Da Terra is Rafael Cagali’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in BethnalGreen’s historic Town Hall Hotel, a building which originally dates back to 1910. Opened in January 2019, Da Terra – which translates to of the Earth – won its first Michelin star just eight months later and its second in 2021. Rafael’s Da Terra is an exploration of knowledge, originality and instinct, swayed by his Brazilian and Italian heritage and centred around the relationship between the soil, nature and people.

Rafael’s blind tasting menu builds with harmonious crescendo whilst sharing innotions of nostalgia and culture, accomplished with grace and magnetic savour, underlined with heart and direction. Dishes are deeply personal and original, making use of indigenous ingredients, with playful bursts of colour and flavour that dance around the plate and palate. Each course is personally brought to the table, by the chefs who prepare them.

Da Terra was ranked third on the top 100 UK restaurants list for 2023 by TheNational Restaurant Awards this year.

On the menu recently:

Duck Caesar Sout Cup & Scallop Mushroom served as Taleggio Doughnut; Moqueca Aged Turbot, Manteiguinha Beans and Farofa – a Brazilian classic elevated by modern and elegant twists; Da Terra’s Sourdough Bone Marrow, accompied by cultured Butter and Gonnelli 1585 Olive Oil; and a sweet-savoury dessert of Cachaça Baba, Pistachio IC, Kaluga Hybrid Caviar.

Wine pairings are available for both the lunch and regular tasting menus. The selections mirror the originality of the menu; a journey to different provinces around the world, all from specially selected wine makers with a story to tell. Non-alcoholic pairings are also available.

Originally from São Paulo, Rafael draws on his Brazilian and Italian heritage toguide his creative vision. He spent years living in both Italy and Spain workingwith the likes of Chef Stefano Baiocco at A Villa Feltrinelli, Chef Quique Dacosta and Martin Berasategui.

After moving to the UK, Rafael went on to work at 3* The Fat Duck in Berkshire, where he met husband and now General Manager at Da Terra, Charlie Lee. Rafael moved to Yashin Ocean House before joining Simon Rogan at Fera andlater Aulis as Head Chef.