It’s not a shock that Essex County residents and visitors alike are spoiled with some of the best eateries around. From diners and cafes to Italian restaurants and authentic ramen havens, you can never go wrong with visiting an iconic establishment that’s been around for decades or trying something new — especially if the feat also includes supporting women. We’ve compiled a list of women-owned restaurants to support in the area (including co-owned restaurants) so you can support these local ladies. Read on for a list of diverse women-owned eateries in Montclair and Bloomfield, New Jersey.
Ah’Pizz | 7 North Willow Street, Montclair
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This authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria has been bringing the fresh taste of Napoli to its customers for 14 years. It serves lunch and dinner choices including appetizers, salads, pasta, meat, and fish entrees. With a table delivery service from nearby wine and liquor shops, this eatery provides the full Italian experience in downtown Montclair.
Ani Ramen House | 511 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Known for its sip, slurp, and repeat slogan and epic interior design, this gem is a go-to in Essex County. It opened its first brick-and-mortar in Montclair and has quickly become known as one of the best Japanese ramen houses in the area — and it’s expanded rapidly to Jersey City, Westfield, and other North Jersey towns. April 4th is also National Ramen Noodle Day, so if one didn’t already have a reason to indulge in some Ani, there’s an excuse to try it out.
Brick City Vegan | 2 South Willow Street, Montclair
This Newark-based fast-casual restaurant recently opened its second location in Montclair. Essex County entrepreneur Adenah Bayoh is behind this creative concept which stands on the principle that “when you eat well you feel better.” Brick City prepares simple and delicious food with high-quality ingredients and has one-of-a-kind twists on regional and ethnic dishes. They feature modern takes on classic Southern dishes in addition to grab-and-go items like grain bowls and salads.
Read More: 24 Montclair + North Jersey Women to Watch in 2024
Brookside Thai Restaurant | 380 Broad Street, Bloomfield
With recipes passed down multiple generations, Brookside brings authentic Thai to the Bloomfield restaurant landscape. The family has been in the restaurant business for more than 80 years and over-delivers with its extensive menu. From classic yum (spicy salad) to monthly specials like Pad Gang Par-Hang, each customer will add a little spice to their life with these made-with-love Thai dishes.
Cornbread Farm-to-Soul | 362 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Two local female entrepreneurs — Adenah Bayoh, who owns eight restaurants (including four IHOP franchises), and Zadie B. Smith, the chef of Cornbread and also the owner of several child care centers in the area — are the brains behind this fast-casual-style restaurant serving soul food. The menu items are sourced from local farms and businesses and are free of hormones and steroids. There are three Cornbread locations throughout New Jersey and New York, making this its fourth location.
Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
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Tucked away on a side street, this luxury cafe–meets-flower shop opened two years ago in Bloomfield. It’s owned by floral designer Maritza Walton who describes the venue as “an upscale space [with] beautiful ceiling pink floral installs and gorgeous Instagrammable moments.” On the menu, there are lattes, cappuccinos, coffees, Espresso, lemonade refreshers, cronuts, cupcakes, salads, sandwiches, and of course, fresh flowers.
Cheesecakes by Jacinda | Food Delivery Service, Bloomfield
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Cheesecakes on their own are a decadent and gourmet dessert; add in Jacinda’s flair and it’s even more special. Cookies, cannolis, Oreos, and more are added to its special creations and cheesecakes are available in full-size, mini, and individually wrapped sizes. Contact Jacinda via email to place an order at cheesecakesbyjacinda@gmail.com.
Charm Thai Cuisine | 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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This charming menu boasts an array of authentic Thai dishes with a variety of soups, salads, fried rice, and noodles to choose from. The restaurant’s interior honors its cultural roots, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out. For appetizers, the restaurant offers crab rangoon, crispy shrimp rolls, chicken satay, pan-seared chicken dumplings, and tod mun pla (fish cake with red curry), among other delicacies.
Efi’s Gyro | 521 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
At the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Park Street, this eatery first opened its doors in June 2021 to serve fresh, authentic Greek gyro to Montclair. Originally named Avra, this Greek food spot recently had a name change and is run by Efi Mihalis, a young woman making waves in the Montclair restaurant scene. Its gyros and bowls are customizable with sauces and toppings to satisfy all palates, including vegan-friendly “impossible meat” so everyone can enjoy these Greek specialties together.
Gioia Mia | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
^ Chef Logan Ramirez + Mary Cumella, Photo Credit: Zack Pearl @thebacyard
This homey establishment is a contemporary American restaurant by Chef Logan Ramirez and Manager Mary Cumella, who were part of the Fascino team that was previously in this space. Now, it’s their turn to take the spotlight and make it their own. Try out the chefs’ favorite, and affordable, dishes like the chicken liver (with mousse apricot gelee, house pickled vegetables, + seeded sourdough) or the heritage pork chop (featuring bacon cassoulet, cranberry mostrada, + arugula).
Java Love Roasters | 244 Bellevue Avenue + 49 Church Street, Montclair
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Before opening Java Love almost 13 years ago, Jodie Dawson and Kristine Petrik were living life in the Catskills. The duo created Java Love to solve the problem of the lack of good coffee that was near their home in Upstate New York. Whether it’s a drip coffee, one of the specialty espresso beverages, or a baked treat, it’s hard not to get addicted to all this artisanal coffee shop has to offer.
Kai Yang | 345 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Owner Sheree Sarabhaya previously had run Spice II in Montclair and Boon Thai Kitchen in Livingston, both well-loved neighborhood establishments. She grew up in Thailand and opened Kai Yang to share the flavors of her beloved Thai street food with the community. Sheree wanted the decor to match the colorful energy of the street markets, which is the inspiration for the interior of the restaurant.
Kreme + Krumbs | 147 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This old-school ice cream shop makes its sweet creations from scratch and has a wide variety of ice cream flavors. The storefront has been providing “pure bliss to taste buds” since its storefront opened in 2019. Its menu changes monthly, with this month’s flavors consisting of Baileys + Brownies as well as Krunch n Munch (buttery popcorn cream, roasted peanuts, swirls of caramel).
La Fontaine Cafe | 12 North Willow Street, Montclair
This woman-owned cafe offers dine-in and takeout options for its delicious treats. With items like crepes, baklava, croissants, gluten-free macaroons, and burek, you can take a little trip overseas while indulging. Whether you need an afternoon caffeine boost or have a craving for something new, La Fontaine is here to serve.
Libélula Bakery + Kitchen | 5 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Nestled in the heart of Montclair, this bakery and eatery serves a blend of Dominican, Peruvian, and French flavors. What was once home to Sushi Hana has now transformed into a French kitchen where owners Veruska and Brian, two seasoned culinary experts, are set to impress their customers’ taste buds with their expertise. The menu has breakfast and lunch options with a fusion of Dominican and Peruvian cuisine, alongside a collection of Latin and French pastries.
Meet Me at Madison’s | 121 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
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This new eatery in the heart of Montclair serves up a mix of Mediterranean dishes with a Latin flair. The Sanchez family created Meet Me at Madison’s as a family inspired by their love for travel and Latin culture. The bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as brunch on Sundays complete with its signature drinks like the popular Paciencia y Fe.
Mesob Restaurant | 515 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
With only the finest quality in meats, seafood, vegetables, and more, this eatery serves up all of the Ethiopian favorites while pleasing both vegans and non-vegans alike. Dishes from this country are known for their flavors and spices, which is an element Mesob takes seriously and is included in every menu item. Its Injera (a delicious sourdough Ethiopian flatbread that you wrap your food with) makes this eatery a favorite with kids, where it’s a treat to ‘eat with your hands.’ Don’t worry, though — silverware is always available.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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For those days that call for a bowl of comfort food, this traditional Jewish deli on Park Street in Montclair is here to serve. Opened in July 2020 by owner Natalie Lee at the height of the pandemic, this “noshery” serves up all the best Jewish comfort foods. The small-but-mighty restaurant churns out homemade classics like pastrami, latkes, pickles, and “the best” chicken matzo ball soup.
Minia’s Breakfast + Lunch | 419 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield + 22 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
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Minia’s Breakfast and Lunch officially opened a second location in Montclair in 2021 in addition to its Bloomfield outpost. It serves up a fusion of comfort food from both Latin American and American cuisine. Breakfast and brunch options range from platters of pancakes or waffles to egg sandwiches and wraps.
Napoli Trattoria + Pizzeria | 11 Park Street, Montclair
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The Arito family has served the North Jersey community for 20 years through its family-owned restaurant making delectable Italian food available for dine-in, take-out, and catering. Its signature charcuterie board special is a staple share for the table. Make it a night out with the family as its kids’ menu features delicious favorites like pizza, pastas, and chicken fingers.
Only Poké | 6 Park Street, Montclair
What was once home to Puebla de Noche is now a new restaurant that delivers a fresh take on Poke cuisine. Owners Rose Wang and Kevin Zhang are originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and had two Poke restaurants there called Emoji Poke. Right now, they believe they found the perfect new home in Montclair by serving up signature menu items and original build-your-own concepts.
The Pie Store + The Tea Store | 100 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
Opened by Samantha Codling (owner and chief baker), The Pie Store sells homemade baked goods, as well as British imports like candies and snacks not easily found in the US. Its menu includes many of the classic sweet pies like apple, Key Lime, coconut cream, and chocolate mousse, and a wide selection of savory pies like mushroom, cheese, and onion, as well as pasties. The Tea Store, located just a couple of doors down from The Pie Store, sells U.K. imports, responsibly sourced luxury teas, as well as The Pie Store’s famous scones.
Plum Bakery Gluten-Free | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Right in the heart of downtown Montclair, this bakery proudly brings a mix of the world’s most popular desserts without a trace of gluten. Its impressive menu includes birthday cakes, rugelach, doughnuts, and much more. Stop by the store, visit the website, or check out its Instagram page for free tutorials on how to make gluten-free treats right from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Proven Poke Co | 19 Church Street, Montclair
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This eatery provides its well-known poke marinades (Classic Hawaiian Ahi and Slammin Salmon) as a tribute to authentic poke, or as they like to put it, “a little aloha in every bite!” Patrons have the option of building a bowl or burrito with the poke marinades, or opt for its cooked protein, non-seafood, gluten-free, and vegan options. The restaurant also serves Hawaiian appetizers, sides, drinks, and desserts like miso soup, musubi, loco moco, Dole Whip, and mochi ice cream.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair
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Longtime customers and newcomers alike can enjoy all kinds of dishes at either breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner at this classic restaurant as it marks its 35th year. Enjoy a diner cup of coffee while eating the goods they’re known for like French toast and pancakes, omelets, home-made soups, and its Wednesday night special that is fried chicken. One thing has remained the same over the years at this establishment: its ‘wish to provide great-tasting, fresh food at decent prices in an interesting atmosphere.’
Rudy’s Pastry Shop | 23 Willet Street, Bloomfield
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This spot has been serving quality European custom cakes and pastries for over 35 years as well as a wholesale dealer to local restaurants, country clubs, and hotels. It specializes in custom cakes for weddings and other special events, but its menu also has pastries, cookies, pies, cake pops, tortes, and cupcakes. While it has a flagship store, all delicacies are fresh to order and must be placed within a minimum 48-hour period.
See More: A List of Women-Owned Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses
Sweet T’s Southern Eatery | 387 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Tonza Houston, the co-owner of the eatery, is originally from Guyana in South America and always had a dream to open a restaurant. After noticing a void in Southern cuisine in Montclair, Tonza made her dream come to fruition in 2021. Sweet T’s menu includes traditional Southern comfort-style food from fried chicken meals, catfish, and short ribs to sides like mac and cheese, and cornbread with strawberry butter.
The Tea Company Café | 8 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
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Owner Sammarah Jackson opened her cafe as a testament to her love for brewing tea and the fulfillment it has brought to her life. This tea shop sells specialty tea and other items such as bubble tea, milk tea, tea frappes, tea smoothies, and traditional flavored sweet or unsweetened iced tea. Patrons can also shop its wide selection of designer and brand teaware, honey and body products, chocolates, tea-related books for adults, and gifts galore.
Toast City Diner | 700 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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This diner serves up pancakes, sandwiches, scrambles, specialty coffee, and more to satisfy anyone’s cravings. Have a fun outing with the whole family as it has an extensive drink menu and kids’ selections. It’s to be noted that founder Amy Russo can often be found weaving between tables and laughing with customers in either Montclair or its slew of other locations in downtown Asbury Park, Cranford, and Red Bank.
