Before arriving in Vagos, Portugal, we thought we understood Costa Nova.
We knew the collections. We heard about the craftsmanship and durability. We’d spent hours combing through the catalog.
But it wasn’t until our Singer Tabletop team visited the factory and met its Founder, Miguel Casal, that it all clicked. Costa Nova isn’t simply a stoneware manufacturer. It’s a product of a region where ceramics have influenced daily life for centuries.
“Aveiro is Portugal’s ceramic capital — not just tableware, but tiles, bricks, everything. Industrial ceramic production here dates to the 18th century,” explained Casal. He was born and raised in this town, where he studied ceramic engineering before starting Costa Nova in 2006.
As Casal led us through the factory and explained their manufacturing process, we saw dozens of skilled artisans hand-finishing, glazing, painting, and inspecting every single piece.
This explains why the brand has successfully evolved from a retail-only business into the hospitality market, earning a place on tables around the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to independent neighborhood spots in the U.S., Costa Nova collections showcase remarkable versatility. Warm neutrals, earthy colors, glossy and matte finishes, subtle textures, and handcrafted details allow them to feel equally at home in a cozy wine bar or an upscale dining room.
That versatility has made Costa Nova a natural fit for some of New York City’s best and biggest restaurant openings in partnership with Singer Equipment Company.
In October 2025, Singer helped open the city’s first alcohol-free members-only social club, The Maze. Founder and CEO Justin Gurland set out to create a community for the growing sober population, or anyone simply looking to spend their time more intentionally.
“I knew the restaurant was going to be crucial because food brings people together. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Food brings people together. It especially brings people together that don’t drink because you need some commonality,” said Gurland.
Gurland spent hours shopping with Chef Tom Colicchio before selecting Costa Nova’s Roda collection as the cornerstone of their tableware. With 56 pieces, the collection reflects the depth of Costa Nova’s portfolio, and the flexibility operators have to build a tabletop that feels both cohesive and distinctive.
At Arvine in the West Village, the right dinnerware needed to reflect the restaurant’s identity, striking a balance between fine-dining and the relaxed atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Although the menu at Arvine changes frequently, one dish stays the same: the Bison Tartare with house-made Calabrian chili gochujang, served on Costa Nova’s pillow plate. Anthony believes dinnerware should complement the food, not compete with it.
“When you have those kinds of plates, it can allow the food to be simpler. We can make it less contrived because a lot of design already comes from the plate,” said Anthony.
As our team at Singer helps Anthony prepare to open his newest concept, Tonno Nero, in South Florida later this year, Costa Nova will once again have a place on the table.
“Costa Nova has a great balance between tradition and a sense of uniqueness that you don’t see anywhere else. I’m always excited to introduce our customers to their collections as storytelling is always at the core of hospitality,” said Ashley Frick, Account Manager at Singer Equipment.
Our tabletop team strives to share Costa Nova’s unique philosophy on craftsmanship throughout projects across the U.S.
We ended our trip with Casal at his neighborhood restaurant, Cervejaria Costa Nova. We shared dinner on the very tableware we had spent the day watching artisans create and raised a glass at the source of Costa Nova’s hospitality. It was a fitting reminder that every plate tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and the people who bring it to life. Experiences like these deepen our understanding of the brands we represent at Singer Equipment Company, allowing us to bring greater insight and inspiration to the operators we serve.
Join us next month for another installment of Straight to the Source as we continue our tabletop adventures around the world. Until then, explore our latest work on @singertabletop or connect with our team at tabletop@singerequipment.com.
Molly Bishop is a Tabletop Specialist at Singer Equipment Company, supporting Singer Kittredge in the Greater Boston Area and beyond. With a background in broadcast journalism and over a decade in food media, she loves combining storytelling with hospitality. Molly is based in Newton, MA, and can be reached at
mbishop@singerequipment.com.
