For nearly two decades, Matthew Swift has honed his craft alongside some of Canada’s most renowned culinary talents, including David Lee, David Pellizzari, David McMillan, Fred Morin, and Marc-Olivier Frappier. Before crossing the gulf, he led the kitchen at the iconic Joe Beef in Montreal.

In 2017, a first trip to Newfoundland and Labrador proved life-changing: inspired by the warmth of its people, the richness of its cuisine, and the wild beauty of its landscapes, Matthew found a new home.

At Terre, he draws on the very best the province has to offer, staying true to his vision of a restaurant where guests feel instantly welcome and where every plate honours and celebrates the place that inspires it.

On the restaurant's property, a large greenhouse grows fresh herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers that inspire a truly seasonal, locally driven cuisine. These harvests appear not only on the plate but also in the restaurant’s cocktails, house-made syrups, and bar creations.

This commitment — from field to glass reflects Terre’s philosophy: to offer an experience deeply rooted in the land and identity of St. John’s, where every bite and sip tells the story of the region.

In 2021, Terre was named Canada’s Best Hotel Restaurant by the prestigious Air Canada enRoute rankings. This national recognition honours the restaurant’s culinary excellence, creativity, and dedication to showcasing local products and Canadian terroir.

It positions Terre as a must-visit dining destination in St. John’s, where the passion of the chef and his team shines through in every dish and every guest experience.