Trips to the shore, hikes in the mountains, BBQs in the burbs — there’s much to be said about New Jersey summers. But every now and then, someone you distantly know (if at all) takes to Instagram to reaffirm a cruel reality: that there are people summering in Europe, and you’re not one of them. Suddenly, open-window driving down the GSP feels like a collection of toll fees, while everyone else is collecting passport stamps. We’ve found a way to cure your cross-continent “FOMO” and resurrect your love for Jersey. Introducing The Montclair Girl’s guide to a European summer in Montclair — a.k.a., where to eat, drink, shop, and play to replicate a Euro trip without leaving Essex County. Complete with European-inspired restaurants, drinks, dishes, activities, and shops, each spot checks a different touristy dream off the bucket list, all within the borders of the Garden State. Keep reading for our guide to a European summer in Montclair + beyond.

How to Get There (Mentally)

There’s something undeniably magical about arriving at the airport before a long-awaited trip. Not even the longest or most intense security lines can dim the anticipatory excitement of a dream vacation, which is why a trip to Paper Planes Coffee Co., the Montclair coffee shop designed like an airplane, is the only way to kick off a New Jersey-style European summer. Grab your favorite iced latte, a little bite to eat, and stare out those faux airplane windows until you have mentally arrived at the European destination of your choice.

Read More: Montclair + Essex County Summer Bucket List: 50 Must-Try Activities for 2025

Art Museums + Galleries

Local art galleries and museums might not be home to the Mona Lisa (though the famous painting has traveled on the New Jersey Turnpike), but the Northern New Jersey art scene is certainly home to talented artists, old and new, producing inspiring works of art. Since we can’t tour The Louvre this summer, here’s where we’ve been exploring instead.

Gold Montclair | 594 Valley Road, Montclair

Tucked away in an alleyway on Valley Road, Gold Montclair features contemporary art in different media from up-and-coming artists. Shows rotate every few months and usually connect to the current time of year.

Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair

Montclair Art Museum opened its doors in 1914 and was the first museum to focus primarily on collecting American and Native American art in the country. Today, upon visiting the museum, guests can expect to find over 12,000 works of art and countless exhibitions, plus an indoor coffee shop called Cornerstone Cafe.

Montclair State University Galleries | 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair

Photo Credit: Cary Whittier

Montclair State University houses multiple galleries, including the flagship Segal Gallery, which includes work from professional artists with a focus on contemporary art. The Sculpture Garden has over a dozen outdoor works. University Galleries’ mission is to bring together ideas, perspectives, and dialogues to foster curiosity and shared understandings through art.

Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark

Founded in 1909, this museum is the state’s largest. The quality of art and programs is first-rate. It holds major collections of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art, and the arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the ancient world.

Of course, the Montclair area has such a vibrant abundance of galleries and museums, so we’ve created complete + comprehensive guides for each respective category here. Those wanting to check out local murals, see here.

Beer Gardens

We’ll be the first to admit that the Montclair area is lacking in the authentic, open-air biergartens one might find in Germany, but there are two local beer gardens that come close to the literal and figurative buzz of these German fixtures.

Pineapple Express Barbecue | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair

Despite serving up delicious barbecue eats, Pineapple Express has all the beer hall vibes with its large, open space right on the Lackawanna Plaza. There are plenty of tables with bench seating and stools lining the bar, which has a selection of rotating craft beers. Be sure to stop by on a weekend for the full experience.

Village Hall | 101 South Orange Street, South Orange

Located in the historic Village Hall building, this restaurant + beer garden of the same name has a 40-seat bar, fire pits, and over 40 beers on tap. You won’t find pretzels or bratwursts here, but instead, upscale French cuisine.

Clubbing

Study abroad students aren’t the only ones who dabble in a bit of nightlife while bopping around Europe. The Montclair area isn’t exactly bustling with club options, but Porta Montclair can certainly fill that void. Each weekend, this local bar + restaurant at 499 Bloomfield Avenue hosts late-night dance parties on its upper floor. Plus, Porta expanded its outdoor space to have a second-floor outdoor deck in 2024.

Of course, this list is for editorial purposes and is not a complete guide to all of the amazing Montclair business — European-inspired or not — worth visiting in the summertime. New Jersey is an amazing place to live, work, and play, and while Europe is full of rich culture and history, there’s really no place else we’d rather be.

Desserts

We’re never in the business of denying ourselves dessert, but on vacation, following dinner with a little something sweet is practically mandatory. On this mental vacation, we’re indulging in all the European goods — lots of gelato, Belgian waffles, macarons, the list goes on.

Benvenuti Montclair | 20 Church Street, Montclair

Two first-generation Italian-American families — the Browns and the Mazzeos — bring an authentic Italian gelato and café experience right here to the heart of New Jersey. They were inspired by the quintessential Italian experience of strolling through town, after dinner, enjoying gelato. The gelato is made in-house, and flavors change regularly.

Calandra’s Bakery | 244 U.S. Highway 46, Fairfield

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Luciano Calandra founded this bakery in 1962, and his family has operated it ever since. With three locations across the state, Calandra’s has traditional Italian desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, and cookies — the Italian rainbow cookies are top-notch. It also sells macarons, with flavors depending on the day and the location.

The Cannoli Shop | 376 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield

The mobile cannoli service, Carrello Di Cannoli, launched a brick-and-mortar spot called The Cannoli Shop in early 2025. The Fairfield dessert spot features a cannoli bar where customers can personalize cannolis to their liking with different shells, creams, and toppings, as well as an espresso bar. Aligned with a true European summer, locals should know that all ingredients are flown in fresh from Sicily each week.

il laboratorio del gelato | 598 Valley Road, Montclair

This gelato shop specializes in creamy gelato available in a variety of flavors. It follows the original artisanal Italian method of gelato-making to create exceptional gelato and sorbet, which includes dense texture, superior consistency, and pure flavors. There are, of course, the classics — chocolate, vanilla, etc. — but for a unique flavor experience, there’s an entire savory selection with options like cheddar cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and ricotta.

Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road, Montclair

Vesta Chocolate is a craft factory and café that churns out a variety of bars, bonbons, and baked goods as well as chocolate and coffee beverages. The menu includes a variety of bean-to-bar chocolates, chocolate bark with combinations like apricot and pistachio, fig and hazelnut, and the famous bonbons — and on the shelves, guests can find hot chocolate mixes, cacao spreads, and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts.

Drinks

If there’s one certainty in this life, it’s that alcohol will be consumed, and probably photographed, on a European vacation. Cocktails, vino, or beer, so be it: here’s where to raise a glass like you would on vacation.

Bar Franco | 5 Church Street, Montclair

Photo Credit: Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture

Bar Franco comes from the owners of its neighboring + sister restaurant, Fresco Da Franco. The team behind Bar Franco describes it as a “bespoke aperitivo bar” with an opulent, old-world vibe. The drinks certainly are bespoke. The Mama Mia, for instance, exudes chocolate smoke from a base of bourbon and bitter reduction, while the Sambuchino — a blend of tequila, St. Germain, and lime juice — sits below a berg of shaven jalapeno ice.

De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

Perhaps a little on the nose, De Novo is a European gastropub located right next to the Montclair train station, and inside, there’s a bar centering the space with a 19-cocktail menu. Some options: the Pink Lady (gray whale gin, Pierre spark brut, St. Germain, strawberry Tahitian, vanilla puree, lemon juice), Frosé (rum, rose wine, cranberry, orange liquor), or the Cucumber Cooler (Wheatley vodka, fresh cucumber juice, lime juice, mint). There are also extensive wine and beer options to choose from.

Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

This modern French brasserie has an eclectic but delicious menu and an elevated interior that boasts two bars. Some cocktails to try are the Frozen Lemonchello (Belvedere Lemon + Basil Vodka, lemongrass, and lemon) or the Coocoo for Coconuts (Cognac, Giffard Coconuts, Triple Sec, and lime).

Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen | 398 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Pharmacie is largely inspired by the American music culture of the 1980s, but the interior architecture and Italian marble floors call to mind the aperitivo bars of Italy that are essential to any Euro trip. Although the cocktail menu is smaller, there are plenty of draft beers + wines to choose from.

Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street, Montclair

Fancy cocktails are great, but across the pond is more than just spirits and spritzes. Gulping down a Guinness at an Irish pub in Dublin is a major dream for many of us beer drinkers, and Egan + Sons in Montclair is a close local second. Inside are TVs, a beautiful outdoor dining area, brews, and delicious Irish-inspired fare.

Tierney’s Tavern | 138 Valley Road, Montclair

Another Montclair staple is Tierney’s Tavern, a go-to Irish dive bar in town. Everything we know and love about a classic pub can be found at this local watering hole, including a jukebox, live music, darts, and your favorite brews.

 

Pastries

Those committed to the at-home-European-summer bit must make a pretty hefty sacrifice: swapping Jersey bagels for pastries. This isn’t to say that Europe doesn’t have its fair share of bagels (they originated in the Jewish communities of Poland, after all), but we New Jerseyans are too spoiled for options to crave a bagel on a European getaway. Instead, we opt for a mid-morning croissant run, and here are the local spots to get the job done.

Le French Dad Boulangerie | 10 Church Street, Montclair

The smell of this French bakery is enough to satisfy a craving, but trust us when we say that the eats are worth every bite. Inside Le French Dad is a collection of homemade bread, pastries, and even lunch items. Our loyalties lie with the classic croissant, but we’d be remiss not to mention the almond croissant, Pain au chocolat, and Pain aux raisins. This spot also serves coffee from the aforementioned Paper Planes.

Jayce Baudry French Pastry | 17 Church Street, Montclair

If the word pâtisserie is unfamiliar, it won’t be after stepping into Jayce Baudry on Church Street. A French bakery specializing in upscale pastries and sweets, this shop feels like a little slice of France in Montclair. Croissant-wise, there are four options: traditional, Pain au chocolat, almond, and raspberry. MG recommends the raspberry croissant, which is pink-striped and filled with 100% raspberry jam. Jayce Baudry additionally has ice cream, coffee, and tea.

Lit Cafe | 25 Church Street, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lit Cafe, which debuted to the Montclair community in the fall of 2024, looks like a coffee spot one would find in France or Italy. The spot, operating also as a luxury candle shop, serves espresso drinks, matcha, tea, pastries like croissants and tarts, and more.

Mattarello Bakery + Café | 254 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

Being an Italian bakery, Mattarello takes a slightly different approach to the croissant, but as they say, some risks are worth the reward. Traditional butter is always an option, but customers can also level up by choosing between Nutella, custard cream, or apricot filling. The spot also serves all kinds of European-style pastries like mini fruit tarts, cakes, eclairs, and more.

The Pie Store | 100 Watchung Avenue

The Pie Store and its sister shop The Tea Store both serve up traditional British fare and are a hit with locals looking for a taste of Britain (or just delicious baked goods). The menu, unsurprisingly, features a vast selection of classic pies, like apple, Key Lime, coconut cream, and chocolate mousse, and savory pies like mushroom, cheese, onion, and pasties.

Where to Find Macarons

Macarons are tiny cookies similar to whoopie pies but with a crunchier/flakier outside. You can find them at the three aforementioned French + Italian pastry shops (scroll up for reference), but we’ll list them here again:

• Le French Dad Boulangerie | 10 Church Street, Montclair
• Jayce Baudry French Pastry | 17 Church Street, Montclair
• Mattarello Bakery + Café | 254 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

Pasta

The reality is, most of us summering in Northern Jersey are eating pasta regardless of trying to fulfill a European fantasy, so we won’t bore you with a list of all the pasta spots you need to try (we’ve actually already done that, and you can read it here). Instead, we’ve rounded up a few local restaurants that have European-inspired vibes and good pasta, because the vibes are really what we’re after here.

Café Giotto | 42 Church Street, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This small, cozy restaurant in Montclair is a trattoria in the truest sense, with just one green sign claiming the historic building as Café Giotto’s home. Inside, guests will find plenty of exposed brick and rustic wood furnishings, evoking the feel of a side street in a quiet Italian town. The menu draws inspiration from the cuisine of Northern Italy, so pasta options are plentiful. The lasagne bolognese is a favorite, but the linguine + white clams is a great summer dish.

Eataly | 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills

Eataly was founded in Turin, Italy, in 2007. Since then, the franchise has made its way all over the world and in the U.S., including at The Mall at Short Hills. At this spot, locals can find a menu of antipasti dishes like Prosciutto di Parma and Sicilian-style calamari fritti with zucchini; primi dishes including tagliatelle alla bolognese and 18-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano; secondi dishes like pan-roasted salmon and chicken Milanese; over 10 varieties of pizza; and a selection of over 100 Italian wines and seasonal cocktails.

Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair

Photo Credit: Cindy Blanco

Luigino’s Parmigiana is a “funky traditional” spot bringing a taste of the Amalfi Coast to Montclair. With big open windows, fake fruits hanging from the ceiling, and olive wood furnishings, the space is light and organic, reminiscent of a restaurant in Southern Italy. As is the menu, and in terms of pasta, there are six options to choose from. We recommend the carbonara or the stuffed gnocchi (porcini, cream, truffle, pramigiano butter).

Sapori | 9 Park Street, Montclair

Sapori serves an authentic Italian menu featuring homemade pasta, fresh seafood, including a crudo and raw bar, a mix of appetizers, soups, and salads, meat and seafood entrees (such as an organic chicken parm made with spicy vodka sauce), and prime dry-aged steaks. What the restaurant is best known for is its Cacio e Pepe, which people pay a special visit for on Thursday nights, as it’s served out of a cheese wheel. After the tableside show, diners receive a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that could win over anyone’s taste buds.

Traveling Beyond Italy + France

Europe is not just Italy, and New Jersey is not just Italian food, despite it sometimes feeling that way. In Montclair and its neighboring town, there are a variety of other European cuisines to enjoy, and we’d be remiss not to highlight some of them in our pretend travel itinerary.

Efi’s Gyro | 521 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

This family-owned Greek eatery is perfect for a casual, cafe-style dining experience. The food is fresh and authentic, and the menu packs a heavy punch of flavor. The gyros and bowls are customizable with sauces and toppings to satisfy all palates, and the fries are seasoned to perfection.

The Pit | 178 Broad Street, Bloomfield

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Broad Street in Bloomfield is home to many foodie gems, but this Portuguese BBQ spot earns a spot on our fake travel itinerary with its large menu of meats, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. To get the complete experience, start with the beef, chicken, or cheese empanadas, paired with the BBQ Portuguese Sausage. There are a few seats inside for dining, but we recommend take-out at The Pit.

Sayola Restaurant | 38 Valley Road, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sayola is a celebration of Spanish culture, with an expansive menu of traditional dishes and a space categorized by its distinctive tiles, fabrics, and exposed brick. In the past, Sayola has hosted Flamenco Nights with live musical performances from Flamenco artists.

Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street, Montclair

Top-quality pita and hummus, savory main dishes, and tempting desserts are the epitome of delicious Mediterranean cuisine here at Zuegma. The menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean regions of Europe and the Middle East, and the interior space is worth noting too: Doric columns, cozy bench seating around the perimeter, and mosaic art on the walls.

If you’re willing to travel a bit beyond Montclair, Newark, NJ, has a reputation for having some of the best Portuguese food in the state. Back in 2024, we compiled a list of restaurants worth trying, which you can check out here.

Wine + Wineries

A major bucket list item for any self-proclaimed sommelier is to visit a winery or vineyard in the mountainous regions of a European country: Portugal, France, Italy, etc. Given the topography of New Jersey, we can’t provide you with that, but we can provide you with a few local wine bars and wineries that, by the end of your visit, will have you believing you’re on the European coast (though we always promote drinking responsibly!).

Amanti Vino | 30 Church Street, Montclair

This wine shop has free tastings on Saturday afternoons, which is a great way to start a date night or an evening with friends. Everything in the shop is hand-selected by the owner, with many specialty options from small and organic vineyards. In the summer, Amanti Vino has outdoor seating so guests purchase + enjoy a bottle pre- or post-dinner (which, feels very European to us). Just remember to BYOC (bring your own cup). It also sells cheeses, charcuterie, and other small snacks.

Fox Hollow Vineyards | 939 Holmdel Road, Holmdel

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A bit of a drive from Montclair, this sprawling 94-acre property in Holmdel is family-owned and operated, and strives to produce wines that “work well in pairings and can also stand alone.” Plus, this spot is dog-friendly, which isn’t really relevant to our European summer, but is always a bonus.

Grape Collective | 620 Valley Road, Upper Montclair

This beautifully curated wine and cheese shop sits in Upper Montclair. Although there are no in-store or outdoor drinking options, a fun alternative is to purchase a few bottles, with the help of the shop’s knowledgeable attendants, and host an at-home tasting. Charcuterie boards are encouraged, too.

Make Wine With Us | 21 Curie Avenue, Wallington

 

 

 

 

 

 

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At Make Wine With Us, guests can, surprise, make their own wine. The process is long, and depending on how long makers want their batch to age, it can take anywhere from nine months to two years. This means a few trips to the facility are necessary: once to crush the grapes, once to press the grapes, and once to bottle them. It may seem a little tedious, but we’ve never complained about having pre-determined plans.

Views

As a collection of peninsulas, Europe has a rich geography that is pretty unparalleled in terms of views. Even so, Montclair isn’t without some beautiful natural spaces to explore. Here are a few local gardens and parks that reaffirm Jersey as the Garden State and simultaneously feel a world away.

Avis-Campbell Gardens | 60 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair

Around the corner from the Montclair Public Library is a hidden, 70-year-old garden property dutifully cared for by the Garden Club of Montclair. Tulips, yarrow, azaleas, lambs' ear, ferns, and alliums decorate the garden’s path, and in the center is an urn-like fountain. It’s truly a splendor to take in.

Eagle Rock Reservation | Eagle Rock Avenue + Prospect Avenue, West Orange

This 408.33-acre forest reserve and recreational park in the First Watchung Mountain of New Jersey is our local version of the Swiss Alps (that’s a joke). The park has numerous walking trails and probably the best views of New York City in the area. There are hiking trails too, which are pleasant and easy to navigate.

Van Vleck Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair

In the center of Montclair is the old Van Vleck estate, a historic structure that now hosts non-profit events and organizations. The grounds are open to the public every day and are home to azaleas, lush greenery, and wisteria blooms. It's great for a picnic or just a tranquil walk.

See More: 50 Activities for Your Summer Bucket List 2025 in Hoboken + Jersey City

Verona Park | Porcello Lane, Verona

Right off Bloomfield Avenue, Verona Park boasts picturesque lake views and some stunning walking paths. To really crank up the European fantasy, there are paddle boats available for hourly rentals, which we won’t say is equivalent to taking a gondola along the canals of Venice, but we will certainly pretend all summer long.