Da Terra | Michelin Starred Dining in Bethnal Green
Tasting menus.
Usually it’s not the best idea. They’re often quite papery.
But at Da Terra, they only serve tasting menus, and they’re exquisitely good – so good, in fact, that the place was awarded two Michelin stars within mere years of opening.
You’ll find it taking up a well-lit corner of Bethnal Green’s beautiful Town Hall Hotel, a spot that’s had some extremely good pedigree over the years. It’s been the home to both Viajante – the restaurant that launched Nuno Mendes into the culinary stratosphere – and the Typing Room, which nudged head chef Lee Westcott onto The Great British Menu.
Now, those boots have been filled by Italian-Brazilian chef Rafael Cagali. And, thanks to stints at both Michelin-starred The Fat Duck and Simon Rogan’s Aulis… his solo debut Da Terra absolutely lives up to the hype.
The space itself is an elegantly laid-out affair, with mid-century furnishings laid out across a beautiful parquet floor. The cool grey walls are a sharp contrast to the hotel’s baroque period features, but thanks to some judicious lighting, it still feels warm and inviting.
The food at Da Terra is – as mentioned – tasting menu only, with 9 courses of dishes with distinct Italian & South American influences intertwined, and it features some of the most perfectly balanced flavours you’re likely to have in the city. The dishes you’ll have will be a total surprise, coming out with an introduction from the chefs themselves. They’re all creative, interesting, and bracingly flavoursome. You’ll be delighted by the likes of creamy scallop paired with sharp Granny Smith apple, and bridged with fennel. You’ll have a warm, malty, richly satisfying loaf of house-baked sourdough with juicy bone marrow & cultured butter. You’ll get a meltingly soft Brazilian pork belly dish with black beans and a herbal bouquet. It’s all creative, and all prepared so perfectly you might be forgiven for suspecting black magic is involved.
There’s the option to enjoy a wine pairing alongside your tasting menu, and Da Terra also sports a very handsome brass-topped bar if you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, or another glass of vino.
Just don’t forget to ask for the tasting notes.
NOTE: Da Terra is open for lunch Fri & Sat, and dinner Wed-Sat. Tasting menus are currently priced at £215pp for dinner, and £155 for lunch (Spring 2023). You can find out more, and book, right HERE.
Da Terra | Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, Bethnal Green, E2 9NF
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