Restaurants in Princeton, NJ
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Exploring charming Princeton and ready to treat your taste buds? These restaurants in Princeton, NJ offer everything from elegant fine dining to cozy cafes perfect for a relaxing meal after sightseeing.
Highlights:
- Farm-to-table delights at Agricola Eatery
- Modern Italian at La Mezzaluna
- Inventive American fare at Mistral
- Cozy French bistro vibes at Kristine's
- Classic steakhouse experience at Witherspoon Grill
Unique Restaurants in Princeton, NJ:
1. Savor Seasonal Perfection at Agricola Eatery
© Agricola Eatery
Agricola Eatery is a modern community-focused restaurant in Princeton, offering creative farm-to-table fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. True to its name — “Agricola,” meaning “farmer” in Latin — the restaurant sources organic fruits, salads, and vegetables directly from its own organic farm just outside the city.
Recommended For: Farm-to-table enthusiasts, couples, families, and anyone seeking seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a cozy, modern setting.
- Savor seasonal dishes like spice-braised short ribs, scallops with Brussels sprouts and speck, and autumn apple crisp or pumpkin pot de crème for dessert.
- Enjoy the open kitchen ambiance where you can watch the culinary magic unfold.
- Pair your meal with global casual wines, craft beers, or classic cocktails from the bar.
- Support local agriculture with every bite, thanks to the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, organic farm produce.
- Visit daily for lunch or dinner to experience the best of seasonal, sustainable dining.
Agricola Eatery, 11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-921-2798
2. Dine in Style with Artfully Composed Plates at Elements
© Elements
Elements is a fine-dining gem on Witherspoon Street in downtown Princeton, offering sophisticated New American cuisine crafted with local, sustainable ingredients. With a serene, elegant setting featuring high ceilings, well-spaced tables, and comfy armchairs, Elements delivers an elevated dining experience perfect for special occasions or refined evenings out.
Recommended For: Fine-dining enthusiasts, date nights, special celebrations, and anyone seeking artful, ingredient-driven cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
- Experience à la carte and tasting menus created by chef and co-owner Scott Anderson and chef de cuisine Mike Ryan.
- Enjoy dishes prepared using a masterful blend of ancient and modern cooking techniques.
- Relax in a serene dining room with soothing neutral tones and luxurious seating.
- Pair your meal with a curated selection of global wines, craft beers, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails.
- Dine Tuesday through Saturday for an unforgettable evening of refined cuisine.
Elements, 66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-924-0078
3. If You’re Longing for Coastal Flavors, Reserve a Table at Mediterra Restaurant
© Mediterra Restaurant
Mediterra Restaurant, centrally located in Princeton’s Palmer Square, is a contemporary upscale dining destination that brings the rich tastes and flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of this college town. Inspired by the owners’ Chilean and Italian roots, Mediterra offers an inventive menu featuring locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Recommended For: Mediterranean food lovers, couples, groups, and anyone seeking vibrant, shareable plates and hearty entrées in an elegant, welcoming atmosphere.
- Explore a diverse Mediterranean-inspired menu with small plates, hearty entrées, and decadent desserts.
- Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Pair your meal with an extensive list of casual wines and craft beers.
- Dine in a contemporary, upscale space perfect for lunch, dinner, or a night out with friends.
- Visit daily to experience the Mediterranean’s rich culinary tapestry in the heart of Princeton.
Mediterra Restaurant, 29 Hulfish St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-252-9680
Date Ideas:
4. Feast on Fresh-Caught Seafood at Blue Point Grill
© Blue Point Grill
Blue Point Grill is a highly acclaimed seafood restaurant on Nassau Street in Princeton, known for its extensive selection of ocean-fresh seafood served in a fun, lively setting. This BYOB spot offers a seasonally changing menu that highlights the best of the sea, making it a top destination for seafood lovers.
Recommended For: Seafood enthusiasts, oyster lovers, couples, and anyone seeking fresh, high-quality seafood in a vibrant, upscale atmosphere.
- Delight in dishes like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, New England Clam Chowder, Point Judith Skate Wings, and Whole Greek Bronzini.
- Sample up to 15 varieties of oysters from the renowned raw bar.
- Bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal in this BYOB restaurant.
- Dine indoors in the elegant dining room or outdoors on the patio for alfresco summer meals.
- Visit for dinner only to experience one of Princeton’s top seafood destinations.
Blue Point Grill, 258 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-921-1211
5. If You Love Rustic Elegance, Taste Italy at Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca
© Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca
Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca is an eco-minded Italian eatery on King’s Highway, combining rustic-chic charm with a deep commitment to farm-to-table fare and sustainability.
Recommended For: Italian food lovers, eco-conscious diners, wine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking elegant, seasonal dishes in a beautiful rustic setting.
- Savor a market-driven menu featuring fresh salads, vegetarian specialties, grass-fed beef and lamb, organic chicken, and homemade desserts.
- Explore an impressive wine list showcasing selections from Italy and the United States.
- Pair your meal with craft beers, microbrews, or classic cocktails from the bar.
- Dine in a warm, rustic-chic environment that reflects the restaurant’s eco-conscious philosophy.
- Visit for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday or enjoy dinner service on the weekend.
Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca, 4484 NJ-27, Kingston, NJ 08528
Phone: 609-497-1777
6. Satisfy Your Craving for Classic Italian at La Mezzaluna
© La Mezzaluna
La Mezzaluna, located in the heart of downtown Princeton, brings the authentic taste of Italy to New Jersey. Led by Italian Chef Michael Moriello, a graduate of the Sorrento Cooking School, the restaurant has built a stellar reputation for mouth-watering regional Italian cuisine crafted with seasonal local ingredients and fresh regional produce.
Recommended For: Italian cuisine lovers, date nights, family dinners, and anyone craving handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and authentic regional flavors.
- Enjoy gourmet dishes featuring handmade pasta, from-scratch sauces, and fresh seafood.
- Savor locally sourced chicken, prime beef, veal, and organic salads with fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Try wood-fired pizzas with a variety of delicious, authentic toppings.
- Pair your meal with global wines, craft beers, top-shelf spirits, or classic cocktails.
- Visit daily for lunch or dinner to experience a true taste of Italy in the heart of Princeton.
La Mezzaluna, 25 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-688-8515
7. Enjoy a Chic Culinary Twist at Metro-North
© Metro-North
Metro-North is a casual, contemporary restaurant located on Alexander Street, offering a comfortable dining room and a charming outdoor patio perfect for summer dining.
Recommended For: Families, casual diners, couples, and anyone craving a mix of seafood, wood-fired pizza, and gourmet comfort food in a welcoming setting.
- Enjoy a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, grass-fed beef, lamb, chicken, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.
- Savor wood-fired pizzas with a variety of tasty toppings and fresh, seasonal salads.
- Pair your meal with casual wines, craft beers, or expertly crafted cocktails.
- Dine indoors in the cozy dining room or outdoors on the patio during warmer months.
- Visit daily for lunch or dinner and experience a relaxed, delicious meal in Princeton.
Metro-North, 378 Alexander St, Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-454-3121
8. Elevate Your Palate with Global Fusion at Mistral
© Mistral
Mistral, located in the heart of downtown Princeton, offers a stylish and award-winning dining experience that blends exceptional cuisine, world-class wines, and impeccable service.
Recommended For: Foodies, date nights, brunch lovers, and anyone seeking elevated farm-to-table dining in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.
- Savor beautifully prepared dishes like seared scallops with green-leek cylinders or dry-aged brisket with bacon jam and garlic aioli.
- Dine alfresco year-round on the welcoming outdoor patio.
- Pair your meal with global wines, craft beers, top-shelf spirits, or expertly mixed classic cocktails.
- Visit daily for lunch, dinner, or the ever-popular Sunday brunch.
- Enjoy the impeccable service and creativity that have made Mistral a standout on the Princeton dining scene.
Mistral, 66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-688-8808
FAQ:
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What are some unique things to do in Princeton, New Jersey?
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Princeton, New Jersey, offers a variety of unique experiences, including several great spots for romantic dining.
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Where can visitors find outstanding seafood in Princeton?
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Seafood lovers can head to Blue Point Grill for outstanding seafood and a selection of casual wines.
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Where can visitors enjoy farm-to-table dining in Princeton?
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Agricola Eatery offers creative farm-to-table fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Where can visitors find great steak dishes in Princeton?
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At Witherspoon Grill, guests can enjoy lobster mac and cheese, prime Delmonico, and Porterhouse steaks.
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Where can visitors experience fine dining in Princeton?
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Mistral offers exceptional cuisine, world-class wines, and impeccable service for an unforgettable dining experience.
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