There is a hidden gem in the middle of downtown New Brunswick, NJ. This Mediterranean restaurant, Sahara, sits right at 165 Easton Avenue. It may be easy to miss, but trust me, you do not want to. Described by the owner, Sam Algar, as serving cuisine from Greece all the way to Egypt, this will surely please your taste buds.
Unlike many other places, Sahara has its own brick wood oven that was built by Nevil, who flew all the way from Italy to build it. It can get up to 400 degrees. “Cooking the food longer,” explains Algar, “creates a better flavor.” The bricks naturally bring out the flavor of the foods. From thin crusted pizza, that come with various toppings, to firewood oven bread, the appetizers alone are enticing. Known for their hummus, Algar created three different kinds so well that it was rated the best hummus in central NJ by NJ Monthly Magazine. There are about 17-20 appetizers to choose from, not including eight salad choices along with soups and sandwiches. It is a wealth of variety that is sure to please any palate.Make sure to leave room for the tasty and sizzling entrees that leave your mouth watering! 90% of the food is charbroiled which actually sucks out the fat! Delicious AND healthy? You cannot beat that combo! The Adana Kabob is one of the most popular dishes. It consists of hand diced lamb flavored with fresh red peppers and paprika spice. Some of the other entrees rich in flavor are the Kafta (ground lamb) and Shawarma. Shawarma is made up of layers of ground beef and lamb char-broiled and wrapped around a large vertical spit. It was so scrumptious I had to go for seconds!With all of this food it seems unlikely you’ll have room for dessert. However, how can one possibly pass up on any of the eight options? I highly recommend the Panna Cotta, which is a light custard topped with strawberries. It was to die for!To enhance the fine dining, along with the cozy and mood-setting indoor decoration, there are two outside patios. One is off of the second floor which overlooks the downtown area. And for those chilly nights, there is an outdoor fireplace to keep you more than comfortable. Not only is this a smart choice for an afternoon or evening out, but they also provide catering services and private party dining. Check out Sahara the next opportunity you get. You will be more than satisfied.