Bruce Ricketts is a Filipino chef celebrated for Japanese cuisine and omakase, best known for the restaurants Mecha Uma and Iai in Manila.
Precise, boundary-pushing Japanese cooking and omakase built on impeccable technique. This profile looks at Bruce’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Filipino
- Known for the restaurants Mecha Uma and Iai in Manila
- His restaurant Mecha Uma in BGC became one of Manila’s premier omakase destinations.
- In 2024 he opened Iai, a 12-seat sushi kappo counter in BGC.
- Precise, boundary-pushing Japanese cooking and omakase built on impeccable technique.
Bruce Ricketts key facts
| Name | Bruce Ricketts |
| Nationality / origin | Filipino |
| Known for | the restaurants Mecha Uma and Iai in Manila |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Style | Precise, boundary-pushing Japanese cooking and omakase built on impeccable technique. |
Background and career
He opened Sensei Sushi Bar at the age of 21 in 2011 after working in San Diego. His restaurant Mecha Uma in BGC became one of Manila’s premier omakase destinations.
Recognition and legacy
He was a speaker at Madrid Fusion Manila in 2015. In 2024 he opened Iai, a 12-seat sushi kappo counter in BGC.
Signature style
Precise, boundary-pushing Japanese cooking and omakase built on impeccable technique. It is an approach that has made Bruce a distinctive figure in the food world.
Bruce in context
Bruce Ricketts is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Josh Boutwood and Chele Gonzalez.
Follow Bruce Ricketts
Bruce Ricketts FAQ
Who is Bruce Ricketts?
A Filipino chef celebrated for Japanese cuisine and omakase.
Where is Bruce based?
Manila, Philippines.
What is Bruce known for?
The restaurants Mecha Uma and Iai in Manila.
What is a notable fact about Bruce?
He opened Sensei Sushi Bar at the age of 21 in 2011 after working in San Diego.
What is Bruce’s style?
Precise, boundary-pushing Japanese cooking and omakase built on impeccable technique.
