Princeton is one of the most famous college towns in the world. In this historical town there are so many things to do – as there are historic tours, museums, shopping, and of course dining! Central Jersey InMotion has taken the time to share a glimpse of Princeton’s culinary scene with its fans. Enjoy and please let us know if we missed any places you would recommend!
Porta Via by Osteria Procaccini
Authentic Italian comfort food served with organic ingredients? Sign us up. These guys are taking take-out to a whole new level with amazing sandwiches and pizzas. If you want a sit down dining experience, be sure to visit Osteria Procaccini Restaurant at any of the three locations in Crosswicks, Kensington and Pennington. 180 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 924-6269. http://portaviaprinceton.com/
An inviting Italian eatery offering old world classics and a BYO option. It’s a great place to go for an intimate dinner or a meal shared with family or friends. 47 State Road #B, Princeton (609) 497-2774. http://www.gennaros-princeton.com/
A modern café with charming ambiance offering premium coffee and espresso based drinks, as well as organic teas. Cakes are made fresh locally and contain no preservatives. The menu has something to offer for all times – morning, lunch, and weekends. 200 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 924-5100. http://www.cafeviennaprinceton.com/
A locally owned and operated small business which is the place to go for quality, regional food, drink, and conversation for all who live in and visit Princeton. In addition to crepes, the ever-changing menu has a daily selection of scratch-made seasonal soups and salads, a variety of home baked goods, all natural juices, and specialty coffees and teas. 20 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 924-5387. http://www.jammincrepes.com/
Doceria Gelato & Coffee Bar does a great job of delivering their guest a bit of Tuscany in Central NJ. They have imported Italian coffees, a laundry list of house-made gelato and sorbetto flavors and some of the best Italian desserts that we’ve come across in the area. This locally owned business should be on your to-do list. 301 North Harrison Street Princeton (609) 921 9200 http://www.dolceriaprinceton.com
Another amazing family owned operation! Serving baked goods and an all-day menu with Greek and vegetarian specialties – all made from scratch. 22 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 921-1569. http://www.olivesprinceton.com/
Your destination for the world’s most delicious cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts, and other tasty award-winning treats. Cupcakes come from the recipes made famous by founders Ruthie and Ron Bzdewka – big winners of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. 32 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 924-0085. http://houseofcupcakes.com/
Award winning food hand crafted by award winning chefs serving local fare with an international flavor. Stop by for Happy Hour, as there’s a full menu of inventive cocktails, craft beers, and extensive wine offerings. 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 688-8808. http://www.mistralprinceton.com/
Enjoy a seasonally driven menu which changes daily and focuses on fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers in this very intimate setting. 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 924-0078. http://www.elementsprinceton.com/
Number 2 on Trip Advisor, this farm-to-table eatery is a delicious hit. The Maine Lobster Roll with cucumber aioli, celery hearts, and green salad is a brunch must. 11 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 921-2798 http://agricolaeatery.com/
First off, kudos to PJ’s for snagging the website domain for pancakes.com. Now on to the food. The Nutella Strawberry Banana Pancakes were our favorite stack. However, there are so many ways to order flapjacks that we know you’ll be back for another visit. PJ’s Pancake House has recently expanded their menu and it now goes outside the realm of traditional breakfast items including a number of lunch and dinner items. It is an all day affair now at PJ’s Pancake House. Check out the menu on their website and let us know what you think! 64 Princeton-Hightstown Road, Princeton (609) 799-0688. http://www.pancakes.com/
Offering classic American fare such as braised short ribs, lobster mac and cheese, raw bar favorites, and the best burger in Princeton make this place a favorite for both locals and visitors. There’s live jazz on Tuesday evenings. 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 924-6011. https://witherspoongrill.com/
This BYOB opened its doors in 1999 and features an extensive selection of fresh seafood. Check out delicious classics such as New England clam chowder and jumbo lump crab cakes. 258 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 921-1211. http://bluepointgrill.com/
Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Co.
Offering the finest seafood since 1982, you will find warm take-out meals, fresh prepared seafood dishes, and ingredients to create your own culinary delight. Fresh produce comes from local NJ farms. And you can also grab seafood platters-to-go. 256 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 921-0620. http://nassaustreetseafood.com/
Open Thursdays between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. locals can pick up organic produce, free-range beef, poultry, pork, eggs, cheese, baked goods, chocolates, jams, spices, flowers, honey, grains, pickles, crepes, and fresh juice. Rain or shine! 55 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 915-5705. http://princetonfarmersmarket.com/
Princeton Nassau Inn – Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Enjoy a fine meal at a table near the fireplace, or out on the patio overlooking Palmer Square. This legendary restaurant is one of Princeton’s most popular gathering spots. Great for a casual breakfast or an intimate date night dinner. Pub menu includes warm pretzel bites with cheese and house smoked pulled pork sliders. 10 Palmer Square, Princeton (609) 921-7500. http://www.nassauinn.com/
Enjoy extraordinary cuisine of nearly two dozen cultures surrounding the Mediterrean, with extra emphasis on Italian and Spanish food. Mediterra’s signature paella for two or more is highly recommended. 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton (609) 252-9680. http://www.mediterrarestaurant.com/
Every Monday night it’s Risoto and Lasagna Night. You can’t beat that! It’s a most romantic place to enjoy lunch or dinner, as many menu items are made to share. Don’t miss out on the bruschetta with sheep’s milk ricotta, tri-color heirloom tomatoes, Grana Padano, and lemon basil oil. Is your mouth watering yet? 23 Palmer Square East, Princeton (609) 921-1974. http://www.teresacaffe.com/
Very reasonably priced for a high end place. The baguettes are wonderful; crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. 74 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609) 688-0188. http://www.terramomobread.com/home
Located directly across from Princeton University, this place has been serving the community, college students, and visitors since 1984. Many famous Princetonians have dined here – including Brooke Shields, who has carved her name into one of the tables! Best salads around. 1 Palmer Square East, Princeton (609) 921-0700. http://princeton.winberies.com/
The only boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant right in the heart of downtown Princeton. The Inn’s refined, yet relaxed restaurant and bar serves New American Cuisine and has been recognized by Zagat as one of the Top Restaurants in New Jersey. A vegetarian five-course tasting menu is available upon request. 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton (609) 924-1707. http://www.peacockinn.com/
They claim to have the best hoagies in the world and they are right. Central Jersey in Motion highly recommends the Eggplant Parm hoagie or the Mac Daddy – a bacon cheeseburger hoagie, with Mac ‘n’ Cheese wedges, fries, honey mustard and hot sauce. Yum. 242 Nassau Street, Princeton (609) 921-7723. http://www.hoagiehaven.com/
A small and homey hidden gem that merges Mexican and Guatemalan cuisines, while staying true to traditional flavors from both countrie’s classic dishes. The fresh pico de gallo is oh, so good! 44 Leigh Avenue, Princeton (609) 924-3540. http://aurelioscocinalatina.com/
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