397526 Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manila, Uma Nota is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience. A quick scroll on social media or recent news will reveal numerous mentions of this culinary destination, a Brazilian-Japanese fusion spot that combines an exquisite gastronomic adventure with a dynamic nightlife scene.
Easily making its mark since opening in early 2024, Uma Nota is now known for bringing something new to the table and creating an atmosphere that Filipinos have been longing for post-pandemic. And with a team as diverse as its menu — featuring members from all corners of the globe — Uma Nota, as its regular patrons agree with gusto, indeed offers an unforgettable journey for the senses.
Combing the flavors of Brazil and Japan
Since its opening, Uma Nota has captivated Manila's food scene with its unique blend of Brazilian and Japanese culinary traditions. Guests rave about the innovative cocktails and the array of dishes that offer a fresh perspective on fusion cuisine. It certainly stands out in Metro Manila as one of the few establishments to present such a distinctive concept. At the heart of Uma Nota’s success is its dedicated team — a terrific trio comprised of Ben Tshuva, Alex Offe and Laura Offe. Initially open only for dinner, Uma Nota has expanded its offerings to include daily lunch and weekend brunch, a move that has been met with much enthusiasm. The extended hours allow guests to indulge in its culinary delights and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere.Uma Nota transforms seamlessly from a dining haven to a nightlife destination as the evening progresses. Each night is a new adventure, with themed events that cater to various musical tastes.Wednesdays groove with R&B and hip hop. Thursdays take a nostalgic turn with retro, disco, or house beats, and the end of each month celebrates with Latin music. Fridays and Saturdays feature open-format DJ sets, complemented by carnival-inspired performances that electrify the space.The restaurant's design adds another layer to its allure. A magnificent tree stands at the center of the main dining room, becoming a favorite backdrop for guests' social media snapshots. The thoughtful architecture and vibrant decor reflect the spirit of Uma Nota, making every visit visually and gastronomically delightful.
A terrific trio
At the heart of Uma Nota's success is its dedicated team — a terrific trio comprised of Ben Tshuva, Alex Offe and Laura Offe.Their international backgrounds and shared passion for creating memorable dining experiences have been crucial in establishing Uma Nota as a top destination in Manila. Their collective expertise and vision ensure that every guest leaves with a taste of global culture and a longing to return.Today, The Sunday Times Magazine sits down with Tshuva and the Offe siblings to learn more about their unique contributions to Uma Nota.
Laura Offe, co-founder
The Sunday Times Magazine: What distinguished experience have you brought to Manila with Uma Nota? Laura Offe Laura Offe: Uma Nota Manila aims to create an immersive experience where guests can not only savor exquisite food and drinks but also feel the energy and spirit of Brazilian and Japanese cultures coming together. The vision is to provide a space where guests can escape into a world of unique flavors, captivating design, and cultural convergence, leaving them with a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Why did you choose the Philippines for a new branch?The decision to choose the Philippines as our next destination for Uma Nota after Hong Kong and Paris was fueled by a genuine connection with the country's vibrant food culture and culinary scene. We were captivated by the Philippines' rich culinary heritage, diverse flavors, and the adventurous spirit of its people when it comes to exploring new dining experiences. With Uma Nota's unique fusion of Japanese and Brazilian influences, we felt a strong resonance with the Philippines' appetite for innovative and exciting flavor combinations. The warm reception of Filipino cuisine globally and the country's rising reputation as a food destination convinced us that introducing Uma Nota to the Philippines was the perfect next step. We are thrilled to contribute to the Philippines' thriving culinary landscape, share our concept of cultural convergence through food, and offer locals and tourists an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the best of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manila, Uma Nota is more than just a restaurant — it’s an experience.
Tell us a bit about yourself before your move to the Philippines. Growing up in the bustling city of Hong Kong, I was fortunate to immerse myself in the vibrant hospitality landscape and fast-paced food and beverage scenes. Throughout my career, I've had the incredible opportunity to work at some of the world's most iconic hotels, from London to Hong Kong, including renowned establishments like Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton. With a passion for both the behind-the-scenes organization and front-of-house experience, I've gained valuable insights from establishments known for their process-driven working styles. This has instilled in me the importance of structure and adaptability for a seamless business approach.In 2015, I took a leap and founded The Box Partnership, a boutique consulting firm based in my beloved Hong Kong. Specializing in food and beverage, hospitality, and retail, my firm has been privileged to advise clients across the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and Europe. In 2017, my brother, Alexis Offe, and I decided to open Uma Nota, and we then established Meraki, a hospitality group based in Hong Kong, with the aim of bringing new and exciting concepts to Asia. My vision is to offer locals and visitors unique, transportive dining experiences that take them on a global culinary journey — from the vibrant streets of São Paulo to the traditional flavors of Japan, and from the rich tapestry of North African cuisine to the aromatic delights of the Middle East. We want to captivate taste buds and create memorable experiences. A magnificent tree stands at the center of the main dining room, becoming a favorite backdrop for guests’ social media snapshots.
How has your global experience impacted your work in the Philippines? Having operated in various locations, we have had the privilege of immersing ourselves in different culinary cultures and learning from diverse communities of food lovers. This exposure has deeply influenced our approach in the Philippines as we strive to adapt and incorporate local flavors and preferences while staying true to our core values. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant Philippine culinary scene and create a memorable experience that reflects the rich diversity of the country.
Ben Tshuva, bar manager
STM: If you were to describe Uma Nota, how would you describe it?Ben Tshuva: Uma Nota is an experience — the essence of Brazilian-Japanese culture embodied through food, drinks, and an amazing atmosphere. For me, Uma Nota is the perfect night out. Ben Tshuva Please share a little bit of your background in the industry.I started my journey in hospitality at 17, slightly before I joined the IDF, and came right back to it when I finished my duty. The bar has always been the part of a restaurant that speaks to me the most because you get to have a more personal service experience with the guests, and you get to showcase your abilities and talent in creating drinks. I worked in various restaurants and bars in Israel, and last year, when I got the call to join Uma Nota, my life changed completely. I'm forever grateful for it.
What inspired you to move from Israel to Manila? I was at a point in my life where I was looking for change, and the Philippines was a great getaway from my comfort zone. The culture of 'pakikisama,' which values social and family relationships, is something you just can't help but fall in love with.What has the experience been like for you? Despite the adjustment period I went through, considering I've never lived outside Israel, the 10 months I've spent here so far have allowed me to enjoy the intricacies of Manila and its people. Amazing would be an understatement. I love it here and find happiness in providing an enjoyable experience to the many Filipinos who visit Uma Nota.
What vibe do you want to bring to Uma Nota and the Philippine dining experience? I'm trying to deliver an experience with everything I do. I want my drinks to reflect my experiences and my palate. I believe people will come back because of the way you made them feel, so I try to make our patrons happy and satisfied with every visit.
Alex Offe, co-founder
STM: Please share your story with us too.Alex Offe: I'm a third-world kid. Both my sister and I grew up in Asia, living in four to five different countries. We're very grateful for this life, as it gives you an open mind about the world and its people. Alex Offe Our father has always been in hospitality, so we grew up in and around hotels and restaurants. It was a no-brainer for both my sister and me to continue on that path, although both our parents tried to dissuade us. That clearly didn't work. I studied hospitality in Switzerland for four years and returned to Hong Kong before starting to work for one of the most prominent restaurant groups there. In 2017, I left and started this adventure, opening the first Uma Nota in Hong Kong. The rest is history. Uma Nota transforms seamlessly from a dining haven to a nightlife destination as the evening progresses.
The Meraki Hospitality Group is behind Uma Nota. What inspired you to start it, and why the Philippines specifically? The Meraki Hospitality Group is the hospitality company we created with my sister, Laura, and our father, Jean Michel, back in 2018. We wanted to create a group based on values we believe in and concepts that would stand the test of time. We come from a deep hospitality background, thanks to our father, and we have a passion for it. We now own and operate four venues worldwide: Uma Nota (in Hong Kong, Paris, and Manila) as well as Bedu in Hong Kong (a Middle Eastern concept). We created MHG to build a company we believe in and create concepts we believe in, too. We put our values and people first and try to offer experiences that come from the heart. Uma Nota attracts the discerning set in Manila, including celebrities Christophe Bariou, Nadine Lustre and Sarah Lahbati As to why we chose the Philippines, I think it just made sense for us. The market is very much ready for what we are offering, and so are the people. We were lucky to meet the right partners, too. There is an incredible opportunity here to develop and grow, and we love the idea of being a part of that.
What can guests expect from Uma Nota in the coming months? The plans are exciting. In the next few months, expect the unexpected — starting with our Carnival event coming in February 2025. We are ready to take Manila by storm! Guests rave about the innovative cocktails and the array of dishes that offer a fresh perspective on fusion cuisine.
To wrap things up, what do you want STM's readers to know about the Uma Nota experience? That they will never be bored with us. We take our craft seriously but not ourselves. Uma Nota is about an experience. Since its opening, Uma Nota has captivated Manila’s food scene with its unique blend of Brazilian and Japanese culinary traditions. Since its opening, Uma Nota has captivated Manila’s food scene with its unique blend of Brazilian and Japanese culinary traditions. Since its opening, Uma Nota has captivated Manila’s food scene with its unique blend of Brazilian and Japanese culinary traditions.
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