On the first floor of Bethnal Green’s storied Town Hall Hotel, Elis + London channels a lively, jazz-tinged rhythm into London fine dining. Named for Brazilian icon Elis Regina, chef-owner Rafael Cagali’s intimate 12-table room fuses Brazilian soul with Italian finesse—think convivial sharing plates, vibrant sauces, and impeccably sourced produce. As the playful sibling to his Michelin-starred Da Terra, Elis delivers high-craft cooking with an easy elegance, making it one of the best restaurants London diners whisper about when craving personality with polish. Expect warmth, wit, and dishes that dance between continents without missing a beat.

The Story & Heritage
Rafael Cagali, the São Paulo-born chef behind two-Michelin-starred Da Terra, opened Elis as a love letter to his roots—Brazilian and Italian—filtered through London’s cosmopolitan lens. Drawing on time in world-class kitchens and his own award-winning success downstairs, Cagali crafts a menu that celebrates heritage without nostalgia. Named after Elis Regina, the restaurant marries musical spontaneity with technical clarity. While Da Terra showcases exacting tasting menus, Elis embraces shared plates and generous flavors. Nestled within the Town Hall Hotel, it extends the property’s culinary prestige. The result: a distinctive, personality-driven room that has quickly attracted acclaim for its spirited approach to gastronomy.

The Cuisine & Menu
Elis spotlights a seasonal, à la carte format with a fine dining touch, built for sharing and discovery. Italian and Brazilian influences intertwine across signatures like bolinhos de bacalhau with citrus aïoli, panzanella brightened by ripe tomatoes and olive oil, and picanha skewers carved tableside beside silky crab linguini. The kitchen champions thoughtful sourcing—prime British seafood and meats, sun-kissed Mediterranean produce, and Brazilian pantry notes—balancing comfort with craft. Expect occasional specials and rotating market plates. Dietary preferences are handled sensitively with advance notice, including pescatarian and vegetarian options. Pricing is firmly fine dining but approachable compared with ultra-premium tasting temples, ideal for those seeking flavor-forward sophistication without rigid formality.

Experience & Atmosphere
Light-filled and convivial, the 12-tabled dining room pairs mid-century lines with warm woods and sunlit hues, a subtle nod to tropical modernism. Service is attentive and unforced—knowledgeable staff guide guests through plates designed for conviviality. A compact yet curated wine program leans European with smart New World picks; the sommelier offers astute pairings that span grower Champagnes to mineral-driven Italian whites. A short list of cocktails riffs on Italian aperitivi and Brazilian classics. Limited seating makes reservations essential; secure Elis reservations one to three weeks ahead, longer for weekends. Smart-casual dress fits the room’s refined ease. Private dining can be arranged within the hotel, and the front-of-house team excels at pacing shared courses for a seamless, celebratory flow.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Elis for its spirited fusion of Brazilian warmth and Italian precision, delivered with London polish. Book early—its 12 tables fill fast, especially for prime weekend slots. For an elevated evening, request guidance from the sommelier on seafood pairings or plan a progressive experience with Da Terra downstairs. At Elis, every plate invites sharing—and every visit feels like a stylish, insider’s evening in East London.