DA COSTA opened in September 2024 amidst several other exciting new dining spots in the small Somerset town of Bruton. Since then, Head Chef Rob Smart and his team have been working closely with estate Head Gardener Fran Wood to develop the menu in line with seasonality and are excited to showcase the results of their first full growing season, ready to be enjoyed al fresco in The Courtyard Garden, created by Piet Oudolf in celebration of ten years of Hauser & Wirth.
The menu at DA COSTA is an exploration of traditional northern Italian recipes, whilst acknowledging the similarities between this mountainous region of Italy and the verdant county of Somerset. Alignment between garden and kitchen helps ensure that the menu remains rooted in Somerset, and this collaboration has also provided the opportunity to grow more unusual, heritage varieties for DA COSTA.
In order to enhance the connection between the walled garden and the restaurant, Fran and her team have spent the winter quadrupling the productive growing space and adding large tunnels for protective cropping – growing using organic principles, without the use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.
In readiness for Spring and Summer, they have been busy sowing 32 different varieties of tomato alongside sweet peppers, aubergines and chillis, herbs, flowers and fruits. For example, there will be a full polytunnel of tomatoes including San Mazarno, Green Zebra, Pink Tiger, Purple Ukraine and Red Zebra. DA COSTA is then able to ensure that dishes are created with the freshest, most sustainable produce available, reducing food miles and supporting local biodiversity.
Head Chef, Rob Smart said “Thanks to Fran and her team, our expanded growing space allows us to bring even more fresh produce to our guests while supporting the environment and celebrating the beauty of the seasons in Somerset. It’s rare to grow the majority of the produce you cook with, and we are actively working together, allowing us to constantly evolve and develop the Da Costa menu, by staying reactive to what is being dug and picked each week. Along with exceptional lamb and beef from our Durslade Farm, we can offer a true farm-to-table experience that showcases the best of what we offer.”
The Courtyard Garden – now open
Directly in front of Da Costa is The Courtyard Garden, designed by internationally renowned landscape gardener Piet Oudolf. Connecting a holistic journey through the nearby inner Cloister Courtyard to the acclaimed Oudolf Field, the Courtyard planting is centred around a carefully selected group of trees and plants specifically in response to the space. The designs were implemented on site by Bruton-based landscape design practice Urquhart & Hunt, alongside Hauser & Wirth’s Head Gardener, Mark Dumbelton.
Weather permitting, you can enjoy the full a la carte menu alongside the restaurant’s 100 bin wine list, including Maid of Bruton wines from the estate’s own vineyard. Guests can also enjoy cocktails including a Pea and Green Tea Highball and a Da Costa Martini, made using Rhubarb infused Circumstantial vodka, Bianco Vermouth and herb oil.
DA COSTA serves lunch and dinner Wednesday – Saturday, as well as Sunday lunch, and are now offering their popular lunch time set menu for early dinner bookings. Available from Wednesday to Friday from 5.30pm until 6.45pm, you can enjoy two courses for £22 or three courses for £28. Walk-ins are encouraged, reservations via the website.
Visit da-costa.co.uk for more details.
