Princeton Restaurant Reviews





Princeton Restaurants

This page describes my experiences dining at various restaurants in Princeton and the surrounding areas. Written by a food enthusiast who's lived in Princeton for 10+ years. Bon appetit!

Here are my personal favorite restaurants in the Princeton area.

African

Makedas. (338 George Street, New Brunswick; 732.545.5115)

Closed.

American–New

Bakery

Bar and Pub

For a town with a high-profile university, Princeton has very few places to get a drink.

Southern / BBQ

The Pig + The Pit. (20 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534)

Atlanta chef and restaurateur Calavino Donati (ominvore) teams up with Atlanta singer-songwriter Doria Roberts (vegetarian) to serve up extraordinary Southern and BBQ at this Covid popup in downtown Pennington. Signature dishes include turkey poblano meatloaf with jalapeño tequila gravy and the Urban Reuben sandwich, made pork shoulder. Everything my family and I have devoured has been exceptional, from the pulled pork, brisket, and shrimp and grits to all of the sides. Definitely the best Southern and BBQ in the area, and probably the best vegetarian too! Don't miss out.

(20 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534) Atlanta chef and restaurateur Calavino Donati (ominvore) teams up with Atlanta singer-songwriter Doria Roberts (vegetarian) to serve up extraordinary Southern and BBQ at this Covid popup in downtown Pennington. Signature dishes include turkey poblano meatloaf with jalapeño tequila gravy and the Urban Reuben sandwich, made pork shoulder. Everything my family and I have devoured has been exceptional, from the pulled pork, brisket, and shrimp and grits to all of the sides. Definitely the best Southern and BBQ in the area, and probably the best vegetarian too! Don't miss out. Big Pinks BBQ. (483 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807; 908.334.5685)

Fans say its the best BBQ in NJ. It's a food truck based in Bridgewater, but sometimes seen at events in Princeton. Highly recommended: pulled chicken, pulled pork, and brisket.

Chinese

Coffee, Tea, and Juice

You can also grab a cup of coffee at Chez Alice, The Little Chef, or Witherspoon's in the Frist campus center.

Diner

European

Farm and Farmers' Market

Some terrific local farms, with high-end products.

French–New

Rat's. (6 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton; 609.584.7800)

Founded by J. Seward Johnson Jr. and located in the Grounds For Sculpture. Country French cuisine in a romantic setting, including a views of Giverny-esque gardens. The food is innovative and flavorful, but they seem to have trouble serving it hot. I love the complimentary popovers served between courses. They also offer a fancy Sunday brunch and have an extensive wine and cocktail list.

(6 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton; 609.584.7800) Founded by J. Seward Johnson Jr. and located in the Grounds For Sculpture. Country French cuisine in a romantic setting, including a views of Giverny-esque gardens. The food is innovative and flavorful, but they seem to have trouble serving it hot. I love the complimentary popovers served between courses. They also offer a fancy Sunday brunch and have an extensive wine and cocktail list. Kafe Kabul. (6 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton; 609.584.7800)

Kafe Kabul is attached to Rat's and serves more casual fare, including an excellent organic burger, homemade fries, and freshly made desserts. Cozy up by the fireplace in the winter.

(6 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton; 609.584.7800) Kafe Kabul is attached to Rat's and serves more casual fare, including an excellent organic burger, homemade fries, and freshly made desserts. Cozy up by the fireplace in the winter. Jammin' Crepes. (10 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.924.5387)

Sweet and savory french-style crepes, prepared with locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don't have to wait until the next Farmer's Market to get your fix. The Pass. (88 Kingwood Stockton Road, Rosemont)

Closed. The Brother's Moon. (7 West Broad Street, Hopewell)

Closed. Lahieres. (5 Witherspoon Street, Princeton)

Closed. Cargot Brasserie. (99 University Place, Princeton)

Closed.

(10 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.924.5387) Sweet and savory french-style crepes, prepared with locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don't have to wait until the next Farmer's Market to get your fix.

Gourmet / Specialty Food Markets

Princeton has some outstanding specialty food markets.

Greek / Middle Eastern / Afghan

Grocery / Supermarket

Ice Cream / Desserts

Princeton is blessed with several excellent (and always popular) ice cream spots.

Indian

There is excellent Indian food in surrounding towns, especially Edison.

Italian

Japanese / Sushi

Princeton has a disproportionately large number of sushi joints.You can also find sushi at Soonja's Cafe, Shanghai Park, Wegmans, and Nassau Street Seafood. More Japanese at Banzai and Shogun.

Korean

Soonja's Cuisine. (244 Alexander Street, Princeton; 609.924.9260)

A mixture of Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese entrees. I go for the Korean - the Bi Bim Bop is better than Nassau Street Sushi's. A good spot to go before an evening at McCarter Theater. I recommend the Seafood Gobdol Bi Bim Bop (seafood, scallops, and squid in a hot stone pot).

(244 Alexander Street, Princeton; 609.924.9260) A mixture of Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese entrees. I go for the Korean - the Bi Bim Bop is better than Nassau Street Sushi's. A good spot to go before an evening at McCarter Theater. I recommend the Seafood Gobdol Bi Bim Bop (seafood, scallops, and squid in a hot stone pot). Woo Jeon Restaurant. (411 U.S. Route 1, Edison)



(411 U.S. Route 1, Edison) Wang Ga. (Route 27, Highland Park)



(Route 27, Highland Park) Keum Ho Jung. (Edison, NJ just off of Route 1)

Excellent Korean BBQ. Try the pancakes. Fans say it's the best Korean restaurant in the region (possibly including NYC).

(Edison, NJ just off of Route 1) Excellent Korean BBQ. Try the pancakes. Fans say it's the best Korean restaurant in the region (possibly including NYC). Kimchi Hana. (South Plainfield, in the Middlesex Mall)

Hobin Chicken. (180 Nassau Street, Princeton)

Closed.

(South Plainfield, in the Middlesex Mall)

Nassau Sushi and Tokyo Japanese Restaurant also serve up a number of Korean specialties.

Mexican and Spanish

Hard to find good Mexican in Princeton. Your best bet is to go to New Brunswick.

Pizza

Pizza aficionados are blessed with three heavyweight options: Nomad, Osteria Procaccini, and De Lorenzo's.

Teresa's and D'Angelo Italian Market also serves excellent pizzetas.

Princeton University and IAS

Sandwiches and Deli

D'Angelo Italian Market also serves up some excellent hoagies.

Seafood

Blue Point Grill. (258 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.921.1211)

The best seafood in the area and one of my favorite restaurants. Impeccably fresh seafood, cooked to perfection. The grilled fish is simply prepared (usually with capers, lemon, and butter) to highlight the fish. Sides of garlic smashed potatoes and creamed spinach are the perfect accompaniment. Also features a raw oyster bar. My favorites are the Australian Baramundi and George's Banks Lemon Sole. The Day Boat Maine Sea Scallops are also recommended. The menu offers little for non-seafood lovers. Not open for lunch.

(258 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.921.1211) The best seafood in the area and one of my favorite restaurants. Impeccably fresh seafood, cooked to perfection. The grilled fish is simply prepared (usually with capers, lemon, and butter) to highlight the fish. Sides of garlic smashed potatoes and creamed spinach are the perfect accompaniment. Also features a raw oyster bar. My favorites are the Australian Baramundi and George's Banks Lemon Sole. The Day Boat Maine Sea Scallops are also recommended. The menu offers little for non-seafood lovers. Not open for lunch. Nassau Street Seafood and Produce Company. (256 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.921.0620)

Best place to buy fresh seafood. Also fresh produce and Terhune Orchard pies. They serve boxed-lunch fish sandwiches, which are very tasty and inexpensive. You can eat lunch outside at the Blue Point Grill, next door. Calico Grill. (180 Nassau Street, Princeton)

Closed. Big Fish Seafood Bistro. (3535 Route 1 South, Princeton)

Closed.

(256 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609.921.0620) Best place to buy fresh seafood. Also fresh produce and Terhune Orchard pies. They serve boxed-lunch fish sandwiches, which are very tasty and inexpensive. You can eat lunch outside at the Blue Point Grill, next door.

Steakhouse and Grill

Thai / Malaysian / Vietnamese

Wine and Liquor

Local liquor licenses are scarce, so most Princeton restaurants are BYO.

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