2021 was a big year for food in Montclair. The big news ahead for Montclair’s dining scene in 2022 is Porta. The popular Neapolitan pizza chain with party vibes out of Asbury Park and Jersey City, will soon be opening its doors in Montclair, in the former space occupied by Montclair Social Club, for a true pizza and bar experience. Porta is coming soon (early 2022) but Montclair had a ton of new eateries open in 2021 and they are all ready for you to take a taste. Take a look below and let us know how many new eateries you have tried.
Butler & the Board Charcuterie
Butler & the Board Charcuterie came on the food scene to satisfy all your charcuterie needs. Inspired plating and crave-worthy additions like black truffle sausage are sure to wow your board mates. 103 Forest Street, Montclair.
Bro’s Sandwiches
Not sure if you want a sandwich, burger, panini or a Greek salad? Upper Montclair’s Bro’s Sandwiches has you covered. The sandwich shop with Mediterranean flavor is open for breakfast and lunch. 206 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair.
Cap’t Loui
Recently opened, it’s all about seafood boil at Cap’t Loui, a sister eatery to newly opened CM Chicken. 10 Park Street, Montclair.
CM Chicken
CM Chicken is one of two great new places for Korean-style chicken and more. CM Chicken also offers fried seafood dishes and specialty dishes like snow onion chicken and fried gizzard, as well as chicken sandwiches and tenders. 537 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Crabulous
Crabulous Boil Seafood, showcasing Cajun and Creole flavors, featuring steamed oysters, fried calamari and of course, crab, opened just this month. 379 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Efi’s Gyro
Efi’s Gyro is a great addition to Montclair and not just because they have a sense of humor. Efi’s serves up delicious gyro (pork, chicken or plant-based), Greek fries, dips, spanakopita and more. 521 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Good Chicken
Good Chicken is the other great new chicken place. You can get your wings and drumsticks three different ways — soy garlic, glazed or crispy — all are delicious. Bring the kids for the hot rice digs, hot potato dogs and fries. 114 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato
It was the summer of gelato in Montclair as everyone lined up to try Montclair’s new ice cream laboratory – Il Laboratorio del Gelato. With dozens of flavors changing daily, you may have devoured toasted marshmallow, black Misson fig, or Thai chili chocolate. 598 Valley Road, Upper Montclair.
Jalwa
Jalwa opened to bring modern Indian cuisine to Montclair Center. Go for the 14-item bread menu offering many variations of paratha, roti, and naan stuffed with chili, raisin, cherry, even truffle oil goat cheese. 215 Glenridge Ave., Montclair.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry
The location brings Parisienne chic to Church Street and Jayce Baudry French Pastry. Pick up pastries to go or enjoy them with espresso or tea at a charming cafe table. 17 Church Street, Montclair.
La Fontaine Cafe
Where can you get pastrami, crepes and smoothies under one roof? At La Fontaine Cafe, where you’ll find lots of tempting treats, too. 12 North Willow Street, Montclair.
Lulu’s Artisanal Cafe
Whether it’s a sweet treat, a savory dish like the popular vegan Rasta pasta or the famous Lulu’s lemonade, Lulu’s Artisanal Cafe has it all. 406 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Mercado
Upper Montclair has a gorgeous new spot to grab a sandwich, a hearty grain bowl or a perfectly crafted latte at Mercado — so worth the wait! 605 Valley Road, Upper Montclair.
Millburn Deli
When Montclair’s beloved Watchung Deli closed at the end of 2020, it was a tough blow for fans of Benny Mac sandwiches and other favorites. The bright spot in 2021? A branch of the popular Millburn Deli nearby on Park Street and is picking up the sandwich mantle with Sloppy Joes, pressed sandwiches and more. 256 Park Street, Montclair.
Minia’s
Minia’s Montclair location is open for breakfast and lunch and is serving up Huevos Rancheros (above) and guava and cheese empanadas — just to name two tantalizing options. They are closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. 22 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Mochinut
It’s more than just a donut, and with flavors like cookies and cream, black sesame and Nutella, you’ll want to eat more than one. That works just fine because Mochinut sells their delicious creations in boxes of three or more, so it’s easy to sample. You can also get Korean rice flour hot dogs and bubble tea drinks. 349 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Mosoria
Montclair’s South End still has a neighborhood pizza spot, thanks to Cafe Moso who stepped up to open Mosoria, taking over the former Amore Pizza location that closed in December 2020. 322 Orange Road, Montclair.
Napoli Trattoria Pizzeria
The tradition of grabbing a slice of pizza or a pie on Park Street is in good hands with Napoli, with a menu that also offers past, paninis, meat, seafood and more. 11 Park Street, Montclair.
Palato Caffe & Cucina
Call it the “must-try” restaurant of 2021. Palato Caffe & Cucina opened and everyone was buzzing about this pretty pocket-sized Italian serving lunch, dinner and whatever you feel like in between. Go try a panzerotti (half-moon-shaped pocket of dough, stuffed with savory fillings, wrapped and then gently fried) or any pasta dish – you won’t be disappointed. Panna cotta is one way to perfectly end your meal; super intense dark chocolate gelato is another. 377 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Pineapple Express
We couldn’t be happier to have Pineapple Express open in the historic Lackawanna Terminal space formerly occupied by Pig & Prince. Go for the killer BBQ and stay to watch sports on the big screen with your favorite brew. 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair.
Sweet T’s Southern Eatery
Sweet T’s Southern Eatery came on the scene just when we all needed some comfort food. Enjoy traditional Southern comfort food favorites like crispy chicken, shrimp and grits and mac and cheese as well as vegan and gluten-free offerings. 387 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Teglia Pizza
Teglia Pizza Bar brought their “A” game to town, changing Montclair’s pizza landscape with huge, tasty rectangular pies and a menu that makes it so hard to choose just one. Try the butternut with mascarpone and baby kale or go old school with the Roni cup. 438 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
The Salad House
Open almost a year, The Salad House is your go-to spot for your custom big salad made to order with a wide variety of proteins, veggies and yummy additions like pomegranate seeds, crispy chick peas or candied walnuts. 19 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair.
Tortas Lokas
Upper Montclair is the fourth location for Tortas Lokas, serving up authentic tortas (Mexican sandwiches) burritos and tacos ($1 on Tuesdays!). 617 Valley Road, Upper Montclair.
Vanilla Heaven
Don’t let the name fool you. This bakery, coffee and pastry shop goes beyond vanilla with baked goods featuring strawberry, chocolate, banana and more. We like the cup desserts for an on the go treat. 342 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.
Van Hook
Van Hook Cheese & Grocery is more than just an epicurean nirvana for great charcuterie and gourmet provisions. It’s also your go-to spot to grab an insanely delicious grilled cheese sandwich. You’re welcome. 111 Grove Street, Montclair.