Princeton is an attractive town renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, varied cuisine options, and rich gastronomic heritage. Recently, I got an opportunity to travel to Princeton to meet one of my close friends. Since it had been a long time, we both decided to catch up in Princeton.
During my weekend stay, he introduced me to a couple of restaurants. I enjoyed different savory delicacies. That is when I had a fascination to know more about the culinary scene in Princeton.
In this blog, let me take you on a culinary journey through the top restaurants in Princeton NJ. Here, I will showcase a mix of local favorites, fine dining spots, and hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.
Overview of Princeton’s Dining Scene
Dining in Princeton can be a delightful experience after a long day of vacation and leisurely activities. Princeton has a varied range of restaurants, eateries, cafes, and bistros catering to various tastes and preferences of both locals and visitors.
Princeton’s gastronomic offerings are shaped by multiple culinary influences. From traditional American fare to international cuisines to farm-to-table dining, Princeton food is a savory experience you must enjoy at least once in your life.
Below I will explore the top 5 famous cafes and restaurants in Princeton that you can check out.
1. Mistral
Mistral is one of the best restaurants in Princeton, NJ. It is situated in the middle of downtown Princeton and was established in 2010. The food served here is super delicious.
This is a good restaurant if you enjoy small plates of dishes and drinks. The ambience of the place is very good with blond wood. I enjoyed the braised pork belly served here to my satisfaction and really appreciate the atmosphere of the place.
| Location | 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 |
| Timings | 5 to 9 pm |
| Speciality | Dinner |
| Type | Non-Vegetarian/Seafood |
| Must-Try Dishes | Stuffed Pork Paccheri, Smoked Salmon Crudo, Braised Pork Belly, Rose Tres Leches |
| Google Rating | 4.4/5 |
2. Winberie Restaurant and Bar
Established in 1984, the Winberie Restaurant and Bar is the best place to eat in Princeton, especially if you are looking for a gluten-free menu.
The food served here is mostly American fare and it is delicious. The warm atmosphere adds to the overall experience you will have in the restaurant. I enjoyed having the French onion soup which was really good.
| Location | 1 Palmer Square W, Princeton, NJ 08542 |
| Timings | 11.30 am to 11 pm |
| Speciality | Lunch/Dinner |
| Type | Non-Vegetarian/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free |
| Must-Try Dishes | French Onion Soup, New York Patty Melt, Chicken Marsala 29, Pork Nachos |
| Google Rating | 4.3/5 |
3. Mediterra
Mediterra, which was founded in 1996, is a lively restaurant with a patio that serves Mediterranean dishes with a focus on Spanish and Italian cuisine. They have their own farm and most of their cuisine is farm-to-table. It can be considered as one of the great restaurants in Princeton NJ to enjoy a good meal.
The food they serve is very delicious and the place gives out a nice chill vibe. I had salmon tartare for starters and it was wonderfully crispy and tender.
| Location | 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 |
| Timings | 11.30 am to 9 pm |
| Speciality | Lunch/Dinner |
| Type | Non-vegetarian/Vegetarian |
| Must-Try Dishes | Salmon Tartare, Pastaless Lasagna, Chickpea Hummus, Chicken Cobb Bowl |
| Google Rating | 4.4/5 |
4. Seasons 52
Founded in Orlando in 2003 and later spread across the United States, Seasons 52 is one of the many good restaurants in Princeton where you can enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner. It is a grill and bar that serves fresh dishes which are either grilled through oak fire or roasted in a brick oven.
The place also has a good selection of wines that you can enjoy with every meal. It has a good and serene ambience that will make your meal experience here an amazing one. I liked the pork chop which was tender and delicious. This is one such restaurant where you can find the best food in Princeton.
| Location | 3535 US-1 Suite 100B, Princeton, NJ 08540 |
| Timings | 11 am to 10 pm |
| Speciality | Lunch/Dinner |
| Type | Non-Vegetarian/Seafood |
| Must-Try Dishes | Wood-Grilled Pork Chop, Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich, Lump Crab Cake Sandwich, Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon |
| Google Rating | 4.5/5 |
5. La Mezzaluna
Serving for over 15 years, La Mezzaluna is one of the best restaurants in Princeton Downtown if you enjoy Italian cuisine. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating so you can choose a different atmosphere based on your mood.
The restaurant has a cozy ambience and provides a diverse list of wines in their menu. They give fresh and tasty food. You will have one of the best dining experiences here. I enjoyed having the Arancini rice balls and braised duck during my visit to the restaurant.
| Location | 25 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 |
| Timings | 11 am to 9 pm |
| Speciality | Lunch/Dinner |
| Type | Non-Vegetarian/Seafood/Vegetarian |
| Must-Try Dishes | Chicken Al Vino Bianco, Warm Braised Duck, Linguine Smoked Salmon, Arancini |
| Google Rating | 4.3/5 |
If you are looking to travel around New Jersey after exploring these restaurants, then you can check out our blogs on one day trip ideas from New Jersey and the best weekend getaways from New Jersey.
Insider Tips and Dining Etiquette
Here, let me discuss some of the tips and dining etiquettes that will be helpful while dining at popular restaurants.
- Reservation: If you want to dine at the best Princeton restaurants, then you must reserve your spot in advance. This will leave a table for you to dine in and help the hotel staff manage their seating.
- Peak Dining Hours: The peak dining hours for restaurants in Princeton are usually between 3 pm and 9 pm.
- Dress Code: The dress code to be followed is usually casual or smart casual attire. However, some of the restaurants will require formal attire. Call the restaurant or check out their website to be sure.
- Tipping: For a good service, it is customary to offer a tip of 15-20%. Based on your experience, you can tip accordingly.
In addition to visiting these restaurants, you can also visit a few pet-friendly restaurants in New York City, which is a hot getaway spot that is nearby Princeton.
Conclusion
In Princeton, you will get to enjoy a unique culinary experience with all the must-try dishes and dining experiences of the place. Visitors and locals alike can indulge in the tasty delicacies that the top restaurants in Princeton NJ have to offer.
I encourage you to use this blog and embark on your own culinary journey through Princeton and explore its vibrant dining scene and savor the flavors. Whichever restaurant you choose to dine in, I assure you that you will not go home feeling hungry.
If you are planning to visit Princeton to enjoy some good food, then you can stay in one of the best vacation rentals in Princeton that are offered by HolidayKeepers. The vacation rentals have ample amenities like WiFi, indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, and more, so that you can have a comfy getaway. Contact us to know more details about these rentals.
