Rafael Cagali to launch new restaurant in Hove

Chef Rafael Cagali and his partner, Charlie Lee (Da Terra and Elis), have announced that their new culinary venture, Marea by Rafael Cagali, is coming to Hove in September. 

Dining at Marea

The name 'Marea', meaning 'tide' in Italian, was chosen to reflect the menu's response to the seasons. Dishes are crafted around seasonal ingredients, inspired by the East Sussex locale and structured into small bites, hot and cold small plates, mains and sharers and desserts.

Cagali's protégé, Ewan Waller, will lead the kitchen as head chef, while co-owner Lee will head up front of house.

Marea will sit between the fine dining experience of Cagali and Lee’s Da Terra and the relaxed charm of Elis. The restaurant will serve up to 38 guests throughout the ground-floor space, including at the central bar counter.

"Marea is a concept that truly excites me," says 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."

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