When Da Terra first opened in 2019, it took only eight months for it to be awarded its first Michelin star. Then, in 2021, it gained two, which it has proudly retained ever since. Given such prestige, you might expect a serious, formal kitchen - but that’s far from the case. The chefs work incredibly hard, yet there’s a lightness, joy, and playfulness to the restaurant, evident in the comical Ninja Turtle figurines displayed on shelves - a personal nod to chef-patron Rafael Cagali’s childhood nickname, ‘Turtle’ (a reference to his chubby cheeks).
Cagali and general manager Charlie Lee want you to feel completely at home in the Grade II-listed Town Hall Hotel. The calm, contemporary restaurant is a perfect extension of that comfort. This sense of warmth and accessibility extends to the set lunch menu, which offers a concise yet meticulously curated glimpse into Cagali’s international experience and his Brazilian and Italian roots.
The open kitchen and dining room of Da Terra (pictured).
DesignMyNight's Review Of Da Terra's Set Lunch Menu
Need To Know:
- Address: Edwardian Town Hall Hotel, 8 Patriot Square, E2 9NF
- Area: Bethnal Green
- Cuisine: modern European, with nods to Cagali's Brazilian and Italian heritage
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: the main dining room was bathed in natural earth tones with modern accents, and a few Brazilian artefacts added character. The lounge, in particular, showcased these pieces beautifully. Service, chefs, and sommeliers worked as a cohesive unit, allowing you to fully relax, like enjoying the culinary equivalent of a deep tissue massage
- Perfect for: a business lunch, a special treat with family or loved ones
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £220 for two, excluding service charge and wine pairings
The red mullet (pictured right).
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Red mullet - the creamy ajo blanco complemented the rehydrated tomatoes, which had the tang of sundried tomatoes but a fresh, lively texture. Basil tied it all together, and the lightly torched fish was sweet, delicate, and perfectly balanced
- Confit duck leg - perfectly pink and stuffed with an herbaceous sausage, the duck was tender without being tough. The tart jus cut through the richness, and a small bowl of potatoes added a playful touch
- Fig - treacly pain perdu paired with tuma yellow created a buttery heaven in every bite, accentuated by nutty pistachio ice cream
Confit duck leg (pictured left) and fig (right).
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, Lysegron (Denmark) - consider me a sparkling tea convert after enjoying this. I loved the minerality and notes of citrus; it was a really refreshing beginning to the meal
- Apostolos Thymiopoulos, Rose de Xinomavro, 2023 (Greece - Macedonia) - after a recent trip to Greece, sommelier Maria Boumpa, recently crowned IWSC UK Sommelier of the Year 2025, brought back this stunning rosé. Its dark peach hue and rich body paired beautifully with the red mullet
Some petit fours to end the meal (pictured left) and the lounge (right).
Our Overall Experience At Da Terra
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had a brilliant time dining at Da Terra for lunch. For a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, I found the price point very reasonable, though I would still reserve the experience for special occasions. From the decor to the drink pairings and snacks, everything felt very considered. Dining here was a breath of fresh air - relaxing, yet precise, and I particularly loved how UK producers were at the heart of a menu that really shone a light on Cagali's skill and understanding of food.
