Our Story
UNA is an elevated Filipino restaurant-bar in San Juan, La Union, helmed by Chef Joaquin Carsi-Cruz — the mind behind Lasa Supper Club in Quezon City.
"From a family embedded in the industry, Chef Joaquin Carsi-Cruz has brought his long-table dining philosophy north, building on what the area already has to offer." Situated at The Salt in the surf district of Urbiztondo, UNA takes the flavours of northern Luzon — fresh seafood, Benguet vegetables, Ilocano pantry staples — and reimagines them with modern technique. Every dish tells a story rooted in the North.
Beyond the kitchen, UNA runs a craft cocktail program celebrating Filipino botanicals. Happy Hour every Friday through Sunday, 2PM–6PM. And when the evening turns late, UNA Off The Clock pours until midnight on weekends.
Founder of Lasa Supper Club · Award-winning culinary competitor · The driving force behind UNA.
Chef Joaquin Carsi-Cruz grew up in a family embedded in the Philippine food industry. In 2021, alongside his mother Ging Cruz, he founded Lasa Supper Club at The Felicidad Mansion in Quezon City — a private long-table Filipino dining experience that quickly drew a devoted following.
That same year, he won the prestigious Bord Bia East Meets West Culinary Competition with "Pares sa Gubat" — a dish of braised short ribs, mushrooms, and adlai rice that announced his voice to the broader culinary world.
After a pop-up preview at James and Daughters in Estancia Mall in 2024, Chef Joaquin brought his full vision north. In 2025, UNA opened at The Salt, Urbiztondo — and in 2026, Simpol.ph named it one of five restaurants defining San Juan, La Union's dining identity.
Every decision at UNA — from supplier to plate — is guided by a set of convictions about food, place, and hospitality.
Every ingredient has an origin story. We source from northern Luzon farmers, Benguet highland growers, and La Union's own coastal fishermen — people who make our food taste like it means something.
Nothing on the UNA menu is accidental. Each dish begins with a question: what does this ingredient want to become? The answer is always rooted in the Filipino pantry, expressed with modern precision.
Inherited from Lasa Supper Club: a belief that the table is a gathering point, not just a transaction. At UNA, you are welcomed as a guest, served as a friend, and sent home having experienced something real.
The cocktail program is not an afterthought — it's a companion to the kitchen. Sampaguita, Ilocos vinegar, local citrus: the bar draws from the same pantry as the pass.
UNA exists at The Salt in Urbiztondo because this place demanded it. The surf, the highlands, the setting sun — La Union's energy is baked into every service.
From winning the Bord Bia East Meets West Competition in 2021 to being named a defining restaurant of San Juan, La Union in 2026 — UNA's story is just beginning.
What began in a Quezon City mansion has found its true home on the shores of La Union. A five-year journey of long tables, bold dishes, and the slow accumulation of a voice.
Chef Joaquin and his mother Ging Cruz open Lasa Supper Club at The Felicidad Mansion, Quezon City — private long-table Filipino dining that establishes Chef Joaquin's philosophy.
Chef Joaquin wins the Bord Bia East Meets West Culinary Competition with "Pares sa Gubat" — braised short ribs, mushrooms, adlai rice — announcing his voice to the culinary world.
A pop-up preview of UNA's farm-to-table concept is staged at James and Daughters, Estancia Mall, Manila — a taste of what's to come.
UNA opens at The Salt, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union — bringing Chef Joaquin's long-table philosophy to the north.
Named by Simpol.ph as one of five restaurants defining San Juan, La Union's dining identity — cementing UNA's place in the Philippine culinary landscape.
Whether for a shared meal, a special occasion tasting menu, or late-night cocktails with the surf crowd — UNA has a seat waiting for you.
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