Our team
Restaurante TN and The Gardener Bar & Terrace
Blending talent and dedication, we bring a touch of excellence to every plate and drink we serve.
Whether it's our meticulously crafted signature dishes or our innovative cocktails, accompanied by our gracious service, we are committed to making your experience nothing short of unforgettable.
Nuno Gonçalves
Chef
“Being able to use own products from our Garden is the dream of any passionate chef.”
Meet Nuno Gonçalves, our talented Executive Chef, passionate about cuisine, hospitality, and the Azores. Originally from Leiria, Portugal, he fell in love with the Azores during his first visit and made living and working here a personal goal. His culinary passion was nurtured by his mother, who was also in the industry. This led him to study culinary arts at Inftur Coimbra, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.
With over fifteen years of experience, including stints under internationally acclaimed chefs like Chris and Jeff Galvin, Albert Roux, Michel Roux, and Gary Rhodes, he's cultivated a profound understanding of haute cuisine. Notably, he emerged as one of the five finalists of 250 chefs in the Roux Scholarship competition.
His gastronomic philosophy revolves around local, seasonal ingredients meticulously prepared with an eye for detail. Whether in hotels or Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Nuno Gonçalves consistently dazzles with his creativity and culinary mastery.
Bruno Ferreira
Maître d’
“Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and share your heart.”
Bruno Ferreira, the heart of our waiting staff. His journey with Terra Nostra Garden Hotel began in 2005 as a dining room apprentice. Guided by former Maîtres d’Hôtel António José Carvalho, Mário Teixeira, and João Vertentes, he developed a passion for the art of hospitality.
A defining moment in his journey was being chosen as the first junior head waiter, not only for his seniority but also for his competence and leadership. This choice marked a new era in our dining room, underscoring his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Since 2021, Bruno Ferreira has served as our Maître d’, maintaining the same enthusiasm he had when he started and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He ardently values direct interaction with our customers and guests, consistently sharing and embracing diverse cultures. Devoted to fostering teamwork, he upholds the responsibility of transmitting the core values of this esteemed establishment to the current team.
Alexandre Santos
Bar Manager
"The secret of a good cocktail is understanding the client, creativity, and the constant search to combine new flavors."
Meet Alexandre Santos, the alchemist behind the cocktails that harmonize flavors and unique moments.
Bringing over three decades of expertise, Alexandre Santos joined the bar team at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in 2013 as an assistant bar manager. In 2017, following a period of interim leadership, he officially assumed the role of Bar Manager. He has become a prominent figure in São Miguel and even serves as a judge in competitions within the industry.
At The Gardener, he discovered the perfect platform to showcase local products, with a particular emphasis on those sourced from Terra Nostra Garden. His commitment to ensuring each guest feels cherished and at ease, coupled with his efforts to mentor and pass on his wisdom to the younger team members, embodies the essence of sharing the finest aspects of this culture and region with all who visit us.
For more information or reservations, please contact us directly: