Montclair is losing one of its most beloved Italian restaurants. da Pepo, located at 54 Fairfield Street in Montclair, has announced that its last day of business will be Saturday, May 10th, 2025. The Italian restaurant is located inside Watchung Booksellers — which will remain open. da Pepo is known and loved amongst Montclair locals for its traditional Italian eats and cozy atmosphere. Read on for more about the closure and what we will miss about da Pepo in Montclair, New Jersey.

The Closure

da Pepo announced the closure of its Fairfield Street restaurant on the evening of Thursday, May 1st via Instagram:

"To our amazing customers — thank you for your loyalty, support, and love over the years. It means the world to us. Sadly, we’ll be closing our doors on Saturday, May 10th. We hope to see you before then so we can serve you one last time and say goodbye in person. ❤️"

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by da Pepo (@dapepomontclair)

The post was immediately flooded with comments from Essex County locals, expressing their sadness around the closure and gratitude for da Pepo's service over the years.

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About da Pepo

Upon walking into da Pepo, several tables are arranged in the small Italian restaurant as Billie Holiday is playing through the speakers. It is a small, modern-styled restaurant where specials are written out on a chalkboard and a pastry case separates patrons from the waitstaff. The restaurant easily blends into Watchung Booksellers immediately to the right.

Chef Carlo Orrico opened da Pepo at its current address in 2018 and named it after his father, Pasquale Orrico, who grew up in southern Italy. He takes pride in his family roots and promises to use the cooking methods he learned in the household in every dish he prepares at da Pepo.

Photo Credit: David Pelle

Classic Italian delicacies like spaghetti carbonara and mozzarella in carozza sit side-by-side on the menu with other dishes like paninis, gnocchi telefono, and arugula salad. The restaurant is known for its bruschetta specials that change daily, but the unique dining experience of sitting in a bookstore or accompanied by the train whistle by the Watchung Avenue train station will leave diners wanting to come back for seconds… or a sequel, if we’re talking in book terms.

Locals have until Saturday, May 10th to dine at da Pepo before its official closure.

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