At Nossa, it starts with the aroma.

You’re sitting in the outdoor patio possibly clicking away on your phone or chatting with someone in your direct view and then the aroma hits you. Gently it almost calls you to turn around and the scent takes a hold of you. It’s in that moment that the fragrance casually makes its way to you and you begin to hope that the waitress who seems to be floating in your direction will continue her journey and answer your prayers. A few seconds gliding on air and you realize that yes, it in fact, is your order. At least that was the case when I dined at Nossa on Hillhurst.It was a quiet date out with myself at the restaurant where the excitement of my order began with a smell. I initially thought seeing the dishes on the menu would entice me, but that wasn’t quite it. I was compelled to believe that the way Michelle (the joyful waitress) and Xandre (the manager on duty) described the plates like a perfect audiobook on a long drive would be what captivated me, but that wasn’t it either. Of course they were captivating, but what truly got my attention was the scent. The few seconds I stood inside the restaurant and could dance with the smell of the orders for another party paused time. Catching hold of the food from a table more than socially distanced away is what made me eager to get my hands on my own.

It didn’t take long for me to get my chance.

As the scent arose from what appeared to be never ending dishes within the Gaucho Jantar – Dinner for 4 ($99) arrived I couldn’t decide where to begin. Recalling Xandre explain that the menu is based on the concept of southern Brazilian restaurants that serve hearty food of chicken, rice, and beans with Italian inspiration all within a causal environment I felt as if they exceeded their goal with what was placed on the table before me. A market salad bursting in colors, cheese pasteis that were impossible to put down, a whole roasted chicken that glistened underneath the sunset, and a handful of bowls holding sides of sweet potatoes and onions that almost seemed to steal the attention from the entrees. They all managed to be beautiful, delicious, and perfectly compelling to the senses.

But it was truly the scent. The smell of each dish instilled an elation in me to dive into each at the same time. Instead, I exhibited patience as I explored them all. Even dancing into the other menu items on the table from their pastas was so aromatic in each spin of the fork that it could catch the attention of those passing by on the nearby sidewalk. It did and I had little problem in letting anyone know what I was enjoying: Chicken Lasagna ($18) or Mushroom and Truffle Ragu ($17) were just a few of the things I shouted through the lining of my facial mask.

Walking out of the restaurant with food to take and share at home was one of pure gratitude. I left Nossa thankful that something as simple as a beautiful scent could grab hold of me and the flavors and taste of it all could create a desire in me to return time after time. A casual experience at Nossa in Los Angeles has created a fan out of me and I can only hope that the words on this page and the excitement in each picture will do the same for you. And if you’re lucky, the scent will get to you just like it got me.

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Address: 1966 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 644-1798
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday – 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Social: Website, Facebook, and Instagram.