‘Sonja’ is a name synonymous with cupcakes thanks to pastry chef Sonja Ocampo. Having introduced Cupcakes by Sonja in 2006, Ocampo’s lineup of pastries dominated the middle to high-end pastry market in the Philippines for years.
It has always been a staple in many parties and given as gifts, since her cupcakes were, frankly, amazing. By the time M Bakery opened years later, Cupcakes by Sonja had already cemented its position as the high-end cupcake of choice for most.
So when it was announced that Ocampo would be opening a new café, and that it would bear her name, and only her name, expectations were that this may just be the café that makes her the bona fide pastry chef in the country. Simply named ‘By Sonja,’ her new café specializes in crepes and galettes, while still offering her signature sweets. How does this compare to other crepe places like Café Breton? Let’s see.
‘By Sonja’ is located on Chino Roces Extension, which means, if you live in the Metro, it is basically a short hop on either EDSA or C5 to find its nestled location in Makati City. On weekdays, the traffic may be quite bad due to the presence of multiple schools in the vicinity, but go on a weekend and you will find that it is quite easy to reach the café.
The problem with the location is the parking. We counted around four slots available for guests, and when you have space for five to six tables and no outdoor seating options, it may be a bit limiting. We would recommend going over on a motorcycle or scooter, if you have access to one, as the limited parking may mean you will have to wait. The other tenants in the area may allow you to park in their slots, but this was on a case-to-case basis and should not be relied on.
Accessibility is good for those with mobility issues as the café is located on the ground floor and drop-off can be done right at the front of the entrance.
By Sonja is the commissary of Chef Sonja’s cupcake empire, and it shows. An exhibition kitchen showcases the chefs making all manner of creations while you dine at the café. The venue itself is a bit tight, with limited seating, especially for larger groups. Most tables only accommodate two to three people; you may have a hard time fitting a group in the café. That being said, the decor is simple but elegant. It has a purposeful vibe, and while a bit tight, it has a cozy atmosphere.
Of course the food is where By Sonja really shines. We had a sweet crepe and a savory galette, and both were possibly the best crepe and galette we have had in the Philippines. Ample usage of Le Buerre Bordier butter means that the pastries had a very fluffy and light feeling that just could not be matched by others who use inferior ingredients.
While we were there for these two specialties, their menu includes all manner of different pastries, from croissants, tarts, mille-presse, all the way to a selection of pies—there is something for every pastry fan’s preference. If there is any room for improvement, better coffee quality to match just how epic their pastries were would have made this the perfect brunch place.
Of course, we had dessert as well, and the cupcakes and cakes definitely did not disappoint. We don’t know if it was just the placebo effect at work, but watching them make the pastries and being surrounded by wonderful smells probably had a hand in making us enjoy our sweets all the more.
The food was reasonably priced for what you get. Aside from the coffee, which could be better, there is not much to say about the value for money here. If you want the best crepes and pastries in the Metro, there will be a slight premium to reflect the quality of the ingredients used. For us the prices were worth it for the heart that went into the food we had.
It is a simple thing, really, if you want some of the best pastries in the Metro, you definitely need to check out By Sonja. Chef Sonja is one of the most decorated pastry chefs in the country for a reason, and in opening up her commissary to the public, she shares not just her venue, but also her passion for food. Definitely a must-visit while they are on their soft-opening period.
By Sonja is located at 2320 Chino Roces extension, Makati. They are open Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 6pm.
