Princeton can fill a visitor’s day many times over. Whether you visit Princeton University’s excellent public art museum, local historic sites (Einstein’s house, the Revolutionary War Battlefield Park), a world-class theater, or nearby lakes, churches, and parks, you’ll quickly work up an appetite.

Fortunately, Princeton’s restaurant scene is diverse and vibrant—one of our favorites in the entire state.

Below you’ll find our top picks of the best restaurants in Princeton, listed alphabetically.

Why should you trust this list? Simply put: New Jersey monthly knows the New Jersey dining scene. Our editors and restaurant critics spend endless amounts of time crisscrossing the state, dining at all kinds of establishments, from fine dining to pizzerias, from old favorites to new restaurants bringing their own twist to the New Jersey culinary scene.

Enjoy!

(RELATED: The best restaurants in New Jersey)

Enjoy salmon with vegetables at Agricola. Photo: Courtesy of Agricola

Agricola is one of the city’s most distinctive and appealing restaurants and bars, offering modern American cuisine. International flavors and techniques make the offering even more appealing. The servers are cheerful, knowledgeable and attentive. The cocktail menu is also good.
11 Witherspoon Street, 609-921-2798

Sit down with a burger with egg and some fries. Photo: Courtesy of Alchemist & Barrister

Located in a historic building on Witherspoon Street, the Alchemist & Barrister is a popular hangout for students and visitors alike. It features a portrait of Einstein on the wall. Here you’ll find a selection of good pub food, from flatbreads and tacos to chicken wings and burgers, and a rotating selection of cask beers.
28 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-5555

Chill oysters on ice. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Point Grill

Since opening in 1999, Blue Point has built up a loyal following with its raw bar (rare back then!) and very fresh fish. These are still the main attractions, but the menu now includes soups, salads, sides and some meat and chicken dishes.
258 Nassau Street, 609-921-1211

Conte’s Pizzeria is a great place to relax with a pizza and a beer. Photo: Courtesy of Elena Bruno

Photos of local soccer teams and posters of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team, along with a long glass-brick bar, set the tone at this popular pizzeria. People line up to get a bite of the crispy, thin pizzas with silky homemade sauce. Among the many toppings, the pepperoni is particularly good. The small, thick slices curl in the oven, collecting tiny puddles of aromatic oil.
339 Witherspoon Street, 609-921-8041

Sea urchin roe garnishes the French bread and cheese patranque. Photo: Stuart Goldenberg

Cutting-edge cuisine is always at the forefront here, and that means both looking back to the past and staying on top of the latest trends. Chefs Scott Anderson and Mike Ryan are collectors and students of Japanese and other culinary arts, and the wine and cocktail programs are no less impressive than the world-class food—and have earned Elements a spot on our best restaurants list for several years.
66 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-0078

Grab a delicious sandwich from Hoagie Haven. Photo: Courtesy of Hoagie Haven

Opened in 1974, the “Haven,” as it’s called, remains popular for its 14 or so cold submarine sandwiches and the same number of hot ones. There are also hot dogs, burgers, sides, salads and soft drinks. Cash only.
242 Nassau Street, 609-921-7723

Photo: Courtesy of Jammin’ Crêpes

In addition to being a pioneer in recycling and composting among Princeton restaurants, Jammin’ Crêpes makes a point of sourcing its ingredients from local farms and making its own jams and fillings for its sweet and savory crêpes and sandwiches.
20 Nassau Street, 609-924-5387

Enjoy a pasta and vegetable dish at Mistral. Photo: Courtesy of Mistral

Do you think of Mistral as the lovable little brother of the sophisticated Element? They may share ownership and building, but Mistral has its own character! It has it all: moderate prices, flexibility (a quick, light meal or a longer meal) and one of the most creative yet appealing and delicious menus anywhere.
66 Witherspoon Street, 609-688-8808

Nomad Pizza has two restaurants in Jersey: one in the Princeton Shopping Center and another in Hopewell. Nomad’s Neapolitan pizzas have a classic semi-soft interior and a fluffy crust. In addition to the hearty Margherita, highlights include the spicy Soppressata – with tomato sauce, Italian soppressata, mozzarella, red pepper flakes, oregano and a dash of honey to soften the strong spice.
301 North Harrison Street, 609-285-5187

Relax with a few beers and a cheese platter. Photo: Courtesy of Triumph Brewing

Triumph opened in Princeton in 1995, making it one of the state’s first brewpubs. There are now locations in Red Bank and New Hope, Pennsylvania, but the original still has an upscale and urban look — plus above-average pub food and a rotating selection of craft beers.
20 Palmer Square East; 609-924-7855

Grab a delicious pork chop. Photo: Courtesy of Witherspoon Grill

The pink centerpiece of Witherspoon’s menu is the high-quality steaks and chops. Very fresh seafood, including a one- or two-tier cold seafood tower, is another attraction.
57 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-6011

Nobody knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters hereWould you like to receive a printed magazine by mail? Buy a copy in our online shop.