New Dining Experience Unveiled in Cardiff: Sonder, the Brainchild of Former Pasture Chef
Cardiff, known for its vibrant culinary scene, has welcomed a new addition to its array of dining establishments. Sonder, the latest restaurant to grace the city’s food landscape, is the brainchild of a former chef from the well-loved city steakhouse, Pasture. Situated in Pontcanna’s Laundry Quarter, Sonder promises a distinct dining experience that caters to all tastes, from casual daytime dining to elegant evening meals.
Leading the culinary charge at Sonder is none other than Jake Lewis, who previously served as the executive chef at Pasture restaurants in Cardiff, Bristol, and Birmingham. Jake’s vision for Sonder revolves around creating approachable yet tantalising dishes that showcase his culinary expertise and passion. The restaurant’s location on Llandaff Road in Pontcanna sets the stage for a gastronomic journey like no other.
Sonder’s inaugural bistro menu for April includes a tantalising array of dishes designed to delight diners’ palates. From unique offerings like pizza fritta with carbonara sauce and wild mushroom French toast to more substantial options such as toma-pork chop with caramel rhubarb and aubergine ‘parm’ with smoked mozzarella and tomato jam, Sonder’s menu reflects a blend of creativity and local inspiration.
One standout item on the menu is the flat iron steak frites, served with Jake’s signature café de Canton butter—a delectable creation infused with smoked Welsh leeks, dried Pembrokeshire laver seaweed, and Penderyn Whisky. The commitment to quality and excellence shines through in Sonder’s menu, which prioritises locally sourced ingredients from esteemed suppliers like Oriel Jones Butchers and Fine Wines Direct.
Joining Jake at Sonder is Alex Mills, an accomplished bartender with a stellar track record in the industry. With accolades such as Best Bartender in the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK in 2018, Alex brings his expertise and creativity to Sonder’s cocktail offerings. Guests can look forward to a curated selection of signature cocktails, including a unique bloody Mary made with black garlic vodka and house-made roasted tomato juice.
As Sonder prepares to open its doors on April 21, anticipation is high among Cardiff’s culinary enthusiasts. The restaurant’s interior exudes elegance and sophistication, with wooden tables, leather chairs, and eye-catching art adorning the walls. The exterior, painted entirely in black, sets the stage for a dining experience that promises to be both stylish and memorable.
In a city teeming with culinary delights, Sonder emerges as a promising addition to Cardiff’s dining landscape. With its innovative menu, commitment to quality ingredients, and talented team at the helm, the restaurant is poised to make its mark on the vibrant food scene in Pontcanna and beyond. Cardiff diners can look forward to embarking on a culinary journey like no other at Sonder, where creativity and flavour converge to create a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.