In the Garden State, delis are on every corner. Some of the best ones are those that have a deep-rooted history in the towns we love. In the heart of Montclair sits Nicolo's at 6 Baldwin Street, a bakery and deli that has served delicious bread, deli meats, and Italian specialties for more than half a century. Read on to learn more about the story behind Nicolo’s, Montclair’s historic Italian Bakery + Deli.

The History

Nicolo’s Italian Bakery and Deli in Montclair was established by its namesake Nicolo Zecchino in 1967 and is still family-owned and operated to this day. Hence, the spot's slogan: "family is our secret ingredient." Customers expect the same amazing quality of freshly-baked bread at Nicolo’s today that the deli and bakery have had every day since the shop opened. The family has kept the same baking principles that were first implemented in the business back in the ‘60s, and the loyalty proves that the owners are still staying true to these skills.

"57 years later and counting, we are still providing the great bread, rolls, sandwiches, and prepared food recipes that my parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts learned along their journeys and passed down to me today," the founders' grandson, DJ, told The Montclair Girl.

While change can often be a good thing, this tradition is a compilation of the knowledge and skills Nicolo’s has gained over time. DJ shared that Nicolo's is built on family recipes from both his grandfather's side and his mother's side. "My mother is an amazing cook," he said. "Some of the specialties we brought to Nicolo’s from my mother’s family were her riceballs (Arancini), homemade fresh mozzarella, and spinach straciatella soup (a traditional Roman dish)." These kinds of dishes are the reason why people keep coming back for more.

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When customers walk into this neighborhood spot, they’re greeted with the familiar warmth of a business that’s served locals for years and has a mutual love and respect for its customers and what they do. It’s hustling + bustling, and customers need to know what they want — because the pace of ordering is quick.

The Menu

Nicolo’s bakes fresh Italian bread daily for both its retail and wholesale customers. The team doesn’t stop there, though. Nicolo’s is a go-to spot for lunch and dinner platters, catering, pizza, deli sandwiches and salads, and Italian specialties,  including pasta sauces and dishes.

This spot also sells to various businesses in Montclair, including Leone’s, Dan and Day’s, Mr Dino’s, Egan’s, Belgiovine’s, Laboratorio Kitchen, Grove Deli, Just Jakes, Panzano, Raymond’s, and Ray’s Luncheonette.

Bread + Bakery

The spot specializes in traditional Italian and Semolina bread that is hearth-baked and made fresh daily. For generations, Nicolo’s has worked to perfect its standards of bread-making, and it is evident from the second you break open a loaf.

In addition to the Italian and Semolina bread the shop specializes in, Nicolo also serves ciabatta, braided rings, pizza bread, rye, and Panella bread. DJ shared that some of its other popular breads are the French-style baguette and all-natural sourdough, a "relatively new best seller that I introduced this year," he said.

Whether planning to entertain or simply make a sandwich, Nicolo’s rolls are the way to go. The team bakes fresh round Italian, kaiser, hot dog, club, and party rolls every day. The bread locals really don’t want to miss, however, is the stuffed bread. Visit Nicolo’s for a variety of stuffed bread from the traditional pepperoni to sausage, onion, and mozzarella.

Deli + Catering

Nicolo’s is more than just a bakery. The deli counter is a truly old-school experience, where customers can order soppressata, Italian sausage, and parmigiana sandwiches, to name a few. If in the mood for something new and different, check out the daily specials that include frittatas, pulled barbeque pork, chicken cutlets, and more. Top off a deli meal with any one of the homemade salads or hot soups.

Those looking for quality Italian catering, Nicolo’s will cater to any occasion. Whether it’s a large party or a football game gathering, Nicolo’s serves sub sandwiches by the foot, trays that can serve 10-12 people, cold salads, and platters of stuffed bread, bruschetta, cold antipasto, and more.

Pasta + Sauces

Nicolo’s also sells a wide variety of pasta and sauces. Customers can shop for homemade frozen pasta such as cavatelli, ravioli, stuffed shells, and more. Additionally, the shop features dried and pre-packaged pasta like penne, orecchiette, and potato gnocchi.

While perusing pasta, consider picking up marinara, vodka, and prosciutto sauces or one of the ready-to-bake lasagna sheets as well.

Dessert

No meal is complete without dessert, and at Nicolo’s, locals will be in good hands. In addition to everything else made in-house daily, Nicolo’s makes a ton of different Italian baked goods each morning. For breakfast, there are muffins, crumb buns, or chocolate croissants. For lunch or dinner, pies, pastries, and cookies are go-tos.

MG also recommends Nicolo's newest item: the personal tiramisu cakes, a recipe from DJ's grandfather (on his mother's side).

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Visit Nicolo’s in Montclair, open Tuesday through Sunday from 6AM to 6PM.