Tristan Tanaya
Nov 02, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel Bali is pleased to announce the appointment of Mitsuaki Senoo as Executive Chef, bringing more than 35 years of culinary experience, extensive leadership across luxury resorts and large-scale hotel operations, and a deeply personal approach to food shaped by Japanese craftsmanship, Italian influences, and decades of experience in Indonesia. In his new role, Chef Mitsuaki Senoo will oversee the culinary and kitchen operations across Hard Rock Hotel Bali, including Jamie Oliver Kitchen Kuta Beach and the hotel’s upcoming all-day dining restaurant, SESSION, set to debut in 2027.
Born in Kawasaki and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Chef Mitz began his culinary journey at 16, working in a Chinese kitchen. What began as an early introduction to professional cooking grew into a lifelong career that has taken him through a diverse range of culinary environments, from intimate luxury resorts to complex hotel operations with more than 500 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, extensive banquet facilities, and large culinary teams.
His decision to pursue cooking professionally came from an unexpected moment while operating a food truck in Tokyo. Seeing a long queue of guests waiting for his food made him recognize how much satisfaction he found in cooking and creating experiences that made people happy.
“That moment made me realize how much I loved cooking and making people happy through food,” said Chef Mitz. “From there, I decided to take cooking more seriously and pursue my dream of becoming a professional chef.”
Over the years, Chef Mitz’s distinguished career has given him the opportunity to create culinary experiences for a diverse range of high-profile guests, including celebrities, ministries, and former and current Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia.
Cooking with Compassion
Despite the scale and diversity of his career, Chef Mitz describes his cooking style with one simple word: “compassion.” His culinary influences reflect the international journey of his career. He draws particular inspiration from Italian cuisine, especially the Neapolitan tradition, while his Japanese heritage provides a foundation that allows him to interpret these influences through his own perspective.
For Chef Mitz, however, creating a successful dish begins with the guest, not the chef.
“For me, the guest always comes first. It is not about the chef’s style or ego. My own creation comes last,” he explained.
This guest-first philosophy will guide his culinary direction at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, where he will oversee the hotel's diverse culinary operations while continuing to develop experiences that balance quality, creativity, consistency, and the individuality of each dining concept.
Finding a New Rhythm at Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Mitz’s personality naturally connects with Hard Rock’s music-inspired identity. Music has long played an important role in his life, with his tastes spanning alternative rock, contemporary sounds, and classical compositions. His music choices while cooking can shift with the mood and pace of the kitchen, from energetic sounds to classical pieces that encourage concentration and creativity.
With his combination of Japanese culinary discipline, international influences, extensive Bali experience, large-scale operational leadership, and a philosophy grounded in cooking with compassion, Chef Mitsuaki Senoo begins his new chapter at Hard Rock Hotel Bali with a simple focus: creating food that puts the guest at the heart of every experience.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Jl. Pantai Kuta, Badung, Bali
Phone: +62 361 761869
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