Da Terra restaurant, whose chef is Rafael Cagali and manager Charlie Lee, will reopen its doors on 18 October 2024 after a four-week refurbishment. The two-star restaurant, located in the historic Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green, in the heart of east London, has undergone a major makeover to offer its guests an even more personalised and unique dining experience.

A new chapter in Da Terra’s history

Almost six years after opening, Da Terra’s owners have decided to refresh the interior and make modifications to improve the guest experience and enrich the service itself. As Charlie Lee puts it: ‘We felt it was time to reimagine our hospitality offering. We rearranged the space and made some subtle changes to the flow and atmosphere of the room to make the experience even more personalised.’

The revamped entrance now leads to a dedicated lounge area where guests can begin their culinary journey. With a drink and light snacks served before their meal, here they can relax before continuing their experience. The main dining room seats 28 people, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to fully engage with the tasting dishes.

A kitchen open to new possibilities

Rafael Cagali does not hide his enthusiasm for the changes made in the kitchen itself either. ‘Every kitchen has its limitations,’ explains the chef. ‘Being able to make changes to the equipment and layout of the kitchen means that both the kitchen team and the staff are now in a better position to create unique experiences for our guests. I can’t wait to start developing our menu and exploring the new possibilities the new layout opens up for us.’

The renovation, although subtle at first glance, ushers in a new era in Da Terra’s history. The changes that have been made aim to further develop the restaurant, both culinarily and atmospherically. Cagali plans to experiment even more with the menu, drawing on his rich heritage and global experiences that have always inspired his creativity.

History of Da Terra

Launched in January 2019, Da Terra restaurant earned its first Michelin star just eight months after opening. A second star followed in 2021, confirming its unique position on London’s culinary map. In 2023, Da Terra came third in the prestigious ranking of the 100 best restaurants in the UK, according to the National Restaurant Awards.

At the heart of Da Terra is the cuisine of Rafael Cagali, who draws inspiration from his Brazilian and Italian heritage. This fusion of cultures is the foundation of his unique culinary style, which focuses on a deep connection with nature, the land and people. The tasting menu at Da Terra pays homage to the chef’s life journey – each dish tells a personal story, full of flavour, texture and memories.

Flavours from all corners of the world

Rafael Cagala’s cuisine is deeply rooted in his Latin American roots. You can sense the influences of Brazil, Italy and also Spain, where he gained experience, in his dishes. These flavours come together in a refined form that celebrates the best ingredients from around the world. One of the key elements of Cagali’s style is his ability to combine simplicity with sophistication – each dish is a finesse interplay of flavours and textures that transport guests on a culinary journey across the globe.

Da Terra is renowned for its finely crafted tasting menu, which changes regularly, depending on the season and the produce available. Each dish is carefully considered and its presentation on the plate is a small work of art. Thanks to recent changes in the kitchen, Rafael and his team will have even more opportunities to experiment and create new and surprising flavour combinations.

Personal service at the highest level

It is not only the cuisine that is top-notch at Da Terra – service also plays a key role in creating a unique experience. Many dishes are served directly by the chefs at the table, which adds a unique, personal touch to the whole experience. This form of service underlines the Da Terra team’s commitment to providing guests with the highest quality service.

Charlie Lee emphasises that a key element of the restaurant’s philosophy is to create an atmosphere where guests feel special and can fully enjoy every aspect of their meal. The revamped space, which is more open and welcoming, allows for even better interactions between guests and staff.

The future of Da Terra

The changes made at Da Terra mark the beginning of a new phase in the restaurant’s development. Rafael Cagali and Charlie Lee have ambitious plans to continue developing their unique approach to hospitality and the culinary arts. With a new kitchen, more open space and upgraded facilities, Da Terra is poised to continue its success and conquer new culinary heights.

The restaurant will continue its mission to provide an unforgettable culinary experience, drawing inspiration from Rafael Cagali’s rich history and cultural heritage. The changes that have been made emphasise the attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection, ensuring that Da Terra remains one of the most important places on London’s culinary map.

Da Terra is a unique venue that combines finesse, a personal approach to guests and top-notch cuisine. After a four-week refurbishment, the restaurant returns with renewed energy and a readiness to further explore culinary possibilities.