Situated on a lake in the historic center of Rio Grande do Sul, the capital of southern Brazil, Boa Gourmet Bar and Restaurant is a distinctive 360° panoramic restaurant and bar complex. Constructed with metal, glass, and wood, the building takes the form of a circular prism, inspired by the industrial architecture of the 1930s and 1940s. It gives the impression of being almost “nestled” in the heart of the lake. The structure features expansive transparent spaces, state-of-the-art kitchens, and technical rooms.
The external deck-shaped plaza links the main architectural elements and offers visitors a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the sunset over the lake, a popular pastime among Porto Alegre locals. This outdoor space is equipped with an operational container housing a bar, storage areas, and staff changing rooms.
This restaurant is part of the new Parc Moacyl Scliar, a park named after the Gaucho writer Moacyr Scliar. The municipal government commissioned Brazilian architect and urbanist Jaime Lerner to design this park.
The building boasts a lightweight, transparent silhouette submerged in the river water, highlighting its key materials: metal, glass, and wood. Vertical, seamless, colorless glass panels connect the ceiling to the floor, enhancing the industrial aesthetic. This design pays homage to the nearby historic power station, which has supplied electricity to Porto Alegre for over a century. The old power station, now named “Usina do Gasômetro,” has been preserved as a cultural and historical landmark.
Architects Alexandre Viero, Silvia Benedetti, and Sheila Bitencourt led the complex design of the restaurant and bar, thoughtfully incorporating an external plaza to enhance the user experience. The project was developed in close collaboration with the Porto Alegre municipal team, coordinated by architect Gleno Bohrer. The initial design was guided by two core concepts: 1) optimizing the user experience through scenic landscape views and 2) integrating the building harmoniously with its environment, balancing the natural scenery with the city’s historical heritage.
The design emphasizes natural elements with industrial characteristics, such as color and texture. Environmentally friendly materials were used in prefabricated components, facilitating construction and ensuring durability in the city’s waterfront area.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, the venue can accommodate up to 500 guests simultaneously. The outdoor area features a 40-foot naval container and a 342-square-meter natural wooden deck designed for heavy foot traffic during events and for quiet relaxation at other times. The interior space spans 300 square meters, serving lunch and dinner.
The design thoughtfully integrates the site’s landscape, featuring native plants from Rio Grande do Sul like the Pitanguilla (Brazilian cherry tree), as well as other Brazilian tree species such as Philodendrons. Since its opening in October 2018, the 360 Poya Gourmet Bar has become a flagship destination for tourism, dining, and leisure in Porto Alegre.
Project Drawings
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Container Plan and Elevation
▲ Sectional View
Project Information
Project Type: Restaurant
Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Designed by: Silvia Benedetti Arquitetos Associados and Viero Architecture
Area: 642 m²
Year: 2018
Photographer: Cristiano Bauce
Lead Architects: Alexandre Viero, Silvia Benedetti
Project Team: Sheila Bittencourt, Lucas Santos
Client: Grupo Variettà Bistro
Engineer: Constru Art – Mr. Liberato Moraes
Landscape Design: Viero Architecture and Village Gardens
Consultant: Engineer Rodrigo Farinon
Collaborators: Tramontina, Collet Móveis, Pool Mak Containers, Coyote, Jardins da Aldeia
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