Elements
AUTHOR BIO: Eric Barton is editor of The Adventurist and has reviewed restaurants for two decades. He splits his time between Miami and Asheville, N.C. Email him here.
My first memory of Princeton? A gaggle of drunken Rutgers kids and me crammed into a late-night hot‑dog joint, eating mystery meat at 2 in the morning.
That delirious chaos was my entry point. Fast forward to a recent restaurant scouting trip, and I discovered it’s a city that feels like the opposite: refined, deliberate, chef‑driven. The Adventurist’s team and I wandered Palmer Square after dark, sampling everything from ambitious tasting menus to ramen that actually rattles your expectations.
What we discovered It’s a small town wearing fine dining like it owns the place. Here then are the best restaurants in Princeton right now.
1. Elements
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One of Scott Anderson’s labs, tucked into Witherspoon Street. Anderson’s been a James Beard semifinalist more than once, and this is where his art meets pragmatic plating—think scallops with miso glaze or Laughing Bird shrimp on tiny plates that swear they’re bigger than they are. Princeton has lots of restaurants these days swinging way above their weight, but Elements consistently hits it out of the park, every time. —Eric Barton
2. Mistral
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Next door sibling to Elements, and also steered by Anderson, Mistral’s focus is lighter, smaller plates, with bright flavors and more playful combinations. Chef Anderson still gets the Beard nod here, and the menu flexes seasonal produce like it’s the guest of honor. Perfect when I want to sip something and snack slowly while someone else does the savory heavy lifting. —Maria Rodriguez
3. Witherspoon Grill
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This downtown staple is helmed by Alejandro de Casenave, “Chef Alex,” formerly of Big Fish. They hand-cut beef in-house, source local poultry, and keep a raw bar that feels earned. Tuesday jazz night is officially a thing—picking your music and your meat in the same session. I roll in when I crave a steak or burger I trust, with zero second-guessing. —Eric Barton
4. Agricola Community Eatery
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Witherspoon Street’s OG farm-to-table spot was founded by Jim Nawn, Agricola stakes its identity on communal tables, wood-fired cooking, and plates meant to be shared—like roasted carrots or crispy trout salad. I showed up during Princeton’s Restaurant Week and saw no flash, just flavor that lands: warm, rugged, and right. —Maria Rodriguez
5. Mediterra
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Palmer Square’s Mediterranean darling has a wine list that owns its label. This place feels like summer nights in Provence, minus the passport. I’ve stalked their lamb kebabs through two seasons, and they still taste like they nailed it the first time. —Maria Rodriguez
6. Triumph Restaurant & Brewery
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In the old post office lobby, they pour their own beer and pair it with dishes that don’t shame it. Big wood beams, open kitchen hustle, and that buzz—you bring a crew, it looks like you planned something special without you actually planning it. I always end up here to keep things casual but not sloppy. —Eric Barton
7. Aspendos Mediterranean
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Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine is the newest kid on Nassau Street, with brothers Bilal and Celal Bodur behind it who have two decades in restaurants. Their crispy octopus and baklava that should become Princeton crowd pleasers and weeknight staples. No frills here, just clean flavors and a room that feels like they mean what they’re doing. —Maria Rodriguez
8. Olsson’s Fine Foods
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Palmer Square’s gourmet wonder is part cheese shrine, part café, all delight. Run by Rudie and Jennifer Smit, with Rudie the only certified salumière in NJ, Olsson’s boasts over 200 cheeses, plus house-made grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and soups. I wander in at lunch, inhale enough charcuterie to feel like dinner already, then leave with a baguette and something I didn’t know I wanted. It’s a mercy for your lunch plans—and your pantry—that this place exists. —Maria Rodriguez
9. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen
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What was once a train station is now a Harvest-backed hang with rustic beams, locally sourced snacks, and a surprising small-plates menu. Chef-driven yet unpretentious, the Dinky does things like wood-fired pizzas, bao buns with crispy chicken, and seasonal desserts—plus craft beer and cocktails that actually pair. I slip in solo after work for a beer, pickled egg, and the roasted local seafood plate—zero attitude, maximum flavor. —Maria Rodriguez
10. Peacock Inn
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This 18th-century boutique hotel’s restaurant is led by Le Bernardin alum Manuel Perez, offering refined New American fare. Recognized by the Beard House and known for its wine pairings, the venue balances stately architecture with dishes like seasonal fish or local farm proteins. I bring people here when I want a room that speaks history and a menu with its own quiet swagger. —Maria Rodriguez
11. La Mezzaluna
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Chef‑owner Michael Moriello is Naples-born, an alum of Big Fish, and has been quietly turning out regional Italian dishes for over a decade. Highlights: seafood risotto, hazelnut-crusted rack of lamb, seasonal pastas. The cozy upstairs setting with minimalist decor offsets dishes heavy on flavor and light on fuss. Book it when you want rewarding without the flash. —Maria Rodriguez
12. Elite Five Sushi & Grill
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This tight spot on Witherspoon delivering well-made nigiri, ramen, yakitori, and sushi rolls—all BYOB. Tony Yu, the chef/owner, sources from award-winning suppliers, leans on 15-plus years of experience, and curates sauces in-house. Go when you need precise dumplings, ramen that doesn’t fake depth, and a sushi bar you don’t need to apologize for. —Maria Rodriguez
