“I’ll Never Open Another Restaurant Again” – But Then Rotermann Quarter Called…

Terje Lindau and Kristjan Kuum, the duo behind Nomade, share the story of how their restaurant came to life and quickly became one of Rotermann’s most popular spots.

Rotermann Run Club is also kicking off with its very first run – a great opportunity to come together, enjoy a group run and end the evening with good music and a relaxed after-run hangout!

Until January last year, Terje Lindau was convinced she would never open another restaurant. After all, she had already created several, including Ruhe, La Bottega and Art Priori. She had no desire to do it all again.

But then she was invited to see a corner space with large windows in Golden Gate.

“I really loved the space, and I thought that if I were ever to open another restaurant, it would have to be here,” says Terje.

Shortly before the opening, Terje’s son, Kristjan Kuum, walked through the restaurant’s doors. He brought years of experience in the restaurant industry, both in Estonia and abroad, including Dubai. The decision to run Nomade together was made right then and there.

“Running a restaurant together with my son is an absolute dream come true. I’m the happiest person in the world!” Terje says.

They had worked together before, but always in different roles – Terje as the owner and Kristjan as an employee. Kristjan was just 14 when he started washing dishes at Ruhe, and by the age of 21, he had already become a restaurant manager.

While mother and son used to have their fair share of passionate disagreements, today their partnership works wonderfully.

“The most important thing is that we share the same values. What’s especially great is that Kristjan brings a younger generation’s perspective to my experience. I absolutely love that,” says Terje.

Nomade quickly won over its guests. While Terje and Kristjan used to see regular customers every couple of weeks at their previous restaurants, at Nomade, some guests return as often as three or four times a week.

The secret lies in a menu that is simple yet varied, as well as the way Nomade’s atmosphere transforms throughout the day. The bright, spacious restaurant, perfect for brunch and business lunches, turns into an intimate cocktail bar in the evening, with dimmed lighting and music turned up a little louder.

“We see Nomade as a welcoming gathering place for the community,” Kristjan adds.