Drinks: The Negroni, a perfectly executed classic, was nothing short of exceptional—bold, well-balanced, with just the right amount of bitterness and sweetness to make it a standout. The remaining cocktails were equally impressive, each a testament to the craftsmanship behind the bar. For those who appreciate a well-mixed drink, this venue is worth a return visit, if only for the beverages.
Food: The Patatas: A revelation. Crispy on the outside, pillow-soft within, each bite offering an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It is rare to encounter such a flawlessly executed take on a seemingly humble dish. It is, without exaggeration, a must-try—truly to die for. The Georgian Cheesy Bread, while undoubtedly enjoyable, lacks the lasting impact of the patatas. It delivers a comforting combination of flavors, though it doesn’t quite justify a repeat visit in the way other offerings do. Leftovers, however, are a pleasant surprise, and they’re best savored at leisure.
Sushi: The Salmon Teriyaki was beautifully presented, with delicate fish that melted effortlessly in the mouth. Its flavor profile, however, was slightly overshadowed by the lack of chopsticks—a small but telling detail that would have elevated the experience further. Nonetheless, it remains a strong dish that merits a return. As for the French fries, they are nothing short of divine—truly the best you’ve ever had. A golden, crispy exterior gives way to a perfectly soft interior. These fries are iconic, and they’ll linger in your memory long after the meal.
Burger: An exemplary specimen of a well-crafted burger. The patty was impeccably juicy, tender, and flavorful, with a flawless meat-to-bun ratio. The brioche bun was toasted to perfection—firm yet squishy enough to provide that ideal balance. The Chipotle mayo, a smoky, spicy indulgence, brought a touch of magic that transformed the burger into something worth savoring down to the last bite.
However, the burger was somewhat marred by an excessive amount of vegetables, which spilled over like love handles, creating an unmanageable bite. The meat, though perfectly cooked, almost seemed lost in the excess, but the burger remains a triumph in many respects.
Service: Isaac deserves his own standing ovation. His attentive yet unobtrusive service was the highlight of the dining experience. He embodied the essence of what hospitality should be—warm, gracious, and efficient. This boy truly blessed the meal.
Atmosphere: While the food certainly stole the show, the restaurant's atmosphere left something to be desired. The menu, a puzzling amalgamation of global influences, seemed to lack a cohesive identity. The sushi, burgers, and Georgian cheesy bread—how does one categorize such an eclectic mix? It left you questioning the very nature of the dining experience you were walking into. The lighting was excessively bright, leaving no room for ambiance or atmosphere. A dimmer, more intimate setting would undoubtedly enhance the overall mood, allowing the restaurant to curate a more refined, welcoming experience. The televisions, inexplicably playing a map of the United States national parks, felt entirely out of place—furthering the sense that the venue was caught between identities, unsure of what kind of experience it was trying to offer. Though the music was well-chosen, it did little to mitigate the overall confusion. The restaurant seems to lack a clear direction or vision—its vibe is bipolar at best, creating an atmosphere that is difficult to define.
Bottom Line: While the restaurant may still be finding its identity, the food, particularly the drinks and patatas, holds the promise of greatness. The service was impeccable, and the experience overall was memorable, though with room for refinement. I would certainly return—though, my curiosity about what else the culinary world has to offer...
Read moreSihana Bistro is a gem in Newark, offering an upscale dining experience with a refined yet inviting ambiance. From the moment you step inside, the elegant décor and warm lighting set the stage for a sophisticated evening.
The menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring exquisite dishes that highlight quality ingredients and expert preparation. I had the Steak Frites, which was perfectly cooked to my preference, tender, and bursting with flavor. The crispy, golden fries complemented the steak beautifully, making for a satisfying and well-balanced dish.
The cocktail selection is another highlight. Each drink is carefully crafted, offering a perfect blend of flavors that elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something innovative, they know their craft.
Service at Sihana Bistro is impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. Koka the manager, ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of, adding to the overall upscale feel.
For those seeking a refined dining experience in Newark, Sihana Bistro on Washington St. is a must-visit. Whether for a special occasion or just a night out, this restaurant delivers on all fronts: exceptional food, outstanding drinks, and top-notch service. Highly...
Read moreWent in on Mother's Day to enjoy a drink before an event for the day. Asked to sit at the bar. Was accommodated. As I sat at the bar, the bartender turned a placard around. I didn't think anything of it. I ordered a drink and was asked if I wanted to order any food. I wanted some light fare so I asked if there was an app menu as I was offered a drink menu and full food menu. I was offered the dinner menu with apps in front. After asking for a suggestion between 2 choices, I ordered and enjoyed my drink, a Fashionably Late. It was a good drink. While waiting for the appetizer, I curiously looked at the placard that was turned around upon my sitting down. It was for an all day Happy Hour menu. I was never offered this option. After seeing this, I immediately wanted to leave. I asked for the check and was accommodated by the busser at 1st then the bartender came back after busser explained my need for the check. The bartender asked if I still wanted my food, which I said yes, I just was ready to go. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I enjoy a nice place with great food/drink and ambiance. This would have been a place i would have returned to, if just for the drink alone, however, I will not be returning. The...
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