The set-up
Sonie, previously located at J Avenue, is back after a five-month hiatus — and at a new location. While we can’t verify its claim of introducing fusion sushi to Bangkok back in 1999, we can swear on our salaries that Sonie proves to be a black belt in delivering savoury sushi rolls, karate pun intended.
The new Sonie seems to be targeting a “young and cool” clientele, with its industrial-urban vibe mixed with nods to Nippon. A sticker mural of samurais behind the cashier counter catches your eye upon entering, while cool skateboards with Japanese motifs are hung on bare concrete columns. The conversation piece in the airy dining room, however, is a 7m sticker mural depicting the sun goddess Amaterasu emerging from a heavenly cave.
Sonie’s open-plan space affords customers several seating choices, and you also can ask for a free game with which to kill time. Play Jenga after downing a few bottles of Japanese craft beer at the sushi bar to decide who’s sober enough to drive. Get a table for a proper dinner with friends or family, with enough space to play a game of Go before your orders arrive. Should you and your friends want to shout “kampai!” and be reasonably rowdy, opt for a private room in the back.