Clementina Brings Modern Italian Cuisine to Upper Montclair

A new restaurant has quietly transformed one of Upper Montclair's most recognizable buildings. Clementina, a modern Italian restaurant from Chef Michele Rocchi, opened June 5 at 627 Valley Road in the space that housed Saunders Hardware for decades. It's the kind of opening that tells you something about where a neighborhood is headed and Montclair's dining scene just got a noticeable upgrade.

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The space and the story

The building at 627 Valley Road has been a local landmark for years. Turning a former hardware store into a warm, inviting restaurant isn't easy, but the design by Blanche Garcia of BGD Design Studio pulls it off beautifully. The interior features brick arches, exposed structural elements that honor the building's history, and layered greenery. It feels both modern and grounded a space that fits naturally into Upper Montclair's walkable village atmosphere.

Chef Rocchi is from Senigallia, a town on Italy's Adriatic Coast, and that coastal influence runs through the menu. The food is seafood-focused and built around handmade pasta made using a cold extrusion process called the Metodo Massi, which preserves the wheat's protein structure without heat. Standout dishes include the Silken Crushed Potatoes with poached prawns, and a Gorgonzola Gelato with Celery Granita that sounds unusual but works.

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What it means for the neighborhood

Restaurant openings are worth paying attention to when you're thinking about buying a home. A neighborhood with a thriving dining scene especially one that attracts diners from surrounding towns tends to hold its value well. Upper Montclair's Valley Road corridor has always been a draw, but Clementina raises the bar. It's the kind of place that gives people another reason to put down roots in this part of town.

The restaurant is BYOB (with a curated wine list available through a partnership with Alba Vineyard in New Jersey) and open Wednesday through Sunday. It's a welcome addition to a neighborhood that already has great walkability and a strong sense of community.

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Good for the neighborhood, good for home values

When I help buyers look at homes in Montclair and Upper Montclair, I always point out the local businesses that make each pocket of town feel unique. Clementina is one of those spots that adds to the character of Valley Road. Whether you're a longtime resident or just starting to explore the area, it's worth a visit.

Source: Montclair Local - First Look: Clementina Brings Modern Italian Cuisine to Montclair's Uptown