Maré by Rafael Cagali

Why You’ll Like Maré by Rafael Cagali

The arrival of Maré on Church Road in Hove has done more than just bolster the local food scene, it has rewritten its history. Opened in September 2025 by the visionary Chef-Patron Rafael Cagali and his partner Charlie Lee, Maré has achieved what many thought impossible. Just six months after opening, the restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in the 2026 Guide, proudly standing as the only restaurant in Brighton and Hove to hold the prestigious accolade, bringing a star back to the city for the first time in over 50 years.

The name Maré translates to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, a fitting tribute to its coastal home. Here, the rhythm of the seasons dictates a menu that celebrates the bountiful produce of Sussex and the surrounding waters, all served within a space that balances high-end refinement with a relaxed, welcoming soul.

The Pedigree: A Team of Culinary Titans

The level of expertise behind Maré is unparalleled in the city. Chef-Patron Rafael Cagali brings a wealth of experience from the world’s most elite kitchens. Born in São Paulo with Italian heritage, Rafael’s journey took him from the legendary Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda to the three-starred kitchens of Quique Dacosta in Spain. In the UK, he was an integral part of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and Simon Rogan’s Fera at Claridge’s. Rafael is also the mastermind behind the two Michelin-starred Da Terra in London.

Partner Charlie Lee provides the heartbeat of the front-of-house philosophy. Having trained at The Fat Duck and Rosewood London, Charlie ensures that the foundation of service at Maré is world-class yet devoid of pretension.

The day-to-day operations of this exceptional Brighton and Hove restaurant are expertly driven by the on-site leadership team. Running the kitchen day-to-day is Head Chef Ewan Waller. A long-standing protégé of Cagali at Da Terra, Waller is a rising star in his own right. His transition from the precision of a two-starred London kitchen to the helm of Maré has been seamless, bringing a youthful energy to Cagali’s sophisticated culinary philosophy. Managing the front-of-house operations on the floor is Restaurant Manager Jake Garstang, who ensures the guest experience perfectly mirrors the kitchen’s refined ease.

The Experience: Coastal Sophistication

Stepping into the 38-cover restaurant, you are met with an atmosphere of “refined ease.” The interiors feature soft, muted tones, warm wood-panelled flooring, and wooden-top tables. The space is anchored by a central rectangular bar where guests can enjoy a quick bite or a full multi-course meal on padded leather stools. To remind you of the chef’s roots, vibrant artwork by Brazilian artists adds a splash of colour and energy to the serene setting.

A Sample of the Menu

The food at Maré is a beautiful intersection of Rafael’s Brazilian-Italian heritage and the raw ingredients of the British coastline. The cooking is precise, elegant, and deeply seasonal.

To Start (Small Bites & Plates)

• Toasted Brioche: Plated with rich liver parfait, preserved cherries, and winter truffle.
• Torched Sussex Mackerel: A vibrant, hyper-local starter brightened with seasonal rhubarb.

The Main Events at Maré

• Sussex Monkfish: Served perfectly with succulent clams and a rich pil pil sauce.
• Lobster Rice: A decadent signature creation elevated with rich ox tongue.

To Finish

• Cachaça Elderflower Baba: A boozy, Brazilian-inspired twist on a classic, layered with fresh strawberry and cloud-like chantilly.
• Guava Crème Caramel: A silky, beautifully smooth dessert balanced with the unique notes of sobacha.

The Drinks Programme

The wine list at Maré is as playful as the food. It balances “Old World” classics from France and Italy with “New World” vibrancy from South Africa and New Zealand. Critically, it shines a spotlight on the local terroir, featuring premium Sussex and English pours such as Rathfinny, Hundred Hills, and Langham. For those seeking something modern, there is a curated selection of natural and low-intervention wines.

Menus & Pricing

• RB loves Taste of Maré: A handpicked tasting experience for £90.
• Set Lunch Menu: An accessible way to experience Michelin-starred quality for £55.

Whether you are a seasoned gourmand or a local looking to celebrate a special occasion, Maré offers an unmissable, historic dining experience as the headline Brighton and Hove restaurant truly putting the city back on the global culinary map.

The Essentials at Maré

• Maré made history in early 2026 by securing the first Michelin star for Brighton and Hove in over 50 years, making it the only star holder in the city.
• Day-to-day operations are run on-site by Head Chef Ewan Waller in the kitchen and Restaurant Manager Jake Garstang front-of-house.
• The kitchen is guided by the overarching philosophy of Chef-Patron Rafael Cagali of two-starred Da Terra and his partner Charlie Lee.
• The menu artfully blends Cagali’s Brazilian-Italian heritage with the freshest seasonal ingredients from the Sussex coastline.
• Guests can choose between a refined tasting experience, an accessible set lunch, or casual small plates at the stylish zinc bar.
• A playful wine list pairs international bottles with premium English sparkling wines from local estates like Rathfinny and Langham.