Rafael Cagali & Charlie Lee

Rafael Cagali Chef / Owner

Originally from São Paulo in Brazil with an Italian background, Rafael started his career in London at the age of 21. Moving then to Italy to work under Chef Stefano Baiocco at A Villa Feltrinelli where he spent over 3 years.

Growing in his career he decided to go to Spain to work for Chef Quique Dacosta and Martin Berasategui. From there, he returned back to England to join The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal to then opening Fera at Claridges. Leading the Aulis in Fera, Rafael carried on with Simon Rogan as head chef of Aulis.
Opening Da Terra in January of 2019, after 8 months and followed by hard work and dedication, Da Terra Gained its first MICHELIN star. Following a very eventful 2020, Da Terra was then awarded its second star in the MICHELIN guide of 2021.

Rafael Cagali’s experimental cuisine is inspired by the flavours of his origins and influences of his culinary experiences throughout his career.

Charlie Lee, General Manager

Charlie oversees the day to day running of Da Terra. With previous experiences at restaurants such as Skylon, The Fat Duck, Koffmann’s, Rosewood London and Fera at Claridge’s in which during that time he also became a finalist in the 2016 Gold Service Scholarship. He is always there to make sure the restaurant runs smoothly.