
I’ll say the bathrooms were absolutely not accessible, they were a tight squeeze for me, and I’m pretty average sized.
It was expensive, but I think the food was worth it! Overall though I probably won’t go back on my own, the menu was just too limiting for me. If you like upscale seafood though, this place will be your jam! Okay, they didn’t actually have jam. This place will be your…. Swordfish?
… moreLeeann Krautwurst
Our family have been patrons of Nova Europa for many many years, it is a family treasure. Foods are expertly prepared and served. Who doesn’t LOVE white table cloths with polite, experienced servers. The menu is diverse enough to try something new or be comforted by something warmly familiar. Come to Nova Europe to experience a taste of European fine dining. We Love you Manuel.
… moreSara Yousefnejad Gallagher
My husband and I had the loveliest dinner last night at Nova Europa. The food was wonderful, the service was attentive and personal, and they have a lot of menu pricing specials you can take advantage of. We had Portuguese sausage, half chicken, and rockfish. All delicious!
The owner (came to the U.S. and founded the restaurant 43 years ago) was actually our server. The restaurant is white tablecloth but not pretentious. It has an old school European dining feel. It was a vibe. Highly recommend!
… moreJoanne Kaissar
This place is a hidden gem. From the outside it just looks like an unassuming restaurant in strip mall, but once you enter you are transported to a Michelin star restaurant in Europe. The chef and owner, Manuel does an exquisite job making everything from scratch including the pasteis de nata. My husband and I had a lovely meal and enjoyed the ambience as well. The staff was also so attentive and courteous.
… moreShivani Sharma
What a hidden gem! We’ve lived in the area for decades and recently discovered this restaurant. What immediately struck us was the restaurant’s charm. The cozy atmosphere reminded me of restaurants in the North End in Boston, or older restaurants in Georgetown. The food and cocktails were good, flavorful and light. This is a meat forward restaurant, with many fish and veal dishes. I look forward to visiting again in the future.
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