Born in Lisbon, Nuno Mendes trained in California before cooking in Spain, Japan and across the USA, eventually settling in east London in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the UK's most influential chefs, opening acclaimed restaurants including Bacchus, The Loft Project, Viajante – which earned him a Michelin star – Taberna do Mercado, Mãos and Lisboeta. He continues to champion Portuguese cuisine through his restaurant projects in both London and Portugal.