Montclair is a town that loves its food.
With three vibrant downtowns and a ton of tell-a-friend restaurants, there are gems everywhere you look.
Italian comfort food, Ethiopian flavors, and Tex-Mex plates are just some delights you’ll find.
And the best thing is that no matter what you’re in the mood for, Montclair offers plenty of reasons to explore its food scene.
Since it would be rude not to see what this foodie town has to offer, let’s look at some of the best Montclair restaurants.
FYI: The restaurants on this list are in no particular order; that would be way too tough to call.
1. Faubourg
Location: 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
It’s only fitting to start with Faubourg––a locally loved restaurant, bringing modern Mediterranean flavors to Montclair, all set in an old converted bank building.
Chef Olivier Muller and manager Dominique Paulin, both with experience in Daniel Boulud’s kitchens, clearly know what they’re doing, but the vibe here stays approachable.
With a bustling patio and plenty of space inside, this place feels right for any kind of night out.
But the food here: something else.
The coq au vin is rich, comforting, and done the way you hope it will be.
But if you fancy something a little different, the fricassée of snails and chicken “oysters” is the dish to go for—unexpected, sure, but it works.
Faubourg balances polished cooking and an easygoing atmosphere, so it’s a true gem among Montclair restaurants and easily earns its place on this list.
2. Samba
Location: 7 Park Street, Montclair
Samba is an authentic Brazilian restaurant that has people talking for all the right reasons.
The spot has made a name for itself in the Montclair, NJ, restaurant scene because of its dishes full of bold spices and rich textures.
Lunch is an easy win with their paninis, but dinner is when the menu steps up.
The camarão ao alho e óleo—garlicky shrimp with layers of flavor and texture—is a dish that’s hard to forget; it’s that good.
Whether you’re a first-timer or already a fan of Brazilian cuisine, Samba is, by far, the best place in town to get your fix.
3. Marcel
Location: 631 1/2 Valley Road, Montclair
At Marcel, Mediterranean dishes come with a personal touch.
Chef Meny Vaknin, who learned to cook from his Moroccan Jewish mother in Israel, opened this spot in 2017, and it’s been a favorite among restaurants in Montclair, NJ, ever since.
The menu offers the most satisfying options: shakshuka, falafel pitas, and shawarma chicken tacos, plus a whole lot more.
It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping in for a quick bite or sitting down with a coffee; Marcel feels like a comfortable part of the neighborhood.
4. Mesob
Location: 515 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
If you haven’t tried Ethiopian food, Mesob will blow your mind.
Known among restaurants in Montclair, NJ, for its bold flavors and cozy vibe, it serves dishes family-style on injera, a spongy flatbread that acts as a plate and fork.
The menu is packed with options like spiced chicken, beef, and hearty vegan dishes, and they’re all meant for sharing.
Oh, and even gluten-free diners have plenty to enjoy.
Perhaps the best thing about Mesob is that it feels less like a restaurant and more like a shared experience, so it had to make our list.
5. Noce77
Location: 77 Walnut Street, Montclair
Noce77 has date night written all over it.
Whether it’s your first dinner together or your fiftieth celebration, the warm, intimate vibe here sets the tone.
Now, for what we’re all here for: the food. It leans heavily on classic Italian dishes—game meats and pasta—but throws in a few modern American touches for good measure.
It’s BYOB, too, so grab your favorite wine on the way and settle in.
Noce77 feels special and approachable, so many locals pick this spot instead of other restaurants in Montclair.
6. Red Eye Cafe
Location: 94 Walnut Street, Montclair
Red Eye Cafe is a staple in the Montclair restaurants NJ brunch scene, and it makes sense.
You can find all the classics here, but the real fun is in their creative twists.
Take the coconut grits—a bowl loaded with chorizo, toasted coconut, and two fried eggs—or the Hong Kong waffles, made with a custard base and tapioca flour.
And it’s BYO, so don’t forget to bring a bottle if you feel like it.
You could say Red Eye makes every meal feel like a little adventure, so why not try it out the next time you need to get your brunch fix?
7. Turtle + the Wolf
Location: 622 Valley Road, Montclair
Turtle + the Wolf has been serving Montclair since 2015 when locals Lauren Hirschberg and Matt Trevenen turned their dream into reality.
Hirschberg, who worked with Tom Colicchio, brought his experience home to create a New American menu full of hearty, thoughtful dishes.
With a laid-back vibe and a BYO policy that keeps things casual, Turtle + the Wolf is part of the restaurants in Montclair that feels personal, and that always makes the difference, don’t you think?
8. Salute Brick Oven Bistro
Location: 173 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
Saving the best for last, Salute Brick Oven Bistro is a beloved Italian joint, and many say it’s one of the best restaurants in Montclair, NJ.
This local favorite nails classic Italian comfort food with dishes like baked eggplant, pork chops, and their signature brick-oven pizza.
And it has the kind of warm, welcoming vibe that works for anything—a casual dinner or a special celebration.
So, go ahead; try Salute. You’ll enjoy quality authentic food in the right surroundings, all served up in the heart of Montclair.
Montclair Restaurants You’ll Keep Coming Back To
I told you Montclair’s food scene doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you’re having Italian comfort food at Salute, trying the bold flavors at Samba, or sharing Ethiopian platters at Mesob, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Montclair, whatever the mood.
From casual brunches to dinner plans that feel a little more special, the restaurants we’ve covered today are all worth a visit.
So, pick one and dig in—you’ll see why this town is a foodie favorite.
Oh, and here’s a little treat for sticking around til the end––we’ve made a guide on the most fun things to do in Central NJ, so you might want to check that out.