Rockwell Group, the acclaimed architecture and design studio based in NYC, has unveiled the interiors of Nobu Bangkok, marking a new milestone in the studio's decades-long collaboration with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

The brand's first foray into Thailand and its largest restaurant globally, Bobu Bangkok is located within the iconic Empire Tower in Sathon, one of the tallest office buildings of the country; it spans two floors, an expansive rooftop, and multiple dynamic spaces designed for dining, socialising, and hosting large events. Guests can enjoy breathtaking rooftop views alongside an exclusive food and beverage programme that celebrates Nobu’s signature offerings and unique elements of Thai culture. Highlights include a private tearoom and versatile event spaces.

Rockwell Group drew inspiration from Bangkok's natural and urban landscapes, incorporating themes found in a vintage map of Thailand — Urban, Jungle, and River — to shape the design and ambience of each space. The Urban concept informs the main dining room and bar, featuring tiered roofs, earthy hues, and luxurious materials such as silver travertine, bronze, wood slats, and traditional Thai textiles, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The Jungle theme inspires the lounge and rooftop bar, drawing on the organic forms of local mountains and rice terraces with a darker palette of deep blues and browns, reflective finishes, emerald-green marble, textured stones, and floral motifs. Meanwhile, the River motif defines the outdoor terraces, which evoke casual luxury through white oak, natural fibres, greenery, and warm sunset tones, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy the cityscape.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the very first Nobu to Bangkok. It is also a privilege to collaborate again with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his team. Social dining is so deeply engrained in Thai culture, and we wanted to celebrate that in our design with numerous banquettes and a central carved bar. We also saw the restaurant as an extension of the city’s architecture, geographical features, and exquisite craftsmanship, which are reflected at every turn.”

David Rockwell, Founder and President of Rockwell Group



On entering the restaurant – on the 58th floor of the tower – guests are greeted by a custom host stand made of high-gloss lacquered carved wood. The adjacent lounge features dramatic city views, curved banquettes framed by undulating metal, and Thai-inspired floral embroidery. Sky-blue leather seating complements the stepped ceiling, which is clad in smoky, antiqued mirrors to reflect and expand the panoramic sky. This stepping motif echoes the architecture of traditional Thai temples.

Beyond the host stand, guests enter the main dining room, celebrating Bangkok’s intricate tiered architecture and exquisite textiles. A site-specific installation depicts a gold swirl of watery sumi-e ink, referencing the iconic installation at Nobu Downtown in New York, but with a Thai influence that floats below a mirrored ceiling. As is customary at Nobu, a sushi bar is the central focal point of the dining room, symbolised by a glowing onyx panel above. Gridded wood planks migrate up the walls and onto the ceiling, celebrating Japanese joinery, paired with simple stone-tiled floors. To the left, a step up brings guests to a series of banquettes set into arched niches. The banquettes reference antique Thai sofas, with their low profile and daybed-like cushions. Rockwell Group employed Jim Thompson fabrics in the dining room, a brand with ties to Bangkok and its silk industry.

The outdoor terrace extends the dining room and offers cascading seating with unobstructed views of the Bangkok skyline. The central bar features a carved, sculptural bar die and a low liquor shelf to avoid obstructing the view, and lantern light fixtures integrated into the banquettes create warmth and added ambience.

The circular Sky Bar on level 61 boasts a 360-degree view of Bangkok, framed by organic infinity pools and glowing lanterns. A feature bar is topped with a gold mosaic arch that draws attention to the skyline. Curved banquettes echo the lounge's design and feature integrated lighting and a sleek, low- profile metal frame.

The 57th floor features a collection of private dining rooms (PDRs) and a versatile event terrace. Drawing inspiration from contemporary Japanese sake rooms and traditional Thai tearooms, the PDRs are characterised by low ceilings, reflective metal grid ceilings, and sparkling crystal light fixtures.

Additionally, a sculptural perimeter bar, crafted with semi-gloss black plaster and adorned with gold relief, adds to the luxurious atmosphere.

Nobu Bangkok combines Rockwell Group's visionary design and in-depth knowledge of the Nobu DNA with the essence of Thai culture and Nobu’s signature elegance. With its stunning views, innovative use of materials, and thoughtful integration of local elements, the restaurant is set to become a premier destination for fine dining and events in Southeast Asia.



Address 57th, 58th Floor and Rooftop of The Empire, 1 S Sathorn Road, Yannawa, 10120 - Bangkok, Thailand

Photography Owen Raggatt

Interior Design  Rockwell Group