Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair is a go-to destination for all things shopping and dining. Along this bustling street, The Montclair Girl team discovered a hidden restaurant tucked just below street level. Hidden in plain sight at 537 Bloomfield Avenue, Seoul Bistro is a new Korean eatery serving authentic cuisine in a sleek, semi-underground space. Read on to learn more about Seoul Bistro in Montclair, New Jersey, and the story behind it.
About Seoul Bistro
Owner and restaurateur Manjong Han immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 2010. After studying business and finance in NYC, he and his wife launched Hanvia Studio, a marketing + design company specializing in branding services for small businesses and influencers.
The majority of Hanvia Studio’s clients were locally owned eateries. Working closely with these businesses and gaining firsthand insight into the culinary industry inspired Mahjong’s next business venture: a restaurant that paid homage to his culture and home, while also providing the Montclair area with authentic, non-Westernized Korean food.
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Seoul Bistro first announced its arrival in Montclair via social media in March 2025. Just a month later, the spot opened underneath Almost Ready Records in the former CM Chicken space, all in an effort to bring traditional Korean flavors to the local foodie scene.
The Menu
The restaurant aims to transport diners to the city of Seoul from the minute they sit down at the table. Inspired by the cuisine of South Korea’s capital, the menu features noodle dishes, rice dishes, soup, and more.
Diners can expect both traditional dishes and elevated street food options, such as the Shin Ramyun Fried Rice, a fusion dish of fried rice seasoned with the spicy and savory flavors of Shin Ramyun. Also on the menu are dishes like the Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles tossed with vegetables, beef, soy sauce, and sesame oil), Soy Garlic Chicken (Korean fried chicken glazed with a rich and flavorful soy garlic sauce), and Spicy Stir-Fried Pork, (marinated in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce).
While the menu is packed with standout appetizers, entrées, and desserts, the true star at Seoul Bistro, and the item the MG team can’t recommend enough, is the Bibimbap, a colorful mixed rice dish featuring a variety of vegetables, ground beef, spicy gochujang sauce, and topped with a fried egg.
No meal is complete without a beverage, and Seoul Bistro has a wide selection on its menu. MG recommends the Green Plum Ade and Yuzu Ade.
The Space
Seoul Bistro strives to provide an authentic dining experience that encompasses not only the food but also the ambiance of the space itself.
The interior of the restaurant, adorned with greenery and complemented by soft colors and contemporary decor, was designed to be a calming space for guests. As a spot that requires a bit of effort to find, it can serve as a hidden escape for those who discover it, which was precisely what Mahjong was striving for.
“We really want our customers to feel good when they come here,” Mahjong said, “just as if they were really in Korea.”
In the future, Manjong hopes to bring the flavors of Seoul Bistro to communities throughout Northern New Jersey. Mahjong even tossed around the idea of opening more restaurants in the Hoboken and Jersey City area (hint, hint, @TheHobokenGirl).
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Montclair locals can visit Seoul Bistro Tuesday through Friday from 11:30AM to 3PM and again from 5PM to 9PM, on Saturdays from 11:30AM to 10PM, and Sundays from 11:30AM to 9PM.
A Guide To Teeth Whitening in Montclair + Beyond
The sun is shining and flowers are in bloom — summer is right on the horizon. As the weather heats up and locals head outdoors, some self-care is in order. The spring and summer seasons are the perfect time for a teeth whitening treatment for a beautiful, bright smile. Read more to learn about teeth whitening, the latest trends, and where to get brighter teeth in Montclair for a summer-ready smile.
D’Amore Russo Dental Design Studio | 100 Grove Street, Montclair
D'Amore Russo Dental Design Studio is run by partners and husband-and-wife duo Dr. Michela Russo, DDS, and Dr. Joseph C. D’Amore, DDS. Patients are treated like family, no matter what dental service they need.
Bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental exams are just a few of the services offered, in addition to teeth whitening.
Dr. D’amore explained that age, lifestyle, diet, caffeine, and excessive fluoride can stain teeth over time. He also told The Montclair Girl that crowns and bonding do not respond well to whitening, and that whitening treatments work best on natural teeth. Philips Zoom is performed in the office for immediate whitening results, combining gel and light therapy. For patients with sensitive teeth, there are at-home options that include customized trays that the patient sleeps with for ten days or pre-filled trays made by Opalescence Go, which are worn for thirty minutes a day for seven to ten days.
Follow The Dental Design Studio on Instagram for more information.
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Edgemont Dental Arts | 148 Central Avenue, Montclair
The practice of Dr. Michael Davidson, DMD, DABOI, is across the street from Edgemont Memorial Park.
Dr. Davidson, a board-certified dental implants surgeon who also performs Cosmetic and General Dentistry, spoke with The Montclair Girl and explained the importance of choosing the right teeth whitening method to safely achieve each patient's desired results.
Dr. Davidson told The Montclair Girl:
“At Edgemont Dental Arts, we are using science-proven technology to maximize your teeth whitening efforts. In collaboration with the KöR Whitening System, we can give every patient the customized white smile they've dreamed of. I have many patients who want to improve their smile and ‘not go too white.’ And I have others who want it to be as white as possible for as long as possible. We have custom-tailored writing procedures for everyone's goals and budget. The best advantage of our partnership with KOR whitening is the reduced sensitivity compared to the other commercially available teeth whitening products. I have many patients who have been ‘burned’ in the past, only to be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable our system is while achieving the smile they have dreamed of. Come in and feel the difference for yourself."
Follow Dr. Davidson on his Instagram here.
Dr. Arthur Yeh + Associates | 1460 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Dr. Yeh and his associate, Dr. Joelle Hirschfeld, gave The Montclair Girl a tour of the modern office before introducing us to Michelle, a registered dental assistant known as The Whitening Queen.
Michelle explained that before teeth whitening, patients must come in for a dental cleaning to achieve the best whitening results. The office uses a state-of-the-art cleaning system called the Airflow Prophylaxis Master. It cleans the teeth using air, water, and a fine powder to remove biofilm from the teeth, allowing for a spotless slate to perform teeth whitening.
Before the teeth whitening treatment, Michelle gives her patients a neck warmer, blanket, and headphones that connect with iPhones to ensure a relaxing atmosphere.
The office uses Opalescence Boost for its in-office treatment. Patients are sent home with a care package including UltraEz, a gel to reduce sensitivity, Pronamel toothpaste, and Opalescence Go for at-home maintenance and prolonged teeth whitening results.
Follow Dr. Arthur Yeh + Associates on Instagram here.
Montclair South Dental | 311 Orange Road, Montclair
Montclair South Dental has an atmosphere that is as welcoming as its staff.
The practice works with Philips Zoom Whitening for in-office professional whitening treatments, typically consisting of three to four sessions, each lasting 15 minutes. Patients receive take-home kits with custom-fitted trays and whitening gel to maintain their desired results.
Results may last for several months, up to two or three years.
The doctors of Montclair South Dental recommend a consultation to see if you're a good candidate for whitening treatments.
Follow Montclair South Dental on Instagram here.
Montclair DMD | 131 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
The practice of Dr. Kevin Noreika is located at 131 Watchung Avenue. It has been a staple in town for forty years. He is known for his conscientious dental care and joyful personality. If you're lucky, you may be greeted by Tyson, the dog — a gentle soul who can soothe even the most nervous patients.
The Montclair Girl spoke with Bruna Peterson, the dental hygienist. She told MG that the practice prioritize's the patient's hygiene first for the best outcome with the least sensitivity. Patients should have had a recent dental cleaning for better results and less sensitivity during whitening. M1 Paste, a calcium phosphate toothpaste, is also recommended to strengthen the tooth’s enamel and significantly reduce sensitivity.
GLO Science Pro White is the office's whitening system. It includes in-house treatments that combine LED light with topical Carbamide peroxide and an at-home maintenance regimen.
Follow Dr. Noreika, Montclair MDM, and Tyson on Instagram here.
Downtown Dental Arts of Montclair | 31 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
In their boutique cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Konstabtine Trichas, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and Dr. Sophia Chadda, a board-certified periodontist, offer a full spectrum of dental services.
The practice uses KöR Teeth Whitening for short in-office sessions, then sends patients home with customized bleaching trays to continue the desired whitening process.
Montclair Digital Dentistry | 39 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Montclair Digital Dentistry is the sole practice of Dr. Aylin Gezgin. Dr. Gezgin lives in Montclair and enjoys connecting with her community as a local dentist.
The Montclair Girl asked Dr. Gezgin why oral health is essential.
Dr. Gezgin said, “Our smile is the first thing people notice about us and can make a lasting first impression. This is one of the reasons why prioritizing our oral health with diligent oral hygiene and regular check-ups and cleanings is so important, not to mention the connection between our oral health and overall bodily health.”
For teeth whitening, the doctor explained that the in-office Opalescence Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile in a single visit, whether for a special occasion or to treat yourself to whiter and healthier-looking teeth.
Follow Montclair Digital Dentistry on Facebook here.
Ferguson Dental Associates | 177 Gordonhurst Avenue, Montclair
The practice has provided dental care to Montclair residents for over seventy-five years. Dental services include cosmetic, restorative, implant, and family dentistry.
For teeth whitening, Dr. Ferguson works with the KöR Whitening System, which provides custom-made trays for at-home use or in-office whitening for patients who want immediate results.
Follow Ferguson Dental Associates on Instagram here.
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Montclair Dental Spa | 204 Claremont Avenue, Montclair
Dr. Joseph Mouussa, DDS, and his three associates, Dr. Salhab DMD, Dr. Blum, and Dr. Edalat, practice cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, and teeth whitening services. For in-office teeth whitening, the practice recommend that patients make an appointment for a consultation to receive the best option for their smile.
Prospective patients can learn more about Montclair Dental Spa on their Instagram here.
