Looking for an afternoon or evening escape? Your first and only stop should be Faubourg, located in Montclair, only a few minutes away from West Orange. With a modest and unassuming outdoor sign and only a logo on the window to identify it by, once you open its doors, you are swept away into a bigger-on-the-inside, French-inspired paradise.
Dominique Paulin discovered this unique space in 2019 when it was being used as a theater. Together with his friend Olivier Muller, they transformed it into the restaurant seen today. Faubourg may have a menu inspired by France, but the owners of this space have made it a goal to bring the energy and charm of the Big Apple to Montclair. Not only does it provide you with a similar sense of ambiance, but it's at a lower price, while retaining the elevated New York experience many people travel long hours for. Clearly, they have built a name for themselves, as there is both a second location planned in Weehawken, as well as a third in the works!
The restaurant relies largely on word of mouth and people’s experiences, opting for less advertisements. While this is a nontraditional method, once you step into the world they have created, you will surely see why they are so highly praised.
The restaurant opens onto the patio, which is an enclosed outdoor space. There is a glass ceiling covering the area, and Edison bulbs are strung around the area, giving it a classic feel. There are lots of plants that border the area, as well as a few miniature trees. The patio truly feels like a small and warmly-lit greenhouse-- including the fact that it was comfortably warm, even in February weather.
As for outdoor seating, there is a gently sloping set of stairs that goes up the side of the space. After every one or two steps, there is a patio, making for three ‘levels’ total. Each has varying degrees of privacy, which allows for a more personalized dining experience. All of these patio spaces have tables and chairs set up, as well as umbrellas.
The patio area also has an outdoor bar, which extends to the inside of the restaurant. It featured a display of glass bottles and brightly colored cocktails, as well as making one of the best cups of coffee I have had. Tables have umbrellas that can be opened, and the stone and concrete walls and floor give the space a sleek and minimalist look. Perhaps the showstopper of the outdoor space was the small fountain and pool below it. This stone centerpiece featured a small bust statue, as well as many colorful plants, something that the restaurant continues in their indoor dining areas as well.
The transition from outdoor to indoor dining is seamless and stunning. Patrons are plunged into a spacious, well-lit room, where natural light flooded in from windows that had a view of the intricate brickwork of the downtown. A row of large, amber-colored globe lights hanging from the ceiling emphasizes their height. In addition to the main light source, there are also small lights set into the bottom and sides of the bar. From the bar, there is a great view of the entire main dining space, as well as the staircase to their lounge.
I tried their baba ganoush (an eggplant dip similar in texture to hummus) with their lavash (a seasoned, cracker-like flatbread). The staff also gave me a side salad, which was presented gorgeously in a small bowl over ice. There was fresh avocado, tomato, and several kinds of carrot, as well as green beans and soybeans. Everything was crisp and fresh, and was delicious both with the flatbread and dipped in the eggplant. On just that alone, I was as full and energized as if I had eaten a full lunch portion. Here, you can be sure that you are getting high quality food that will keep you satisfied, even if you only order an appetizer.
What really stands out at Faubourg is the attention to detail. The space is immaculately clean, with every surface that could possibly shine having been polished. There is a real sense of care that is evident in each interaction between customer and staff, something their website emphasizes: “Friendly service and hospitality are of the utmost importance.” Faubourg’s founders place an emphasis on community, and I can easily say that was achieved. The ambiance, presentation, and service helped enhance the atmosphere of the restaurant, making the culinary experience that much more memorable.
There is a glass ceiling covering the area, and Edison bulbs are strung around the area, giving it a classic feel.
Faubourg may have a menu inspired by France, but the owners of this space have made it a goal to bring the energy and charm of the Big Apple to Montclair... while still retaining the elevated New York experience many travel long hours for.
