West Orange, Cedar Grove Residents Open Montclair Pizzeria

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s downtown restaurant scene has a new contender in its already-stellar roster: Grindage Wood Fired Pizza & Sandwiches.

Last week, local business and civic leaders gathered at the new eatery for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. The restaurant at 438 Bloomfield Avenue is located in the spot that used to house Mancinni’s Coal Oven Pizza. (Learn more about this local business here)

"We are so excited to join the thriving dining culture in Montclair,” said West Orange resident Lee Mangravito, co-owner of Grindage Wood Fired Pizza & Sandwiches. “We’re keeping the most popular elements of the Mancinni’s menu, along with its chef, Joe Profita, and adding new pizzas, sandwiches and salads we think the community will love.”

Cedar Grove resident Jarrett Bennett, co-chef/co-owner and a Culinary Institute of America graduate, said the eatery will be great for those seeking a “traditional wood-fired pizza,” a quick lunch or a late-night slice with friends.

Profita, formerly of Mancinni’s, serves as the head chef. The new eatery will be partnering with other businesses and restaurants in Montclair, collaborating on monthly menu specials and sourcing local ingredients.

Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson, who was at last week's opening ceremony, said that the town was very excited to welcome a new, late-night pizza spot to the community.

“Its location along Bloomfield Avenue and delicious menu will make it a destination for pizza lovers visiting and living in Montclair," Jackson said.

According to a news release from the restaurant:

“Located at the former home of the beloved Mancinni’s Coal Oven Pizza, the new restaurant will feature hand-crafted, locally sourced food in a fun and casual environment. Nestled in the heart of downtown Montclair, this restaurant will offer a variety of original pizzas, fresh seasonal salads and savory sandwiches. Community favorites, including meatball ricotta pizza and Cremini mushroom pizza, will still be offered, along with new menu items including a sausage and peppers pizza, a savory kale salad and a pork cheese steak sandwich. The restaurant will be open for late-night bites and will offer delivery.”

The eatery will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

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Photos: Grindage Wood Fired Pizza & Sandwiches