With April comes another chance to highlight the amazing people in the Montclair and Northern New Jersey area. This month, The Montclair Girl is shining a light on business owners, artists, and local students — all of whom are making a difference in their communities. Read on for a list of people to watch in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for April 2025.
Myra Deshmukh | Founder of Leadership Lab
Photo Credit: Shivani Mehta
Myra Deshmukh, a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, mom of two, local foodie, and proud member of AAPI NJ, is the founder of the training and career coaching firm Leadership Lab. With over 17 years of experience working with companies like Amazon and Gap, Myra knows “what works and doesn’t work in successfully leading teams and being a top performer,” she told The Montclair Girl. Her goal in establishing Leadership Lab was to provide practical tools to other professionals, create genuine networking spaces, and have “real talk” about the challenges of navigating the working world. Other than the community North Jersey provides, Myra’s favorite thing about the area is the high-quality food. “The diversity of good, authentic eats, the bar for fine dining and dining experience in general, and maintaining the essence of old school joints all happening in the same region is awesome!”
Myra’s Local Favorites: KorKai Thai, Chashni Cafe, The Windough, Moghul Express, Beyond the Boogie, and Wonder Lane.
Keep up with Myra + Learnship Labs on her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Read More: 38 Women Community Leaders Making a Difference in Montclair, New Jersey
James Koehne | Founder of Koehne’s Games + Board Game Creator
Photo Credit: James Koehne
James Koehne, a West Orange native, wears many hats. He is an equity research associate at a bank on Wall Street and is also the founder of board game company Koehne’s Games. James’s most recent project, a family-friendly game called Fishing for Compliments, is designed to “spread positivity, encourage connection, and bring a fresh, uplifting experience to any gathering,” he told The Montclair Girl. The inspiration behind Fishing for Compliments came from his grandfather, who was a chemist. “He inspired me [to]…create something of my own like he did many times in the lab [and] create something in his honor, as someone who lived so cheerfully,” James said. He hopes that Fishing for Compliments, which is launching to the public soon, is more than just a board game. His goal is to foster a sense of community, and he is working with North Jersey stores like Player Agency in South Orange, [words] Bookstore in Maplewood, and Traveling Boards in Verona + Cedar Grove to achieve this.
James’ Local Favorites: Toast, Star Tavern, Millburn Deli, Angeloni’s, Chit Chat Diner, The Corner, Vinnie’s Pan Pizza, Blue Hippo, Benji’s, and Four City Brewing.
Keep up with James + his gaming pursuits on his soon-to-be website and Instagram.
Diana Mastrodimos | Owner of Casa Cubana Catering + D+G Fine Catering
Photo Credit: Casa Cubana
Montclair resident and self-made chef Diana Mastrodimos is the owner behind the Jersey City-based restaurant Casa Cubana Catering, which specializes in corporate and social events “with a Cuban flair.” She also owns its globally-inspired sister restaurant D+G Fine Catering. Diana learned the restaurant business “from the ground up,” she told The Montclair Girl. As a family business, she was the co-owner of the Cuban eatery Agozar! in NYC, which closed in 2017. “It will always hold a special place as my first venture into the restaurant world,” Diana said. “I’m proud to have been a part of the revival of the iconic Bowery in NYC for over 10 years, and now am very excited to play a part in growing the outstanding food options in Jersey City.” With her two businesses, she looks forward to continuing to bring the flavors of Cuba to Northern New Jersey and contributing to the ever-growing Jersey City food scene.
Diana’s Local Favorites: De Novo, La Rocca, Libelula, Faubourg Montclair, and Pharmacie Bar (especially for the cocktails).
Keep up with Diana + her adventures as a chef on Casa Cubana Catering’s website and Instagram.
Bria Renee | Fashion Designer
Photo Credit: Bria Renee
Bria Renee, a Montclair BNR, recipient of a BFA in Fashion Design from Savannah College of Art + Design, and fashion influencer, is a local designer who specializes in evening wear for special occasions, birthdays, prom, weddings, holiday events, and more. Other than creative mediums like film and music, what inspires her the most is the women in her life. “I have so much family and friends who are total BOSS women, doing what’s necessary to make their dream lives a reality every day,” she shared with MG. With her designs, Bria looks forward to inspiring other women to invest in themselves physically and mentally, as self-love and self-care are big components of the message she wishes to share. Locals can see Bria’s work on Instagram and YouTube, where she posts sewing vlogs, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content about her life as a fashion designer. “I hope that my content can inspire others to be creative and pursue their own dreams,” Bria said.
Bria’s Local Favorite: Sankofa Cafe.
Keep up with Bria + her fashion content on her personal Instagram, brand Instagram, and YouTube.
See More: 46 Women Community Leaders Making a Difference in Hoboken + Jersey City
Students of EveryLibrary, EveryVoice | Montclair State University Campaign for Local Libraries
Photo Credit: Kaylee Seitz
A part of the nonprofit organization EveryLibrary, the Montclair State University Bateman Team, EveryLibrary, EveryVoice, is a campaign aiming to raise awareness about the necessary functions of libraries in the local community. This is run by Montclair State University students Libby Brennan, Hallie Lippey, Mary Lage, Noelia Aguirre Reyes, and Grace Velazquez. MSU’s campaign “[highlights] how libraries are essential in promoting diversity, equity, and why their continued protection is crucial,” and focuses on “[defending] libraries from ongoing challenges to intellectual freedom, including book bans and restrictions on access to diverse perspectives,” the team told MG. Through its philanthropic work, the team hopes to spark conversations + encourage students, educators, and community leaders to take action in supporting local libraries. “We want to educate and advocate for public libraries,” they shared. “They are resources that we need but often forget exist.”
EveryLibrary, EveryVoice’s Local Favorites: Montclair Public Library, Harry A. Sprague Library at Montclair State University, Little Falls Public Library, and Paterson Free Public Library.
Keep up with EveryLibrary, EveryVoice on Instagram and Linktree.
Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair
In the past few years, outdoor dining has become a year-round staple in North Jersey and beyond. Spring is here and restaurants are ready to once again open their outside areas in full force. Whether you're looking for a sit-down brunch, quality seafood, a quick grab-and-go dessert, or specific ethnic cuisine, Montclair has endless options. Read on to learn more about these eateries with amazing outdoor dining options in Montclair, New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This is a growing list, and further suggestions are welcomed. Please email [email protected] with any additions.
Alto | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
Alto, a restaurant under The MC Hotel, is a rooftop bar that features indoor and outdoor seating. While indulging in small plate-style food and various drinks, guests can enjoy the NYC skyline.
Bonjour Montclair Cafe | 254 Park Street
This cozy cafe inspired by everyday family cooking has over three dozen sweet + savory crepe options, ranging from a steak, onion, and pepper combo to more classic cinnamon and sugar. The eatery also has a full menu of sandwiches, an indoor dining room, and outdoor tables open to the public daily weather permitting. No waiter service is available, but anyone is welcome to grab a seat.
Read More: 9 Coffee Shops in Essex County With Outdoor Seating
Boschetto | 111 Grove Street
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This elevated fast-casual restaurant serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and other Italian favorites. One of the chef’s many specialties is the panuozzi, a made-to-order sandwich baked with homemade pizza dough. It also serves desserts including gelato, and the restaurant is BYOB. Outdoor seating is available on Boschetto's patio.
Cuban Pete's | 428 Bloomfield Avenue
With a BYO-alcohol option available, it’s always five o’clock somewhere. Cuban Pete’s encourages patrons to bring bottles of wine or rum so the staff can make custom sangria or mojitos. The restaurant is also known for its non-alcoholic versions of these fan-favorite cocktails.
da Pepo | 54 Fairfield Street
Da Pepo serves up traditional Italian recipes — made in-house and learned from Italian ancestors — making the pasta selection top-notch. With warmer months on the horizon, its outdoor seating area will be open along the sidewalk. After dinner, MG recommends checking out Watchung Booksellers (right next door) for a post-dinner read.
Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes | 598 Valley Road
Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes provides a wide-ranging menu of grass-fed beef burgers, wagyu hot dogs, homemade veggie burgers, and creamy milkshakes. The restaurant has picnic-style tables outside its space, making it great for larger groups.
Diesel + Duke | 20 Church Street, Montclair
The menu of this burger joint includes, of course, burgers hand-cut fries, shakes, and, its most popular item, poutine. Diesel + Duke has picnic tables outside for any customer to enjoy during the warmer days.
De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Avenue
Photo Credit: De Novo
This family-friendly European-inspired gastropub is located directly next to the Montclair train station, with outdoor tables a safe distance away from the tracks. There’s no place better to grab a flatbread and beer while waiting to head out on a trip, or simply just decompressing after a long day of work.
Efi's Gyro | 521 Bloomfield Avenue
Efi's Gyro is a Bloomfield Avenue restaurant that serves up authentic Greek gyro as well as other Greek dishes like bowls, pies, Greek iced coffee, and more. The spot has quite a few tables outside the storefront for customers to enjoy Mediterranean food with a view of downtown Montclair.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
At Egan + Sons, there is heated outdoor seating that is regularly available if you are looking to check out this location’s fish ‘n’ chips, pizza, signature cocktails, or beer on tap. The seating area takes up a good portion of the parking lot, which means large parties are welcome.
Faubourg Restaurant + Bar | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
This elegant bi-level, indoor-outdoor location is best known for its French-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and its separate plant-based menu featuring dishes like vegetarian orecchiette and mushroom tarte flambee.
Java Love | 49 Church Street, Montclair
Java Love, a Montclair staple, has bright orange tables that sit alongside Church Street. The seating sits two, making it a great spot to catch up with friends, complete some computer work outdoors, or just take in the New Jersey suburbia views.
Just Jake's | 30 Park Street
With TVs, tents, and heaters, the patio at Just Jake’s is the perfect spot to watch weekend sports games or gather with co-workers for weekday happy hour, Monday through Friday 12PM-6PM.
Leone's | 19 South Park Street
This pizza place has a lovely outdoor seating area to enjoy Italian-American cuisine outside. With salads, pasta, a large list of Italian entrees, and — of course — pizza, this is a great stop for delicious and comforting food while enjoying the breeze. Leone's also has an indulgent dessert menu — we're talking Oreo cheesecake, mini cannolis, and more.
Lit Cafe | 25 Church Street, Montclair
Lit Cafe, a specialty coffee shop, serves all kinds of brews, teas, and pastries, and sells wellness products from the sister brand, Lit Lab. While the spot does not have any tables, it does provide benches for customers to sit on and people-watch.
Marcel Bakery + Kitchen | 631 1/2 Valley Road
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Marcel Bakery + Kitchen, conveniently located in Upper Montclair, is home to bagels, pastries, rotisserie chicken wraps, daily vegetables, and breakfast specials that regularly change. The restaurant is set up for customers to order and purchase the items inside, and then the hardworking staff will bring all food to the outdoor tables if one prefers to dine on-site rather than grab + go.
Mattarello Bakery + Cafe | 254 Bellevue Avenue
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mattarello with dozens of baked goods and specialty coffees. There are small tables set up outside the front sidewalk area so guests can leisurely enjoy the dessert. Some delicious menu items include Nutella bites, ‘St. Joseph's Cream Puffs,' and gluten-free chocolate Caprese.
Mercado | 605 Valley Road
Mercado, a MTC spot from the same owners as the former Sandwich Theory, pays homage to traditional Portuguese marketplaces. The food choices here include breakfast items, bowls, salads, sandwiches, soups, specials, and a plant-based menu. There is outdoor seating set up at the front of the restaurant.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street
Established in 2014 by a husband and wife duo, the microbrewery and tasting room was born from a passion for home brewing and hosting. Now, the brewery is a go-to for unique brews and a unique experience. Patrons can enjoy a beer inside the tasting room or in the outdoor patio area.
Montclair House Grill | 12 Church Street
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Weather-permitting outdoor dining is set up at the front of this Church Street location branching out to the sidewalk area during all business hours.
Paper Plane Coffee Co. | 61 North Fullerton Avenue
Established in 2015, Paper Plane Coffee Co. is more than your average, run-of-the-mill coffee shop, and serves up a creative and diverse menu. There is outdoor seating set up outside so customers can enjoy their drinks during this beautiful weather.
Pappardelle Ristorante | 77 Walnut Street
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Whether looking for a romantic night out or a traditional Italian dinner with the fam, Pappardelle opens its doors, and outdoor front area weather permitting.
Porta | 499 Bloomfield Avenue
The Italian joint, which also has locations in Asbury Park and Jersey City, added a rooftop dining space in the summer of 2024. Adorned with flowers and greenery, the space is about 62 feet long and seats up to 48 people at tables with removable umbrellas.
Raymond's | 28 Church Street
This upscale BYOB bistro is serving up delicious comfort food in a whimsical environment and people line up every weekend for a bite. There are a few dishes that every visitor must try, and that includes French toast, huevos rancheros, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. It’s all about fresh ingredients at Raymond’s.
Sweet Kitchen | 533 Bloomfield Avenue
There are very few things in this life that are sweeter than brunch. Except maybe brunch in the sunshine with a side of fresh-made pastries. This is exactly what Sweet Kitchen, located in the heart of Montclair, can provide with the daily outdoor dining option.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Hoboken + Jersey City
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue
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Uncle Momo’s serves up an award-winning fusion of French and Lebanese cuisine. Outdoor reservations, which can be made on OpenTable, are only currently available on warmer days, weather permitting.
Zeugma | 44 South Park Street
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Zeugma, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, has an outdoor patio weather permitting. The patio is first-come, first-served, and reservations are for indoor dining only. Whether you're craving hummus, falafel, halloumi, lamb, or more, this is a great spot for good eats outdoors.
