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Nolita browsers and shoppers like hanging at this Brazilian café, where white-and-blue-tiled walls, ceiling fans, and breezy breakaway windows evoke a linger-friendly vibe. Further unpretentious comfort comes in the form of simple South American-inspired soups, salads, pressed sandwiches, and a handful of heartier mains. The cold version of a ginger-tomato soup allows the mellow spicing and freshness of the root, cilantro, and feta cheese to come to the fore; and the tomato-based shrimp curry with avocado is a substantial plate that's light enough not to affect trying on clothes later. Best to skip the steak salad, with its overcooked meat and underdressed greens, and harness purchasing power from the homey chocolate Guinness cake with vanilla icing, alone worth a return to BarBossa—perhaps for a sweet breather while you mull over whether or not to splurge on those fabulous flats down the block. — Kathleen Squires

BarBossa only accepts reservations for parties of six or more.

Shrimp and avocado curry, $13; Guinness chocolate cake, $7

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