Sihana Bistro, a new day-to-night café has opened within Newark Urby. Located in the heart of Downtown Newark and across from Rutgers University, the café is open daily for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Brought to life by local operators Kreshnik Berisha and David Khabuliani Sihana Bistro brings a blend of Mediterranean and Georgian-inspired cuisine to Newark Urby and the broader community, continuing the founders’ mission of creating spaces that celebrate Newark’s rich diversity while addressing community needs.
This new concept is the latest venture from the team behind the Ironbound’s Sihana Café and Five Corners Ristorante, both beloved Newark institutions.
David Barry, founder and CEO of Urby, said the opening Sihana Bistro at Newark Urby is about how the community, not just the building’s residents, but at large, interacts with the space.
“I think one of the knocks on development often is it disrupts the flow of a neighborhood,” Barry said. “We’re committed to this public-facing bistro, where there’s a local operator, a local team, that’s really stitching together the existing community of Newark with the new residents in the new building. Kreshnik and David have built an impressive legacy in Newark, blending culinary excellence with a heartfelt commitment to community enrichment, and we’re thrilled to have them continue that legacy here.”
Sihana Bistro’s menu pays homage to the Mediterranean culinary traditions of Newark’s Ironbound while infusing Georgian flavors and inspirations from surrounding regions. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and beer, with menu items.
In addition to its menu, Sihana Bistro offers guests a hands-on culinary experience with interactive cooking classes. Participants don a chef’s jacket and hat as they join an intimate class led by a friendly instructor, exploring kitchen techniques, food safety, and plating artistry. Each class culminates in a three-course meal of their own creation, complete with a bottle of wine and a plating competition where winners receive gift card prizes. Reservations are required.
“Newark is not just where we work — it’s home,” said Kreshnik Berisha, founder of Sihana. “Sihana Bistro represents our continued commitment to this incredible city and its people. At Newark Urby, we have the opportunity to create something that connects residents, visitors, and the broader community through food, art, and culture.”
