Da Terra opened in Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel back in January 2019 under chefs Rafael Cagali and Paulo Airaudo and was recently awarded a coveted Michelin star. The two talented chefs first met whilst working at The Fat Duck back in 2011. Rafael Cagali was born in Brazil whilst Paulo Airaudo comes from Argentina and both have worked in various Michelin kitchens across Europe before setting up Da Terra.
Both chefs love to be playful when it comes to creating dishes and focus on a contemporary style, where “Flavours and textures are interspersed with distinct combinations that take inspiration from time spent growing up in Latin America and working as young chefs in Italy and Spain.”
Paulo says “Meaning from the ground, Da Terra was born upon the idea of where we come from, about our roots…”, Rafael continues “…and it’s about our relationship with the soil, the rivers and seas, the landscape and the knowledge that creates; even the people we have met along the way that brings everything together”.
The open-kitchen at Da Terra allows diners to become more engaged in the experience and many of the courses are served and finished table-side by the chefs themselves. The restaurant’s interior is intimate, welcoming and also offers wall space to help support upcoming creatives in the area. Young local artists are regularly showcased to promote London’s rich art scene.
Chef Paulo Airaudo was born in Argentina to a family of Italian immigrants and has worked in outstanding restaurants that include Arzak in San Sebastián, The Fat Duck in London and Magnolia in Italy. In April 2017, he opened Amelia, in San Sebastian, gaining after only six months opened, its first Michelin Star.
Chef Rafael Cagali is originally from São Paulo in Brazil and also has an Italian heritage. Rafael previously worked under Chef Stefano Baiocco at A Villa Feltrinelli for over 3 years, then under Chef Quique Dacosta and Martin Berasategui in Spain. In 2011 he joined The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal before opening Fera at Claridges. Leading the Aulis in Fera, Rafael carried on with Simon Rogan as head chef of Aulis.
Da Terra
8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, UK
tel: 020 7062 2052