Filipe Pina
Filipe Pina has built his career with hard work, discipline and great passion for gastronomy. From his early days at Belcanto to his most recent role as head chef of the restaurant Maré, his career within the José Avillez Group is a perfect example of constant evolution in the world of haute cuisine.
Today, with more than two years at the helm of Maré, Pina is taking on a wonderful challenge in a space where cuisine and the sea merge to create flavours full of personality.
The start of a vocation
Cooking has always been part of Pina’s life. Raised in Santarém, he soon discovered his “fascination for ingredients, technique and the possibility of creating surprising combinations”. At the age of 15, Pina made a decision that would change his destiny, travelling to Lisbon to study cooking and build his future in gastronomy. “I had a great desire to learn, to do things well and I was very curious about the world and other ways of eating”, he recalls.
His first few years in professional kitchens were challenging, coming to grips with the pressure, the intense pace and daily demands to improve. Still, he found his true passion. “I didn’t know much and tried to absorb as much information in as little time as possible. I loved it all, even the chaos, the stress, the adrenaline... what we in the kitchen call the sludge”.
José Avillez and the Belcanto school
The big turning point in Pina's career came when he met José Avillez, first as an intern at Tavares, and then at Belcanto, where he would spend ten years learning and perfecting his technique at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Portugal.
“After my first week working with chef José Avillez, I felt like I knew nothing. Everything that they did in that kitchen was completely different from what I knew. I had already heard about molecular cooking techniques, but I had never seen them in practice. I loved it!”
That first shock quickly turned into motivation. Belcanto taught him the true meaning of culinary excellence and the demands of everyday life drove him to constantly improve, always aiming to exceed expectations.
“The motto was: ‘We are non-conformists by nature, we always want to go further’. Every day we sought to do more and better. Belcanto became a school of life and my home for a decade”, says Pina.
One night, Pina had one of his most intense experiences at Belcanto, welcoming a group of chefs totalling 30 Michelin stars. The responsibility was immense but the team responded with precision and excellence. “It was a great success, but that day my heart beat so much faster. I still remember the intensity I felt at the end of that dinner”.
Maré: a unique connection with the sea
After more than 14 years working alongside José Avillez, Pina faces a challenging but wonderful stage in his career at Maré, a restaurant where haute cuisine and the beauty of the surroundings merge in an unprecedented sensory experience.
“It was one of the best gifts that chef José Avillez has given me. Not only because of the location, right on the seafront, but because of everything else. Maré cannot be explained, it is felt. The view, the proximity to the sea, the fresh air... All of it contributes to a unique sense of tranquillity and well-being”, he adds.
Leading Maré is a challenge that Pina takes on with pride. His goal is to maintain excellence, craft innovative dishes and surprise diners with food that reflects the abundance of Portuguese waters. “We want each and every person who visits us to feel like they are experiencing something special, that goes beyond a simple meal. At Maré you can find magic, emotion and a unique connection with the sea."
In addition to the food, another one of the aspects he values most in his role is the team he works with. In Pina’s opinion, the key to success in any restaurant is to surround yourself with people who are passionate and committed to excellence. “I am proud to have the best team in the world. We are privileged to work at Maré and to have the finest produce and suppliers, who help us excel in each dish”, he adds.
Looking to the future: creativity, innovation and respect for tradition
Despite all that he has achieved, Pina does not stop. His mentality remains that of a chef in constant evolution, always looking for new ways to surprise and excite customers. “This is a team driven by creativity, where we never settle for what we have already achieved. In the coming years, I look forward to contributing new ideas, innovative dishes and experiences that surprise”, says the chef.
Part of his vision for the future includes continuing to explore seafood, researching new techniques and elevating Portuguese gastronomy to a new level. “Portugal has incredible gastronomy and I want to continue to honour that tradition in every dish we serve. My focus is on maintaining excellence, building a strong and motivated team and ensuring that every person who walks through our doors leaves with a smile on their face and unforgettable memories”, he notes.
Pina has built his career on hard work, learning and passion. From his early days in the kitchen to his leadership at Maré, his career reflects his tireless mentality and deep love for gastronomy. And, as he himself says: “the journey is just beginning”.
