There is something delightfully indulgent about a meal that takes all the best parts of a restaurant’s menu and serves it at once. Brunch is really quite a genius creation, and we love spending a leisurely afternoon enjoying brunch in Montclair. From French toast to lox and bagels to bottomless mimosas, brunch may not be the most important meal of the day but it’s definitely the most fun. We’ve rounded up some of the best places for a great brunch in Montclair. Read on for a guide to the best brunch spots in Montclair.
Bluestone Coffee Co. | 123 Watchung Avenue
Montclair native Stephen Colbert has named this quaint spot one of his favorites — so you know it’s worth a try. Bluestone Coffee Co. is open almost every day of the year for breakfast and lunch and roasts all its coffee on the premises. The food is delicious and all the bread is sourced daily from Balthazar Bakery, so it’s the best of the best. Try the classic eggs benedict or Virginia ham and brie sandwich on a croissant to really indulge. The cafe also has gluten-free options available, making it a good choice for a group.
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Coffee + Cornbread | 38 Upper Montclair Plaza
The owners of this Upper Montclair eatery are keen on “comfort food with a conscience.” The eatery serves organic, sustainably sourced, non-GMO foods and has an abundance of vegan options for patrons who are fully committed to saving the planet one meal at a time. The dinnerware is even biodegradable and made out of recyclable materials. The fried chicken and waffles are the perfect start to self-care Saturday and the vegan sausage, egg + cheese combo is a classic that can’t be beat.
Fascino | 331 Bloomfield Avenue
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Named one of the 30 Best Restaurants in Jersey by NJ Monthly, Fascino serves modern and seasonal Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. All of the pasta is made in-house and proteins are sourced from local mongers and butchers. ICYMI — Fascino is open for brunch every Sunday and serves elevated classics like French toast bites, thick-cute pork belly bacon, and cacio de pepo scrambled eggs.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
Faubourg offers the elegance and decadence of Parisian cuisine right in the heart of Montclair. The brunch menu consists of shared plates, a two-course prix-fixe menu, and an a-la-carte selection, so there is something for everyone. The tarte-flambée is a thin flatbread with cheese and bacon — think of it as a breakfast pizza sans egg. To get the most bang for your buck, pick the seasonal fruit bowl and crab benedict from the prix-fixe menu. Take advantage of the outdoor oasis and truly feel transported to the charming French quarters.
Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street
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Inspired by the fresh and authentic dishes from Franco Porporino’s (the owner) family kitchen, this staple on Church Street recently launched a new brunch menu. Some favorites include the eggs in purgatory and creamy polenta, but don’t skip the crunchy croissant french toast because anything with a cornflake crust is going to be a must-try! P.S. — check out the Instagram page and spot a few Real Housewives that also frequent the eatery.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street
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This modern, upscale Walnut Street eatery serves up a seafood-centered brunch menu every Sunday from 11:30AM to 3PM, occasionally accompanied by a live jazz band to really set the mood. While there is a lot of seafood on the menu, there are other choices like steak and eggs or avocado toast.
Le Salbuen | 97 Walnut Street
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The cheery yellow umbrellas signaling Le Salbuen’s storefront are the first clue that diners are about to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or even downtown Montclair. Le Salbuen also has a market that serves fresh produce, meat, and more Tuesday through Saturday 9:30AM to 3PM and they reopen the market at 5:30PM. Be sure to place your market order ahead of time. This French Bistro is a quintessential farm-to-table eatery — the husband and wife chefs take pride in the seasonal, local, and organic menu. If available, may we suggest the bacon, goat cheese, and fig croissant with a glass of freshly squeezed OJ, and champagne? Any option with duck is also guaranteed to impress.
Marcel Bakery + Kitchen | 631 ½ Valley Road
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This Mediterranean cafe has something for just about everyone, both the sweet tooth and the savory seekers. Marcel Bakery and Kitchen offers egg sandwiches and wraps on freshly baked bread, grain bowls and smoothies, and wood-fired pizza for our savory-minded friends. For those with a sweet tooth, Marcel has an array of pastries ranging from bite-sized to full cakes, stuffed pastries, and pies to satisfy. Don’t skip out on the coffee — the cold brew is one of the best in town.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street
Get in line for one of Montclair’s very best. Raymond’s bright and cheerful vibe pays homage to New Jersey’s greatest diners with a modern twist. The waitstaff is friendly, the décor is retro, and the food is on point. Make your own omelet, eat every homemade potato chip on the plate, and don’t ignore the specials — they’re always enticing. If your table has room for dessert, the warm apple pie cannot be overlooked.
Red Eye Cafe | 94 Walnut Street
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Start off Sundays right with a big, hearty breakfast from Red Eye. The menu is influenced by an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world made evident by the scotch egg banh mi sandwich, chilaquiles, and shrimp and grits. Don’t forget to try the signature ‘sludge’ coffee made from cold-brewed espresso and cardamom.
Samba | 7 Park Street
Samba highlights a new perspective on Brazilian cuisine, which is typically characterized by rodizio restaurants in North Jersey. Patrons willing to explore new culinary customs will be rewarded and surprised by the tropical ingredients and bold flavors at Samba. Påo de queijo is a type of cheese bread native to Brazil that is naturally gluten-free and is the star of many dishes on the brunch menu like the avocado toast, and egg and cheese scramble.
The Corner | 115 Grove Street
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Walk in to put a name down on the waitlist, because there always is one, and revel in the trendy décor and chill vibes. This is probably one of the most insta-worthy meals in town since the food is as gorgeous as it is delicious. The pastry board is an absolute must — it has three baked pastries that come with fruit, preserves, and butter. Pair it with the bright, citrusy Sunrise juice for some balance. Give the avocado toast a try plus a poached egg for good measure or, if lunch is on the brain, go for the Corner Burger and do not pass on those shoestring fries.
See More: Best Party Brunch Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue
Ali and Narjis Lyoussi, the husband and wife team behind Uncle Momo, have been masterfully integrating elements of Moroccan, Lebanese, and French cuisine in the downtown restaurant for almost ten years. Try the Tunisian egg, made on two over-easy eggs on a bed of spicy pepper and tomato sauce, or a savory crepe made with quinoa flour and filled with eggs and cheese.
