The Best Dining Spots in Montclair, NJ

How To Find The Best Restaurants In Montclair, NJ (Without Wasting A Meal)

You roll into Montclair hungry, maybe after a long drive or a crowded train. Tree-lined streets, glowing storefronts, people spilling out of bars and bistros. The last thing you want is to spend that precious meal on a bland plate.

Montclair has a serious food scene, from polished French spots to Ethiopian feasts. The hard part is choosing. This guide pulls together some of the top restaurants in Montclair NJ, with a quick feel for their food, mood, and who will love each one most.

Use it as your starting map to the best Montclair NJ restaurants, so every night in town feels like a win, not a gamble.

How To Choose The Best Montclair, NJ Restaurants For Your Night Out

“Best” means something different for every diner. Before you book a table, think about what kind of night you actually want.

Start with cuisine. Are you craving French brasserie food, shareable Mediterranean plates, or a big American burger? Then match that with your budget and vibe. Montclair ranges from special-occasion white tablecloths to jeans-and-sneakers brunch spots, often on the same block.

Consider your group. Date night calls for lower lighting and strong cocktails. Families might favor all-day diners and roomy booths. Solo diners might like a bar seat with good people-watching in downtown Montclair.

Scan the restaurants website for its menu, and parking or walkability, since Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street can get busy. A few minutes of planning turns the best Montclair NJ restaurants from rumors into real options.

Top Restaurants In Montclair, NJ For Every Style Of Diner

Montclair rewards curiosity. Here are standout spots that cover a wide range of moods, from brunch to late-night to special events.

Faubourg Montclair: Upscale French Brasserie For Dates And Celebrations

Faubourg feels like someone dropped a sleek Paris brasserie into Essex County. The menu leans French, with rich mains, fresh oysters, seasonal seafood, and shareable starters like gougères and shishito peppers. A sharp wine list and polished cocktails round it out.
The space is striking, with high ceilings, warm lighting, and an indoor-outdoor layout that hums on weekend nights. It feels like a night in a major city, without leaving Montclair.
It is ideal for anniversaries, business dinners, and birthday groups who want to dress up and make the evening feel big.
Learn more from our restaurant review of Faubourg

De Novo European Pub: Lively Spot For Casual Groups

De Novo wears two hats, part neighborhood pub, part casual European bistro. The menu covers burgers, flatbreads, big salads, and cozy plates like pastas and braises, often with a European twist that keeps things from feeling predictable.
Inside, you get a buzzing bar, plenty of chatter, and TVs that suit game nights without turning the place into a sports bar. It is the kind of spot where a big group can linger without feeling rushed.
De Novo works well when your crew cannot agree on one cuisine. The menu is broad enough for picky eaters, vegetarians, and that friend who just wants wings. It is perfect for friend meetups, casual birthdays, and pre-show dinners before a night out in downtown Montclair.
Scan the website of De Novo European Pub

Raymond’s: Classic Montclair Diner Feel With Great All-day Comfort Food

Raymond’s is the definition of a local fixture. The menu is stacked with American comfort dishes, from the juicy Raymond’s Burger and crispy fries to pancakes, omelets, and big salads that actually fill you up.
The ambiance is bright and lively, with a vintage diner feel and steady background buzz. Sidewalk tables give you prime people-watching along Church Street, especially on sunny weekends.
What makes Raymond’s special is how dependable it feels. The food is consistent, the staff is used to families, and you can roll in for breakfast, brunch, or a fast weeknight dinner. It suits families, casual dates, and anyone who wants a relaxed, no-fuss meal at one of the top restaurants in Montclair NJ for comfort food.
Learn more from our restaurant review of Raymond's

Red Eye Cafe: Cozy Breakfast And Brunch For Early Birds

Red Eye Cafe feels like the kind of place regulars “claim” as their own. The menu is brunch-focused, with eggs, creative breakfast plates, hearty sandwiches, and strong coffee drinks. You might find a special with seasonal veggies next to a simple egg-and-cheese that hits the spot.
The space is small and cozy, more neighborhood living room than big brunch factory. You can sip coffee, read, or chat without shouting over a DJ.
Thoughtful plates, friendly staff, and well-made coffee make Red Eye a favorite for breakfast lovers. It works for early-morning solo visits, remote workers grabbing a bite between emails, or small friend groups catching up without a long wait.
Scan the website of Red Eye Cafe

Zeugma Mediterranean Grill: Bright Flavors And Shareable Plates

Zeugma brings a colorful Mediterranean spread to the table. Think grilled meats, bright salads, house-made dips, and plenty of veggie-forward dishes. Many plates are made for sharing, so you can taste a bit of everything.
The room feels modern yet warm, with vibrant plates that look just as good in person as they do in photos. It is popular with diners who care about fresh ingredients but still want bold flavors.
Zeugma is a smart pick for couples who like to share, small groups, and health-conscious diners. You can order grilled fish, lamb chops, or a loaded veggie platter without feeling weighed down. Many locals also grab it for takeout before a movie night at home.
Scan the website of Zeugma Mediterranean Grill

Mesob: Authentic Ethiopian For Adventurous Shared Dining

Mesob offers one of Montclair’s most distinctive meals. Traditional Ethiopian stews, called wats, plus lentils and vegetables, arrive on a large round of injera, a soft, slightly sour flatbread. Everyone eats with their hands, using pieces of injera to scoop up bites.
The room feels warm and inviting, with Ethiopian art on the walls and gentle music in the background. Tables often slide together, which makes it easy to share big platters with a crowd.
The experience is social and a little playful, which is why locals look to Mesob when they want to dine out with a group in Montclair. It is great for adventurous eaters, families with curious kids, and friend groups who want a dinner that feels like a memory, not just a meal.
Scan the website of Mesob

Quick Tips For Enjoying The Top Restaurants In Montclair, NJ

Weekend evenings fill up fast, especially at popular spots like Faubourg and Zeugma.

Give yourself extra time for parking around Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street, since garages and metered spots can be tight. Many of the top restaurants in Montclair NJ run seasonal menus, so peek at current offerings before you go.

During holidays and big local events, have a backup restaurant in mind a short walk away. That way, if your first choice is packed, your night still ends with a good plate in front of you.

Conclusion

Montclair rewards anyone who loves to eat. You can dress up for French brasserie classics at Faubourg, keep it casual at Raymond’s, lean into Mediterranean color at Zeugma, or gather friends around a shared injera platter at Mesob. Upscale, easygoing, global, and kid-friendly options all fit into a few lively blocks.

The real trick is matching the spot to your mood, budget, and company, then giving yourself time to enjoy it. Save this list of best Montclair NJ restaurants, share it with friends, or use it to plan a mini food tour over a few weekends. Your only real “wrong” move is sticking to just one favorite when the town offers so much on every corner.