Montclair's culinary scene thrives on diversity, passion, and innovation. There’s a cool new restaurant or pop-up at every turn, and lately, it’s been a force of women behind some of the most exciting projects in town. Each of these rising women chefs brings their background and vision to the table, significantly influencing the local food landscape. Read on to meet five women chefs shaping Montclair + Essex County, one dish at a time.

Kamonthip “Meiji” Pattamasingcha – Minoru

Photo Credit: Kamonthip “Meiji” Pattamasingcha

Chef Meiji Pattamasingcha, co-owner of SLA Thai, has returned to her roots with the opening of Minoru, a Japanese restaurant located at 608 Valley Road in Montclair. Having begun her career under Aki Kaneda, the longtime owner of Daikichi — a beloved local sushi spot that has since closed — Meiji’s new venture occupies the very space where she first honed her craft. Minoru features inventive dishes like Shima aji + fig carpaccio and Wagyu uni truffle rolls, blending traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists. Meiji previously shared with The Montclair Girl that the eatery would take up both of the building's floors: Minoru Ramen is on the second floor, and Jonetsu Omakase will open on the first floor later this year.

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Leia Gaccione – The Saint Clair

Photo Credit: Leia Gaccione

Top Chef alumna Leia Gaccione is returning to her Montclair roots with The Saint Clair, a new American eatery set to open at 32 Church Street in the former Scala del Nonna space. Leia began her culinary journey in Montclair 25 years ago. She went on to work as executive chef and chef de cuisine for Bobby Flay before opening her acclaimed restaurant, South + Pine, in Morristown. Known for her seasonal, elevated comfort food, Leia will bring that same warmth and ingredient-driven approach to The Saint Clair, which she describes as “a sanctuary for food lovers and community.”

Beyond the new Montclair venture, Leia is collaborating with fellow local chef Sadie Alberti on a special dinner at Madame in Jersey City this June, promising a night of creativity and culinary connection.

Susan Strachan – The Grove Grill

Photo Credit: Susan Strachan

Susan Strachan, a Bloomfield resident for over two decades, opened The Grove Grill at 143 Grove Street in Bloomfield in fall 2023. The space was originally a convenience store and has since been transformed into a full-service restaurant with many dishes. Inspired by her Jamaican heritage, the restaurant serves up a fusion of classic and innovative dishes, such as oxtail cheesesteak and jerk chicken loaded fries. “I love to see people happy. I grew up in a Jamaican family that always cooked. It’s my love language,” Susan told The Montclair Girl. “Our spin on Caribbean cuisine is unique. And that’s what people who come to the area to dine are looking for–dishes they can’t get anywhere else. I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Taryn Clayton – Soj Foods + Underground Supper Club

Photo Credit: Taryn Clayton

Montclair State University alumna Taryn Clayton founded grab-and-go food service Soj Foods and the Underground Supper Club. The latter is a monthly, themed vegan dinner that transforms an industrial kitchen in Carlstadt, NJ, into an intimate dining experience. The big news is that Taryn is looking at retail spaces and planning a major move soon.

As Taryn previously explained to MG, “The whole vibe of Supper Club is to encourage people to come have a meal, communicate with each other, and slow things down. It’s a moment to sit, enjoy dinner, and not rush somewhere.” Taryn's background in nutrition and plant-based culinary arts informs her creative, seasonal menus, and she’s also recently added a cooking class offering, which takes this same community-based approach.

Natalie Lee – Mikki + Al’s Noshery + Plum Bakery

Photo Credit: Natalie Lee

Natalie Lee was destined for a life in food, as she is a tenth-generation baker. She was trained by her father, who is a master-certified baker from Germany. Natalie launched her first restaurant, Plum on Park, as a cozy, communal space that felt like an extension of her dining room. Today, she runs Mikki + Al’s Noshery, Montclair’s only authentic New York/Jewish-style deli, and Plum Bakery, her gluten-free bake shop, side by side on Glenridge Avenue.

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While Mikki + Al’s may be small in seating, it’s big on tradition — Natalie and her team make nearly everything in-house, even hand-rolling their bagels (thanks to her dad’s recipe). “We do it the old-fashioned way,” she told MG. And for Natalie, being part of Montclair’s food scene is a joy. “It’s like exploring multiple cultures through food in one town.”