DUI Lawyers in Montclair, NJ

In early February 2025, one of Montclair’s most iconic Italian eateries, Scala del Nonna, closed its doors after 11 years. For a while, the space was empty as MTC locals eagerly kept an eye out for what would come next. Back in early April, The Montclair Girl received an exclusive update from the new business owner taking over the space that 32 Church Street would soon welcome a new American restaurant, The Saint Clair. On May 27th, we received another update with renderings of what the space will look like upon opening. Read on for everything we know so far about The Saint Clair’s arrival in Montclair, New Jersey, and a glimpse into the new space.

The Montclair Girl received word via DM from local foodie and Top Chef Season 19 contestant, Chef Leia Gaccione, on Tuesday, April 1st, that she had an exciting secret to share with the Montclair community. Leia let us know that she would be taking over the former Scala del Nonna space at 32 Church Street in Montclair.

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With a goal of opening early this summer, the restaurant will be called The Saint Clair and focus on new American eats. The chef-driven, locally sourced eatery will feature brunch, lunch, and dinner, and be open seven days a week.

Read More: Chef Chen’s Sushi Opens in Former Le Salbuen Space in Montclair

Leia shared with MG that she hopes The Saint Clair will be a “sanctuary for food lovers and community.” She noted that she had been inspired by the original architecture of the Church Street building, which features beautiful cathedral ceilings and historic features, and is located in her favorite city (Montclair).

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Above all, Leia is thrilled to be a business owner and resident of Montclair, sharing that being able to feed the community is high on her list of things she is looking forward to. Leia worked in her very first kitchen in Montclair 25 years ago, and feels that this is a true full-circle moment of her hard work coming to fruition.

Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design

The Montclair Girl team received an exclusive first look at The Saint Clair’s soon-to-open space. D&G Interiors + Design, a Hoboken-based company, is behind the interior design.

Upon opening, customers can expect an “overall vibe [that] teeters between old-world romance and modern-day mystique,” Brian Garcia, Principal at D&G Interiors + Design, shared with MG. Taking advantage of the property’s architectural features, like its groin-vaulted ceilings, the team plans to create a space that features “warm woods and lush greenery” and brass, crystal, and silk accents.

Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design

The decor will also include plenty of art, as Brian states it will “[play] a central role in the space.” “There’s an underlying story, almost as if the chef—or some enigmatic collector—has been curating a rotating gallery over the years,” Brian said.

Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design

The upstairs area is what Brian refers to as “darker, sexier, and more intimate.” Drawing inspiration from the 1990s film Romeo + Juliet, the space will include dark and gritty (yet romantic) tones. It will have “a vibe all its own, yet still intrinsically tied to the soul of the space below.”

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On February 9th, 2025, Scala del Nonna announced via Instagram that its Montclair location at 32 Church Street would close permanently on Sunday, February 16th, 2025.

“Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that after 11 wonderful years, Scala del Nonna will be closing its doors. This is not just the closing of a restaurant—it is the closing of a chapter that has been filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family, because that is exactly what many of you have been to us.

You were never just customers. You were friends who became family. We have watched your families grow, celebrated your milestones, toasted to your successes, and even grieved alongside you in difficult times. You have filled our dining room with stories, traditions, and moments that we will cherish forever.

It has been an absolute privilege to serve you, to cook for you, and to share in the simple joys of a good meal surrounded by good company. Your support and loyalty have meant the world to us, and there are truly no words that can express our gratitude.

Though our doors may close, the memories we have created together will always remain.

This is not goodbye—just a change of scenery. Please come visit our other locations for the same delicious food that you have come to know and enjoy. We would love to welcome you with open arms and continue sharing meals, laughter, and memories together.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. For everything.

With love and gratitude,

Scala del Nonna Family”

The restaurant had served the Montclair community for 11 years prior and was known for its traditional Italian comfort dishes. Currently, Scala del Nonna still has three other locations, called Scala Fedeli, at 63 Main Street in Chatham, 167 Main Road in Montville, and 165 Duane Street in New York City.

Guests visiting a Japanese restaurant planned to open soon in Montclair should be able to enjoy sake and other alcoholic beverages with their meals.

Montclair’s town council last week approved the transfer of an inactive liquor license from Montclair Mezzanine LLC to MHG Morimoto MTC LLC. The council’s vote was unanimous. The new restaurant, MM by Morimoto, is slated for 193 Glenridge Ave., in the space previously occupied by the Maddox and Mussuko.

“I’ll be open in the next couple of months, fingers crossed,” Luck Sarabhayavanija, founder and chief business officer of Montclair Hospitality Group, told Montclair Local shortly after the council approved his license transfer May 20.

Iron Chef

The Japanese sushi restaurant will feature the legendary Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Sarabhayavanija said.

Since 1998, Morimoto has competed on the Japanese television show, Iron Chef and also appeared on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Morimoto has 19 restaurants around the world.

Interior construction was underway at the restaurant on Friday. The planned 200-seat restaurant was initially slated to open in 2024.

The restaurant will showcase Morimoto’s unique culinary vision, blending traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, Montclair Local reported last year.

MM by Morimoto Omakase Bar

The Omakase Bar and Dining Room Omakase menu at MM by Morimoto will include newly developed appetizers and entrees, along with handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list and a selection of sakes and beers at the bar, Montclair Hospitality Group said.

“Masaharu Morimoto, also known as the Iron Chef, has had a long and illustrious career, including earning a coveted Michelin Star,” a website for the restaurant says. “We are thrilled to partner and continue to push the envelope with multiple new restaurant brands.

“With his incredibly vast cooking experience, highly sensitive taste palate and phenomenal instinct for flavor and food, Chef Morimoto takes us through the heartbeat of Japan with a twist of something Western.”

Email reporter Matt Kadosh at matt@montclairlocal.news

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Montclair is unusual in that it has three “downtowns”—north (Upper Montclair), central (Watchung Plaza) and south. The latter is the biggest, consuming a mile of Bloomfield Avenue, with restaurants on or just off the avenue, and along Walnut Street, which runs parallel to Bloomfield Avenue a few blocks north.

Montclair is one of the hottest restaurant towns in New Jersey, home to a striking range of vibrant and delicious restaurants that seems to be growing by the day.

Below are our top picks for the best restaurants in Montclair, in alphabetical order.

Why should you trust our list? Put simply, New Jersey Monthly knows New Jersey’s dining scene. Our editors and restaurant critics spend endless amounts of time traversing the state to dine at all types of establishments, from fine-dining restaurants to pizza places, old favorites to new restaurants bringing their own flavor to New Jersey’s culinary scene.

Enjoy!

[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in New Jersey]

Boschetto

For a fast-casual restaurant, Boschetto (which made this year’s list of the best new restaurants in New Jersey) certainly feels more like fine dining—and that’s what the faces behind the restaurant (restaurateur Robert Spina, his partner, Ryan Held, and Michelin-starred chef Joseph Sergentakis) are aiming for. With its stellar regional Italian cuisine and gleaming new digs, a lunch or dinner here is worth every penny. Order at the counter, and your food will be brought to your table inside or on the spacious patio—but don’t skimp! Start with the pomodoro salad of ripe, marinated tomatoes with stracciatella cheese, chunks of marinated bread, and chili. Then consider sharing pastas, such as the Amatriciana. Don’t miss the zucchine fritte; the pizza is also fabulous. —Jacqueline Mroz 111 Grove Street, 973-509-1095

Faubourg

After distinguished careers with the famed Daniel Boulud, chef Olivier Muller and manager Dominique Paulin set out to create their own palace of modern Mediterranean cuisine with French accents. Transforming a long-ago bank from empty shell to stunning showcase, complete with an outdoor bar and multilevel patio, might be their greatest achievement. Which is not to dis the food at Faubourg, which ranges from the adept and endearing coq au vin to the fricassée of snails and chicken “oysters,” which hits like a slot-machine jackpot. It earned a spot on our 2024 list of New Jersey’s Best Restaurants. 544 Bloomfield Avenue, 973-543-7700

Fusionista

This new, modern Peruvian restaurant may be small in size, but its food has big ambitions. The fusion restaurant, which also combines culinary techniques from Italy, China and Japan, boasts flavorful takes on typical Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado, a traditional Peruvian stir fry with strips of beef, onions and tomatoes, topped with French fries. Don’t miss the rice pudding for dessert, which comes with raisins, cinnamon, anise, homemade dark caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —JM 14 Park Street, 862-846-4874

Gioia Mia

Diners may have been disappointed when Montclair’s popular Fascino closed after two decades, but once they try its replacement, they will be delighted. From the moment guests step inside, the low lighting, soothing background music, and inviting, red-leather booths will make them feel happy and relaxed. Now owned by two former Fascino employees, including executive chef Logan Ramirez, Gioia Mia more than lives up to expectations. The menu is interesting, with appealing dishes that don’t require a gastronomic dictionary to decipher. Start with the perfectly roasted oysters. The scallops, served over saffron seafood paella, are heavenly, with sundried tomatoes giving them an unusually sweet tang. —JM 331 Bloomfield Avenue, 973-233-0350

Koreander

The dining room is simple but pleasant, and the cooking is good. The classic Korean rice bowls—bibimbap and bulgogi, among others—can be ordered in a sizzling hot stone bowl. There are soups, vegetable dishes and a kids’ menu to bolster the selection of spicy grilled meat entrées. BYO. 128 Watchung Avenue, 973-509-7800

Laboratorio Kitchen

Several restaurants in this space on Montclair’s main drag failed to win a following until chef James DeSisto took it over in 2014. His decision to retain the name of the failed place that immediately preceded him seemed questionable at first. But he has clearly made the name his own and earned a loyal patronage. His New American food, with highly credible French and Italian dishes, is delicious and well-executed. Prices are eminently reasonable, portions are generous, and the space is soothing and comfortable. BYO. 615 Bloomfield Avenue, 973-746-6100

Marcel

Growing up in Israel, Meny Vaknin learned to cook from his Moroccan Jewish mother. Vaknin’s Mediterranean influences and baking skills have made Marcel a community hot spot since it opened in 2017. Now under new ownership, it still works as a grab-and-go cafe or a relaxing hang at its community table and two-tops. Hits include shakshuka, hummus or rice bowls topped with meat or vegetables; shwarma chicken tacos; and a variety of smoothies and coffee drinks. BYO. 631 1/2 Valley Road, 973-842-4088

Mesob

Despite never having worked in a restaurant, sisters Berekti and Akberet Mengistu fearlessly opened Mesob in 2003. They’d grown up in an Ethiopian family of 10 children; with relatives dropping by all the time, cooking dinner for 40 on little notice was no big deal. They figured they could handle the business—and they were right. Patrons have taken to the Ethiopian way of eating—scooping up subtly spiced meat and vegetable stews with hand-torn strips of cool, spongy injera, Ethiopia’s uniquely absorbent sourdough crêpe. BYO. 515 Bloomfield Avenue, 973-655-9000

pastaRAMEN

Reservations at this spot, serving an unusual combination of Italian/Japanese food in downtown Montclair, are the hottest tickets in town, and tables fill up quickly on the first of each month, when the (online) reservation book opens. But then again, chef Robbie Felice has long been a New Jersey Monthly favorite. Two of his restaurants—pastaRAMEN and Osteria Crescendo in Westwood—made it onto our 2024 Best Restaurants list. Some of the most popular dishes at pastaRAMEN are Japanese Wagyu steaks, clams focaccia, and calamari fritti in spicy miso sauce. —JM 6 S. Fullerton Avenue, no phone

Raymond’s

One of Montclair’s most popular meeting places, and for good reason. The built-from-scratch interior could be the set of a luncheonette from a 1940s Hollywood movie. The menu is basically all the American favorites people love to eat. The prices are reasonable, and there’s outdoor seating in warm weather. BYO. 28 Church Street, 973-744-9263

Red Eye Cafe

One of the better breakfast/lunch/brunch spots in town, Red Eye aces the staples and also offers such rewarding mashups as coconut grits (a bowl of grits mixed with shredded chorizo and toasted coconut, topped with two fried eggs). Brunch includes enticing twists on classic dishes, like Hong Kong waffles, made with a custard base and tapioca flour for a firmer, denser texture. BYO. 94 Walnut Street, 973-509-3663

Samba

Brazilian native Ilson Gonçalves opened Samba in 2010, and ever since has been showing patrons there is more to Brazilian food than steak (though his sirloins are very good). Grilled salmon with passion fruit sauce, and baked acorn squash filled with shrimp, squash and Parmesan, are standouts. And you don’t have to be gluten-free to be greedy for the warm cheese biscuits. BYO. 7 Park Street, 973-744-6764

SLA Thai

The initials stand for “Simple Love Authentic”—and owner Meiji Pattamasingchai radiates that L-word. She grew up in northern Thailand and learned the local cuisine (the A-word) from her mother, a caterer. Her menu, prepared by her husband Paul Phaisanyakit, is too rich in flavor and varied in texture to be summed up by the S-word. Spice levels are adjustable on request. BYO. 596 V alley Road, 973-509-0111

Turtle + the Wolf

Montclair native Lauren Hirschberg rose to a high level in celebrity chef Tom Colicchio’s Crafted Hospitality organization. In 2015, Hirschberg and longtime friend Matt Trevenen fulfilled their dream of opening their own New American restaurant in their hometown. The food is hearty and contemporary; the atmosphere hip and relaxed. BYO. 622 Valley Road, 973-783-9800

Zeugma Grill

Chef Can (pronounced John) Alp trained in Turkey and brings a fanciful, modern take on Mediterranean food to Zeugma, which he opened in 2017. Think: Crunchy beet falafel (delicately flavored with cumin) and calamari (ringed with miso aioli). BYO—or try wine from California’s Domenico Winery. 44 South Park Street, 973-744-0074

Some may think of ice cream as a summer-only treat, but The Montclair Girl team wouldn’t be doing our due diligence without a year-round monitoring of all local ice cream spots. But of course, ice cream is the unspoken hero of warm-weather treats. Fanatics can have it in a cone, cup, or milkshake form, but all can agree that it’s a refreshing option for those hot + humid New Jersey summers. Keep reading for more information on independently owned ice cream shops in the Montclair area to enjoy a cool treat while shopping small.

Absolute Zero is located near Montclair’s town center and opened its doors in 2016. The team prides itself on a different ice cream experience, making handmade ice cream rolls combined with fresh fruit or cookies. Toppings like Oreos, fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, and ube can be added to ice cream rolls. Absolute Zero’s featured vegan flavor is Moo – Get Out The Way. Ice cream typically starts around $7.

Read More: The Best Northern NJ Ice Cream Shops to Try

Applegate Farm is an ice cream shop rooted in family history. This spot has been a part of Essex County summers since the 1840s and has been run by the same family since the 1990s. Flavors available include Banana, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cotton Candy, Frozen Hot Chocolate, + Strawberry Cheesecake. Gluten-free options are available and easy to spot on the menu. In addition to ice cream, the farm also has sundaes, shakes, + ice cream cakes. Ice cream orders start around $8.18 for a small order.

Benvenuti is owned + operated by a first-generation Italian family serving authentic Italian gelato. Its gelato is made with a higher temperature, for a more intense flavor profile, + a slower churn, for a smoother texture. Gelato is available in regular and CBD form, as well as pint-sized to take home. Flavors include Strawberry, Chocolate, + Salted Peanut Butter, most of which are gluten free. The featured vegan flavor is Vegan Matcha Gelato with Coconut Milk. For a small gelato order, prices start at $4.75 for 4 ounces.

Falls Creamery is located near the intersection of Paterson Avenue + Main Street. This ice cream shop has ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, sorbet, + ices available. Cakes, ice cream sandwiches, + pies are also available in the freezers. Flavors to try are Maine Black Bear, a satisfying combo of sweet black raspberry swirled through vanilla ice cream with chocolate raspberry mini-melts; Graham Slam, a graham base ice cream with graham crackers + salted caramel ripple; + Elvis (delicious Banana Ice Cream with peanut butter ripple, fresh banana pieces + chocolate flakes). Falls Creamery lists most flavors as gluten-free + the creamery prides itself in keeping all nut flavors entirely separate. Ice cream starts around $5-7 (depending on the size: small, medium, or large). Sundaes start around $8.

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With two locations in Essex County, it’s hard to miss grabbing a cone at Guerriero Gelato. Mike Guerreiro, owner of both shops, started making ice cream in Paterson, NJ, and soon purchased the Caldwell shop. In 2022, Mike + his now wife purchased Mark + Julie’s Ice Cream in West Orange for a second location. The shops have hard ice cream, ice, ice cream cakes, + gelato available. Flavors include Banana Oreo, Black Raspberry Chip, + Triple Chocolate for hard ice cream; Blueberry Basil, Tiramisu, + Espresso Chip for gelato; and Blood Orange, Cotton Candy, + Guava for ice. Cup sizes start around $4.50 to $5.

An ice cream spot that is a Bloomfield favorite is Holstens on Broad Street. Now known as the famous ending scene of The Sopranos, Holsten’s began in 1939 as Strubbe’s Ice Cream Parlor. Currently, co-owners, Christopher Carley + Ronald Stark, pride the establishment in being a passage through time with old-fashioned barstool seats in the front, a candy shop to the right, and booth seating in the back. Holsten’s is known for its ice cream and milkshakes, but it also has sundaes + ice cream sodas. Flavors include Maple Walnut, Coffee Chip, Mint Oreo Fudge, + Salted Caramel Pretzel. A small ice cream sundae starts at $7.25 while an ice cream soda starts at $6.75.

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Kubo has a twist on traditional ice cream. This coffee + creamery serves coffee, boba, mochi ice cream, + soft serve to visitors. Flavors to try are Ube + Earl Grey. Kubo also has Taiyaki options available, which include a chewy mochi fish waffle with soft serve ice cream. Prices for ice cream vary, but soft serve starts at around $4.75, while Taiyaki options are priced at around $8.25.

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Sip N’ Swirl has two locations in Essex County: Little Falls + Fairfield. Ice cream pints + quarts are available as well as cakes + a sweet shop. The shop also has novelty ice cream options such as Big Chip, Cannoli Mini Cones, + cups of ice cream by the half dozen, to name a few. Prices by the pint start at $6, while prices by the quart, bringing home fun for the whole family, start at $11.50.

This family-owned + operated establishment serves up to 24 different flavors of frozen yogurt in its self-serve stations. Some flavors to try are Signature Cookie Butter, Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel, + Nutella. In addition to froyo, Sonny’s also has gelato, Italian ice (for those who are dairy-free), Boba tea, + acai bowls available for diners. If looking for something to share, Sonny’s has ice cream cakes + sandwiches available for purchase in the front of the establishment. Patrons can call ahead to have ice cream cakes + ice cream sandwiches made with any flavor on the menu. Sonny’s froyo pricing is $0.79 per ounce.

The Towne Scoop prides itself on being “an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.” With a neon window sign, checkered floor, + stained glass, this spot is sure to bring on the vintage vibes. Towne Scoop has sizes available in Kiddie, Regular, + Large for hard, soft ice cream options as well as Italian ice. Flavors to try are Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Fat Free Strawberry Yogurt, + Confetti Cake Batter. In addition to ice cream, this establishment also has Italian ice and makes ice cream cakes that can be served anywhere between four and 34 people. Prices can vary, as soft serve ice cream starts at $3.74, hard ice cream starts at $4.20, and vegan ice cream starts at $6.

Emily Titsworth struck out four batters while allowing just two runs as Gill St. Bernard’s edged Montclair Kimberley 3-2 in the North Jersey, Non-Public B quarterfinals in Gladstone.

Complete Box Score »

The fourth-seeded Knights (13-12) used a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie and advance to the semifinals, where they will face top-seeded DePaul.

McKinley Weese scored twice for Gill St. Bernard’s, including the game-winning run in the sixth inning. Weese reached base on a hit-by-pitch and eventually came around to score on Ella Martinelli’s RBI single to put the Knights ahead for good.

The fifth-seeded Cougars (12-10) struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Gill St. Bernard’s responded with a run in the third to tie the game at 1-1. Both teams traded runs in the fifth inning before the Knights pushed across the decisive run in the sixth.

Brynn McCarthy went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI for the Knights, while Samantha Kalinak also collected two hits, going 2-for-3. Lexi Kolenski added an RBI single and drew a walk in her three plate appearances.

Titsworth went the distance in the circle, scattering eight hits while walking just one batter to earn the complete-game victory. Her four strikeouts and ability to work out of trouble proved crucial as the Knights held off the Cougars’ offensive threats.

Isabella Mecca contributed to the Knights’ offense with a hit and a stolen base, while Charlotte Pryor-Brown doubled and scored a run in the victory.

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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.