Sabor Unido — Restaurant in Newark

Sabor Unido is not exactly your hole-in-the-wall kind of place but it is not the one easy to find as it’s not on the main drag of Newark's Ironbound District. And the main drag — Ferry Street — is hopping with places to try!

At first, the prices of Sabor Unido turned us off but then we realized that there were options for half-potions on the menu and we went for it. And it was a good thing. Their full size portions are calling for Gargantua.

This is a small family owned Brazilian restaurant where servers make you feel comfortable the moment you walk in, as if they’ve known you for some time. The owner is constantly present in the room greeting regulars and nodding to newbies without invading — just right. The music is not overpowering and relaxes you into the experience.They do serve beer but do not push for it. Once asked about drinks, our server directed us to a place across the street — no corkage fee. One word about this experience — smooth.

— Not sure what we were going for, just because it was "Brazilian Style" and were were at a Portuguese Brazilian restaurant, we ordered this fried chicken. Moist, crunchy, deeply seasoned, piping hot, this is one is not to be missed.

— Fried calamari was good, too. Although less interesting than Brazilian Chicken, it had much thinner coating than usual and definitely much more tender.

— The octopus was fresh and meltingly tender. But — the potatoes! And when you notice potatoes — a boring workhorse — alongside a star like an octopus it says something. Whether it's the way they cook their potatoes, or it’s their onion-pepper sofrito — this combo is perfect.

— Fried squid — when I see it — I order it. Every main dish here comes with an offer of two sides. Mine were sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Perfect umami of mushrooms and perfect greens — crunchy and garlicky.

— I love anything green and always go for collard greens if it’s on the menu. These were prepared differently than anyone I had before. The chiffonade slicing allowed for frying rather than steaming and delivered the crunch, the color, the brightness I’ve never tasted before.

— Garlicky shrimp — juicy and deeply flavored without being overpowered with garlic. This place is a winner!

The motto about the front door pretty much sums it up: "May all who enter as guests, leave as friends." We did.

Parking in that area of Newark is not easy and I am not the best at parking. Also, we live a few towns away. But this place is right around the corner from Newark train station and I can sneak out to my new favorite place on my...

Called in for a delivery, asked the person is this plate enough for 2 people, he says, YES! Plate was $23 for what can only feed one person, and I don't eat a lot... The sauce in the chicken masala is SUPER oily and barely any sauce... Last but not least, they said it comes with two sides, and guess what...Mushroom in the sauce is considered as one side!!! Seriously? But that's the sauce, how you can consider that as a side??? And $23 for this tiny plate??? Are we in Newark or Manhattan???

As far as the reply the owner sent... delicious no, I wish. The mushrooms were super oily, and trust me I know about oil, I am Greek, yet it was a lot... As far as the question for two people, we specifically asked for a portion for two people and on the phone your employee said that was enough for 2... I am sorry but you are misinformed. Thank you for your immediate reply though but still that doesn't give you any more stars. Have a great day!

To add on that "mushrooms delicious" which makes me laugh right now, where in the world have you heard about a restaurant stating 2 sides, and when you are about to choose a side they tell you, sorry the mushrooms in the sauce counts as 1??? Come on! Hahaha

(Attached the old menu as well, so now it's ~$20 for half portion? Or the half portion is one chicken wing with one mushroom and oil? ...I know I am a bit dramatic, but after hearing this "we are in Ironbound, one of the most eclectic communities in the state!" I...

Tucked humbly into the Ironbound heart of Newark, Sabor Unido may appear unassuming at first glance... but step inside, and you’ll find yourself wrapped in the warm, familial embrace of a restaurant that understands not just food, but feeling.

The interior is intimate, tastefully adorned, and radiates a quiet pride. It’s the kind of place where tables are close, laughter carries, and the clink of silverware feels like part of the music. A little snug, yes, but delightfully so. It feels like home.

The staff, attentive and gracious, treat you like an old friend returning for a long-awaited meal. There is no performance here, only genuine hospitality.

And then, there is the food.

Let me confess: I am not typically drawn to fish. Yet their Broiled Codfish with Onions and Peppers was a revelation. Flaky, delicate, and subtly seasoned to let the natural richness of the fish speak for itself. I paired it with quinoa and mushrooms, an unexpected harmony that played like a symphony of earth and sea.

But the true measure of this place came not from my own palate, but from my Brazilian companion, who wept quietly at the table. These were tears of nostalgia, from dishes that honored tradition without bending to trend, and flavors that spoke of home across continents.

Sabor Unido does more than serve food, it serves memory, identity, and heart. A rare gem....