Set in the heart of Pontcanna, my experience at Sonder was like no other!
Heading into Sonder, we were met with a buzzing and animated energy. This bistro is an independent restaurant led by chef Jake Lewis. Opened in April 2025 with roaring success, Sonder marks Jake Lewis’ first restaurant and business under his own name, at the age of 29.
As we looked over the extensive menu, we noted Sonder’s remarkable vision: “your friendly neighbourhood bistro, inspired by travel and defined by seasonality”. We also asked the waitress about the meaning behind the restaurant’s name, which she explained refers to the idea that every individual is on their own journey, yet we all come together through food and service. Sitting there and watching the hubbub, I contemplated this unique feeling that Sonder endeavours to bring to life. I felt the movement between chefs, waiters and customers and how the restaurant hails as the hub to the motion.
Eager to try a cocktail from the expansive bar menu, I opted for a non-alcoholic Winter Hugo Spritz, which had light tones of pear. This mocktail emulated a cocktail wonderfully.
We were then kindly served an amuse- bouche of tempura prawn upon steak tartare stacked on a rosti base, drizzled with sweet chilli sauce. I hugely underestimated the dimension to this surf and turf style bite: the delicacy of the tartare and tenderness of the prawn, elevated by the sweet chilli and jalepeno garnish.
Rapidly onto the starters, we had to try the Mini Beef Smash Sliders.
I think the photo speaks for itself… oozing with the house cheese and balanced by a substantial layer of chimichurri. My only complaint was that these weren’t bigger!
Speaking to our server, we felt pretty compelled to order one of Sonder’s favourites, the Crispy Fried Chicken Wings, as well as the Mackerel Tataki Salad. Some may question chicken wings in fine dining, but these wings were far superior to other chicken wings – rich buffalo sauce and succulent meat. The meatiness was paired with watermelon squares, a unique combination but it certainly worked.
The distinctive flavour pairings continued with the Mackerel Tataki Salad, as the lightly seared mackerel was bathed in a turnip and blood orange ponzu. The sauce was unlike anything I’ve seen paired with mackerel, but this distinctive dish was truly wonderful.
This first course was an utter delight, and we were keen to see what the main course brings. Sticking with a surf and turf theme, my partner selected the Filet of Sirloin Tournedos whilst I opted for the Giant Atlantic King Prawns.
The Filet of Sirloin Tournedos, nicknamed “The Tornado”, was a tower of dreams. Filet and birria steak stacked on a bed of chimichurri and beef fat croute, paired with a deep jus and plenty of onion rings. Not only was the steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare, but it is also locally supplied by Oriel Jones and raised in the mountains of Carmarthenshire.
Whilst the tornado was a total whirlwind of flavour, the king prawns were exquisite. I can hand on heart say I have never seen prawns as big as that! The true highlight of the dish however was definitely the bisque – buttery and rich, the perfect sauce to complement the prawns.
After we couldn’t eat a mouthful more, our server kindly gave us a compliment from the bar: a pressed rhubarb, vanilla pod and champagne palate cleanser. It was a lovely blend with subtle vanilla notes and a perfect intermediary between our main course and dessert.
As we finished our drinks, our server gave us some insight into what the first year in operation has looked like for Sonder. With the intention of creating a new space of premium service and good quality, locally sourced ingredients whilst keeping casual all-day service. Due to its big success in Pontcanna, it is so exciting to see how Sonder will continue to grow in the community.
We finished the lunch with a bang and ordered the Salted Caramel and Chocolate Profiteroles. The light choux pastry with a deep, rich and warm chocolate sauce was a truly glorious dish.
As a slightly more expensive spot, it is definitely worth the money and Sonder should be top of your list for special occasions!
