There’s a new restaurant in Montclair that feels more like dinner at a friend’s house than a fancy restaurant. (A friend who happens to be a professional chef, that is.) Sam’s Table serves modern American cuisine with a vegetable-forward flair in an intimate yet refined atmosphere.
Sam’s Table emphasizes sourcing ingredients from local farmers, foragers and fishermen. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Sam Stymest, serves an a la carte menu alongside a tasting menu. The strong focus on seasonal ingredients allows Chef Sam to frequently rotate both menus. Inside, the restaurant can seat 26 guests with a vibe that is personal, warm, and unhurried.
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Comforting American Cooking
Seasonal items from the a la carte menu included fluke, duck, and black rice. The baby gem salad, charred leeks, halibut, and chocolate crémeux have been especially popular since opening. Deborah Stymest, General Manager and Co-Owner of Sam’s Table, especially loves the charred leeks. “The combination of textures and flavors is so unexpected and utterly satisfying, either as an appetizer or as a shared plate for the table.”
The 5-course tasting menu changes monthly based on what’s in season. Seatings are available on Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:30 and 8:00 PM.
About the Owners
The Stymest family has lived in Montclair for 30 years. In fact, Chef Sam attended Montclair public schools and graduated from Montclair High School. After graduating from the Culinary Arts Institute at Hudson Community College, he started his career in local restaurants including notable spots such as Corso 98, Fascino and Upstairs. He went on to work at NYC’s CraftBar and then became sous chef at Google’s Hemisphere Café as well as the vegetarian Market Café.
The 2020 COVID shutdown caused Chef Sam to pivot to pop-ups. He offered small groups of diners thoughtfully-created tasting menus at locations in the NJ/NY metro area; some dinners were even hosted in his family’s Montclair backyard. “Sam created a feeling of community that satisfies his instinct for hospitality,” Deborah says. Those evenings were a hit, and this memorable experience of connection is now available to diners at Sam’s Table.
Visit Sam’s Table at 377 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. (See them on Google Maps.) To learn more:
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-200-2092 |
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Sam’s Table FAQs
Yes, they do accept reservations.
They offer gluten-free options, yes (requires advanced notice for Chef’s Tasting Menu)
Sam’s Table offers vegetarian options, yes. (requires advanced notice for Chef’s Tasting Menu)
No, they do not offer takeout.
They do not offer delivery, no.
No, but they are BYOB.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © Rob Yaskovic (Provided by Sam’s Table)
