Energetic Elegance: Silvia’s Matcha Revolution at Sorate
Discover how Silvia transformed her fashion-magazine background into a serene matcha haven in SoHo.
Founder Silvia, once immersed in fashion magazines, found a new calling through tea ceremony training with a Japanese master. The result is SoHo’s first matcha shop, an intentional space where quality, calm, and craft converge in every cup.
A New Kind of Calm in SoHo
There’s a quiet moment that happens when you step inside Sorate. The bustling sounds of SoHo seem to hush at the door, replaced by the rhythmic whisk of matcha and the soft scent of freshly ground tea leaves. It’s not just a café, it’s an experience built with intention.
At the helm is Silvia, who spent ten years immersed in the world of fashion magazines before following a calling that led her far from glossy pages and into the heart of Japanese tea culture. Studying under a tea master and learning the nuanced art of the tea ceremony, she came away with more than a skill. She found purpose. “I wanted to create a place in New York because people need a place to calm down,” she says. In 2023, that vision took root in the form of Sorate Teahouse, the first dedicated matcha shop in the neighborhood.
SōKŪ Matcha: The Signature Experience
Silvia’s Italian background plays a subtle yet meaningful role in how Sorate approaches its drinks. Take the SōKŪ matcha, Sorate’s signature: “It’s a bit like cappuccino,” she says. The ceremonial-grade matcha is whisked with water and a small amount of milk, just enough to soften the edges without overpowering the delicate flavors. Every blend is sourced directly from Japan, especially the standout SōKŪ Superior. Alongside limited-edition drinks like coconut or maple matcha, and even matcha gelato, the menu reflects both quality and creativity.
Design, Community, and Quality
While some shops spell out their story on the wall, Silvia lets Sorate’s design speak for itself. The clean, traditional layout borrows its aesthetic from Japanese tea houses: minimal, calm, and precise. “Social media is the same style as in the store,” she adds, referencing the cohesive feel across platforms. And it’s working: about 40% of Sorate’s customers are regulars, something Silvia is “so proud of.” She credits this to an uncompromising focus on product quality, both in-store and through Sorate’s expanding e-commerce business.
Building a Future Steeped in Tradition
With a second location opening in the Flatiron area at the end of July this year, Silvia is navigating new challenges—particularly learning to manage a growing team. But her vision remains steady: expand thoughtfully, without losing the essence of what makes Sorate special. Her advice to aspiring restaurateurs is straightforward: “Really have a passion for the company, even if you don’t care about money at first… A little bit expensive, but after you taste, everything is worth it.” With that mindset, Sorate is poised to bring more calm, quality, and culture to matcha lovers across New York and beyond.