First off, our server Larry was phenomenal. Genuine, funny, and gave us thoughtful recommendations…read more My partner and I came in for a 7pm reservation to sit at the bar area - one vegetarian, one vegan. Larry was very accommodating, and helped compose a vegan dish from the setup of another dish. He was considerate to recommend something that would feel "substantial" - something that I really appreciated. It's already a bit inconvenient to come up with a dish on the spot, but to go the extra mile by caring that it would be satisfying as a main dish was really very kind. And it turned out fantastic. This restaurant has so much going for it in the quality of its ingredients and dish compositions. I would encourage the chef to consider how the can apply their creativity to a dedicated vegan dish as well. There's a big world to explore in creating modern, high end, plant-based dishes and I think this restaurant would hit it out of the park ! :)

I truly can't believe how long it took me to get here. I put off my visit for years knowing I…read morewanted to go and now I'm sad I waited so long! Service here was phenomenal and the food blew us away!! Honorable mention to the Persian cucumber salad and the Kielbasa daily offering!!! I cannot wait to come back and try more things from the menu- this is definitely a "run don't walk" restaurant to keep on your list!

11/25/25: Update- Met up with a Yelp friend for dinner. Water was served along with complementary…read morerosemary bread and marinara sauce. I've had the bread here in the past. This time, it seemed to be lacking the rosemary seeds and flavor. The sauce was blah. We ordered Porn Star Martinis to start out the evening. The cocktails were delish! Our starter included a super yummy Pear Arugula flatbread! : ) Entrées included a French chicken $28 for me and Hangar Steak $35 for my friend. I had a Taste of the Hangar Steak. It was delicious. I wish, I had ordered it. Taking one star off because the French chicken was extremely dry. Our regular server did not serve the entrées. I didn't see our regular server to flag down. All the other servers were running around. Otherwise, I would've asked one of them. Our server came over when it was dessert time. We decided to order Espresso Martini Shots. The shots were yummy! I've been to DeNovo many times. From now on, I would forego their entrees and stick with their amazing cocktails and wonderful appetizers. On that note, cheers and wishing everyone a blessed holiday!

Don't be fooled... De Novo European Pub isn't your ordinary pub or drinking establishment. It's…read moremore of an elevated, sophisticated gastropub with higher-end restaurant-style food. We had a 6:30pm dinner reservation on a Tuesday evening. There's a parking lot in the rear with allocated spots. There's also street parking nearby. The restaurant was lively and busy. They have a full bar, high top tables, communal booth seating along one wall, and a section with tables for groups. It's not a huge place, so I recommend making reservations, especially for larger groups. The interior is styled after a casual European pub, but with rustic and elegant touches like fuchsia bougainvillea flowers, hanging industrial lights, antique chandeliers, distressed wood, etc. It's the ideal spot for date nights and celebrations. The tables are close together, so it does feel a bit crowded and the noise level can get high. The menu offers classic favorites from both European and American cuisines. The European dishes mainly consist of Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean flavors. I was surprised to see they have a full sushi menu! The drink menu is extensive - cocktails, wines, beer, hard liquor, you name it! Just a heads up - the prices listed on the menu are cash prices. Card pricing is available on their website. Mark was our server and I could tell that he enjoys his job! He had a fun personality and was attentive & welcoming from start to finish. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us recommendations on what to order. He made sure we were enjoying ourselves. The other staff members were quick with clearing our dishes and refilling waters. Not once did we feel rushed. 5 star service from Mark! We received complimentary bread and marinara dip to start, which we weren't too crazy about. The bread would've been better if it was served warm and had more seasoning on top. The marinara was watery and a bit bland. We ordered... *Porn Star Martini $16 (Weber Ranch vodka, passion fruit, lime, vanilla, sparkling rose) - My new favorite cocktail ;) It was the right balance of tropical, tart, and sweet. The sweetness was very subtle and the passion fruit flavor really shone through. The sparkling wine added a bubbly, crisp finish with every sip. I could definitely taste the alcohol... and I felt it running through my veins too LOL. *Pear Flatbread $18 (brie, caramelized pears, crumbled bacon, arugula, balsamic drizzle) - Highly recommend this appetizer! The bread is very thin and crispy, so it won't fill you up too much before your main course. Every bite was cheesy goodness combined with sweet & salty flavors from the pears and crunchy bacon bits. *Charred Hanger Steak $35 (with side of roasted mashed potatoes, wilted spinach, & chimichurri sauce) - Absolutely delicious! I requested my steak to be done medium and the chef delivered. It had a pink center with a rich, beefy flavor. It was tender, juicy, and paired well with the fresh, tangy, & herbal flavors of the chimichurri sauce. The mashed potatoes were soft and buttery. I only wish I got a larger portion of steak LOL. *French Chicken Breast $28 (topped with asparagus, manchego, almonds, pink peppercorns, capers, & potatoes) - The chicken was tender, but lacked moisture. It was a bit dry, but still enjoyable enough to eat. *Espresso Martini Shot $5 (Ketel One Vodka, espresso, Caffe Borghetti) - Coffee + alcohol.... a winner!!! The espresso and the vodka were nicely balanced. This was the perfect dessert drink - smooth, bold, nutty, & sweet. I would happily return. Good food, good drinks, good service, good ambiance... I'm already hyped for my second visit!

Review: Café Faubourg - Montclair…read more Café Faubourg is one of Montclair's true gems--an authentic French bistro that feels as if it were lifted straight from a quiet Parisian street and placed right in the heart of town. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance sets the tone: warm lighting, intimate tables, and that unmistakable bistro charm that makes every meal feel like a small escape. The food is consistently excellent, starting with their hummus, which is surprisingly standout for a French spot. Smooth, flavorful, and beautifully plated, it's the perfect way to begin the meal and pairs wonderfully with their fresh bread. The steak frites is a must-order and easily one of the best in the area. The steak is tender and cooked exactly to preference, richly seasoned without being heavy, and served alongside crisp, golden fries that are everything you want in a classic bistro dish. It's simple, authentic, and prepared with the kind of care that elevates a traditional favorite into something memorable. Service at Café Faubourg is warm and attentive without being intrusive, contributing to the relaxed elegance of the experience. Whether you're dropping in for a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, the staff makes you feel welcome and unrushed. For anyone looking for an authentic French bistro experience in Montclair--excellent food, inviting ambiance, and truly charming service--Café Faubourg delivers every time.

I've reviewed Faubourg in the past and my experiences here have been exceptional. With the bar…read moreraised that high, I think it's good for the establishment to know about certain details that impact customer satisfaction. During this visit, the plating of some of the dishes was odd, as whomever did it felt the need to position the food right at the edge of the plates. That made it difficult to eat the dishes without some of the food spilling off the side. Had to push everything to center to avoid this. Again, this was very odd, as it happened on two entrees and one dessert dish and was the first time we've seen this at Faubourg. The lamb duo had a fantastic grilled flavor, but part of it (I believe it may have been shank meat) was loaded with so much salt that it overwhelmed the flavors and was a bit difficult to continue eating. The last comment is admittedly nitpicky, but worth mentioning, as they automatically added a 20% gratuity despite the menu stating that 20% is added for parties of 6 or more. We were a party of two and I was a bit annoyed that they did this. The check also had a place for "additional tip", which was a bit presumptuous after adding the 20%. Overall, the experience was positive with a few hiccups that prevent me from giving 5 stars. Still highly recommended.

11/8/25 Been here a few times... always good food and…read moreservice. The Mrs. and I started with the mussels (white wine and butter sauce which was very good) and the arugula salad with apples and goat cheese... SO good! My wife ordered the roasted Branzino (butterflied, deboned & served with salmoriglio sauce, sautéed spinach, green beans, and tomatoes which she loved. I opted for the Tagliatelle duck, duck Bolognese, tomatoes in a light cream and pomodoro sauce. Great dish I would order again anytime. Service is always great here... A bit loud, but I guess some people would call that "ambiance." Still a great BYOB we always enjoy.

What a cute charming BYOB 11 minutes from Montclair' University. We tried the appetizer special…read morewhich was a fig crostini topped with Gorgonzola and walnut. This is very good and on the sweet side. Next came the Caesar Salad. What was different about it is there was a hint of basil and instead of croutons they did a dusting of fresh bread crumbs which was unique. Our meals were the rigatoni and a meatball. And WOW what a beautiful sized meatball. It was a bit too salty but my daughter liked it and that's all we care about. I had the linguini and clams which was good. The clams needed some better cleaning since I had a few with some sand in them. Stand out dish was the Fettuccine with shrimp. Had a nice pesto sauce mixed in with the Alfredo sauce and it really made the dish pop. Shrimp were good and cooked to perfection.

**GF items available** Still seeking to learn if the items…read moreare celiac safe Came in for a late night bite, and we're so glad we did! Atmosphere was warm and cozy. We dined at the bar as we were seeking a drink and a light snack. Calamari was GF and delicious (wish it was more crispy tho)! We also ordered the GF dry rub wings. Amazing, crispy, flavorful! Ambiance: 10/10 Drinks: 9/10 Food: 9/10 Parking: 10/10 I wish the bar staff smiled. Though they were great at serving us and providing us our items accurately, most had the energy of a deflated balloon. A smile could have went the wrong way, or even a proper greeting. I'm going to assume it was simply a long day, and hope to see them in the future hopefully on a better note. They still received a 22% tip for their service.

Overall I cool spot, with a very western feel, and a menu that is more just American bar food and…read moreItalian ? Service is great, and they have a huge selection of spirits with a decent tap list as well. Service was great. The food was average, we started with some apps, fried cauliflower (it had no flavor but the texture was nice) , maple deviled eggs which were amazing and brussels which also delicious. The burger I got looked great but also lacking flavor, and was dry. I think there is a little too much going on with the types of cuisine on the menu and they need to just pick one path.

This is one of those places that reminds you why burgers became a thing in the first place…read more I ordered what looks like a very modest cheeseburger. No tower. No gimmicks. No "chef's interpretation." Just bun, beef, cheese. And somehow it absolutely delivered. The patty was smashed just right with crispy edges and a juicy center, and the cheese was properly melted like it actually respected the assignment. The bun held together the entire time, which already puts this place ahead of most burgers I have eaten in the last decade. No soggy collapse. No mid bite regret. Now let's talk fries. These fries are the kind that do not need explaining. Golden, crispy, slightly irregular as intended, and clearly fried by someone who knows exactly when to pull them. Add the dipping sauce and suddenly you are negotiating with yourself about whether to save some fries for later. You will not. This is comfort food done confidently. Not trying to be viral. Not chasing trends. Just quietly excellent food that makes you pause mid bite and think, "Yeah, this is it." If you are looking for * a burger that tastes like a burger * fries that disappear faster than planned * and a meal that leaves you full, happy, and slightly smug about your choice this place is it. I came hungry. I left impressed. I will absolutely be back, and next time I am ordering extra fries because I have learned my lesson. Highly recommend.

randomly passed by the area and was like "hey lets just have some burgers" lol…read more for a Monday night, seeing people there both dining in and ordering take outs, thats a good sign! for some reason, I had a feeling the burgers would be good and they actually were! just simple, well-flavored, fresh, juicy burgers!! nothing fancy, just quality meats and fresh ingredients. Thats all that was needed for that meal. Although I thought fries on the side would be included, that didnt really disappointed me as much. Wish I tried their shakes though. oh and the "chicken wings" were awesome! Truffle Honey Mustard was sooo good

unique atmosphere...good menu with a variety of choices and friendly service....drinks were very…read moregood ..

Food was absolutely amazing! The steak sandwich has great flavor and everything tasted fresh!…read more Service was excellent! Our server and other staff who brought our food were joyful and friendly. I was amazed by their positivity and they were pretty busy! Good ambiance for Christmas so much decor to make the spirit come alive. Make sure I come annually around this time! Get Reservations on time! Def worth coming too!

My fiancé and I love this place due to it's ambiance and location, as it's…read moreclose to where we live. The interior of the restaurant is just comfortable, got a real warm, fireplace vibe. The food is good and they offer seasonal specials which are decent and affordable. We usually dine here 3-4 times monthly so think we are pretty good judges of Maggie's. My only callout here is the inconsistency in service. Sometimes amazing and other times unpredicable. Our average bill is around $50ish plus tip, for 2 people. The management needs to step up their game when training the servers, set them up for success. Our most recent visit we arrived right at opening (12 PM) for lunch. We were the only 2 seated at that time. Our table was in the back and right next to us were 3 employees who were rolling silverware in napkins. We heard their entire conversation about their weekend long before we were even greeted. They need some direction on professionalism and that comes directly from their leadership. Great parking and looks like it might be a fun bar scene for sports fans, we are usually there for lunch.

Ordered Nachos- the cheese seemed very artificial more like canned and heated up; Chips were a bit…read morestale. Not your ordinary Mexican style nachos Service is what you expect, courteous.

Stopped by for their happy hour specials which were delicious!…read moreDrink specials were fantastic but the food was even better. Mussels, wings and an espresso martini? Where can you go wrong. My husband and I went early and the bartender was great. Super attentive and quick with everything. The mussels were honestly delicious, the sauce was super flavorful. I'd get them everytime!

I am writing to share details about a disappointing dining experience my sister and I had at MEAL…read morelast night (January 10, 2026). We had high expectations for your restaurant, given its reputation, and the many times we frequent your establishment. However, unfortunately, several issues arose that significantly impacted our evening. We arrived for our reservation and began at the bar with a drink before moving to our table. (2-glasses of bar wine) We sat at the table and then ordered a second glass of wine, which took approximately 15 minutes to arrive--despite the restaurant appearing relatively quiet after 7 PM with only a four-tables occupied. When we inquired at the bar, we were told there were no glasses available, which should have been addressed proactively. Additionally, when reviewing the menu, we did not see a ribeye listed on the menu. We asked the server if there was one available. Our server explained that a ribeye was available for $85. We proceeded to order it (along with a salad, as no other green vegetable options like spinach was available). However, the server later clarified that the $85 price referred to a different steak, and the ribeye we received was priced at $199. This was at the time we received the final bill. This misunderstanding was not clearly communicated upfront, leading to confusion and total disappointment! To make matters worse, when the steak arrived, it appeared totally undercooked (essentially raw in the center), and by the time we addressed it and attempted to proceed, our accompanying mashed potatoes had gone cold. The meat never tastes correct when recooked after bring sliced!!!!!Overall, we felt the service and communication was unacceptable, leaving us confused and terribly dissatisfied. As the owner and chef, is well respected I wrote to him only to find no reply at all. No manager was available on-site to assist us at the time. It is clear the restaurant is failing as there were three tables on Saturday night at 7:00 pm.

We went to Sam's for an early seating on a Saturday night to celebrate my brother's birthday. We…read morehad the tasting menu including bread and dessert. The dashi course was savory, rich and tempered well with the pickled spring vegetables, which kept the dish from being too heavy. The rye bread was pillowy and warm. The salted butter the perfect complement. For my first course I chose the beef carpaccio. It may have been my favorite dish of the evening. The beef was sliced perfectly, the salted crackled pork eaten with the beef and aioli were a lovely mouthful of textures and rounded flavor. The next course was a beet salad. The golden beets were just tender while still firm. For my main, I selected the Parisian gnocchi with truffle sauce. If I could have eaten all of the sauce with a straw I would have. The gnocchi texture had a nice slight crisp but the potato filling was a tiny bit overdone. The dish was very rich but somehow a bit fluffy. For dessert we tried both the rice pudding and the sorbet with chocolate ganache. The sorbet was a bit tart which went perfectly with the dark chocolate ganache. The service was excellent. Everyone was friendly and knowledge. Sam's mom came to wish my brother a happy birthday which was a nice touch. The green velvet channeled seating was comfy and lush looking. The tables are tight, but the sound quality was still ok.

We recently check out one of Montclair's hottest new restaurants: Sam's Table. Chef Sam is one of…read morethe most talented young chefs around. He and his team create a brand-new tasting menu every month, so there's always something fresh, creative, and exciting to try. Perfect for tasting-menu newbies and seasoned foodies alike. Intimate, welcoming, and ideal for date nights, celebrations, or private events. Follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest menus. Check out our full visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUMk-z-jdBA/?igsh=eDZiNmYyZng0dzJ6