New Paltz Welcomes The Bossanova Restaurant & Cafe--The First Brazilian Restaurant in the County

Located on Church Street—a space previously home to restaurants like End Cut and Krishna Kitchen—The Bossanova is making history as the first Brazilian restaurant in Ulster County. Opened in early January by wife-and-husband team Anny Campos and Bryan Peguero, The Bossanova offers a constantly rotating selection of fresh breakfast and lunch, and, on weekends, the restaurant shifts to an à la carte dinner experience, featuring standout dishes like arroz de polvo, Brazilian-inspired wings, oxtail, and, of course, picanha.

But The Bossanova is more than just another addition to New Paltz’s vibrant food scene. It’s a place that tells a story—one of resilience, cultural identity, and the power of food to preserve history. Before The Bossanova became a fixture in the local dining scene, it was just a name. For owner Anny Campos, however, it represents something much deeper.

“In the ’60s to mid 80’s, Brazil was going through a really tough time,” she explains. “Martial law was declared, and it devastated the arts and music scene. The government arrested and tortured its own citizens, fearing young people would revolt and take power. Kids were beaten in the streets just for discussing politics. Art and history were stripped from schools, and books were rewritten—or removed entirely—if they didn’t align with the military’s agenda. Even in the 2000s, I felt its impact. A part of our history was completely erased.”

For Campos, bossanova is more than a music genre—it’s a movement, a vital piece of Brazil’s cultural identity. With The Bossanova, she hopes to share not just the flavors of her home country but also its untold stories. “I wanted to bring that history, that resilience, to New Paltz,” she says. And with every dish, that vision comes to life.

Couple, owners of The Bossanova: Bryan Peguero and Amy Campos.

“Bryan has always had a passion for coffee, the story behind it, its origins, and its rich lineage,” Campos said. “For him, opening a café was always the dream. On my side, food has always been my world. So when this space became available, we knew it was the perfect opportunity. It had a kitchen, it had history—a place where people used to gather. We saw this as a chance to not only serve great food and coffee but to preserve and honor the history of the building, while infusing it with the same warmth and welcoming vibes that drew people in before.”

At The Bossanova, no two visits are the same. The rotating lunch and dinner menu ensures an ever-changing selection of dishes, but one thing remains constant—fresh, flavorful food paired with warm, welcoming service.

The restaurant’s intimate space fosters conversation between customers, staff, and owners, creating a sense of community that feels personal and inviting. “That is what we were going for—we want to be community-oriented inside and out,” says Campos.

That same balance of familiarity and novelty extends to the menu. Take their caldo verde, for example. The rich, hearty soup delivers a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of childhood sick days or warming up after shoveling snow. Yet, there’s something unexpected—an extra depth of flavor that makes each bite a discovery.

It’s a rare feat in the culinary world: creating dishes that offer both comfort and intrigue. But at The Bossanova, that’s exactly what they do best. The Bossanova’s dedication to bridging tradition and creativity extends beyond its food—it’s in the drinks, too. One standout is the peanut flour latte, a unique creation that strikes a perfect balance between past and present. The nutty richness evokes memories of childhood school lunches, while the bold espresso serves as a reminder of adulthood. It’s a dual experience, one that speaks not just to flavor but to identity—something many aspiring chefs, including myself, hope to capture in our own culinary journeys.

Another prime example of this balance is their ossobuco, a dish that holds a special place in Campos’s heart. “Ossobuco is the fan favorite,” she shares. “I’m really happy to start my day making it. It feels like I’m back with my grandmother.” The dish features a rich, tender shank braised for hours, served over creamy polenta, and garnished with brunoised vegetables and fresh thyme. While ossobuco is often associated with Italian cuisine, slow-braised dishes are deeply rooted in Brazilian cooking as well. The Bossanova’s take on this classic introduces new layers of flavor to a familiar comfort dish, offering a fresh perspective on tradition.

Not every dish at The Bossanova is rooted in nostalgia—some are simply new and exciting. Take the cuscuz com ovo, a traditional northern Brazilian breakfast of cornmeal and eggs, typically enjoyed with coffee. The texture alone is an unexpected surprise. Expecting something closer to grits or polenta, I was instead met with a consistency more like a loose cornbread—soft yet structured, with just the right amount of bite. The combination of textures is what makes the dish stand out: the chew of the cornmeal, the richness of the eggs, and the silky smoothness of their house-made lime butter. The butter’s acidity and fat bring balance, making each bite both comforting and intriguing.

The *cuscuz com ovo*, a traditional northern Brazilian breakfast of cornmeal and eggs.

But if there’s one thing I find myself craving most, it’s the pão de queijo. This Brazilian cheese bread, made from yucca flour, has a texture reminiscent of choux pastry—light, airy, and slightly crisp on the outside. The dough is infused with cheese and baked until, as Campos describes it, “it looks like it exploded a little bit.” Paired with a peanut flour latte, it has become my go-to morning order—the perfect way to start the day with a mix of new and familiar flavors.

Beyond its bold flavors and rich cultural influences, The Bossanova is also remarkably inclusive when it comes to dietary needs. Campos emphasizes their commitment to offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options daily. “You can get a wholesome, grandma-style meal here no matter what your restrictions are,” she says.

“All of our ingredients are carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared. Rather than buying pre-made goods in bulk, we take the extra time to make everything from scratch. I want to feed people the kind of food I eat at family reunions. In Brazil, families gather on Sundays for meals that feel like Thanksgiving every week. That’s the kind of comfort I want to offer. When people taste my food, I want them to think, ‘Wow, I’m so glad to be eating here.’ You walk in and immediately feel that something is different—it’s the love and care that goes into every dish, and you can taste it.”

For many, finding a place that can accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing authenticity or flavor is rare. At The Bossanova, that challenge is met with ease, proving that Brazilian cuisine can be as versatile as it is delicious.

Perhaps what makes The Bossanova truly stand out is its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s a student stopping in for a quick bite, a local reminiscing over a dish that reminds them of home, or a first-time visitor eager to explore Brazilian cuisine, the restaurant creates an experience that feels personal. And that’s exactly what Campos and Peguero envisioned from the start. The Bossanova isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, history, and celebrating a culture that has, for too long, been underrepresented in the Hudson Valley.

Exterior of The Bossanova on popular Church Street in New Paltz.

As Campos puts it, “Food is storytelling. It’s how we remember, how we share, and how we move forward.”

In every dish, every sip of coffee, and every warm conversation, The Bossanova offers more than just a meal—it offers a slice of Brazilian culture, steeped in tradition and brimming with love. Whether you’re a longtime local or a newcomer, stepping into The Bossanova is like being welcomed into someone’s home, where food is more than nourishment; it’s a celebration of history, family, and community. For Anny, Bryan, and their team, the journey is about more than just creating great food—it’s about creating memories and connections. So, the next time you find yourself in New Paltz, stop by The Bossanova, and take a bite out of something truly special.

5 Church St. New Paltz, NY
845.745.1009, thebossanovarestaurant.com
Instagram: @Thebossanovarestaurant