

Samba Montclair is a small, sit-down restaurant with authentic, well-portioned Brazilian dishes. Yuca, a woody shrub native to South America, appears in several of Samba’s dishes, including its savory starter, mandioca frita com linguica calabresa (fried yuca with Brazilian pork sausage). Entrees include several traditional beef and chicken options, but for those looking for seafood, the camarao na moranga pairs squash with shrimp and cheese in a hearty cream sauce that verges on addicting. “Montclair is a diverse town with great taste and style,” says owner Ilson Goncalves. “I thought it would be a great place to introduce farm-to-table Brazilian cuisine.” The restaurant has a few small tables outside in the front, but they fill up quickly
Homestyle Brazilian fare served in a stylish, rustic space with antique pots & vintage tableware.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 7 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: (973) 744-6764
Website: https://www.sambamontclair.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Reviews
We dined as a group of eight. I ordered the mahi-mahi and shrimp in coconut sauce, but unfortunately the fish was overcooked, which took away from what could have been a standout dish. The highlights of the evening were the cheese bread and the passion fruit dessert, both of which were excellent.
At this price point, I expect elevated food to match the elevated cost. Based on this experience, I’m not convinced it does, and I’m unsure I’d return.
For our meal, my friend and I ordered similar dishes. We started with the “Bolinho De Mandioca,” three delightful pastries filled with yucca, dried beef, and butternut squash, reminiscent of Peruvian Papas Rellenas. Our main course was the “Moqueca De Peixe Com Pirao,” a delectable dish of mahi-mahi and shrimp cooked in coconut milk, cilantro, tomatoes, and Dende palm oil, served with yuca flour puree. We enhanced our meal with sides of white rice, black beans, and plantains. The flavors were incredibly fresh and distinct, leaving me feeling perfectly content and satisfied, not just full.
Despite our satisfaction, we indulged in dessert: the “Sorvete Vegano,” a vegan coconut ice cream presented in a coconut shell with shaved organic chocolate and coconut. This was not a one-time adventure; I am eager to return and explore the entire menu. The customer service was exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure our experience was memorable. We even received our leftovers in a reusable, washable cloth bag—a thoughtful detail that truly impressed me. As we left, we had the unexpected pleasure of encountering actor Darrin Henson and his beautiful family. Thank you, Samba, for an unforgettable dining experience! (eating my leftovers now☺️)
Beijos to Dona Nilsa such a beautiful spirit
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and an amazing dessert experience. I can’t wait to go back!
I started with the Salada de Beterrabas — roasted beets paired with strawberries and creamy goat cheese — a gorgeous balance of sweet, earthy, and fresh. Every bite felt intentional and beautifully plated.
The Frango a Passarinho (organic fried chicken with garlic and fresh parsley) was crispy, savory, and packed with flavor — the kind of dish you keep reaching back for.
The Pão Caseiro – Cestinha de Pão de Queijo was warm, fluffy, and perfectly cheesy — true Brazilian comfort food (dip it in their warm hot chocolate for the ultimate treat). And the Stroganoff de Alcatra was rich and creamy with tender beef, (mushrooms-I personally removed from my order because I go back and forth on mushrooms -but I am sure they are great too) , and tomatoes — hearty, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
A special thank you to server Sebastian, whose service was warm, friendly, and attentive throughout the evening. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the ingredients and answered all of my questions with ease, which made the experience feel even more thoughtful and personalized. Gluten-free, farm to table freshness and vegan options too- truly something for everyone!
Samba delivers not just incredible food, but an atmosphere and hospitality that makes you want to linger a little longer. Highly recommend — will absolutely be back ✨