- CHEF -
Born in Lisbon on 15 September 1975, Chef Olivier da Costa is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Portuguese gastronomy. From an early age, his passion for cooking was shaped by his father, Michel da Costa, one of the first chefs to be awarded a Michelin star in Portugal. After completing his studies at the Lycée Français de Lisbonne and the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism, Olivier began his career with an internship at the Ritz Four Seasons Hotel, where he started developing his unique style and vision.
In 1996, Olivier opened his first restaurant, Olimpio, introducing the concept of contemporary Brazilian cuisine to Portugal, with its famous picanha, which would go on to become a landmark in the national gastronomic scene. His entrepreneurial and innovative vision continued to take shape with the opening of Olivier Restaurante, in Bairro Alto, in 2000, a venue that revolutionised the way people dined in Lisbon.
With more than 30 years of experience, Olivier da Costa has established himself as one of Portugal’s most prestigious chefpreneurs, developing innovative and distinctive gastronomic concepts that have become references in the restaurant industry, both in Portugal and beyond its borders.
Currently, the Olivier Group has 40 venues across three continents and seven countries, bringing together a diverse portfolio of concepts including Guilty by Olivier, Yakuza by Olivier, KOB by Olivier, SEEN, ÀCosta by Olivier, XXL by Olivier, Clássico Beach Bar, Osteria La Famiglia, Mimi curated by Yakuza, Estrela by Olivier and Steak & Frites by Olivier, among others. With a presence in cities including Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, the Algarve, São Paulo, Nice, Rome, London and Bangkok, the Group continues to expand its international presence.
Each concept reflects Olivier da Costa’s distinctive signature, combining exceptional gastronomy, creativity, design, service and unique experiences, while maintaining its own identity. From fine dining to more relaxed and lifestyle-driven concepts, the Group’s diversity reflects Olivier’s ability to create proposals for different audiences, occasions and ways of experiencing food and dining.
Driven by a vision rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship, Olivier da Costa continues to expand the horizons of gastronomy, while remaining committed to quality and excellence. His attention to detail, from the kitchen to design, service and the overall experience, is at the heart of each of his venues, further establishing his position as a leading chefpreneur in Portugal and on the international gastronomic scene.