jj acuna / bespoke studio completes la chinesca
In the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Manila, the Philippines, La Chinesca’s newest outpost boldly redefines what a contemporary Mexican dining experience can be. Designed by JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio for Chef Bruce Ricketts and restauranteur Jae Ricketts, the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge with deliberate nods to various visual culture elements.
The concept pays homage to corner shop culture and deli architecture, inspired by institutions like New York City’s Katz’s Delicatessen. This reference is layered with eclectic influences: taco truck culture, cha chaan teng diners of Hong Kong, industrial metal accordion gates, and expressive street signage reflecting the vibrant attitude of Mexican graffiti, all coalescing into a space that feels both rooted and forward-looking.
all images courtesy of JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio
reimagining the modern mexican restaurant in manila
La Chinesca BGC officially opened in 2025. The 92-square-meter footprint — comprising 40 square meters of front-of-house dining, a 22 square meter open kitchen, and a 30 square meter alfresco area — accommodates 55 seats, including 24 outdoors. While compact in scale, the space is dense with meaning, detail, and material richness.
JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio defines the interiors by rich textures and unexpected juxtapositions. Walls and facades are finished with resin-infused stone aggregate from Japan, corrugated stainless steel panels, while the interior floor is made of bespoke Obrastone in the brand’s graphic print. A micro-cement window ledge adds a tactile contrast to surrounding elements. The custom furniture is locally fabricated and experimental in nature: dining tables composed of corn husk, resin, and concrete; stools and counters topped with resin forms; and bespoke stainless steel wall sconces and pendant lights that balance rawness with polish.
JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio designs La Chinesca’s newest outpost
the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge
In partnership with design studio Inksurge, the branding is integrated into the architecture with bold, urban gestures. A street-facing acrylic logo signage ensures visibility from passing cars, while a floating acrylic pickup window detail invites playful interaction. A custom acrylic box marked ‘Essentials’ crowns a retail corner shop-inspired wall, which houses curated merchandise — ranging from glassware and fashion to magazines and kitchen objects — extending the La Chinesca brand into lifestyle and culture.
The layout also encourages a dynamic and open flow between kitchen, service, and guest zones. Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions connect the alfresco area with the lively street corner, ensuring the space feels porous, animated, and always in motion — mirroring the culinary ethos of Chef Bruce Ricketts, whose menu channels both personal heritage and global influence.
located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Manila
the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge with deliberate nods to various visual culture elements
the concept pays homage to corner shop culture and deli architecture, inspired by institutions in NYC
the layout encourages a dynamic and open flow
the custom furniture is locally fabricated and experimental in nature
layered with eclectic influences such as taco truck culture and cha chaan teng diners of Hong Kong
JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio defines the interiors by rich textures and unexpected juxtapositions
while compact in scale, the space is dense with meaning, detail, and material richness
project info:
name: La Chinesca
architecture: JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio | @jjabespoke
location: Manila, the Philippines
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