Renowned Chef Rafael Cagali, and his partner, Charlie Lee, of two-Michelin-starred Da Terra and Bethnal Green Town Hall’s Elis, are thrilled to announce their newest culinary venture, Marea by Rafael Cagali, now open in Hove.
Marea translates to ‘tide’ in Italian, chosen to reflect the menu's response to the seasons - much like the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves. Dishes are thoughtfully crafted to reflect seasonal ingredients, inspired greatly by the East Sussex locale. Cagali’s protégé, Ewan Waller, will lead the kitchen, on a daily basis, as Head Chef. The menu is structured as: small bites, through to hot and cold small plates, mains and sharers and desserts.
Chef rafael cagali announces new restaurant, ‘Marea’
"Marea is a concept that truly excites me," says Chef Cagali. "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 town appreciates quality ingredients, and a healthy independent restaurant culture has grown in recent years.
I’m ambitious with Marea - I want it to become one of the most highly respected and beloved in the region".
Marea will sit between the fine dining experience of Cagali and Lee’s Da Terra and the relaxed charm of Elis, and is poised to offer a unique proposition in the county: premium ingredients, served in a friendly and convivial setting, and reflecting Cagali’s unique culinary background.
From Italian roots, raised in Brazil, and having worked at some of the most inventive and extraordinary restaurants in the world, Cagali hopes to bring a touch of the exceptional, but within a hospitable space, and comforting menu.
Marea will serve up to 38 guests throughout the ground floor space - including at the central bar counter.
Born in São Paulo to Brazilian and Italian grandparents, he studied Economics at the University of São Paulo before leaving Brazil for London to study. To fund his studies, he began working part-time in kitchens, developed a love for cooking and subsequently enrolled in a course at Westminster Kingsway College in Hospitality and Catering. As his confidence grew, his connection to his Italian heritage came to the fore so he relocated to Verona, joining Chef Stefano Baiocco at the Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda. Rafael’s next move was to Spain: firstly to Martin Berasategui in Donostia before Chef Quique Dacosta’s three Michelin-starred restaurant in Denia. In 2012, he transferred to Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray. It was also where he met his future partner, Charlie Lee.
His next move saw him join Simon Rogan and his team for the opening of Fera at Claridge’s in London’s Mayfair, assuming the top role when Aulis rebranded to a chef’s table. In Jan 2019, Da Terra opened its doors, Rafael’s first solo venture, where he has earned 2 Michelin stars.
Chef Rafael Cagali
Born and brought up in Essex, Charlie Lee’s ambition from an early age was to become a chef. He enrolled to study a Professional Chef Diploma course at Westminster Kingsway College but through that discovered an affinity for Front of House.
After graduation, his first position was in Skylon on London’s Southbank, under Simon King, General Manager. When King left to take the position of Operations Manager at The Fat Duck Group in 2009, he took Charlie with him to become commis waiter there. It was also where he met his partner, Chef Rafael Cagali. He then went on to Koffman’s at The Berkeley as Senior Head Waiter before moving to the Rosewood London Hotel as part of the opening team for the Mirror Room Restaurant before joining Simon Rogan and his team at his new London restaurant Fera at Claridge’s as Head Waiter.
By now, Rafael had opened Da Terra, and Charlie joined once the first Michelin star was awarded. Charlie still leads the team in his role as General Manager.
Charlie Lee
British-born chef Ewan Waller trained at Westminster College from 2017 to 2020, gaining professional experience at notable establishments including Anglo Restaurant in Farringdon and Holborn's The Baptist Grill.
He went on to hold a permanent role at The Silver Cup, a modern British pub in Harpenden, before joining the two Michelin-starred Da Terra in Bethnal Green as a Commis Chef in October 2022. He then rose to the position of Chef de Partie at the acclaimed East London restaurant, before departing as a Senior Chef de Partie in summer 2025.
Ewan now takes on the role of Head Chef at Marea by Rafael Cagali - the new venture from Rafael Cagali and partner Charlie Lee.