FOUNDER • RESTAURATEUR • COMMUNITY BUILDER
The Architect of Hospitality: Meet Demetri Malki
The visionary behind De Novo Montclair
A great restaurant is rarely just about the food; it is almost always a reflection of the person steering the ship. At De Novo Montclair, that person is Demetri Malki.
For locals in the Northern New Jersey dining scene, Malki is a familiar and highly respected name. Before opening De Novo, he built a stellar reputation with previous successful ventures, establishing himself as a restaurateur who intimately understands the delicate balance between upscale dining and neighborhood comfort.
A New Beginning at the Station
The name “De Novo” translates from Latin to “beginning again” or “anew.” When Malki took over the space at the Upper Montclair train station in 2014, the name served as a personal and professional manifesto.
He wanted to breathe new life into a historic transit hub, transforming a place where people merely passed through into a place where they wanted to stay, gather, and celebrate.
“He wanted to breathe new life into a historic transit hub, transforming a place where people merely passed through into a place where they wanted to stay, gather, and celebrate.”
Leading From the Floor
What truly sets Malki apart in an industry plagued by absentee owners is his physical presence. On any given Friday night, you are likely to find him working the floor—greeting regulars by name, running plates, and ensuring the rhythm of the dining room is flawless.
He operates under the philosophy that a European pub should act as an extension of the community’s living room.
A Vision That Continues to Evolve
With the recent, bold addition of Chef Kenny Mar’s sushi bar to the existing rustic Italian menu, Malki continues to prove that his vision for De Novo is constantly evolving, while his commitment to Montclair hospitality remains absolute.