Sando Cafe Introduce
A Taste of Tokyo in New Jersey: The Sando Cafe Experience
If you’re a New Jersey local on the hunt for a genuinely unique and satisfying Japanese dining experience, look no further than **Sando Cafe** in Montclair. This Japanese restaurant brings the unique and comforting flavors of traditional Japanese sandwiches—known as 'Sandos'—along with a full menu of authentic comfort food like Donburi rice bowls and hearty Udon noodles, right to your neighborhood. Located in the vibrant heart of Essex County, Sando Cafe has quickly become a beloved local spot for its commitment to fresh, flavorful, and affordable Japanese street food and classic dishes.
More than just a place to grab a bite, Sando Cafe is an inviting, community-focused establishment. It proudly identifies as both an **Asian-owned** and **women-owned** business, adding a personal and passionate touch to every dish they prepare. The atmosphere is consistently praised by patrons as friendly and welcoming, making it an excellent destination for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a casual stop for Japanese sweets and unique coffee drinks. From its standout Sandos to its deeply savory Donburi, Sando Cafe offers a taste of authentic Japan that resonates with both long-time aficionados and newcomers to the cuisine.
Location and Accessibility in Montclair, NJ
Sando Cafe is strategically positioned at 340 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA, right on one of Montclair's main thoroughfares. This central location makes it easy to access for local residents, students, and visitors exploring the area's shops and attractions.
The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all members of the New Jersey community. Patrons will appreciate the thoughtful accommodations designed to ensure a comfortable visit:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
The welcoming atmosphere extends to all community members, as Sando Cafe is explicitly **LGBTQ+ friendly** and recognized as a **transgender safespace**. Furthermore, the restaurant is considered **family-friendly** and is a great option for kids. For those looking to dine outdoors with their furry companions, the cafe is also **dogs allowed outside**.
Services Offered
Sando Cafe offers a variety of service options to fit your dining needs, whether you prefer a quick meal on the go or a relaxing sit-down experience.
- Onsite services: Enjoy the cozy and intimate dining atmosphere with seating and full table service. Counter service is also available for a faster experience.
- Dine-in: Available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, Sando Cafe welcomes you to take a seat and enjoy your meal fresh.
- Takeout: Perfect for locals grabbing a delicious, convenient meal to enjoy at home or work.
- Delivery: For ultimate convenience, delivery options are available to bring their fantastic menu right to your New Jersey doorstep.
- Reservations: The cafe **accepts reservations**, which is helpful given its intimate size, ensuring you have a table when you arrive.
- Payments: For a hassle-free transaction, the business accepts multiple payment methods, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Sando Cafe is built around three distinct pillars of Japanese comfort food: Sandos, Donburi, and Udon. They offer a great mix of classic and unique options, along with catering to diverse dietary needs.
- Signature Sandos: The namesake dish is a must-try. Sandos are Japanese-style sandwiches, often featuring soft, fluffy bread and savory fillings. Popular options include the traditional **Tamago Sando** (Japanese egg salad), the crispy **Pork Katsu Sando**, the flavorful **Chicken Katsu Sando**, and the premium **Crawfish Salad Sando**. For a vegetarian option, try the **Tofu Katsu Sando** or **Vegetable Tempura Sando**.
- Hearty Donburi Bowls: For a full and satisfying meal, the Donburi rice bowls are a fantastic choice. The menu features the classic thin-sliced beef **Gyudon**, the breaded cutlet **Katsudon** (available in the traditional egg bath style), and the fried chicken **Oyakodon**. For the curry lovers, the menu includes options like **Curry Gyudon** and simple **Curry Rice**.
- Comforting Udon Noodles: Warm up with a bowl of thick, chewy Udon noodles served in rich broths. Options range from the simple and pure **Clear Broth Udon** to the heartier **Niku Udon** (beef) or the creamy **Beef Curry Udon**. They also offer chilled options like **Cold Udon With Sesame Sauce And Chicken** for warmer days.
- Small Dishes and Sides: Complement your meal with authentic Japanese street food and side dishes, such as **Takoyaki** (octopus balls), **Okonomiyaki** (savory pancake), various **Gyoza** (dumplings), and the savory **Wafu Fries** topped with special Japanese seasonings.
- Sweets and Drinks: Don’t forget dessert! Indulge in traditional Japanese sweets like the fish-shaped waffle **Taiyaki** and the pancake-like **Dorayaki**. They also offer a selection of beverages including **Coffee**, an array of delicious **Flavored Milk Teas**, and **Organic dishes**.
Highlights and Commitment to Quality
Sando Cafe sets itself apart from the standard Japanese restaurant in New Jersey by focusing on specific high-quality offerings and providing a dedicated, inclusive customer experience.
- Authentic Sando Focus: As their name suggests, they are a premier destination for Japanese sandwiches, a niche specialty that provides a delightful alternative to typical sushi or ramen spots.
- Dietary Diversity: The menu is notably accommodating, with clearly marked options including a variety of **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options** (such as the Tofu Katsu Sando and Vegetable Kakiage Udon), and **Organic dishes**.
- Community and Inclusivity: The strong identity as an **Asian-owned** and **women-owned** business contributes to a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that is committed to being a **Transgender Safespace** and **LGBTQ+ friendly**.
- Customer-Approved Favorites: Rave reviews from local patrons frequently highlight the amazing taste, affordable prices, and generous portions, with specific praise often directed toward the **Chicken Katsu Curry** (found in the curry dishes over rice) and the **Booster Sando**.
- Cozy Amenities: For patrons dining in, complimentary **Wi-Fi** is available, and the availability of a **Gender-neutral restroom** further underscores the cafe’s inclusive environment.
Contact Information
Ready to plan your visit or place an order? Here is the essential contact information for Sando Cafe:
- Address: 340 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
- Phone: (973) 582-8882
- Mobile Phone: +1 973-582-8882
Why Sando Cafe is Worth Choosing for Your Next Japanese Craving
For New Jersey residents in and around the Montclair area, Sando Cafe offers a compelling blend of quality, value, and unique menu offerings that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine. Choosing Sando Cafe means supporting a locally-owned business that is dedicated to authenticity and community.
You're not just getting a meal; you're getting a culinary experience that spans the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried Katsu, the comforting warmth of a seasoned Donburi bowl, and the delightful surprise of a Japanese Sando. The emphasis on inclusivity—from being family-friendly to offering ample accessibility features and catering to various dietary needs—ensures that everyone in the community can feel welcome and enjoy their meal.
Whether you're looking for a quick, delicious, and affordable lunch or a full dinner of Japanese favorites, the fresh ingredients, friendly service, and vibrant, unique menu at Sando Cafe make it a local **hidden gem** that is truly worth discovering. Don't miss out on trying their signature Sandos or one of their many highly-rated Donburi and Udon options!
Sando Cafe Menu
Salad Sando
- Tamago Sando $7.95
- Chicken Salad Sando $8.95
- Kani Salad Sando $8.00
- Crawfish Salad Sando $15.00
- Booster Sando $12.00
Katsu Sando
- Pork Katsu Sando $9.95
- Chicken Katsu Sando $9.95
- Fish Katsu Sando $10.50
- Tofu Katsu Sando $8.00
Tempura Sando
- Shrimp Tempura Sando $8.95
- Vegetable Tempura Sando $8.50
Sando Combo
- Sando Combo $12.00
Small Dishes
- Seaweed Salad $4.00
- 3 Piece Spring Rolls $7.00
- Pork Katsu $8.50
- Chicken Katsu $8.50
- Fish Katsu $8.50
- Shrimp Fry 2 $7.00
- Wafu Fries $4.00
- Potato Croquette $7.00
- 6 Piece Pork Gyoza $8.50
- 6 Piece Chicken Gyoza $8.50
- 6 Piece Vegetable Gyoza $8.50
- Takoyaki $8.50
- Okonomiyaki $11.00
- Mini Kurobuta Sausage $7.00
- Chicken Karaage $8.50
Donburi
- Gyudon $15.00
- Kimchi Gyudon $16.00
- Tomato Gyudon $16.00
- Cheese Gyudon $16.00
- Spicy Mayo Gyudon $16.00
- Curry Gyudon $17.00
- Katsudon $15.00
- Katsu Over Rice $14.50
- Beef Tanindon $16.00
- Shrimp Tanindon $16.00
- Curry Rice $7.50
- Unadon $22.00
- Oyakodon $15.00
Udon Noodles
- Clear Broth Udon $13.00
- Ebi Udon $16.00
- Kitsune Udone $15.00
- Niku Udon $17.00
- Beef Curry Udon $18.50
- Vegetable Kakiage Udon $16.00
- Cold Udon With Sesame Sauce And Chicken $17.00
Thick chilled udon noodles paired with juicy chicken karaage, vegetable slices and a rich sesame based sauce.
- Cold Udon With Sesame Sauce And Kani $16.00
Thick chilled udon noodles paired with kani shreds, vegetable slices and a rich sesame based sauce.
Sweets
- Taiyaki $4.00
- Dorayaki $2.99
- Kusa Dango With Red Bean Paste $9.95
Drinks
- Soda $1.50
Sando Cafe Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
- Coffee
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Sando Cafe Photos










Sando Cafe Location
Sando Cafe
340 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Sando Cafe Reviews
currykatsu sandopricesfood, serviceatmospherepork gyozamilkchicken karaageegg sandovegetarian
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This place is a hidden gem! The food tastes amazing and the prices are affordable. Definitely will come back! The chicken Katsu Curry is amazing!
September 27 · Eric LiuI want to keep Sando Cafe as my little secret because there aren’t many tables, but this tiny restaurant deserves a ton of praise and attention.Amazing all around - food, service, atmosphere. Liked it as soon as we walked in, but loved it as we walked out with our bellies full.
September 28 · M&C KimCute spot with tasty and authentic Japanese food! I tried the katsudon (chicken) and okonomiyaki, and both were delicious. Service was excellent, staff was very friendly!
June 28 · Cindy ChanOffer amazing food 🍱 . Service is fast and customer service is top tier. Food taste delicious and also has a great portion . Will come back . ❤️❤️❤️
June 27 · Macho LondonOBSESSED! Finally, Sando & dango only 10 min from work! And more, so much more 🤤💕Discovered SECRET menu combinations!Try asking for a booster Sando, but instead combine TAMAGO salad & the VEGGIE KAKIAGE (a fried fritter) for a sweet, savory, crispy egg sandwich treat!Pair that with another secret: 1 cup of $5 curry (no rice, nothing else,) and then dip your sando or use a spoon to pour some of the sauce over it!
August 24 · I. D.
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