Born in Brazil, I grew up with a love and appreciation of cooking. After enjoying beautiful local produce and my mother’s traditional South American cuisine, I moved to Europe in my early 20s to continue my love of food. I began first in Portugal, then England where my professional cooking experience really began. Later in Europe I worked for big hotel franchises including Hilton.

Eventually I moved Down Under and worked at some remarkably interesting places including the Jasper Hotel, The Train Yard, Federici Bistro and Sofitel Melbourne. I have always been keen to extend my experience and challenge myself, so opening my own café was always in the back of my mind. That is how Mr Martins Cafe was born!

We started our Watsonia cafe, Mr Martins, in 2018 with the aim of providing the local community with good food and great coffee in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. And that is still our aim!