‘The Saint Clair’ to Open in Former Scala del Nonna Space in Montclair
In early February 2025, one of Montclair's most iconic Italian eateries, Scala del Nonna, closed its doors after 11 years. Since then, the space has been empty as MTC locals eagerly keep an eye out for what will come next. On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, The Montclair Girl received an exclusive update from the new business owner taking over the space. 32 Church Street will soon welcome a new American restaurant, The Saint Clair. Read on for everything we know so far about The Saint Clair's arrival in Montclair, New Jersey.
The New Spot
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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. 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.
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Leia shared with MG that she hopes The Saint Clair will be a "sanctuary for food lovers and community." Noting that she had been inspired by the original architecture of the Church Street building that features beautiful cathedral ceilings and historic features on top of being located in her favorite city (Montclair). While Leia is holding onto final design details of the space, she expressed her excitement for all to come, grateful to share the space with hungry Montclair residents. 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. We will be sure to keep readers posted with more updates about The Saint Clair as details unfold.
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. 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.
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