Chef Rafael Cagali to Open New Restaurant ‘Marea’ On 10th September
On 10th September, celebrated Chef Rafael Cagali and his partner Charlie Lee will open their newest culinary venture, Marea by Rafael Cagali, on Hove’s Church Road.
Translating to ‘tide’ in Italian, Marea will move with the rhythm of the seasons and celebrate the bounty of its neighbourhood. Rafael and his protégé Ewan Waller (who will lead the kitchen as Head Chef) have worked closely to design a menu that sits between Cagali and Lee’s two-Michelin starred Da Terra and the relaxed charm of its sister restaurant, Elis.
Marea’s cooking will showcase local Sussex and British suppliers to shape a menu that prioritises sustainability and quality, and forges relationships with nearby farms, fisheries, and artisanal producers. All served in a warm and convivial setting with great cocktails, and an inventive, varied and playful wine list.
A generous but refined à la carte menu pays tribute to Cagali’s distinctive culinary background as a Brazilian-Italian chef who trained within some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants. Starting with small bites from the bar, the menu will progress through hot and cold small plates, mains and sharers, before finishing with desserts. Sample dishes include:
Fried oyster, hot sauce emulsion
Tartlet, lobster claw, ginger, N25 Caviar
Croustade, onion, pickled walnut
Fowey mussels, puttanesca, bottarga
Pumpkin ravioli, courgette, jalapeno
Porchetta tonnato
Globe artichoke, miso, whey, agretti
Langoustine, beans, moqueca stew
Lobster rice, dende emulsion
Baba au Cachaca, Chantilly
Olive oil sponge, Red Mayan chocolate tartelette
Choux bun, fig leaf ice cream, Pedro Ximinez
Guests can also opt for the ‘Chef’s selection’ – a handpicked tasting experience carefully crafted by Cagali and Waller.
A concise wine list reflects both classic sophistication and modern vibrancy, with a strong
emphasis on balance, terroir expression, and style-diversity. Old World Wines from France, Italy and Spain will sit alongside New World producers from USA, Australia, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand, thoughtfully selected to align with Marea’s elegant and precise culinary ethos. The offering will also celebrate premium English still and sparkling from Rathfinny, Danbury Ridge, Hundred Hills, Everflyht and Langham, and natural, sustainable options such as low-intervention whites from The Loire Valley’s Domaine Bretaudeau.
The 38-cover ground-floor restaurant of soft muted tones, wooden panelled flooring and wooden-top tables is juxtaposed with vibrant, brightly coloured artwork from a variety of Brazilian artists. A rectangular bar will sit in the restaurant’s center, lined with padded leather bar stools and low hanging lights, welcoming in guests for both a bite to eat or full meal.
Co-owner Lee brings a clear ethos to the Front of House, focusing on high standards delivered with warmth and ease. He has cultivated a well-trained, well-balanced team which ensures every guest feels genuinely welcomed and expertly looked after.
On the new opening, Chef Rafael says “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“.
