An intimate, fine dining restaurant in Montclair, NJ, known for its seasonal modern American cuisine and monthly rotating pre-fixe menus crafted by Chef Sam Stymest.
Chef Deborah VanTrece is an award-winning chef and restaurateur based in Atlanta, GA, known for her innovative Global Soul cuisine. She is the owner of multiple restaurants and has gained national recognition through...
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AmericanBurgersSteakhouseFrenchVegan-friendlyFine diningDinnerFine DiningFarm To Table
Last updated: 7/5/2026, 4:09:27 AM
Key Information
Sam's Table offers an intimate dining experience, seating only 24 guests, with a strong focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Chef Sam Stymest crafts a monthly rotating pre-fixe menu, ensuring each visit offers a fresh and unique culinary journey. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality, often featuring personal touches from Chef Sam and his mother, Deborah.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Sam's Table for its creative and delicious food, exceptional and attentive service, and cozy, intimate ambiance. Many highlight the unique flavor combinations and artful presentation. While some minor criticisms regarding seasoning or specific dish preparations have been noted, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing the experience as 'fine dining elevated' and 'spectacular'. The personal interaction with Chef Sam and his mother is frequently mentioned as a memorable aspect of the dining experience.
Additional Details
Sam's Table is a small, intimate restaurant with a capacity of 24 people, contributing to its exclusive and personalized dining atmosphere. The menu is designed to change monthly, reflecting the freshest local and seasonal ingredients available. Chef Sam's mother, Deborah, plays a significant role in the restaurant's hospitality, often greeting guests and discussing menu options.
Vegetarian options availableVegan options available (tasting veg menu mentioned)Accommodates pescatarian diets with substitutions
Best Times to Visit
The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday evenings. Ideal times to visit are: Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Friday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, and Sunday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
We were blown away by Sam’s Table. Hard to believe that we have a restaurant of this caliber in NJ. The dishes were so inventive, beautifully presented, the flavors complex and interesting. The cornbread was perfect, not too sweet. Wonderful contrast in textures between the Silken Tofu and the snap peas. The sweet lobster was complemented with a savory buttery sauce and thin crunchy squash. We loved it.
Never in my life have I had a swordfish this good. Not even close. We don’t usually order swordfish because it’s always very dry. Not Sam’s. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The desserts were both very creative (meringue tart crust, wow!), we especially loved the Toasted Fig Leaf Ice Cream.
A few thoughts on where there could be some improvement:
The scallop dish was delicious, except that the scallop itself was a bit bitter. And maybe even a hint of fishiness.
The tomato dish was also delicious, except that the heirloom tomato had a mushy texture and very little tomato flavor.
We would have preferred less sweetness in the blueberry tart filling.
The ‘dry’ Riesling is much too sweet.
Great music playlist. Not too loud.
Overall, a very impressive meal from a young chef. We are thrilled to have a restaurant like this in NJ and will definitely be back. My husband was saying we should come back every month for each new menu.
Sam’s Table is a welcome addition to the Montclair dining scene. The May menu was very delicious and creative. The fluke crudo was particularly enjoyable with a bite of strawberry on the fish. Sunchoke and banana unique and creative combination. We both enjoyed the wagyu, buttery and flavorful. Make sure to try the berries and sauce and the chocolate trifle- both wonderful! It was my birthday and there was a card on the table as we were seated signed by the staff, a nice touch.
5
Exquisite, inventive compositions. Visited as part of Porchfest with the special menu for the occasion.
•Puffed tendon: airy crisp puffs of tendon with multi-dimensional creamy savory pimento pepper aioli
•Pork belly: perfectly fried pork skin, creamy tender meat interlaced with fatty connective striations, unctuous tuna sauce and salsa verde for a salty coating. Like meat ice cream, rich, luxurious mouthful
•Salmon crudo: thinly sliced fresh vibrant orange salmon slices, paper-thin Asian pear ribbons, ponzu sauce pool and microgreen garnish; perfect citrusy vinegary palate cleanser after the rich pork
•"Bumblebee" house special: espresso and orange juice of all things. Such an interesting tropical citrusy sting at first sip. With cream and sugar, morphs into milder, balanced fruity flat white type of concoction, delightful
Deborah, the gracious proprietress, exudes welcome and attentiveness to guests and dedication to the craft of cuisine. Greeted each table individually. Wonderful establishment; would highly recommend making a stop to visit.
5
Stopped in for a quick meal before a show, boy were we overwhelmingly surprised at how amazing the food was. The burrata was an explosion of flavors in your mouth. It was so delicious we ordered a second. The staff was absolutely welcoming and explained and took the time to chat. Its family owned and definitely deserves your attention. Give it a try I think you will love it. Best New find of the year!!!
5
From the moment we walked in, the service team set the tone for an exceptional evening. Warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, every member of the staff made us feel like honored guests rather than just another reservation.
Chef Sam is nothing short of gifted. Not only is his culinary talent extraordinary, but his kindness and humility truly stand out. He personally came to our table to wish me well, a gesture that made the evening feel even more special and memorable. It’s rare to find a chef of such caliber who is also so gracious and present.
Although Deborah, his mom, wasn’t there the evening we dined, I had the pleasure of speaking with her over the phone beforehand. She took her time walking me through the elaborate tasting veg menu with such patience and care. Her warmth and pride in what they’ve created were unmistakable, and that thoughtful conversation made us even more excited for the experience.
And the food—simply spectacular. Each course was more creative and unique than the last. The flavors were layered, thoughtful, and artfully presented. Every dish felt like a revelation, building on the one before it in both complexity and delight. By the end of the meal, we were genuinely in awe.
Sam’s Table delivers an experience that is refined, imaginative, and heartfelt. This is fine dining elevated—where exceptional cuisine meets extraordinary hospitality. We cannot wait to return!
