Le Salbuen
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Hours
Tue
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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CUISINES
International
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
features
Is this restaurant good for special occasions?
Details
CUISINES
International
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Table Service, BYOB
Contribute
4.0
80 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
26
Average
8
Poor
7
Terrible
7
scott t
Glen Gardner1067 contributions
May 2022 • couples
Don’t let the exterior fool you. Even when you walk in don’t let that distract you. A few more steps into the back room is a menu that is not to be expected. It is online for you to see. We started with the flaming chorizo. See the video if it posts. Two links of sausage and veggies in a flaming bowl. I had the shrimp and grits and shrimp was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Gf had the braised duck. Never heard of braised duck but was a bowl of 1/4 duck with veggies. All braised in a stew. Very good. Dessert was vegan chocolate mouse that could not tell the difference. I always go for the flan. A little dense but very good.
Great little hidden gem. Bathroom could use a bit of work and decor maybe? Or maybe the decor adds to ambience.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane C
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Came for brunch with family. Friendly service allowed plenty of time to read menu, answered our questions regarding the interesting dishes. Food served within a reasonable time, hot and delicious. Refilled our coffee cups without having to ask.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrMaureenE
Ridgewood471 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
The vibe is so creative and interesting . Neat banquette seats with drawings on walls with large open windows to outdoors.
Food is spectacular .
we started with a flavorful shrimp in a tomato sauce with fava beans , the walnut salad with figs and cod friiters . all tasty .
Entrees were braised duck , seafood mixto and pappardelle bolognese .
highly recommend this place ,we will be back .
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne C
North Caldwell12 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Our dinner at the restaurant was a big disappointment compared to what we expected . The disappointment came from poor service and inexperienced
Cook .
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blackie B
228 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
This was a restaurant my wife has tried to book several times before and said she never had the opportunity, until tonight, October 30, 2021. She indicated it had many, many superior reviews.
My review title, "Are You People For Real", is directed at those reviewers who gave this place any sort of positive review. This the WORST restaurant I have dined in all of Montclair, which has many fine restaurants. Frankly, I have NEVER left a bad review for any local restaurant, but felt compelled after tonight to warn people off from buying into the immense over-hype I saw in other reviews.
Our appetizers were disappointing and barely edible - charred octopus (unevenly done) for me and an over-fried vegan offering for my wife. These were an indication that things would only get worse.
I cannot recall the last time I wanted to send food back to seek an alternative. However, my initial thought upon tasting my main course was to send it back for something else entirely.
It was pretty vile. I was so disappointed in the tasteless entree I was flabbergasted.
My wife in attempting to salvage our dining out suggested we trade entrees (hers was an overcooked and nearly tasteless burger with soggy fries). No better, as we were both disappointed.
After our check was brought to us and I placed down my credit card to pay, the hostess, who I suspect was the owner (possibly the one who has garnered several negative comments in other reviews here for her rudeness, which seemed to be the few negative remarks in any of the TA reviews; the only positive is she was not rude to us, but rather gracious, as you will note in the following ), asked us how we enjoyed our meal. We were honest and did not mince words.
She seemed taken aback and said my entree, the one my wife took over from me, the Bolognese Pappardella, was one of their most requested and popular dishes. Tasteless meat and sauce, as well as overcooked pasta.
When she returned with my credit card, she had taken 10% off the bill as a gesture of goodwill, probably hoping we'd not pan the place (it was a nice gesture, but the food was awful). I still felt I'd totally wasted my money on a thoroughly pointless excursion, one we will hopefully forget and the sooner the better.
We will NEVER return under any circumstances and I'd advise anyone contemplating dining at this place to AVOID at all costs. We honestly could not wait to get out of there.
In closing, this was known to be a small place with very simple decor. All fine by me, as the food is always the most important element in my view. Even the substandard service was something we could overlook if the food was any good, but it was just shy of disgusting. Seriously my advice is DO NOT patronize this joint and save yourself and your money. Go elsewhere, anywhere in Montclair, but this place.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conrad
Wayne311 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Visited 09/26/2021
We came here with my wife my daughter and her girlfriend for brunch. We'd passed by several times and it always was busy and them my daughter said it was very good, having visited earlier.
Not a big place, most of the indoor tables had been brought outside onto the sidewalk. Most of the tables were in good locations, but a few were... well, I'm just glad we were not seated at one of those.
So I had poached eggs with Moroccan lamb sausage and root hash... the 'root' being a potato... at least I think so. Looked and tasted like it anyway. Regardless... I'd be happy to order this delicious dish again.
My wife had an omelet with duck and some cheese... I think.
My daughter and her girlfriend had some vegan / vegetarian dish, which I can't remember... scrambled tofu with cumin or something. Not my 'cup of tea'... but hey! To each their own. Le Salbuen does have a very nice selection of Vegan and Vegetarian dishes for lunches and dinners... not just brunch.
Normally I would be a bit more detailed, but I can't find a clear copy of the brunch menu to help clarify. Sorry. Suffice it to say the food was terrific!!
Oh! It is a BYOB... so I brought a bottle of champagne and ordered a carafe of fresh squeezed OJ. (a deal at only $12!!)
I would strongly suggest reservations, which can only be made by calling up Le Salbuen. (No "Opentable" or Resy.)
But you should go. I know we will be back... probably for dinner.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark the Balloon Guy
Hackensack22 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
What a cool little place. What a great meal and they made us feel healthy in the process. Staff was VERY friendly and helpful. Vegan and Vegetarian dishes were delicious with unique combinations that matched perfectly. The chocolate mouse for dessert was excellent. Meat eaters never fear. Lots to eat there as well.
Written December 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TirreniaMike
Livingston48 contributions
Sep 2019 • none
My niece and her husband brought us here recently for a midweek dinner, and we were happily surprised. You never know what to expect the first time at any restaurant, but they had already mentioned how good Le Salbuen was, and they were right! It's a small space by most standards, but that didn't stop the kitchen from turning out some very tasty dishes. We also like the fact that it's a BYOB, and our server made sure everything went well. All in all, a good experience.
Written September 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsy S
Emerson135 contributions
Aug 2019 • friends
My friend and I found this lovely ‘boite’ on Walnut Street and are so glad we did! The coffee was bold and aromatic. The Walnut Street Salad was fresh and tasty. The empanada du jour was as good as any I’ve ever had in South America or anywhere else, for that matter. My friend thoroughly enjoyed her poached salmon salad. The portions were generous and the wait staff were professional and very courteous. We plan on going back with our husbands for the Sunday Brunch.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilan S
Bloomfield79 contributions
Jun 2019 • family
My wife and I love coming here for brunch on a Sunday. It is also a go-to spot for when we have some out of town visitors. The food is always good and fresh, and the atmosphere is very quaint. Definitely recommend getting there early as the location is not that large.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Las Vegas63 contributions
Jun 2019 • family
This is one of our favorite spots to stop for vegan breakfast options! The scrambles are amazing, all are full of flavor! The side salad it comes with is the perfect combination, it’s light. We always get the coconut milk French toast, it’s indescribable! I highly recommend this place, we will stop here every time we visit New Jersey!
Written June 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BARRY C
1 contribution
Apr 2019 • family
This is not about a review of the food. We have eaten here before and although the service is slow and erratic, the food was good.
This review is about one of the owners. Christina Salierno.
I called April 10th and made 1:00pm reservations for Brunch for yesterday, 4/21, Easter Sunday. My son and his girlfriend came in from NYC to have Sunday brunch for her birthday and the holiday.
We got to the restaurant at 1:00pm, and it was closed. Obviously, I was very upset. We then had to drive to a diner for breakfast. The alternative was driving around aimlessly, and we were all very hungry. Needless to say, we were disappointed.
Called Le Salbuen this morning. Got one of the owners on the phone. I told her my story, and instead of apologizing right away, she decided to berate me, and yell that all reservations were called to say they were closed Easter Sunday, since they had some kind of family issue.
I told her I wasn't called and was very upset.
Salierno still doesn't apologize, but decides to tell me that I am rude. Then she proceeds to call me an A**hole (that's a quote), and hangs up.
We will never go back to Le Salbuem, obviously, but everyone should know what an unprofessional, RUDE JERK the owner is.
She doesn't deserve any patronage.
I give One Star to the owner, since zero is not an option.
Written April 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelptgirl
Hackettstown14 contributions
Mar 2019 • solo
Best avocado toast. Menu is fresh and healthy and incredible. Music and decor make me happy. As good as you would get in any big city.
Written March 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina B
Morristown108 contributions
Dec 2018 • friends
We had dinner there this weekend with friends. It was excellent. It’s not always easy to find a place with vegan/vegetarian options and gluten free choices as well as dishes for fish & meat eaters. It’s a tiny cafe, but the atmosphere is lovely and the food is very good. Great loose leaf teas & gourmet coffee selection to complement their delectable dessert offerings. We will definitely be dining there again. Among the four of us, we had tomato soup, 2 different salads, tofu curry, portobello mushroom dish, seafood paella, desserts and tea. We were all very pleased.
Written December 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorers377
Horsham247 contributions
Nov 2018 • friends
Joined a friend for lunch/brunch. The menu is limited but has plenty of options for the vegan/vegetarian crowd (which we are not). We shared two of the snacks, which yielded a couple bites a piece. For my main, I had the brioche french toast, which was a single piece, but very good. Overall, this is a quaint place with tiny portions. The seating is very cramped and service could definitely improve, but the menu is fresh and dishes are well done.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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