Chef Rafael Cagali, who trained in Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, opened his restaurant Da Terra in 2018, which earned two macarons within three years. Here is his story and his cuisine.
Photos of the restaurant and dishes: Credits Alex Teuscher
Portraits: Credits Foodstorymedia, Luz Cagali, and Justin de Souza
The chef and the restaurant
Rafael Cagali is a chef born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, with Italian roots: his grandparents were from the Verona area. After studying economics at university in his hometown, he decided to start traveling and arrived in England to learn English. Here, to finance his language studies, he began working in a kitchen at the age of 21. After taking a course in “Catering and Hospitality” at Westminster, he decided to retrace his origins by moving to Italy. This is where his cursus honorum began, specifically at Villa Feltrinelli with chef Stefano Baiocco. Next came Spain with Berasategui and Quique Dacosta. Finally, he returned to the United Kingdom, first to Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck—where he met his current life and work partner Charlie Lee—and then to Simon Rogan.
In 2018, he met the owners of the Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green, in the heart of East London. It was here that he opened Da Terra in 2019. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and the experience begins in a sort of living room—where amuse-bouches are served—before moving on to the main dining room. It's a bit like arriving at a friend's house and taking a few moments to unwind and disconnect from the outside world before sitting down to eat.
This homely atmosphere continues in the open kitchen overlooking the dining room, where the tasting menu (£245) is served. You can also choose a wine pairing (£150), with selections from the United Kingdom—the changing climate and rising temperatures seem to be favoring some good bottles, especially among whites and sparkling wines.
For lunch, a quicker three-course menu (£110) is available, and from Wednesday to Friday, a shorter dinner menu (£185) can also be requested. The chef's partner in life and work is Charlie Lee, originally from Sussex, who passionately coordinates a young, united, and competent team. Maria Boumpa, of Greek origin, is in charge of the wines and was awarded Sommelier of the Year 2025 by the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
The cuisine
His cuisine is elegant in appearance and leaves little room for sophistication in taste, a brilliant hand capable of combining tradition and modernity in a single bite. But also a distinct Mediterranean flavor and a lot of Brazil in the ingredients and flavors. Among the dishes that leave a lasting impression is undoubtedly the interpretation of tortellino, presented in two colors, stuffed with quail and served in broth. As a side dish, a small crouton with chicken livers and truffles.
Another dish that is very representative of Rafael's cuisine is moqueca, a typical dish from certain regions of Brazil: a very flavorful fish soup thickened with coconut milk. It is first presented in a “homestyle” version in a small pot and then portioned with turbot, accompanied by manteiguinha beans, small legumes, and farofa - a preparation based on cassava flour - which adds texture and flavor to the dish.
One of the signature desserts is also included: the baba. Here too, there is a nod to Brazil, as the syrup is made with cachaça. It is then topped with pistachio ice cream and caviar to add flavor and depth. Rafael Cagali has an interesting story, having recently opened a second restaurant: Marea, in Hove, near Brighton. Here he offers fun cuisine made with local ingredients, all in a relaxed atmosphere with dishes to share and small bites to savor.
CONTACTS
Da Terra
Town Hall Hotel & Apartments
8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, Regno Unito
Phone: +44 20 7062 2052
