Meet the Chef:
Leia Gaccione
Top Chef.
Culinary Force.
Woman on Fire.
Chef Leia Gaccione leads The Saint Clair with fearless vision and fire-tested skill. A New Jersey native with a national reputation, Leia has spent two decades in some of the country’s most competitive kitchens—from New York to Las Vegas.
You may recognize her from Top Chef: Houston, Iron Chef America, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay. She’s also the host of Her Name Is Chef, a documentary spotlighting the powerful women redefining the culinary world.
Before The Saint Clair, Leia made her mark as chef and owner of the acclaimed South + Pine in Morristown, where she earned a devoted following and local legend status. Now, she brings that same heart, heat, and high standard to Montclair—crafting a menu that’s indulgent, imaginative, and unapologetically refined.
In Leia’s kitchen, every plate tells a story. Every dish is personal.
About The Saint Clair
Where Elegance Has an Edge
Set on Montclair’s iconic Church Street—a stretch known for its charm, culture, and culinary ambition—The Saint Clair is more than a restaurant. It’s a love letter to the art of dining, a space where bold design and even bolder flavors meet.
We chose Montclair with intention. This town pulses with creativity, character, and a deep appreciation for good taste. Church Street, with its historic architecture and vibrant foot traffic, felt like the perfect place to spark something new. Something unforgettable.