In early February 2025, one of Montclair’s most iconic Italian eateries, Scala del Nonna, closed its doors after 11 years. For a while, the space was empty as MTC locals eagerly kept an eye out for what would come next. Back in early April, The Montclair Girl received an exclusive update from the new business owner taking over the space that 32 Church Street would soon welcome a new American restaurant, The Saint Clair. On May 27th, we received another update with renderings of what the space will look like upon opening. Read on for everything we know so far about The Saint Clair’s arrival in Montclair, New Jersey, and a glimpse into the new space.
The New Spot
The Montclair Girl received word via DM from local foodie and Top Chef Season 19 contestant, Chef Leia Gaccione, on Tuesday, April 1st, that she had an exciting secret to share with the Montclair community. Leia let us know that she would be taking over the former Scala del Nonna space at 32 Church Street in Montclair.
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With a goal of opening early this summer, the restaurant will be called The Saint Clair and focus on new American eats. The chef-driven, locally sourced eatery will feature brunch, lunch, and dinner, and be open seven days a week.
Read More: Chef Chen’s Sushi Opens in Former Le Salbuen Space in Montclair
Leia shared with MG that she hopes The Saint Clair will be a “sanctuary for food lovers and community.” She noted that she had been inspired by the original architecture of the Church Street building, which features beautiful cathedral ceilings and historic features, and is located in her favorite city (Montclair).
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Above all, Leia is thrilled to be a business owner and resident of Montclair, sharing that being able to feed the community is high on her list of things she is looking forward to. Leia worked in her very first kitchen in Montclair 25 years ago, and feels that this is a true full-circle moment of her hard work coming to fruition.
Updates as of 5/28
Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design
The Montclair Girl team received an exclusive first look at The Saint Clair’s soon-to-open space. D&G Interiors + Design, a Hoboken-based company, is behind the interior design.
Upon opening, customers can expect an “overall vibe [that] teeters between old-world romance and modern-day mystique,” Brian Garcia, Principal at D&G Interiors + Design, shared with MG. Taking advantage of the property’s architectural features, like its groin-vaulted ceilings, the team plans to create a space that features “warm woods and lush greenery” and brass, crystal, and silk accents.
Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design
The decor will also include plenty of art, as Brian states it will “[play] a central role in the space.” “There’s an underlying story, almost as if the chef—or some enigmatic collector—has been curating a rotating gallery over the years,” Brian said.
Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design
The upstairs area is what Brian refers to as “darker, sexier, and more intimate.” Drawing inspiration from the 1990s film Romeo + Juliet, the space will include dark and gritty (yet romantic) tones. It will have “a vibe all its own, yet still intrinsically tied to the soul of the space below.”
What Was There Before?
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On February 9th, 2025, Scala del Nonna announced via Instagram that its Montclair location at 32 Church Street would close permanently on Sunday, February 16th, 2025.
“Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that after 11 wonderful years, Scala del Nonna will be closing its doors. This is not just the closing of a restaurant—it is the closing of a chapter that has been filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family, because that is exactly what many of you have been to us.
You were never just customers. You were friends who became family. We have watched your families grow, celebrated your milestones, toasted to your successes, and even grieved alongside you in difficult times. You have filled our dining room with stories, traditions, and moments that we will cherish forever.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve you, to cook for you, and to share in the simple joys of a good meal surrounded by good company. Your support and loyalty have meant the world to us, and there are truly no words that can express our gratitude.
Though our doors may close, the memories we have created together will always remain.
This is not goodbye—just a change of scenery. Please come visit our other locations for the same delicious food that you have come to know and enjoy. We would love to welcome you with open arms and continue sharing meals, laughter, and memories together.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. For everything.
With love and gratitude,
Scala del Nonna Family”
The restaurant had served the Montclair community for 11 years prior and was known for its traditional Italian comfort dishes. Currently, Scala del Nonna still has three other locations, called Scala Fedeli, at 63 Main Street in Chatham, 167 Main Road in Montville, and 165 Duane Street in New York City.
See More: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Inches Closer to Opening Hoboken Location
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A Guide to Pet Grooming in the Montclair Area
Few things compare to the refreshed feeling after a haircut. It’s the same for the pups in our lives - they need grooming too. With many choices for dog groomers and salons in Essex County, it’s important to find one who is a good match for your pet’s needs and personality. Read on for more information about dog groomers and salons in the Montclair + Essex County area.
All Breed Cat + Dog Grooming | 296 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
All Breed Cat + Dog Grooming is located near the corner of Bloomfield Avenue + Malvern Place. The Salon specializes in dog grooming + dog sitting. Currently, this salon isn’t taking on new clients. However, those interested are encouraged to leave a message via the answering service to receive contact when an opening becomes available.
Read More: A List of Dog-Friendly Places in Montclair
City Dog Spa + Boutique | 551 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
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Located on Valley Road, City Dog Spa + Boutique is about a 2-minute walk from Upper Montclair’s Starbucks, making this location a work-from-home dream. Clients can drop their dog off and know they will receive a spa-like treatment. City Dog Spa + Boutique is cage-free and opts to use pet suites instead of cages to keep pups as stress-free as possible. This salon is full of passionate dog groomers who are available by appointment only.
Fluff Pup Grooming | 255 Hoover Avenue, Bloomfield
Fluff Pup Grooming is located on Hoover Avenue near Pulaski Park. Services available include as relaxing baths, nail trimming, hair cutting, ear cleaning, + more. This salon also has toys and treats available, in case the owner wants to treat their well-behaved pups. Be sure to check out its website or call for more information on free Fluff Pup photo shoots.
Nina's Grooming Salon | 49 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
Owner Leslie named this salon after her dog, Nina. Leslie took over the business in March 2024. e. The storefront is located near the corner of Franklin Avenue + Stager Street. Grooming is made by appointment and includes lush services like 1-on-1 time with pups, cage-free drying sessions, and grooming by the owner every time.
Noelle's Grooming Salon | 188 Prospect Street, Nutley
Noelle’s Grooming Salon is located near the corner of Prospect Street + Stager Street. This family-owned + operated salon is about an 8-minute walk from the Nutley Diner, making it a great spot to stroll around the town, and grab a bite to eat while waiting for a furry friend to finish getting pampered. The salon provides services for grooming, pet sitting, + dog walking.
Paws + Thank you | Virtual + In-home
Paws + Thank You provides a slightly different type of service than others on this list. Dog groomer, Tomoko, has several training + grooming certifications. Grooming services include a Meet + Greet and Fear Free In-Home Grooming. There are also sessions available to help with personalized grooming, like Grooming Foundations sessions, which take dog owners through the process of creating a step-by-step guide to get pups ready for a stress-free experience. Training services are also available in-home or virtually.
Puppies + Tattoos | 116 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Puppies + Tattoos is not a tattoo parlor, despite its name, but a grooming spot for pups. Puppies + Tattoos provides services like baths, haircuts, nail trimmings, and ear cleanings.
Ruff to Fluff Bar | 127 Valley Road, Montclair
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Located on Valley Road, this “open concept grooming salon” allows owners to be part of the process of grooming their dogs. Refreshments + a workspace are provided for customers. Pricing can be found on its website, however, Ruff to Fluff also encourages those curious to call for further information, as every pup is different. There is also an additional location in Jersey City at 580 Palisade Avenue.
See More: Woof Gang Bakery + Grooming to Take Over Former Giorgio’s Space in Hoboken
Style N' Canine Pet Services | 46 Chatham Road, Short Hills
Style N’ Canine Pet Services is located near the corner of Chatham Road + Woodland Road. The location is about a one-minute walk from the Short Hills train station. This salon prides itself on accepting + grooming all dogs regardless of size. A phone number is listed on its Facebook page (973-433-9665) to inquire further about appointments + pricing.
