In the past few years, outdoor dining has become a year-round staple in North Jersey and beyond. Spring is here and restaurants are ready to once again open their outside areas in full force. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down brunch, quality seafood, a quick grab-and-go dessert, or specific ethnic cuisine, Montclair has endless options. Read on to learn more about these eateries with amazing outdoor dining options in Montclair.
Disclaimer: This is a growing list, and further suggestions are welcomed. Please email hello@themontclairgirl.com with any additions.
Bonjour Montclair Cafe | 254 Park Street
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This cozy cafe inspired by everyday family cooking has over three dozen sweet + savory crepe options, ranging from a steak, onion, and pepper combo to more classic cinnamon and sugar. The eatery also has a full menu of sandwiches, an indoor dining room, and outdoor tables open to the public daily weather permitting. No waiter service is available, but anyone is welcome to grab a seat.
Boschetto | 111 Grove Street
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This elevated fast-casual restaurant serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and other Italian favorites. One of the chef’s many specialties is the panuozzi, a made-to-order sandwich baked with homemade pizza dough. It also serves desserts including gelato, and the restaurant is BYOB. Outdoor seating is available on Boschetto’s patio.
Cafe Moso | 307 Orange Road
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Open Tuesday through Sunday, this Montclair South Bistro serves up an eclectic fusion of American cuisine with elaborate lunch and dinner menus.
Read More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
Cuban Pete’s | 428 Bloomfield Avenue
With a BYO-alcohol option available, it’s always five o’clock somewhere. Cuban Pete’s encourages patrons to bring bottles of wine or rum so the staff can make custom sangria or mojitos. The restaurant is also known for its non-alcoholic versions of these fan-favorite cocktails.
da Pepo | 54 Fairfield Street
Da Pepo serves up traditional Italian recipes — made in-house and learned from Italian ancestors — making the pasta selection top-notch. With warmer months on the horizon, its outdoor seating area will be open along the sidewalk. After dinner, MG recommends checking out Watchung Booksellers (right next door) for a post-dinner read.
De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Avenue
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This family-friendly European-inspired gastropub is located directly next to the Montclair train station, with outdoor tables a safe distance away from the tracks. There’s no place better to grab a flatbread and beer while waiting to head out on a trip, or simply just decompressing after a long day of work.
Efi’s Gyro | 521 Bloomfield Avenue
Efi’s Gyro is a Bloomfield Avenue restaurant that serves up authentic Greek gyro as well as other Greek dishes like bowls, pies, Greek iced coffee, and more. The spot has quite a few tables outside the storefront for customers to enjoy Mediterranean food with a view of downtown Montclair.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
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There is heated outdoor seating regularly available if you are looking to check out this location’s fish ‘n’ chips, pizza, signature cocktails, or beer on tap.
Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
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This elegant bi-level, indoor-outdoor location is best known for its French-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and its separate plant-based menu featuring dishes like vegetarian orecchiette and mushroom tarte flambee. PS: Fauborg recently announced that it’s expanding to Hudson County, with a second location coming to Weehawken soon.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street
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With TVs, tents, and heaters, the patio at Just Jake’s is the perfect spot to watch weekend sports games, or gather with co-workers for weekday happy hour, Monday through Friday 12PM-6PM.
Leone’s | 19 South Park Street
This pizza place has a lovely outdoor seating area to enjoy Italian-American cuisine outside. With salads, pastas, a large list of Italian entrees, and — of course — pizza, this is a great stop for delicious and comforting food while enjoying the breeze. Leone’s also has an indulgent dessert menu — we’re talking Oreo cheesecake, mini cannolis, and more.
Le Salbuen Cafe | 97 Walnut Street
If you’re looking for a night out on the town while still keeping a health-conscious diet, Le Salbuen is known for its locally sourced meat and vegan dishes.
Marcel Bakery + Kitchen | 631 1/2 Valley Road
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Marcel Bakery + Kitchen, conveniently located in Upper Montclair, is home to bagels, pastries, rotisserie chicken wraps, daily vegetables, and breakfast specials that regularly change. The restaurant is set up for customers to order and purchase the items inside, and then the hardworking staff will bring all food to the outdoor tables if one prefers to dine on-site rather than grab + go.
Mattarello Bakery + Cafe | 254 Bellevue Avenue
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mattarello with dozens of baked goods and specialty coffees. There are currently small tables set up outside the front sidewalk area so guests can leisurely enjoy the dessert. Some delicious menu items include Nutella bites, ‘St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs’, and gluten-free chocolate Caprese.
Mercado | 605 Valley Road
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Mercado, a MTC spot from the same owners as the former Sandwich Theory, pays homage to traditional Portuguese marketplaces. The food choices here include breakfast items, bowls, salads, sandwiches, soups, specials, and a plant-based menu. There is outdoor seating set up at the front of the restaurant.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
Established in 2014 by a husband and wife duo, the microbrewery and tasting room was born from a passion for home brewing and hosting. Now, the brewery is a go-to for unique brews and a unique experience. Patrons can enjoy a beer inside the tasting room or in the outdoor patio area.
Montclair House Grill | 12 Church Street
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Weather-permitting outdoor dining is set up at the front of this Church Street location branching out to the sidewalk area during all business hours.
Paper Plane Coffee Co. | 61 North Fullerton Avenue
Established in 2015, Paper Plane Coffee Co. is more than your average, run-of-the-mill coffee shop, and serves up a creative and diverse menu. There is outdoor seating set up outside so customers can enjoy their drinks during this beautiful weather.
Pappardelle Ristorante | 77 Walnut Street
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Whether looking for a romantic night out or a traditional Italian dinner with the fam, Pappardelle opens its doors, and outdoor front area weather permitting.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street
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This upscale BYOB bistro is serving up delicious comfort food in a whimsical environment and people line up every weekend for a bite. There are a few dishes that every visitor must try, and that includes French toast, huevos rancheros, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. It’s all about fresh ingredients at Raymond’s.
Sweet Kitchen | 533 Bloomfield Avenue
There are very few things in this life that are sweeter than brunch. Except maybe brunch in the sunshine with a side of fresh-made pastries. This is exactly what Sweet Kitchen, located in the heart of Montclair, can provide with the daily outdoor dining option.
See More: Best Outdoor Dining with Floral Displays in Hoboken + Jersey City
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue
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Uncle Momo’s serves up an award-winning fusion of French and Lebanese cuisine. Outdoor reservations, which can be made on OpenTable, are only currently available on warmer days, weather permitting.
Zeugma | 44 South Park Street
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Zeugma, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, has an outdoor patio weather permitting. The patio is first-come, first-served, and reservations are for indoor dining only. Whether you’re craving hummus, falafel, halloumi, lamb, or more, this is a great spot for good eats outdoors.
