Breakfast on weekdays is often an afterthought, but brunch on the weekend gets all the attention. And rightfully so, as a brunch menu is basically a highlight reel of the best of breakfast and the best of lunch items. Here in Montclair, we are spoiled for choices for fantastic brunch meals. Even stars like Stephen Colbert and the RHONJ housewives have been spotted enjoying a leisurely weekend meal here. The Montclair Girl did the heavy work of picking out the must-try items for brunch in town. Read on to plan your next brunch outing that will be anything but basic.
Bluestone Coffee Co. | 123 Watchung Avenue
Coffee from Bluestone Coffee Co. is a must, but don’t sleep on the breakfast options. Word on the street is that Stephen Colbert enjoys this local spot. The menu is full of classics like omelets including the veggie omelet with fresh spinach, mushrooms, onion, and tomato, as well as pancakes (with a choice of either blueberries or strawberries and bananas). The shop also has gluten-free bread and pancakes available. Make sure to stop in early because this locale closes at 2:30PM every day.
Must-Order: It’s too hard to pick just one, but try the classic eggs benedict with poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce, or the breakfast quesadilla filled with scrambled eggs, avocado, bacon, tomato, and cheese.
Read More: Best Brunch Spots in Essex County for Large Groups
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @faubourgmontclair)
There are two ways to enjoy brunch here, either with a la carte options or a two-course pre-fixe menu. Make sure to order a specialty drink as these are fan favorites (especially the Frank Cilantro with Prairie vodka, blueberry, cilantro, cucumber, and lime). If guests are looking for a new drink option, ask about the special cocktail of the week. On a nice day, make sure to enjoy brunch outside, because it’s *chef’s kiss.*
Must-Order: The crab benedict with crab, over-easy eggs, baby spinach, multigrain toast, and herbed hollandaise sauce.
Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street
As of April 1, Fresco da Franco has a liquor license to serve patrons their favorite brunch beverages when brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s the self-proclaimed “ultimate fine dining experience,” and who knows, you might even see one of the housewives! Keep in mind that there is an additional fee of $9.95 per guest for sharing plates.
Must-Order: The Italian classic of eggs in purgatory, which is eggs cooked in a delicious red sauce.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street
(Photo credit: @halcyonmontclair)
The creative culinary team at Halcyon has combined two of everyone’s favorite brunch items into one decadent dish. This dream of a dish is a croissant French Toast, served with maple syrup, fresh berries, and homemade whipped cream. There’s even a kid’s menu for brunch, so even the smallest members of the party will feel included. Outdoor seating officially begins in May and is a great way to enjoy the delicious dishes with the chic ambience. This spot is also listed on Montclair Girl’s roundup of best mimosas in the Montclair area.
Must-Order: Besides the croissant French Toast, also try the farm egg flatbread — the pizza is topped with spinach, eggs, crispy lardons, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Le French Dad Boulangerie | 10 Church Street
(Photo credit: @lefrenchdadboulangerie)
This French bakery has all of the delicious bread a heart could desire, and also offers some delicious sandwiches and mouth-watering quiches to try for your next brunch. The owner, Arben Gasi, pours his heart into everything he creates, including the breads and pastries. Stop by to try the ham and cheese quiche or the spinach and goat cheese quiche for your next quick brunch.
Must-Order: The sandwich staple of ham and swiss cheese on a flaky croissant.
See More: Where to Eat in Montclair: A Day Trip Guide
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street
(Photo credit: @raymondsnj)
Raymond’s is known for many meals, and patrons can agree that breakfast is one of the best around. This place serves breakfast daily and brunch on the weekends (but the menus are pretty much the same). It offers fun menu options like huevos rancheros and Eggs Norwegian (think eggs benedict but with salmon). Some guests really enjoy the simpler options like eggs and potatoes.
Must-Order: Huevos Rancheros — the dish is made of scrambled eggs, ranchero sauce, crema, queso fresco, and avocado all on a grilled tortilla.
Samba Montclair | 7 Park Street
(Photo credit: @sambamontclair)
Avocado toast is always a good option, and at Samba Restaurant, it’s made with homemade gluten-free cheese bread. This restaurant is a favorite destination for gluten-free diners, as it is certified gluten-free. Try any of the fresh juices with your brunch meal too. Reservations are required for brunch, which is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM to 3PM.
Must-Order: Brazilian Avocado Toast with smashed avocado and eggs on a cheese bread served with greens and yuca fries.
The Corner | 115 Grove Street
(Photo credit: @thecornermontclair)
The Corner is a great brunch spot complete with colorful interior design that pays homage to Montclair’s “familiar, suburban charm.” Eat inside or out because both are fabulous options for brunch. The menu includes homemade pastries and also classic egg dishes to try. The restaurant has a few new spins including burrata and prosciutto toast (Italian version of avocado toast, anyone?) and baked eggs (made of corn tortillas, black beans, roasted tomatoes, and queso fresco).
Must-Order: Burrata and prosciutto toast served with braised radicchio and grilled strawberries.
