Opulence in dining is all about an unforgettable encounter—the ambiance, energy, service, and overall experience. It must be a cohesive journey from the moment you step into the world they created for their guests. Strictly, there must be harmony with everyone on staff. It’s easy to spot a disconnected team, especially in fine dining. It’s like a dance–there’s got to be rhythm, timing, and the overall vitality of eagerness to perform. I rarely get to chance upon the perfect “dance” in my gastronomic adventures, but once I do, I tell the world all about it.

Stepping into Uma Nota, I could see, smell, taste, and feel luxury. The entrance is quite the statement itself. I walked through what felt like a lit runway that led to the restaurant’s reception with a gold guest book stand and tall, black doors as the backdrop. Polished and well-dressed beautiful women pleasantly greeted me. They asked for my reservation and led me towards a downward spiral staircase that gave a caged preview of the restaurant’s grandness. The splendor of their modern art deco interiors is enough to wow anyone.

"The Hanging Tree" is a real tree preserved as a focal point of the main dining area

High ceilings, rich furniture, unique interiors, and promptness of servers were only the beginning of one of my best dining experiences of 2024. Their attention to detail and Brazilian-Japanese fare tremendously impressed me, making me more curious about the global fine dining restaurant brand (other locations include Paris and Hong Kong). Fortunately, I had a chat with Alexis Offe, one of the co-founders of Uma Nota to give me deeper insights on the best-rated establishment.

METRO: How'd you come up with Uma Nota, and where did it first open?

Alexis Offe: Uma Nota originated from the desire to merge the Japanese and Brazilian cultural and culinary influences that have shaped São Paulo's unique identity. We were inspired by this fusion, and we wanted to bring it to life in a restaurant setting. The concept first came to fruition in Hong Kong, where we introduced diners to the vibrant, soulful flavors of Nipo-Brasileiro cuisine.

The Meiji Room, one of Uma Nota’s private rooms perfect for high-profile meetings and intimate celebrations

M: How did you decide to open Uma Nota in Manila? 

AO: Manila’s energetic dining scene and its openness to diverse flavors made it a perfect match for Uma Nota. When we saw the city’s growing appreciation for unique dining experiences, we knew this was the right place to expand. For us, it’s not just about introducing something new but also connecting with the culture and people of Manila to create a memorable and localized version of the Uma Nota experience.

Uma Nota’s hand-rolled sushis get perfect scores in flavor and freshness

M: What's Uma Nota's food philosophy?

AO: Our food philosophy is about celebrating the harmonious blend of Japanese finesse and bold Brazilian flavors. We focus on high-quality ingredients and dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition. From the vibrant Coxinhas de Frango (signature chicken and okra croquettes) to the exquisite Wagyu no Brioche, every item on our menu tells a story. Our head chef Andres Rendon has created some new dishes from his background and his international experience. The Camarão Frito (ebi prawns with a Brazilian twist), the Picanha (Brazilian steak), and also the Langosta (Brazilian lobster) are definite must-tries.

Wagyu, toasted brioche, caramelised onion, karashi, truffle—the Wagyu no Brioche

Liberdade: Uma Nota’s signature cocktail made with pisco, green pepper, almond, pistachio and cucumber (my personal favorite)

M: What's the inspiration behind your enthralling interiors? 

AO: The design of Uma Nota Manila was led by Asmaa Said of The Odd Duck Studio. Each space within the restaurant tells its own story, from the centerpiece "Hanging Tree" in the Living Room to the Tropicalia room, inspired by Brazil’s Tropicália movement. We wanted our interiors to reflect the same energy and cultural fusion as our menu, creating an environment that transitions seamlessly from dining to nightlife.

The bar boasts of a fine selection of spirits, liquors, and wines

M: What can people expect when dining at Uma Nota?

AO: Dining at Uma Nota is a sensory adventure. Guests can expect vibrant, flavorful dishes paired with innovative cocktails, all set within an energetic yet inviting atmosphere. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience where Brazilian warmth and Japanese sophistication meet, creating unforgettable moments. But it doesn’t stop there, Uma Nota is more than just a dining spot and you get to experience that with our nightlife events.

And an experience, it was. Chef Andres thoughtfully shared the story and insights for the dishes he handpicked for us, even giving us a quick history of Japan and Brazil’s connection (Brazil has the largest Japanese community outside Japan due to their openness to Asian immigrants back in 1893). The sushi and sashimi were perfectly fresh (the otoro is a must), the ceviches were well-balanced in spices and acidity, and their selection of finest meats translated to the bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the steaks. Not to mention the delicious and properly portioned signature cocktails that go best with their memorable Brazilian-Japanese cuisine.

M: What are future plans for Uma Nota this 2025?

AO: Looking ahead, we aim to deepen our roots in Manila by continuing to innovate and adapt to the local market. We have a four hands and guest shift happening this month with Neon Pigeon from Singapore, part of The World’s 50 Best Discovery. Both the Chef and Bar Manager are coming to Uma Nota so we’re very excited about that. We’ll also be celebrating our one year anniversary in March and are putting together some amazing events for this year!

Uma Nota is all that, and more. This may easily be at the top of my best restaurant experiences last 2024, with the seamless provision of a cultural and gastronomic adventure, but one reason to go back is their enticing night scene. With Brazil’s popular carnival parties, I’m sure it will be extravagantly fabulous—the perfect atmosphere for enticing festivities. Saudé!

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For bookings and full menu, visit their website here. For announcements and promos, follow them on Instagram.

Interior photos by Sergei Nekrasov