Best Lunch Restaurants in Princeton

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianChinese

Regions

MercerMiddlesex

Neighborhoods

CranburyEast WindsorEwingHamiltonLawrencevilleMonmouth Junction

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

39 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Mistral

4.5

Awesome(3185)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Princeton

Booked 39 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, Mistral offers a stunning mix of taste, style and atmosphere. Chef Scott Anderson places a superlative emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in creating a variety of culturally influenced, inventive plates with inviting flavors for guests to savor and share.Now offering a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails for our guests, Mistral’s guests will enjoy a full craft cocktail menu that is both unexpected and attuned to chef Anderson's local and seasonal ethos as well as an extensive craft beer and wine offering with the open of Mistral’s bar

2. Mediterra

4.7

Exceptional(4447)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Princeton

Booked 86 times today

Approachable cuisine of the 22 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Seasonal alfresco dining overlooks Princeton's Palmer Square. Offering an Award-Winning Wine List and Creative Cocktails. You can book indoor or outdoor reservations- please respect your selection.

A photo of Triumph Restaurant and Brewery restaurant

3. Triumph Restaurant and Brewery

4.5

Awesome(109)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Princeton

Booked 26 times today

Please note that all reservations are exclusively for the Main Dining Room.We kindly ask our guests to dress appropriately for the upstairs bar, lounge, and dining rooms. Please, no ball-caps, flip-flops, shorts, leggings, or athletic-wear.Please note that all reservations are exclusively for the main dining room. No one under 21 is permitted in the lounge.Triumph Brewing Company is a sophisticated restaurant & brewery featuring regional American cuisine & hand-crafted freshly brewed beer. Triumph is located within Palmer Square. Close walking distance to Princeton University and McCarter Theatre.

4. La Mezzaluna

4.8

Exceptional(1816)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 36 times today

La Mezzaluna is an Italian Restaurant located in the heart of downtown Princeton, NJ. We are your premier choice for exquisite dining and service. Using the finest and freshest seasonal local ingredients, our menu has earned its reputation for mouth-watering regional Italian cuisine and flavors.We have been in Princeton for over 15 years and our food is adored by both locals and tourists alike. Our menu changes seasonally and we offer special dishes during major holidays.

A photo of Elements Restaurant restaurant

5. Elements Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2050)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Princeton

Booked 6 times today

Executive Chef Scott Anderson chose the name "elements" for the restaurant because he is passionate about sourcing fresh, local, organic ingredients and sustainably raised meats and seafood. He wants the very elements of your meal to play a major role in the taste of it. Then he and his team work to reveal the complementary flavor dimensions inherent in the elements by skillfully combining them—often in edgy new ways. Restaurant menus change constantly here, making this the dinner restaurant that is excitingly different every time you return. If you're a foodie, you want to know where—and how--your food grew. It's fascinating, it's a good health practice and it provides extra pleasure from everyday experiences, like a meal with friends. elements is the American restaurant serving local steak and seafood, but with global influences in seasoning and cooking methods. A true culinary adventure!

A photo of Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant

6. Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(107)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Princeton

Booked 13 times today

Introducing the newest addition to the culinary scene, a Mediterranean restaurant with a rich history of flavors and traditionsThe restaurant is the brainchild of two brothers with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, and this marks their fourth establishment. With their expertise and passion for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, they have crafted a menu that showcases the best of their culinary expertise. From savory appetizers to mouth-watering entrees, every dish is carefully prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients. The menu features a range of Mediterranean favorites such as hummus, bowl salad, crispy octopus , tirit (Göbekli Tepe), margarita, roll baklava and more. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family, this new restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that is sure to please.

7. Laurea

4.4

Awesome(200)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 22 times today

Laurea in Princeton, just outside the gates of the prestigious university, features exceptional food, an eclectic and fresh mix of spirits and wine, polishes service, and a market leading dining and lounge experience.Laurea offers contemporary Italian cuisine, focusing on the tastes and techniques passed down for generations in Italian families the world over. The blending of traditional and contemporary are on full display for a unique and desirable selection of food and drink.Laurea operates with the philosophy of selecting the freshest, local ingredients and treating them with the utmost respect and care. The spirit of the cuisine is rooted on simple, traditional Italian cuisine presented in an innovative way. We are committed to Laurea becoming the preferred dining choice for our hotel guests and residents of Princeton alike.

8. Metro North

4.7

Exceptional(2491)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 34 times today

Metro North featuring Italian Entrees, Seafood, Grilled Meats, Salads, Appetizers. Along with your favorite cocktail, glass of wine or beer on tap there is something for everyone. Reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere. Located at 378 Alexander Road in Princeton, New Jersey with ample parking we also have seating for large parties up to 100 plus and outside dining on our patio.To view our menu visit us at www.metronorthnj.com

A photo of Seasons 52 - Princeton restaurant

9. Seasons 52 - Princeton

4.8

Exceptional(4415)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Princeton

Booked 124 times today

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

10. Ficus

4.4

Awesome(145)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Princeton

Booked 1 time today

Ficus is a local BYOB restaurant and café located in downtown Princeton, offering two distinctive floors and convenient FREE PARKING behind the building. We serve healthy and elegant food influenced by local culture, along with vibrant refreshing drinks. We firmly believe in the unifying power of food to bring together people who love food and enjoy high-quality life.On the first floor, Ficus Café warmly welcomes guests 7 days a week, offering a variety of simple salads and sandwiches, with no reservation necessary. On the second floor, Ficus Above provides an exclusive dining experience curated by our chefs, available from Thursday to Sunday, between 5 pm and 8 pm. Our seasonal menu invites guests to enjoy carefully crafted culinary creations in an elegant ambiance.To accommodate larger parties of more than four guests, kindly contact our store at 609-917-2656 for reservations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful experience with their 15 Course Chef's Tasting Menu which was really about 20 courses. Absolutely exceptional and very reasonable for the quality and quantity you were served and gorgeous presentations. Very knowledgeable wait-staff, particularly about wine.
More info
Elements RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• American• Princeton
•
4.8
Y
YolyVIP
New York City •250 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had a great dinner with terrific service. The papas bravas are a must, as is the hummus. Great sangria too!
More info
MediterraPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Princeton
•
4.7
B
Brigitte
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Really good Chicken Parmesan with vodka sauce, and enough for leftovers the next day, which is always a good thing! Love that it’s a BYOB too.
More info
La MezzalunaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Princeton
•
4.8
S
SarahVIP
Philadelphia County •42 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Great food! Loved the tempura mushroom and the tuna tostados are a favorite.
More info
MistralPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Princeton
•
4.5
V
Victoria
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
The jazz band was extremely loud and it was very difficult to have a conversation in the bar area. The dinner table was better but not ideal.
More info
Triumph Restaurant and BreweryPrice: Expensive• American• Princeton
•
4.5

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