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 New Spot

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.

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.

Updates as of 5/28

the saint clair restaurant montclair nj

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.

the saint clair restaurant montclair nj

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.

the saint clair restaurant montclair nj

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.”

What Was There Before?

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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.

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