Ray’s Luncheonette has been announced as one of the winners of a nationwide $40,000 grant by American Express. The grant that is given is for small restaurants that have a historical and cultural impact, to assist them from the effects COVID-19 left.
“When my former colleagues at Amex announced this program, I immediately reached out to my colleague David Cummings, who has a deep understanding of the history of this town, to help me identify a restaurant in Montclair for this award,” Yacobellis said in a statement.
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Ray’s Luncheonette was seen as a good fit for the grant.
“After reviewing the criteria, he suggested a few places including Ray’s Luncheonette. I then went to my former running mate, James Cotter, who I knew had a longstanding relationship with the owners to see if he would discuss and feel out if they were interested in applying. Once we confirmed they were, James worked with Ray’s and I worked with Amex to help give Ray’s strong consideration.”
To learn more about the program click here.
This Montclair Restaurant Serves Cacio e Pepe in a Giant Cheese Wheel
Sapori, located at 9 Park Street, is the newest Italian restaurant to hit the Montclair dining scene. The restaurant serves authentic dishes rooted in fresh seafood and homemade pasta, with a special Cacio e Pepe dish served tableside out of a pecorino romano cheese wheel on Thursday nights. Read on to hear more about what makes Sapori a unique dining destination in Montclair, New Jersey.
About Sapori
Sapori is a family affair. Three Albanian brothers, Zach, Arlin, and Izet Picari, opened this spot in early 2025. They have a joint passion for world travel and good food, especially quality Italian food, which they grew up eating in Albania. When the brothers embarked on opening Sapori, they recruited their cousin, who was a chef in Naples for 17 years, to join them. Most of the wait staff are family friends, and the brothers’ parents often come to help out. The family loves having a restaurant in Montclair for its busy streets and European feel, which makes them feel at home.
The Picari brothers have been in business for 20 years but recently refreshed the space, which was previously Napoli, to open Sapori. As shared on its website, “Our charming eatery now features a vibrant, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements our exciting new menu. With our personal experience from around the world, we are bringing you the best taste of authentic Italian flavors, crafted from the finest ingredients and traditional recipes.”
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The Eats
Sapori’s authentic Italian menu features 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. The main attraction is the 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.
One other specialty is the Octopus Carpaccio. As Sapori posted on its Instagram, “Our delicate Octopus Carpaccio is a refined Mediterranean appetizer, featuring thinly sliced octopus drizzled with a vibrant lemon dressing, topped with fresh arugula and delicate shavings of Parmigiano. Each bite is a harmony of flavors, citrusy brightness, peppery greens, and rich umami notes from the cheese. We craft it with care to bring you a light yet elegant taste of the sea. It’s a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and Italian finesse!”
Sapori also prides itself in seafood pasta dishes, which are often on the specials menu and depend on seasonality and availability of the fish (although its Lobster Fettuccine is a menu staple). One such special is the Linguine Fruitti Di Mare. As shared on Instagram, “Our handmade Linguine Fruitti Di Mare is a classic Italian pasta dish, featuring a mix of seafood tossed in a rich garlic and tomato sauce. We use only the highest quality ingredients, bringing the authentic coastal flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. It’s a true taste of Italy, made with love and craftsmanship!”
Sapori rounds out its menu with a selection of homemade desserts, including a crème brûlée, tiramisu, and tres leches cake.
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Additional Details
The updated restaurant feels more like a fine dining establishment, with lively murals and decor that make the space feel modern and vibey for celebrations. It's BYOB, though it serves mocktails.
Sapori is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30AM to 9:30PM; Fridays and Sundays from 11:30AM to 10:30PM; and Sundays from 11:30AM to 9PM. The restaurant recently started serving lunch daily.
