Sussex restaurant gets its first Michelin star – and the first for the city in 50 years!
A restaurant in Hove has secured its first Michelin star – just six months after opening.
Maré by Rafael Cagali was awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026, at a ceremony held in Dublin this week. The accolade marks the first Michelin star for Brighton & Hove since the 1970s.
Commenting on the award, the Michelin Guide said: “On the south coast, Maré by Rafael Cagali has become the first Starred restaurant in Brighton and Hove for nearly 50 years. A lovely neighbourhood spot in Hove, it’s run under the auspices of the eponymous chef behind Two-Star Da Terra in London, with Chef Ewan Waller and his team adeptly marshalling a thrilling array of global flavours.”
Chef-patron Rafael Cagali said: “I’m incredibly proud of the whole team for this recognition. From the beginning, Maré has been about thoughtful cooking and creating a place that feels genuinely special for our community. To be acknowledged by Michelin in our first year, and to see Brighton & Hove recognised in this way, means a great deal to all of us.”
Celebrated Chef Rafael Cagali and his partner Charlie Lee opened their newest culinary venture in Church Road in September.
Translating to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, Maré moves with the rhythm of the seasons and celebrates the bounty of its neighbourhood. Rafael and his protégé Ewan Waller (who leads 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.
Maré’s cooking showcases 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 progresses through hot and cold small plates, mains and sharers, before finishing with desserts.
For more information, see https://www.marehove.com/