NUNO MENDES

The Portuguese-born chef shares the top tables to book in his hometown

- Mendes spoke to Cass Farrar

The Lisbon that chef Nuno Mendes grew up in during the 1980s was nothing like the creative capital we know today. It was a "very tough city," he says. He travelled the world, exploring different ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, before settling in East London. While Hackney is home, the Lisbon Mendes knows and loves today is thriving. After his acclaimed London restaurants (Lisboeta, The Loft Project, Bacchus and Viajante), he opened Santa Joana in Lisbon last October, allowing him to split his time between London and his childhood home.

As Mendes shares his top spots in the city, he says, "I wanted to highlight the places that are my personal favourites, that have such an amazing atmosphere. These restaurants are individual, and you really feel like you're being welcomed into somebody's home. Every single one of my recommendations could only exist in Lisbon."