Montclair Restaurant Replaces Former Hardware Store On Valley Road

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A new face has arrived at a familiar space in Montclair.

A new restaurant, Clementina, recently opened its doors at 627 Valley Road. The eatery features “modern Italian cuisine rooted in tradition.” Learn more about this local business here.

The restaurant has transformed the space formerly occupied by Saunders Hardware, which closed its doors in 2024 after more than a century in business.

Clementina is the culmination of the vision shared by a local developer and executive chef/partner Michele Rocchi. Its menu focuses on the cuisine of Italy's Le Marche, specifically Senigallia: the resort town on the Adriatic Coast where Rocchi was born.

The pasta that Rocchi uses is produced by Metodo Massi, a Senigallia-based producer that uses a patented system of cold extrusion that creates an unusually light textured, nutritionally dense product – something that stands out in the United States.

“I've been cooking since the age of 14, and shaped by my hometown, the countryside, coastline, and all the travel I've done,” Rocchi said.

Here’s what to expect on the menu, according to its owners:

“Summer signatures include unctuous Roasted Petite Scallops w/young greens, sprouts, and grapefruit; lightly seared Tuna Tataki w/Basil-Scented Red Bell Peppers + frozen cubes of pineapple, lime + mint; and a classic Beef Tartare. Pastas include a house-made Tagliatelle w/Fresh Lobster, Shrimp + Crab; Spaghetti alla Carbonara; and Macchieroncini al Fume, with tomato, smoked pancetta, smoked scamorza cheese and a touch of smoked paprika. Mains are extraordinary versions of familiar proteins: Monkfish Fillet wrapped in thin slices of Colonnata lardo, atop a caponata of eggplant, tomato, pine nuts and basil; Roasted Grouper; a vegetarian, truly authentic Eggplant Parmigiana; and, for carnivores, a timeless NY Strip Steak w/oven-roasted potatoes and rosemary-olive oil. Desserts are spectacular enough to match the meal, with Chef Rocchi's personal take on Tiramisu -- a rum-flavored cream espuma w/crisp meringue; a decadent Warm Chocolate Fondant w/cream gelato and peated Lagavulin whiskey; and a complex Sweet Gorgonzola Gelato with caramelized pears and celery granita powder that brings new form to the cheese course.”

The interior of the restaurant was transformed by Blanche Garcia of B. Garcia Designs into an “elegant, elevated room” featuring a palette rooted in nature: mossy greens, warm creams and rich earth tones. There’s also a private “Chef's Table” in view of the kitchen, and a patio for al fresco dining.

Clementina is BYO, with wines from Alba Vineyard available for purchase by the bottle. It is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and for private gatherings.

• Related: Montclair Restaurant Closes, Another Opens (See Latest Dining News)

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