Oui Paris

Haute Cuisine

For two decades, Wes Sawi has established Café Monet as a quintessential French bistro, bringing a taste of France to downtown Millburn. When he opened its doors, he aimed to create a space for globetrotting locals—where they could enjoy hearty, authentic bistro fare.

“I believed the people in Millburn and Short Hills had sophisticated palates and were open to diverse flavors,” he shares. He envisioned a haven for those craving the honest, rich, yet refined tastes of classic French cuisine. Today, Café Monet reflects that vision, standing as a cherished locale where time slows down. The cozy, casual ambiance transports guests to a Parisian bistro, complete with the sounds of French radio amidst the friendly buzz.

Bon Appetit 

Café Monet’s menu is a tribute to French comfort, thoughtfully blending tradition with care. Signature dishes like Coq au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon, made with free - range poultry and grass-fed beef, remain enduring favorites. “The staff truly enjoys our customers and takes pride in presenting quality food,” Sawi says. The atmosphere is so vibrant that you might feel as if you’ve stepped into a French café, sipping a café au lait and savoring an apple tart Tatin.

Creativity shines with offerings like escargot topped with flaky puff pastry—a dish so loved by regulars that it’s often requested off-menu. Each August, the menu transforms into a celebration of Provencal flavors, highlighting sun-ripened produce. Pastries are a standout feature at Café Monet, crafted in-house to guarantee top-notch quality. “It’s important to understand every aspect of your ingredients and their production,” Sawi explains.

Adaptation at Café Monet has been subtle but essential. While Sawi remains committed to bistro traditions—choosing “flavorful, thoughtfully plated” dishes— he also embraces modern preferences

and regional inspirations. The Alsatian paté shares the menu with Marseille’s bouillabaisse, reflecting Sawi’s culinary journeys. “The menu is shaped by my travels and the foods I’ve experienced,” he says. This diverse influence guarantees a rich and varied dining experience for guests.

French Connection 

The café is celebrated for its special events, attracting diners eager to embrace French culture. Bastille Day on July 14th features a special menu that embodies the spirit of France’s national holiday. In November, the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau brings excitement, complemented by a carefully curated menu that honors the new wine. “It’s about celebrating the lazy days of summer in Provence,” Sawi explains, during the August transformation that showcases seasonal fruits and vegetables.

The greatest reward isn’t accolades but the hum of satisfied guest chatter. When French patrons say it feels like home, or tables trade travel stories over crème brulée—that’s everything. Sawi’s favorite dessert, featuring the choux pastry used in chocolate profiteroles and Croquembouche, epitomizes his philosophy: subtle, elegant and full of surprise. As Café Monet enters its third decade, Sawi’s mission endures: to be a bridge between Millburn and Marseille, one buttery pastry, one shared story at a time. After all, life happens—with good wine, better company and fries that taste like Paris.

BY EVE GOLDEN