Ever since our first visit to Da Terra back in May we’ve been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to return. This was due to enjoying the fantastic cuisine which combines Latin America with an Italian twist along with fabulous service and excellent matched wines. This restaurant which is located in the Bethnal Green Town Hall really is a cut above the rest in this area of London. Head Chef Rafael Cagali leads a very talented team of chefs who all followed him to Da Terra from Fera at Claridges in creating simply amazing dishes.
We arrived early on Saturday so that we could enjoy a pre lunch drink in their cocktail bar which is situated just across the hallway from the entrance to the restaurant. Chef Rafael was actually in the bar so it was good to have a catch up. We then sat at the bar and enjoyed an Old Fashioned & a Monkey 47 Gin & Tonic while having a nice chat to the friendly bar staff.
Old Fashioned
Monkey 47 Gin & Tonic
Once we’d finished our drinks and where we also enjoyed a lovely little surprise as chef sent us a Hen of the woods & Taleggio Arancini to try it was time to cross the hallway and head into the restaurant. On entering we were greeted by Rafael as well as receiving a lovely warm welcome from the rest of the team.
Hen of the Woods & Taleggio Arancini
We were then seated at our table where we also had a great view of the open kitchen. It was then time to meet Restaurant Manager Antonio who explained to us first about the menus then following our decision assisted us by with our wine choice by first letting us taste a small selection before deciding which one we would prefer. Our choice in the end was to choose the Castell D’encus Taleia 2017 which turned out to be a perfect match with the majority of the menu. The restaurant only offers a choice of two menus the Eight Course or the Eleven Course Tasting Menus. We opted to choose the Eleven Course.
The Open Kitchen
Castell D’encus Taleia 2017
It was now time for our first course the Isle of Mull Scallop , Fennel & Apple which was simply a perfect way to begin as the flavours were a sensation that also left your palate nice and refreshed. This was followed by a definite highlight of the day a stunning Stracciatella , Tomato Panzanella & Basil. Our next course was the Chicken the only dish from our last visit. The dish which had been redefined to look better in presentation yet still tasted as amazing as we remembered..
Scallop , Fennel , Apple
Stracciatella , Tomato Panzanella , Basil
The Chicken
Next to come was the Bread which was accompanied with Bone Marrow & Cultured Butter. With the bread we also received a nice little surprise as they gave us a taste of Toast Craft Lager which is brewed with bread and so was the perfect pairing. This was followed by Cornish Mussels , Courgette & Almond another fabulous dish. Now it was time for the fish course the Gadus (Atlantic Cod) , Hispi Cabbage & Buerre Blanc and once again another dish full of amazing flavour.
Sourdough Bread , Bone Marrow , Cultured Butter & Toast Craft Lager
Cornish Mussels , Courgette , Almond
Gadus , Hispi Cabbage , Buerre Blanc
Now onto the main course where we was in absolute heaven as we enjoyed the Pork Belly , Black Beans , Farofa and a Herb Bouquet simply devine. We followed this with the cheese course which is known as Romeo & Juliette. It was a light Goats Cheese flan topped with a Guava Gel & Crackers.
Pork Belly
Herb Bouquet
Goats Cheese & Guava Gel
We now moved on to desserts starting with the pre dessert of Rum Ice Cream , Oscietra & Avocado. What’s amazing about this dish is that when you mix it all together it tastes like Banana. It was now time to finish with a truly fabulous dessert in English Strawberry , Sorrel & Pistachio which was not only a pleasure to look at but an absolute joy to eat.
Rum Ice Cream , Oscietra , Avocado
Strawberry , Sorrel , Pistachio
This brought to an end another memorable visit and one in which I would like to repeat again soon. The food is simply amazing which is matched by an excellent selection of wines. This backed up with very friendly and professional service making a visit here a must and should be placed high on your foodie list. Before heading of home we headed back in to the bar for a coffee & delightful Petit Fours while also having a nice conversation with Rafael which was the perfect way to end our afternoon.
A big Thank You to everyone at Da Terra & look forward to seeing you again soon.
Petit Fours
My Hospitality Life 
Sounds like another fabulous visit. Food looks delicious.
It’s a fantastic restaurant