Best known for the Ivy League Princeton University and its beautiful Collegiate Gothic–style University Chapel, Princeton is a town in New Jersey that has several great spots for romantic dining. Head to the Blue Point Grill for outstanding seafood and casual wines; enjoy creative farm-to-table fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Agricola Eatery; tuck into lobster mac and cheese and prime Delmonico and Porterhouse steaks at the Witherspoon Grill; and savor exceptional cuisine, world-class wines, and impeccable service at Mistral.
1. Agricola Eatery
Agricola Eatery is a modern community eatery with an open kitchen that serves creative farm-to-table fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Agricola, which means ‘farmer’ in Latin embodies the farm to table spirit by using organic fruit, salads, and vegetables from their organic farm just outside of the city. The seasonal menu features dishes such as spice-braised short ribs, scallops with Brussels sprouts and speck, and desserts of autumn apple crisp and pumpkin pot de crème. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. Agricola Eatery is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-921-2798
2. Elements
Elements is a fine dining restaurant on Witherspoon Street in downtown Princeton that serves New American cuisine prepared with local, sustainable ingredients and served in a refined and elegant setting. The upscale eatery features a high-ceilinged dining room with well-spaced tables and comfy armchairs, and soothing neutral colors that create a serene and relaxing dining space. The open kitchen presents à la carte and tasting menus created by chef, and co-owner Scott Anderson and chef de cuisine Mike Ryan, who combine ancient and state-of-the-art cooking techniques produce sublime cuisine. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. Elements is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.
66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-924-0078
3. Mediterra Restaurant, Princeton
Centrally located in Palmer Square, Mediterra Restaurant is a contemporary, upscale dining spot that brings the tastes and flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of the college town. Tapping into the diverse cultural smorgasbord of the Mediterranean and drawing inspiration from the owners' Chilean and Italian heritage, the restaurant serves an inventive menu of locally sourced and organic cuisine in the form of small sharing plates, hearty entrées, and decadent desserts. The delicious food is paired with an extensive list of casual wines and craft beers, and is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
29 Hulfish St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-252-9680
4. Blue Point Grill
Blue Point Grill is a highly-acclaimed seafood restaurant on Nassau Street in Princeton that serves an extensive selection of ocean-fresh seafood in a fun, lively setting. The BYOB restaurant serves a seasonally changing menu of seafood and shellfish, such as Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, New England Clam Chowder, Point Judith Skate Wings, Whole Greek Bronzini, and up to 15 different varieties of oysters from the raw bar. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. The restaurant has an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio for alfresco-style summer dining and is open for dinner only.
258 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-921-1211
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5. Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca
Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca is an eco-minded Italian eatery on King’s Highway that is steeped in history and serves farm-to-table fare and global wines in rustic-chic surrounds. The eatery focuses on regionalism and seasonality using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients sourced from local and regional artisans, farmers, and producers. The Enoteca-style menu features market-driven fare such as fresh salads and vegetarian dishes, grass-fed beef and lamb, organic chicken, and homemade desserts, and is accompanied by a selection of wines from Italy and the United States, craft beers and microbrews, and classic cocktails. Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday and dinner only on the weekend. More ideas: Weekend Getaways in New Jersey
4484 NJ-27, Kingston, NJ 08528, Phone: 609-497-1777
6. La Mezzaluna
Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, La Mezzaluna brings the authentic taste of Italy to New Jersey. Helmed by Italian Chef Michael Moriello, a graduate of the Sorrento Cooking School, the restaurant has earned its reputation for mouth-watering regional Italian cuisine which is prepared using seasonal local ingredients and regional produce. The menu features gourmet dishes of handmade pasta and from-scratch sauces, fresh seafood, locally-sourced chicken, prime beef and veal, wood-fired pizzas with various toppings, and organic salads, herbs, and vegetables and the food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. La Mezzaluna is open for lunch and dinner daily.
25 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-688-8515
7. Metro-North
Metro-North is a casual, contemporary restaurant on Alexander Street that features a comfortable dining room and a charming outdoor patio for summer dining. The restaurant serves hearty fare such as fresh seafood, grass-fed meats like beef, lamb and chicken, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, wood-fired pizza with various toppings, fresh salads, and vegetarian options. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. Metro-North is open for lunch and dinner daily.
378 Alexander St, Princeton, NJ 08540, Phone: 609-454-3121
8. Mistral
Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, Mistral brings a stylish blend of exceptional cuisine, world-class wines, and impeccable service to the Princeton-area dining scene. Helmed by James Beard-decorated chefs and food activists Scott Anderson and chef de cuisine Joe Mooney, the award-winning restaurant serves classic farm-to-table dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as seared scallops with green-leek cylinders and garlic-anchovy sauce and dry-aged brisket with bacon jam and garlic aioli. A welcoming outdoor patio is equipped for year-round alfresco dining, and a full-service bar serves casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. Mistral is open for lunch and dinner, daily and a popular Sunday brunch. More ideas: New Jersey Beaches
66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-688-8808
9. Seasons 52
Located in MarketFair, Seasons 52 Restaurant is an elegant dining destination that is renowned for its rotating menu of seasonal American dishes and an extensive list of globally-inspired wines and classic cocktails. The menu features made-from-scratch farm-to-table fare prepared using fresh locally sourced ingredients and regional produce and grilled on an open oak-fire or in a brick roast oven. Signature dishes include Florida Stone Crabs, Wild Alaskan Salmon, California Golden Beets, and freshly baked flatbreads, and the cuisine is accompanied by a hand-curated wine list of casual wines and a spirited cocktail menu featuring classic and modern libations, as well as craft beers by the bottle and on tap. Seasons 52 Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.
3535 US-1, Princeton, NJ 08540, Phone: 609-799-2152
10. Teresa Caffe, Princeton
Located in Palmer Square, Teresa Caffe is a boisterous, family-friendly trattoria that serves traditional Italian fare prepared with locally sourced ingredients from its farm. The cozy neighborhood trattoria exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere and serves an inventive menu of authentic Italian cuisine featuring fresh seafood, grass-fed meats like beef, lamb and chicken, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, wood-fired pizza with various toppings, fresh salads, and vegetarian options. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including predominantly regional Italian wines, craft beers, and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails. Teresa Caffe is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.
23 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-921-1974
11. The Peacock Inn Restaurant, Princeton
Based at the iconic boutique Peacock Inn, the Peacock Inn Restaurant is a landmark dining destination and the go-to spot for fine-dining experiences in the heart of Princeton. Located within walking distance to Princeton University, the elegant restaurant serves a contemporary menu of award-winning cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally-farmed produce. The globally-inspired menu is accompanied by an extensive, well-curated wine list and a sparkling champagne bar where bubbles can be enjoyed by the glass and bottle. The Peacock Inn Restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves a traditional daily Afternoon Tea.
20 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540, Phone: 609-924-1707
12. Witherspoon Grill
Witherspoon Grill is a lively grill with a bustling bar that combines exceptional food, drinks and impeccable service in a refined, casual setting. Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, the restaurant serves a menu of traditional New American cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Using all-natural prime Angus beef, fresh fish and seafood from Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company, and local-sourced poultry, signature dishes include dry-aged Delmonico and Porterhouse steak, lobster mac and cheese, braised short ribs, and gourmet burgers. A sophisticated, vibrant bar serves an award-winning wine list and a curated craft beer selection, along with a Sunday brunch and live jazz. Witherspoon Grill is open for lunch and dinner daily.
57 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, Phone: 609-924-6011
What are the 12 Best Restaurants in Princeton, NJ?
The 12 Best Restaurants in Princeton, NJ according to local experts are:
- Agricola Eatery
- Elements
- Mediterra Restaurant, Princeton
- Blue Point Grill
- Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca
- La Mezzaluna
- Metro-North
- Mistral
- Seasons 52
- Teresa Caffe, Princeton
- The Peacock Inn Restaurant, Princeton
- Witherspoon Grill
More Ideas: Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum in Princeton, NJ is one of the oldest collecting institution in America, having started collections around the time that the University itself was established. The college was chartered in 1746, and began acquiring works of art almost immediately, mainly in portrait form. While these works where destroyed during the 1777 Battle of Princeton, the institution remained committed to developing collections. In 1868, progressive educator James McCosh modernized the college and introduced new schools of learning from Europe, especially art history.
The Princeton University Art Museum and the Department of Archaeology where formally created in 1882. The creation of the museum was intended with the purpose of educating in the history of art through original works. Over time, the museum acquired paintings, prints, and drawings then grew to house antique furniture, sculptures, and photographs. The result of such an intensive collective effort is a museum that is renowned worldwide.
Permanent Collections include ancient works, historical American and African art, classical European art, and contemporary art.
The American art collection began with the college, and under director Frank Jewett Mather Jr., began growing quickly. This collection is now considered to be among the best of all university museums. The museum began with an emphasis in art history, so naturally the ancient history collection is impressive. There are now over five thousand pieces in the ancient history collection, ranging from Mesopotamia, Iran, Asia Minor, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.
In conjunction with Princeton’s department of Archaeology, the museum has focused on expanding its collection of historical European art with samples of stained glass, classical paintings, sculptures, and more. Several different styles are represented, from Baroque to Post-Impressionist.
The Modern and Contemporary Art Collection includes pieces in different media, including painting, sculpture, video, and performance pieces.
The photography collection is considered one of the best in the country and was originated in 1949.
The campus collections feature art works that are considered important to the history of Princeton’s traditions. Just the portrait division of the campus collections contains over 600 paintings and sculptures, mostly depicting Princetonians and others that are important to the history of the college.
Remember Me: Shakespeare and his Legacy- This current exhibit features Shakespeare’s originally published works, and is presented by the Princeton Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, Princeton’s Library partnered with the Art Museum to create an exhibition focused on the ways the writer influenced written and performed arts. Pieces from the Arts Museum and rare books from Princeton’s collections where used in this exhibition.
Contemporary Stories: Revisiting South Asian Narratives-This exhibition features the works of five South Asian artists. The collection explores the way South Asian artists fuse their cultural history with current lifeways to create art.
Epic Tales from India: Paintings from The San Diego Museum of Art-90 paintings were collected for this exhibition from the 16th through 19th centuries. Many of these works where originally included in books with text. This exhibit will offer visitors insight to the creation of texts in South Asia, covering sacred texts, stories, and poems.
Group visits are offered for youth and adults. These docent-led tours are built specifically around the interests and educational needs of the visitors, and are constructed in age-appropriate formats. Different themes offered for K-12 groups include: Line, Shape and Color, Classical Mythology in Art, Portraits through the Ages, and a touchable tour for visitors who are visually impaired. Adult group tours are either self-guided or decent-led focus on themes such as American Art, Impressionism, World Cultures, and Impressionism.
For those with a passion for art and who love to teach, there are docent programs available. Docents are trained to lead tours and assist in programs initiated by the museum. While it is not required that docents have an arts background, applicants are required to complete a training program.
Self-guided family activity guides are available for download, and are designed to help families navigate the museum while learning about the exhibits. There are several guides available for download, and they are constructed around various themes. Examples of themes for the ages of 3 through 8 include African Masks, Egyptian Mummies, Mesoamerican Ballplayers, and Spanish Knights. Themes for ages 7 through 12 include Ancient Rome, Japan, and Medieval Europe. Special self-guided activities and tools include an outdoor sculpture guide and tips for discussing art with children.
Elm Drive, Princeton, NJ 08544, Phone: 609-258-3788
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More Ideas: Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ
With activities for kids as well as adults, Terhune Orchards in Princeton is a unique choice for a family vacation. Farm activities are a great way to spend time away from home while indulging in a bit of fresh goodness in the midst of nature and beautiful scenery.
At Terhune Orchards, the list of things to do is pretty extensive, with numerous activities tailored to appeal to both adults and children. With the large scope of activities offered at the orchid, there’s hardly enough time to even think about being bored.
For starters, the farm is spread over an extremely large area with breathtaking views of the numerous plantations spanning the acres of land belonging to Terhune Orchards. A number of different fruits and veggies are grown here so there is a wide array of things to try out, especially when it comes to their meals. Visitors to Terhune Orchards can partake in any one of the numerous activities that are here on the farm or kick back and relax in the beautiful scenery.
The Barnyard of Animals is a big draw, bringing visitors back to Terhune Orchards over and over again. Since the orchards are blessed with good weather all year round, any time is a good time to visit. The barnyard is filled with animals that you can pet, play with and feed. This activity is especially a hit with kids, who love meeting the animals on the farm and getting a glimpse of what it would be like to live on a farm. People can expect to meet a large variety of farm animals here – from goats and horses to ducks and chickens. The barnyard also has an ideal farm trail, while children can also play on the numerous toy tractors that are scattered about.
“Pick your own” is another great activity on the farm and it can be done by the whole family together, giving you something to take back with you when you leave. Here, visitors can pick their own fruits like strawberries and apples and taste the juiciness of the fruits from Terhune Orchards.
Terhune Orchards is the ideal place for families to visit and is functional all year round. Even though visitors are not allowed to bring their own food or have their own picnics, they can enjoy the brilliant produce available at the farm. If you are interested in the wine tasting or any of the other tours on offer here, be sure to call them or contact them via their website to find out the availability on your preferred dates.
330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, Phone: 609-924-2310
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