Sato San Brings Japanese-Isaan Flair to Bangkok’s Rooftop Bar Scene

Perched atop Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Sato San pairs sweeping city views with Japanese-inspired cuisine, Isaan influences, and inventive cocktails.

Published on:

Jul 02, 2026, 4:25 am

There are few things that bind the corporate world, whether you are in Bangkok or Tokyo, like the post-work dinner with colleagues. The "afterwork hang" has become a staple in the schedule of the workforce. Whether it is to seek companionship or simply to unwind after a long week of labour, there is no denying that the clinking of glasses can bring people together, sharing their commiserations instead of bottling them up.

The culture of sharing a few drinks after work is everywhere, but it has a particularly spotlighted presence in this side of the world. It is no surprise then that Sato San, a new rooftop bar taking inspiration from both Japanese and Thai-Isaan cultures, heralds the charge from its position on the 32nd floor of the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong.

The Vibes

Space: At Sato San's entrance, two large bears dressed in cheeky Sato San shirts and traditional Isaan cloth greet you with their fluffy smiles. Once you step out of the indoor lounge and into the crowning jewel of Sato San—the 360-degree views and three separate seating areas—you are immediately struck by the bar. It is evident that this is the centrepiece, with its bamboo coronet which lights up in hues of orange and red throughout the night.

Crowd: The energy at Sato San is lively. It is perfect for a get-together after work, a date night, or just a catch-up between friends. Whatever your mood (and your clique size) may be, Sato San has space for you.

The Bites

It would be a disservice to Sato San's concept if I did not mention the vast array of their drink selection. We were fortunate enough to try several of their signature cocktails, including the Kyoto Sato aka KS (THB 500), Sake & Longan (THB 500), Gyoda (THB 500), Sato Highball (THB 500), Rise & Shine Tokyo (THB 450), and the Isan Colada (THB 450). The flavours in each cocktail created harmony between Thai and Japanese traditions.

Accompanying the drinks were the aptly titled "Bar Bites." These shareable appetisers were the perfect complement to our drinks. The Crispy Salt & Pepper Tofu (THB 180), served with tamarind sauce, struck the right balance between salty and spicy. Similarly, the Edamame (THB 120), topped with sea salt chilli, was just the kick we needed.

Crispy Salt & Pepper Tofu

Named Sato San, as a blend between the Thai sato (สาโท) rice wine and the Japanese san (さん), which is a formal greeting of respect, we would be surprised if there were no Japanese-inspired dishes on the menu.

First came the Crispy Tuna Sushi (THB 290), three servings of Akami tuna set atop crispy sticky rice and served with burnt lime chili mayo.

Crispy Tuna Sushi

For those craving a more Thai flavour, the Tom Yum Tiger Roll (THB 420) tastes just like a soupy bite of tom yum kung.

Speaking of dishes that pair perfectly with fun drinks, Sato San's "On a Stick" menu is full of inspired spins on the classic satay staple. We had the pleasure of tasting the Salmon Belly (THB 180), served with spicy sauce and a wedge of lemon. If you are trying the Beef Satay (THB 220), we would be remiss if we did not sing praises of the Thai basil dip it came with.

Salmon Belly

Creamy and rich, the dip was versatile enough to match the flavour palette of the Eggplant and Shiitake (THB 150), which made even me, an eggplant non-believer, enjoy the vegetable.

However, it is in the large plates that the Isaan flair really shines. The Fried Pork Ribs Thai Style (THB 320) calls back the concept of social dining and drinking at the heart of Sato San. Along with the Thai Chicken Wings (THB 350), served with nam jim jaew, a traditional Thai dipping sauce, these dishes really espouse the atmosphere of sharing a few plates and drinks with friends or colleagues.

The Ebi Katsu Slider (THB 400), comprised of a fluffy brioche bun, fried shrimp cake, wakame, a Japanese kelp, and tobiko mayo, is the perfect fusion of Japanese cuisine and traditional bar food. But the Japanese influence really shines in the Grilled Striploin (THB 950). Served on a massive platter, this is grass-fed Australian striploin with a togarashi rub. The spice in the rub with the nam jim jaew is the culmination of Sato San's Thai-Japanese philosophy.

The Masala Choice

Each dish, each drink, and dessert came together to tell a story. Even so, there was a dish that was the clear choice in our hearts.

The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Thigh (THB 390), served with Japanese cucumber, crispy sushi rice, and a yuzu and ginger pickle, was an elevated classic. Known fondly as kai yang in Thai, this is a crowd-pleaser of a plate. Whether it is the perfect balance between flavours or the way it pairs with any drink, you will be licking your lips by the end of each bite.