Nova Europa is overly expensive and the value is underwhelming. The ambience is VERY "old school" woodsy split-level boardroom look with penguin waiters, which is simply factual and doesn't affect my rating. I am keen to experience Portuguese cuisine, but Nova Europa delivered a salt cod dish which demonstrated they have no competence. The cod was incredibly tough AND had bones both large and small tenaciously attached. The dish also lacked complexity and skimped on ingredients. The potato wedges accompanying the dish were 100% without merit. The complimentary after dinner cordial was a nice touch. read more

Took myself out for dinner tonight, after a stressful day, and Mr. Manuel, the owner, not only made me feel welcome but also brought me a bottle of the most delicious, refreshing, crisp Vinho Verde! Exactly what I needed on this early spring day! Since the restaurant has a Portuguese based cuisine, I didn't even look at the menu, but just asked for the "bacalhau" dish. The meal started with a lovely, light warm bread and butter, followed by a lovely fresh salad with their homemade dressing (garlicky, and great). The main dish was delicious, with a well-served portion! The atmosphere is calm and elegant, with classical music playing in the background, and there is ample parking in front of the building. I highly reccomend it if you are looking for a wonderful dinner!!! read more

The food, service and atmosphere was excellent. We had the fruto do mariscos, the veal and shrimp and the baked Alaska. They were excellent.

Pleasant surprise. The restaurant is located in a shopping center but when you walk in you feel transported with the white table cloths and big picture windows. You can eat outside too. The service was excellent. Due to the current pandemic, very few customers but the food was great. I wanted to try the sardines and they were fabulous. I read a prior yelp review ..thank you yelp reviewer that mentioned that Mr. M demonstrates the proper way to eat them. I requested Mr. M and he came right out. He shared the story of the restaurant which was very interesting. The sardines, escargot, salmon, limoncello dessert were excellent. They had a pre-fix menu where you received 3 courses including the dessert for one price which was excellent. I want to return and try the baked Alaska. I will try to remember to take a picture before I eat everything. read more

Our third visit - this time wanted something special for our anniversary. And it did not disappoint. Everything has been good. The bread was light but crusty - finished it all. We normally take home enough for 2nd and 3rd meals, but this time I had to force myself to leave just a little, so there would be room for dessert. Nice ambiance, good service, wonderful food. A little pricier than our normal fare, but they do have delicious well-priced specials. We will be back. read more

** extremely rude waiter complained to us that "tip should at LEAST be 18%" after we gave him 10%, even though some people in our table wanted to give him 0% !!!! ** Had visit from some family members and by chance we ended up going here for valentines day. Is a small restaurant and it was a very busy day. however we were seated promptly. The servers however were quite busy as the restaurant was full. Overall the service was okay. Here are the reasons for the 1 star: - After taking a long time the waiter simply forgot to bring the bottle of wine we ordered (he brought the wine holder with ice, and came back with salads but never the wine, we had to ask someone else to bring it to us) The wine should be the first thing you bring even before salads! - All the food took a long time (is understandable it was a very busy night) What is NOT understandable is why our order came OUT WRONG (none of the changes we requested were done) and we didn't say anything because we didn't want to wait another hour to get it corrected. - At the and after we paid (and had some small issue with the waiter not wanting to bring the desserts to showcase them to 2 of our guests (like other waiters were doing) The waiter approached me and asked if everything was okay? I said yes and then he came closer and said "THE TIP SHOULD BE AT LEAST 18%" and left. If I had known what he was referring I would have told him why he got 10%. Since he turned around and left we just left in disgust. What a rude waiter! What a bad service, is a shame because we enjoyed the food (and the wait is understandable. for the night we went). read more

Pleasant surprise. Have lived in the area for over thirty years and always thought about trying it. Food was excellent, friendly service and wonderful ambiance. Checked all my boxes for a dining experience. soft music, quiet conversations , good service and delicious food. read more

The food was delicious and the waiter was very knowledgeable and solicitous. We will return

If I could give this place 100 stars I would. We had dinner here tonight and had the mussels and clams, calamari, ribeye special, and shrimp scampi. The waiter was amazing wish I would have gotten his name. The ambiance and service was just as amazing as the food. For dessert we got the baked Alaska. I am definitely recommending this place to all my friends who live in the area. read more

This was the first time here and we had a great time. Our server Andrew was amazing. The food was delicious. I had the salmon and my husband had the seafood pot. Both were delicious. We will definitely be coming back. They had a small patio which was wonderful for our dog and baby! read more

I love this place. It's a restaurant I go to almost every time I visit my family in Maryland. The start of the meal always begins with fresh, piping hot bread. As a starter, be sure to get the house salad (full of fresh vegetables and a delicious house dressing on the side) or the French onion soup. For entrees, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but my personal favorite is the scallops. To finish, I like to order the cheesecake with coffee. It's a delicious end to a wonderful meal. There's a great dinner special the restaurant has during the week that includes soup or salad, entree, coffee and dessert, that's not to be missed. This place serves delicious food and won't break the budget. The atmosphere is relaxed and not pretentious. Most people who go (like my family), you can tell, are regulars. Be sure and give it a try if you're in the area. read more

Very nice, old school restaurant. The food was tasty, the price was pretty good, and the service was attentive. The decor looks like a restaurant out of the 1980s. I liked the carpeting and plush seats, which made for a cozy dinner on a winter's evening. We will definitely being going back soon. read more

I've lived near this restaurant for many years and patronized the shopping center for many years longer. Last month,we finally decided to go in and see what it was about. From the outside, you're just not sure what to expect. Upon entering, we were quite surprised. Very nice interior. Definitely has an old european look to it. Ordered a pair of caesar salads. The dressing was good but the lettuce was just a bit too wet from washing. The salmon was quite good. The filet mignon was excellent. The wait staff was excellent and attentive. Would recommend to anyone for a nice evening out. read more

What a little hidden gem located in a cute neighborhood. Parking is ample which is a fantastic thing in silver spring. Second the food was authentic Portuguese and other European countries. I had the rainbow trout with rice which was really good and the ceaser salad. Our waiter was there for 36 years apparently and gave us excellent service. Overall a great experience read more

Nova Europa has been our "Go to" for special occasions for almost 40 years. You can always depend on good food, our favorite is their Caldeirado, excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. They have also served as a noon time meeting place when a cohort asked to discuss a problem. Oh yes, I forgot, there was that one Martini problem that was taken care of immediately. read more

Being of Portuguese heritage, I'm always looking for a good Portuguese restaurant in the DC area. Nova Europa fits that bill. They do, however, prepare their food for an American audience. It isn't the most authentic Portuguese food out there but the closest you'll get in MoCo. I have been coming here since I was a child -- 16 or 17 years at least. Whenever I go, my party gets the following: Chourico, Caldo Verde, and Bifa a Portuguesa (essentially Bitoque without the ham). It is delicious. Always. Conclusion: Nova Europa makes me miss Portugal. And that's a good thing. read more

Good food, great service. Classic, traditional dining with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff. read more

Nova Europa Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

My family has been coming here for a long time and the food is excellent and doesn't disappoint. The restaurant has a classic European feel and is a great way to be transported to another country. Last night I had escargot and rack of lamb and my husband had steak. We had cream brûlée and porto for dessert. read more

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This is a favorite place to eat . The staff is awesome thanks so much to nova Europa ! Y'all excel at your food and accommodations !

It was my first time here and it was excellent, portions are generous and Andrew provided friendly service. I had the salmon with herb sauce and my mom had the filet medallions with peppercorn sauce, she said the sauce was just right and not too peppery. We had chocolate mousse and cannoli for dessert and basically licked the plates. You can tell this is an old school place that doesn't cut corners. read more

Sousa was amazing. The food was great and his service was so good we had an amazing time. Thank you for a great service Sousa.

I got a dirty glass. The service was pretty slow and the waiter kept forgetting our orders. And drinks. The restaurant was quite dated and we were the youngest patrons there. It honestly smelled like old people. The front of the shop is dark and it looks closed, but it is open. The waiter did do a great job of helping my 8 year old order grilled chicken and fried potatoes off menu. She was very appreciative. For the lunch special, you get a salad and entree and ice cream. It's not a bad price. As for the food, the veal ravioli was ok. The chicken Marsala was very yummy. The sole almondine was seasoned well. The salad dressing was really yummy. The side of vegetables, although tasty, was sopping in butter. You can tell the menu hasn't changed in a few decades. I appreciate that they are trying to be upscale, but it's dated. I think our waiter had on a bow tie and cumberbund on. Maybe it's better at dinner time and with a few cocktails in you. read more

I had such high hopes. Within my group all our food was fair at most I think our wait person was overwhelmed. It took way too long for us to get our food, No desert offering, no coffee refills. Nothing. Sorry we won't be back or recommend. read more

I grew up in Germany and consequently have been to many European restaurants. Nova Europa definitely catches the atmosphere with the dim lights, paintings, and very subtle music in the background. The early bird special is 18.95 per person and looks like a great deal. I'll definitely go back to it sometime, but this evening I went to celebrate my first year anniversary and had a great time -- salad, portuguesa veal, baked alaska, with a very good cup of coffee. They even served a complimentary digestif. The host was very hospitable, and we didn't have to wait long for anything except the coffee -- they prefer to serve that at the end it seems. Though I'm actually used to having it at the end, so I understand it must be what they're used to. Next time I go I plan to get the eggplant parmesan and linguini, something I really look forward to. read more

Nova Europa Restaurant - Baked Alaska - Portuguese Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I am so glad we found this restaurant. Their food, service, and atmosphere reminded me of our trip to Europe. Very elegant and comforting at the same time. Price is very generous, and they even gave complimentary digestif at the end. I overheard other customers saying "You never disappoint us, great service as usual, amazing food as usual...." Obviously, the place was full of regulars. I heard it's been in business for 40 years. When we left, 2 of their servers stopped what they were doing, looked our way, and thanked us. Simple gesture you no longer expects in new places. So many restaurant nowadays can't stay in business, not because their food is bad, but because their price and service do not match the customers' satisfaction. If I own a restaurant, I will send my new employees to this place, so they can learn how food is supposed to be served, and how customers are supposed to be treated. Hope this place will never change, and be an examples to all the restaurants in MC to follow. read more

My wife and I love it, the food is amazing and the space is very elegant and pleasant. On our last visit we had the steak and the sangria, both extremely delicious. The Nova Europa presents true culinary art at each and every meal.  As marvelous as the food and restaurant are, (the best!) there is yet one more hidden treasure within: the fine people who make it perfection, and with such grace and kindness welcome each guest as part of their own family.  Many thanks to Manuel who made our last visit so special. read more

We had a great dinner at Nova Europa last night. We came into Maryland for National History Day at the University of MD from Rhode Island (where there is a very large Portuguese population and many Portuguese restaurants). We always like to see if there is a Portuguese restaurant in other states when ever we travel. When we pulled into the plaza where the restaurant is located we wondered if it was open because it's hard to see inside and has curtains on the windows. Once I opened the door I saw a restaurant full of people, always a great sign. We were seated immediately at one of the few tables available. Our family of 4 each ordered something different. I had the Rockfish special, prepared as a fillet with capers and mushrooms, mashed and veggies, my husband had surf and turf(fillet and a small lobster tail) perfectly grilled with rice and veggies, the girls had shrimp Francesa and Manicotti. Some choices on the menu are Italian but there is definitely a prominent Portuguese selection. They have Caldo Verde and chourico on their menu which are authentic to the Portuguese culture. Service was great even though it was a busy night. Price was reasonable especially for being near/in a metropolitan area. This is one of those that you do not judge a book by its cover, we almost didn't go in because it looked closed. They don't need to open the curtains to draw attention. The locals seem to know this place exists. read more

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I have been meaning to review this place and finally have gotten around to it! Where do I start? This place is super classy in an old world way, the servers and staff are serious about your dining experience and do their best to be accommodating. The crowd is quite a bit more mature than we are used to but after reading several positive reviews my husband and I made a reservation and came in. The menu is extensive and the entrees are very filling. We left with another meal for lunch the next day. This is not some hipster, trendy place to pop into and ask for gluten free or vegan items. You can probably get a solid vegetarian meal here but just be warned! read more

I am SO happy this restaurant continues to thrive. Today I had lunch with a friend in an outside table under a fully shaded awning. My favorite soup is the caldo verde and always order it--even though it is on the dinner menu. If you get the lunch specials they are a bargain with 3 courses for $12.95. I have never been disappointed in any meal I have had here and today I got the filet of sole almandine--perfectly prepared in a lemon butter sauce with fresh broccoli, carrots and a small portion of mashed potatoes. Andrew provided charming service while my friend enjoyed a leisurely time of catching up (the first time we've seen each other in person since the pandemic started). read more

I had a very trying day of moving. I dropped off a rental van, a few doors down from Nova Europa. My dear friend had come to pick me up and was going to treat me to a calming dinner. We started walking toward the restaurant as the lights were very appealing when we were warmly greeted by Andrew. Andrew invited us to come try the cuisine on this beautiful balmy night. We did and it was quite delicious! Andrew was also our server and was extremely attentive, making our time feel special. We each had seafood which was fresh and amazing. Great family owned restaurant a must try!!! We will return! read more

everything was a plus ++++, food was great, great early bird price, service was excellent

While the mall where it's located doesn't look promising at first, when you walk into the dining room, you really feel like you're in Europe at an old-fashioned restaurant staffed with older, white aproned waiters (ours was young and attentive). My escargots and the filet mignon incredible. The house wine delicious, and the complimentary amaretto to finish sent me to heaven. I can't wait to go back and try the fish, which neighbors tell me is fantastic. read more

A great little neighborhood find, cozy, great food, caring service!

This place was terrible. Food was underwhelming service was about the same. Had to ask for a wine list and never was asked if she wanted a refill when o finally did get some wine. We were here for Mother's Day..and while mom seemed to enjoy it I would not return read more

Amazing local gem! I live 5 minutes away and had been wanting to try Nova Europa for quite some time. I finally had the opportunity tonight! My fiance was out of town and I just wanted something close by. The menu had an array of options from Portuguese fare, to Italian pasta dishes (chicken marsala too) and French dishes inclusive of escargot. The service was incredible, Andrew my waiter came out almost instantly and remained attentive throughout the meal. I went for the Pre-fixe twilight dinner and really enjoyed the soup and my main entree the Rockfish special. Coming from NYC I tend to be a little harsh on food reviews, but Nova nailed it. It's the type of joint that stays in business for over 30+ years because it's good and has a loyal clientele. Sure, the dinner crowd is a little geriatric but maybe it's time for a new wave of customers to give it a go! This might become close to home go to. read more

This restaurant doesn't seem like it has changed in a long time, but that's not a bad thing! The meals are very good and with the early bird specials, very affordable too. It has a romantic, old world ambiance you would not expect from a restaurant in a strip mall. I'll be back! read more

sorta hole in the wall. heard it thru friend and went since i was told they liked it sooo much. they are italian and the deal on lunch was great they said. such as coffee + meal + dessert all under $? i forgot it was good deal - that is all you need to know anyow soon as i walked in i was somewhat skeptical it was dark and even darker rug and saw many old people not saying anything bad but i was not sure if they place had good food... just judging from the patron and the ambience the server was great. friendly and overall one of the best i have seen the food came ok portion. did not expect alot anyhow. the first byte (i forgot what i ordered) it was good very good so i ended up finishing to the plate and the dessert was ok (ice cream) i do definitely recommend this place to folks. read more

I've eaten here a few times and most recently brought my mom who was visiting. It's in a shopping center (so easy parking) but as soon as you walk in you get an upscale vibe. We were craving fish/seafood and this was the place to go!! They have Portuguese favorites as well as other great choices. I love the old school feel of dressed up waiters and excellent service. Our dinners came with a lovely salad. After dinner, we had 2 excellent desserts and espresso. The menu had so much to choose from. I couldn't recommend this place more! read more

Very solid, all the way around....bread was great, salad was very fresh, entrees were cooked right and served hot, and the deserts were fantastic. The "pastel de nata" is a must for desert. A+ service. A modest wine list but its priced very well and it had a few of the California wines I enjoy. Definitely going back. read more

Jewel in an unknown shopping center. Pleasant staff, very competitive prices, and clean (what I would imagine is authentic) menu. If you're a 20 year old trapped in a 40 year old body, this is your place. read more