The Girl Behind the Pen

Fusion cuisine is where different culinary traditions, be it spices from across the ocean or cooking techniques from opposite ends of the earth, decide to hold hands and create something entirely new. At Uma Nota, it's not just about throwing random ingredients together, though. It's about finding surprising pairings, bold contrasts, and unexpected flavors that leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. 

Located at Shangri-La the Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Uma Nota’s facade welcomes you with plain elegance but once you enter the restaurant, it’s as if you’re transported to a whole different place. Designed by the renowned Asmaa Said of The Odd Duck Studio, the restaurant gives vibes that will awaken your senses. 

The pièce de résistance of the whole upscale dining area is the Hanging Tree installation that will make you wonder is it really a tree? Come nightfall, the Living Room throws off its daytime pretense, morphing into a playground for the senses. Imagine dim lights igniting your desires, music that sets your heart pounding, and laughter that feels like a secret shared only between you and the night.

Feeling social? The Bar fosters an intimate atmosphere, while Tropicalia pays homage to the 70s Tropicália movement with its lively decor. And for those seeking a touch of history, the Meiji Room, with its Japanese mural, honors the rich heritage of Japanese immigration to São Paulo.

The Uma Nota-ble Food

Uma Nota's menu is a love letter to diverse flavors, where Japanese culinary precision meets the bold and vibrant tastes of São Paulo. 

To me, there is no appetizer more heavenly than croquettes. Ever since I tried croquettes, I made it to the point that I should have one in every restaurant I visit. Of all the places I went to, ANGKLA Beach Club and Boutique Resort in El Nido, Palawan had the best croquettes for me—until I tried Uma Nota’s Coxinhas de Frango (signature chicken and okra croquettes). Theirs appear to be the usual croquettes you’ll find elsewhere but the moment you take a bite, it’s like an explosion of flavors and textures blending perfectly in your mouth. And paired it with their homemade chili sauce? Divine! 

Another Uma Nota-ble starter we had was the Dadinhos de Tapioca. It’s Brazilian tapioca and cheese molded into dice and deep-fried to perfection that gives a crispy outer layer and a melt-in-your-mouth filling. 

Their Avocado Roll and Salmon Roll were something that was expected of a Japanese restaurant with a nice ikura topper. But their Tataki de Carne de Sol (lightly cured beef tenderloin, smoked ponzu, black garlic mayonnaise, crispy shallots) is like heaven in my mouth. 

Now let’s talk about the mains. Their Black Cod was interesting—and buttery. And the A4 Kumo-Oh Japanese Wagyu Striploin gave me premature ventricular contractions a.k.a. it made my heart skip a beat. We had ours well-done, as I always have for steaks, and it was just *chef’s kiss*.

Believe it or not, I’m not a drinker so even I was surprised that I was able to finish two glasses of an alcoholic drink—yes friends, two. We got the Kyoto Sour and Liberdade. Both were refreshing while giving you a slight kick of alcohol. 

No meal is complete without dessert, and Uma Nota doesn't disappoint. We indulged in the Abacaxi Churrasco (roasted pineapple, coconut ice cream, almond coconut crumble, and Japanese whisky caramel sauce). And the showstopper, the Matcha Layered Cake with Hokkaido milk ice cream wrapped in a pink cotton candy cloud. 

The Experience: Beyond the Plate

It wasn’t just Uma Nota’s food that took me by surprise but it's about the entire experience. The friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home. They're always happy to recommend dishes or answer any questions you have. And of course, the cool steady atmosphere will leave you wanting to stay long after your meal is over.

So whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a fun night out with friends, or a solo adventure, Uma Nota is the perfect place to be. 

Uma Nota Manila

Address: Shangri-La the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Contact: 09173072766

Operating hours: 6pm to 12am (Sunday to Tuesday) for dinner; 6pm to 2am (Sunday to Tuesday) and 6pm to 4am (Wednesday to Saturday) for the bar