Rafael Cagali, the star chef behind Da Terra in Bethnal Green, has opened his first restaurant outside London – Maré in Hove (originally launched as Marea, from the Italian for ‘tide’, but rebranded to avoid confusion with another venue).
Born in Brazil of Italian descent, Rafael combines his varied culinary influences to create a very distinctive menu at Da Terra, which is a regular in the top tier of the Harden’s 100 list of the UK’s best restaurants and topped the London entrants in 2022.
He also has the more casual Elis next door to Da Terra and is pitching Maré between the two, with his protégé and former Da Terra chef Ewan Waller leading the kitchen on a daily basis. Maré has taken over the premises occupied by Mexican-inspired El Bolillo, which closed after just six months earlier this year.
Rafael says of the new venue: “It’s about bringing the highest quality ingredients and innovative techniques to a setting that feels welcoming and accessible. We want guests to experience exceptional food in a convivial atmosphere – a place where they can feel at home while exploring new flavours.
“Brighton and Hove truly excites me too – the city appreciates quality ingredients, and a healthy independent restaurant culture has grown in recent years. I’m ambitious with Maré – I want it to become one of the most highly respected and beloved in the region.”
