A Beloved Montclair Landmark Finds New Life with a Fresh Vision and Deeper Roots in Indian Regional Cuisine

For years, Brick Lane was more than just a restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. It was a fixture of Montclair’s dining scene, a familiar place where birthdays were celebrated, families gathered after school plays, and longtime residents knew they could rely on deeply spiced curries and warm, attentive hospitality. When the doors quietly closed in 2024 after a 15-year run under its former name, the sense of loss rippled through the township. What had once been a cornerstone of local dining suddenly became another empty storefront, and for many, it felt like a piece of Montclair’s culinary identity had disappeared.

The story did not end there. Instead, it paused, regrouped, and returned with renewed purpose.

Brick Lane has now reopened in the same Montclair location with a reimagined concept that respects its past while boldly expanding its culinary reach. The revived restaurant steps forward with a refined dining room, a refreshed brand identity, and a thoughtfully broadened menu that moves beyond the familiar and ventures into the richly layered regional cuisines of India. The transformation is both visual and gastronomic, offering a dining experience that feels elevated without losing the warmth that originally earned Brick Lane its loyal following.

Walking into the renovated space, guests are immediately met with a more polished atmosphere. Soft lighting, updated furnishings, and carefully curated design elements create a sense of understated elegance. The room feels calm yet contemporary, suitable for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a celebratory evening out. The redesign signals a clear intention: Brick Lane is positioning itself not just as a neighborhood staple, but as a destination for diners who are eager to explore Indian cuisine with greater depth and nuance.

The menu reflects that same philosophy. While longtime favorites remain, they are now joined by an expanded range of regional dishes that showcase the diversity of Indian cooking. Rather than relying solely on the standard lineup commonly found on many Indian restaurant menus, Brick Lane highlights preparations inspired by different parts of the subcontinent, each bringing its own balance of spices, textures, and aromas to the table.

Aromatic curries still anchor the menu, but they are now presented with more attention to regional distinctions, allowing diners to taste the difference between northern, western, and southern styles of preparation. Rich, slow-simmered sauces cling to tender meats and vegetables, delivering layered flavors that unfold with each bite. Tandoori offerings emerge from the clay oven with a smoky char, their marinades perfumed with ginger, garlic, yogurt, and warming spices that speak to centuries-old cooking traditions. Fragrant biryanis arrive steaming, their long-grain rice infused with saffron and whole spices, studded with meats or vegetables that have been carefully cooked to retain moisture and flavor.

What sets the renewed Brick Lane apart is not only the breadth of its offerings but also the sense of intention behind them. Each dish feels designed to introduce diners to something authentic rather than simply familiar. This approach resonates strongly in a town like Montclair, where residents are known for their curiosity, cultural appreciation, and enthusiasm for independent restaurants that take pride in their craft.

Brick Lane’s return also reflects a broader movement within New Jersey’s dining landscape. As more restaurants lean into regional specificity and ingredient-driven menus, diners are responding with renewed interest in where their food comes from and how it is prepared. This emphasis on culinary roots and local food culture aligns with the growing appreciation for New Jersey’s agricultural heritage and farm-driven dining scene, which is highlighted throughout Explore New Jersey’s agriculture and farming and local food features found within its restaurants and food culture coverage. Brick Lane, while centered on Indian cuisine, fits seamlessly into this larger narrative of thoughtful, quality-focused dining that defines much of the state’s most compelling culinary experiences.

For Montclair, the reopening of Brick Lane feels less like a relaunch and more like a homecoming. The restaurant has reclaimed its place on Bloomfield Avenue with a renewed sense of purpose, offering something that feels both comfortably familiar and genuinely new. It invites longtime patrons to rediscover their favorite spot while giving first-time visitors a reason to make it part of their regular dining rotation.

In a town celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and independent businesses, Brick Lane’s revival stands as a reminder that even well-loved institutions can evolve. By honoring its roots while expanding its culinary horizons, Brick Lane has transformed a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for reinvention, ensuring that its next chapter will be just as meaningful to Montclair as the first.