A vibrant, family-owned cafe opened in Cedar Grove this April, serving Latin-inspired food with a modern twist. Located at 509 Pompton Avenue, Gigi’s Cafe is bringing Latin culture to downtown Cedar Grove. Handcrafted coffee, fresh juices, empanadas, bowls, tacos, and house-made desserts are on the menu — all in a lively, music-filled atmosphere, owned by a New Jersey local. Read on to learn more about Gigi’s Cafe in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

The Inspiration

Owner Liliana (Lily) Lora grew up in the Dominican Republic in a large family under the guise of her grandmother. The house operated like a restaurant, with everything made from scratch and people constantly coming and going.

Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro

Her grandmother was the head chef and strived to make everything perfect — shortcuts weren’t acceptable. This annoyed Lily growing up, but she’s come to appreciate her grandmother’s perfectionism, and it’s even inspired how she runs her businesses.

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Lily’s grandmother was an expert juice maker, using the fruits she grew in her backyard. When family members wanted juice, they’d pick fresh fruits like mangoes and oranges, and Lily’s grandmother would guide them toward more robust flavors if the juices were too watery. She even owned a juice store for some time, where she sold her homemade creations.

When Lily came to the US, she realized how easy and accessible everything is. While she appreciated the convenience, she craved the fresh ingredients that filled her life in the Dominican Republic, and had the idea of bringing something more authentic to New Jersey.

About the Opening

Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro

Opening a restaurant was always part of Lily’s plan, as she already owns a salon in Woodland Park. When she and her husband, Juan Marte, felt ready, she started scouring locations, her eyes set on the space in Cedar Grove.

"I knew I wanted this location. The amount of space and the layout were exactly what I had in my mind," Lily told The Montclair Girl. "The realtor told me he had a lot of applications, and then he stopped responding for a month. I kept following up, insisting on updates. Finally, he got in touch with the next steps on my candidacy, which took another month. I didn’t give up. If I’m getting after something, I won’t sleep until I achieve it."

Once she landed the location, Lily’s vision was a warm, welcoming environment. She didn’t want it to emulate the hustle and bustle of other restaurants, where meals can feel rushed. Instead, she wanted a space where guests feel invited to spend time, and she partnered with interior designer Vanessa DeLeon to achieve this.

"I had a vision, but I’m not a designer. I knew what I wanted my guests to feel, which was at home. Vanessa did an amazing job bringing that to life," Lily shared with MG. The Cafe's sections are reminiscent of a dining room, a living room, and a library, all serving a purpose. The map on the wall instills a warmth towards home and a sense of belonging in the community.

It took eight months of hard work to get Gigi’s up and running, Lily shared. On April 15, 2025, the cafe opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Cedar Grove Mayor Melissa Skabich and other town council members.

Lily and Juan have made the cafe a family affair, named after their daughter, Gigi. There’s a personal connection to most of its employees, and the couple’s three children help out when they can. The upbeat music and welcoming energy provide a space for good food, connection, and a feel-good atmosphere.

The Eats

Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro

As far as the menu, Gigi’s Cafe specializes in brunch and lunch, with almost the entire menu reflecting Lily’s tastes (and especially the pistachios infused throughout the menu — one of her favorites). Lily’s grandmother’s kitchen inspired everything served, especially the cold-pressed juices and Dominican breakfast items, which Lily had every morning as a child. There are bowls to ‘build’ with rice, beans, meat, and toppings, which reflects a traditional Dominican lunch. The arepas are one of Lily’s favorite menu items — and are inspired by her time visiting her mom in Venezuela.

Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro

Everything is made 100% from scratch, which may cause a longer wait at times, but Lily swears it's worth it because you can taste the freshness.

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When to Visit

Gigi’s Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30AM to 5PM and on Sundays from 8AM to 3PM. It is a BYOB establishment and hosts live music on the weekends. Customers can expect special holiday menus and after-school specials for kids on Monday through Thursday from 12PM to 4PM.