This tiny “Balkan” bistro opened November 30 in the former Global Grub space. The restaurant is a joint venture between former lawyer Eran Elhalal (who’s cooked at Brasserie 8 1/2 and Vespa) and his wife, Jackie, who mans the front of the house. The spot is named for Elhalal’s Yugoslavian Grandmother, Sara (her nickname was “Saro”), and though Elhalal is Israeli, the Eastern European menu reflects the comfort food he ate while growing up. A slideshow of the space, and the menu, straight ahead.
Traditional Yugoslav dishes include savory pies in a puff-pastry shell (“a typical lunch” Elhalal explains); cevapcici beef kebabs; and a “pantry” plate that features, among other things, aivar, a traditional preparation of peeled, seeded, roasted vegetables, minced so finely the texture resembles caviar. The restaurant is still waiting on its beer and wine license, and when that’s secured in the New Year, Elhalal plans to offer food and wine pairings.
The couple did most of the build-out themselves, installing a gold-painted tin ceiling and hand-stenciling the walls in gold as well. The dark-wood bar is made from a former baker’s bench, a relic of the kosher bakery that once occupied the space, and tables are stained to match. Saro is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. A limited take-out menu is offered Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and there’s weekend brunch from noon to 4 p.m. as well; the restaurant is closed Monday.
Lunch Delivery Menu (Tuesday-Sunday)
Escarole Salad ($12)
Arugula, Basil, Mint, Carmelized Pear, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Sopska Salad ($11)
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, Bell peppers, Chilies, feta, red wine vinegar dressing
Burratina ($15)
Made to order Fresh Mozzarella stuffed with Ricotta, Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Prsute Flower
Traditional Savory Pies ($12)
With a Glass of Kefir
Pastel
Traditional Minced Meat Pie, Pickles
Gibanica
Cheese Pie, Chilled Pepper Relish
Burek
Spinach, Aivar
Desserts ($8):
Saro Doughnuts
Jam and Chocolate Sauce
Slice of Hazelnut-Chocolate cake
Sour Cherry Reduction
*Gluten Free
Cookies
Assorted Homemade Cookies & Truffles
Dinner Menu
Appetizers:
Escarole Salad ($12)
Arugula, Basil, Mint, Carmelized Pear, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Sopska Salad ($11)
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, Bell peppers, Chilies, feta, red wine vinegar dressing
Burratina ($15)
Made to order Fresh Mozzarella stuffed with Ricotta, Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Prsute Flower
Saro Crab cake ($14)
Cayenne Snow Peas & Greens
A Taste of Saro’s Pantry ($24)
For 2-3 people. Cured and Smoked Meats, Cheeses, Roasted Vegetables Caviar, Pickled Vegetables, Basket of Homemade Cornbread and Peasant Bread
Traditional Savory Pies ($12)
With a Glass of Kefir
Pastel
Traditional Minced Meat Pie, Pickles
Gibanica
Cheese Pie, Chilled Pepper Relish
Burek
Spinach, Aivar
Entrees:
Smoked & Roasted Guinea Hen ($18)
Fries and Pepper Relish
Karadjordjeva ($16)
Organic Chicken Breast Stuffed with Kashkaval and Prsute, Fries, Sopska Salad
Cevapcici ($16)
Jugoslavian Kebabs, Zucchini Fritters, Fresh Cheese & Onions
Braised Short Ribs ($20)
Egg Noodles & Feta, Crunchy Lettuce Salad
Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder ($22)
Chef’s Potatoes, Braised Cabbage
Pan Roasted Hake ($22)
Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans
Fresh Homemade Pasta (vegetarian) ($16)
Acorn Squash, Collard Greens, Cream and Wild Mushrooms
Sides ($6):
Bread Basket
Fresh Cheese, Homemade Preserves and Aivar
Kalsonis
Homemade Istrian egg noodles and feta
Crunchy Lettuce Salad
Braised Collard Greens
Hand cut French Fries
Steamed Greens
Sopska Salad
Desserts ($8):
Saro Doughnuts
Jam and Chocolate Sauce
Slice of Hazelnut-Chocolate cake
Sour Cherry Reduction
*Gluten Free
Cookies
Assorted Homemade Cookies & Truffles
Brunch Menu - $12
Homemade Granola
Yogurt & Seasonal Fruit
Escarole Salad
Arugula, Basil, Mint, Carmelized Pear, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Saro Benedict
Poached Eggs, Smoked Bacon, Short Rib Hash
Satarash
Two Eggs any stle, Pepper Relish, Zucchini Fritters
Baked Bean Cassoulet
Sausage and Eggs sunny side up
Pieckavice
8 Oz Ground Sirloin served with Pickle Relish, Onion and Fries
Palacinke
Jugoslavian Crepes, Homemade Jams & Preserves
Bread Basket ($6)
Fresh Cheese, Homemade Preserves and Aivar
Saro, 102 Norfolk St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-505-7276
