A hardware store has given way to handmade pasta and we are here for it.
Clementina opens Friday at 627 Valley Road, transforming the former Saunders Hardware building into an intimate dining room built around modern Italian cooking, thoughtful design and the culinary traditions of Italy’s Le Marche region.
After a preview and first taste of the menu, we are already planning a return visit.
The Team
Chef and co-founder Michele Rocchi leads the kitchen, bringing experience that includes time as head chef for three-star Michelin chef Mauro Uliassi. He is joined by general manager Alex Cabarcas, formerly of Faubourg, and assistant manager Joanne Berlangieri, formerly of La Rocca Osteria, both longtime figures in the Montclair restaurant scene, rounding out a team focused on a polished but welcoming dining experience.
Clementina’s assistant manager, Joanne Berlangieri, Chef and co-founder, Michele Rocchi and general manager, Alex Cabarcas. (Photo by Tom Singer Photo/Design)
Ambience Sets the Tone
Even before the food arrives, sitting down in this space feels special.
The historic building has been transformed into a warm, intimate dining room filled with soft lighting, natural materials and brick archways.
The space was designed by local interior firm BGD, led by Blanche Garcia. Brick arches and repurposed architectural details nod to the building’s long history, dating back to 1893, when the site first housed a Valley Road hardware store that served Montclair households for generations. Layered greenery, olive trees, warm wood and rich green tones evoke the Adriatic Coast, bringing a coastal softness to the space.
There’s more to come, too. Out back, there’s an intimate rear patio perfect for dining al fresco.
Clementina offers a curated selection of 10 wines through a partnership with Alba Vineyard.
Clementina is BYOB, and Angelbeck’s Wine & Spirits and The Grape Collective sit just steps away, making it an easy stop before dinner. Or, you can choose from a curated selection of 10 wines through a partnership with New Jersey’s Alba Vineyard.
The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Senigallia, in the province of Ancona in Le Marche, the coastal region of Italy, where Rocchi is from. It takes a modern approach and incorporates local ingredients whenever possible.
Among the highlights was A Tribute to Mozzarella ($23), a combination of burrata cream, mozzarella, pistachios, capers, anchovies, basil and sun-dried tomatoes. It was fantastic with bread from Montclair’s Nicolo’s Bakery. The Silken Crushed Potatoes ($26), topped with poached prawns, braised leeks and black truffle sauce, is a starter you don’t want to skip.
A Tribute to Mozzarella
Silken Crushed Potatoes
Maccheroncini al Fumé
Classic Eggplant Parmigiana
Pasta is a standout at Clementina. Rocchi uses Metodo Massi, a patented cold-extrusion process from his hometown of Senigallia and available in the United States exclusively at Clementina. We shared the Maccheroncini al Fumé ($28; half portion pictured), tossed in a smoky, creamy sauce with crispy pancetta and scamorza cheese, was one of the most memorable dishes of the night.
Another must order: Classic Eggplant Parmigiana ($29), a lighter, more delicate take on the red-sauce versions many New Jersey diners are used to.
Interpretation of Tiramisù and Warm chocolate fondant with a molten center, served with cream gelato and peated Lagavulin whisky. (GEORGETTE GILMORE/MONTCLAIR LOCAL)
If you save room for dessert, Rocchi’s Interpretation of Tiramisù ($16) is the one to try. He deconstructs the classic Italian dessert into rum-scented mascarpone espuma, coffee and anise granita, meringue, caramelized nuts and cocoa nibs. The result keeps all the familiar tiramisu flavors, but layers in interesting textures and temperatures that make it feel surprisingly light and modern.
Clementina will also offer a private dining experience, “The Chef’s Table,” with Rocchi. Designed for groups of two to five, it features custom tasting menus built around seasonal ingredients and a curated wine selection.
One final note — portion sizes feel just right. Not too small, not too large — just enough to make a full meal feel satisfying without ever feeling like too much. It also makes it easy to enjoy a full progression of courses — starters, pasta, entree and dessert — without feeling overdone.
If You Go (And You Should)
With excellent food, warm service and a beautifully designed space, Clementina is an exciting addition to Uptown’s dining scene.
Clementina opens this weekend at 627 Valley Road, with hours of Wednesday and Thursday from 5–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5–11 p.m. and Sunday from 4–10 p.m. Reserve your table at clementinamontclair.com.
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Dining and Cooking