Montclair is home to some staple seafood restaurants. From shrimp pasta dishes to shrimp cocktails, there is something for all the local seafood lovers. With National Shrimp Day on May 10, The Montclair Girl has compiled a list of some of the most notable shrimp options in Montclair that we recommend you try ASAP. Read on below for some awesome shrimp dishes you’ll want to sample on your next outing in Montclair.
Camarão ao alho e óleo at Samba Montclair | 7 Park Street
(Photo credit: @sambamontclair)
Take a trip to the lively, sultry, and colorful country of Brazil by visiting Samba, a delicious, certified gluten-free restaurant. Camarão ao alho e óleo is a favorite on a menu full of must-try items. These sautéed shrimps cooked to perfection with garlic and extra virgin olive oil are the perfect way to start a meal at Samba. Be sure to note that reservations are required here.
Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits at Sweet T’s Southern Eatery | 387 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @sweettssoutherneatery)
Sweet T’s menu includes traditional Southern comfort-style food. Everything from fried chicken meals to catfish and short ribs – to sides like mac + cheese and cornbread with strawberry butter. A must-try is the signature, classic Southern Shrimp and Grits. The dish is prepared with grilled Jumbo shrimp alongside stone-ground cheddar cheese grits topped with turkey sausage with a little touch of Carolina spicy peppers. If that isn’t your dream comfort meal, we don’t know what is.
Read More: Your Guide to Spots That Offer An Omakase Sushi Experience in North Jersey
Coconut Shrimp Roll at Halcyon Brasserie | 144 Walnut Street
(Photo credit: @halcyonmontclair)
This popular local restaurant is a go-to for seafood, creative cocktails, and a one-of-a-kind menu. Halcyon is known for the raw bar, especially the colossal shrimp. Hand-rolled sushi is another trademark – and the Coconut Shrimp Roll is the star. The Montclair Girl readers voted Halcyon the Best Seafood Restaurant in Montclair in 2021, so diners are in for a treat here.
Gamberi Fra Diavolo at Scala del Nonna | 32 Church Street
(Photo credit: @scaladelnonna)
Spicy enthusiasts – this one is for you. Ecuadorian shrimp sautèed with fresh herbs in a spicy tomato sauce with Calabrian chili peppers— yum. While there are only a couple of shrimp dishes on the menu, they are definitely worth the visit to this upscale Italian eatery in Montclair. This Gamberi Fra Diavolo dish is an unforgettable one, and a tasty way to celebrate National Shrimp Day.
Orecchiette Cugino at Leone’s | 19 South Park Street
Known for its traditional Italian fare, including brick oven pizzas, Leone’s also serves up many tried and true seafood favorites in pasta form. The Orecchiette Cugino is a favorite among patrons – as the pasta dish is served with baby shrimp, lemon, asparagus, garlic, and oil. It’s the perfect light and savory dish for a Sunday dinner.
Peel + Eat Shrimp at Jack’s Seafood Shack | 718 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @jacksseafoodshack)
For all things seafood, go no further than Jack’s Seafood Shack. It has everything from lobster rolls to lobster grilled cheese, fried shrimp, and even peel-and-eat shrimp. The peel-and-eat shrimp is some of the best in the area and is perfect when you’re in the mood for fresh seafood with the perfect amount of Old Bay seasoning. The restaurant also has other shrimp dishes – both fried and pan-seared with garlic. The best part is, Jack’s is open all year round!
See More: A Guide to Seafood Markets in Hudson County
Pineapple Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice at Crabulous Boil Seafood | 379 Bloomfield Avenue
(Photo credit: @crabulousboilseafood)
Crabulous Boil Seafood is a Cajun and Creole restaurant in the heart of Montclair. The seafood spot serves everything from steamed oysters to fried calamari and lobster. One of the dishes that we recommend for the shrimp lovers is the Pineapple Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice. The best part about this dish (and others on the menu) is that it is served in true Cajun seafood fashion — seasoned to perfection. And if you’re looking to try a shrimp-y appetizer – there is also delicious Fried Cajun Shrimp and Fried Coconut Shrimp on the menu.
The Boiler Shrimp at Cap’t Loui Seafood Boil | 10 Park Street
(Photo credit: @captlouimontclair)
With a few locations across the northeast, Cap’t Loui’s Seafood Boilhas made quite the name for itself. Aside from the famous New England clam chowder, the boiler dishes allow guests to choose their sauce, spice level, and a side to go in the bag (with options including sausage, noodles, corn, and potatoes). We recommend the shrimp for this experience, but you can’t go wrong with the other seafood options offered – from lobsters to crawfish, calamari, and more. Combos and lunch specials are also offered.
