Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York / Tri-State Area
  4. New Jersey - Central
  5. Princeton
Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ

Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture

4.5
4.5
6063 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French
Top Tags:
Rat’s Restaurant is the perfect dining destination. Named for the fabled entertaining character in Kenneth Graham’s children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows, Rat’s Restaurant is designed to give visitors the sense they have stepped into a village reminiscent of the impressionist painter Claude Monet’s beloved town of Giverny. Rustic fireplaces, country French cuisine, seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and an eclectic beer and wine list are just the beginning. Regarded as one of the most romantic and beautiful restaurants in our region, Rat’s was named Philadelphia Magazine’s “Most Romantic Restaurant. Rats Restaurant and catering is proudly managed by Constellation Culinary.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (609) 584-7800

  • Website

    http://www.ratsrestaurant.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Richard Freedman

  • Catering

    Rat’s Restaurant and Ground For Sculpture offers a full complement of resources and services for a wide range of social, private, and corporate functions. So many events—from weddings and holiday parties to meetings & trade shows have been inspired by the unique interplay of nature and art. Only the unparalleled service and dedicated staff’s attention to detail rival the setting itself. Rat's provides award-winning menus for groups up to 200 with flexible space and tiered food and beverage packages that may be customized to your specific need and budget <br />

  • Private party facilities

    When looking to host a memorable affair, Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is the ultimate venue for a unique and elegant event. Whether planning a small wedding, intimate cocktail party, or corporate dinner, Rat’s private dining rooms, lounges, and outdoor spaces is just right!

  • Location

    16 Fairgrounds Road Hamilton, NJ 08619

  • Neighborhood

    Princeton

  • Cross street

    Sculpture Way

  • Parking details

    Abundant parking is available in our private parking lot.

  • Public transit

    Less than 3 miles from the Hamilton, NJ Amtrak/NJ Transit complex

  • Additional

    Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 6,063 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New Jersey - Central

    Outdoor Dining

  • New Jersey - Central

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. RJ

    RonJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We were seated outside as we requested which was great and the location was wonderful. However we had to wait almost an hour for our appetizer and then when the entrees came our side order took 15-20 minutes to finally come. We were so upset that we didn’t even want dessert. This has definitely tarnished our high hopes for this restaurant from now on and we will be hesitant to return.
  2. TT

    TomT

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Thought the menu was limited, food was OK and portion sizes were on the smaller side. Views of the water were great and our server Alexa was amazing. 50/50 on whether I would go there again.
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Our server was excellent! The ambiance was delightful, relaxing, and beautiful. Sadly, the menu doesn’t really offer much, and the portions were bery small for the price.
  4. AS

    AmyS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seafood salad is fresh, light and plentiful, great lunch choice.
  5. JS

    JosephS

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I thought the overall experience was acceptable but not outstanding. The atmosphere was very nice but the service was lacking, not poor but average. Our meal was nothing that I couldn’t have ordered at any other average restaurant and paid much less.
  6. a

    allaboutthefood

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The setting is worth the visit alone; indoor and outdoor venue set around a lake with sculptures gives diners an interesting and engaging view while enjoying the meal. The service and the food were both excellent! Simple ingredients done well! Highly recommend for lunch or dinner for a unique experience!
  7. HW

    HelenW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everyone was so kind except the waitress that got irritated that I accidentally stepped into a private party. She was rude. Our waiter, Ben, was so kind.
  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great staff , food was delicioso ..
  9. MS

    MichaelS

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Look of the place is lovely. Wife and I each ordered the Seafood risotto. My risotto was mushy and over cooked. Her risotto was under cooked and still hard. It was our 22nd wedding anniversary and we had higher expectations for this place.
  10. TN

    TinaN

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really beautiful place and delicious food
  11. P

    Patwawa

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    It was very busy as it was Fri. Our waiter declared upfront that he was new. Our food were sent to another table, fortunately the gentleman at the other table figured the food was for us and directed the food to us. The food was good. When asked for the bill, I got the bill of the other table. Again fortunately the gentleman at the other table figured the bills were swapped by mistake. I had eaten at the restaurant many many times over the years and this was the first time ever I had had this experience. It was not a big deal and I still put down a good top as usual, but would like to share this and hope the restaurant management may find a way to improve the service. For instance, on busy Friday’s, experienced waiting staff should be put on all shifts as this is not a good time to train new hires. Thanks.
  12. E

    Elizabeth

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The ambiance in summer is unbeatable. The food, however, is OK. I was expecting a higher level.
  13. L

    Luvnola

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    2.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food4service1ambience5
    Hostess very rude and not helpful. She said all outdoor tables booked but numerous ones empty. Finally was seated at one and the server was good. The worst experience with staff at Rats we’ve ever had. Took 3 requests for an acceptable table. We are GFS members and have dined at Rats many times. Especially distressing as we were celebrating a birthday.
  14. T

    Timewithus

    London

    38 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food2service1ambience3
    Very disappointed in the food and service. We’ve been here many times, but sadly unlikely to return.
  15. CC

    ChristinaC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food was mediocre. Not worth the prices they are asking. Ambiance was okay. We sat inside. The wine was horrible. Charging 12 dollars a glass for what tasted like kris wine. We were looking forward to finally trying this restaurant after going to grounds for sculpture so many times over the years. It was not great.
  16. M

    Mike

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner for our small wedding party was excellent with special thanks to our server John!
  17. B

    Bernadette

    Orlando

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious cocktails and beautiful salads. Great service and gorgeous outside dining near Monet bridge
  18. AM

    AquaroM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    An outside table was requested with the reservation. We were offered an inside table but when it was mentioned that an outside table was requested with the reservation and many tables outside were empty, it was denied. Another party came into the restaurant soon after we were seated and they were offered an inside table. When they asked if they could sit outdoors, they were given an outside table! Also, the chicken salad was dry and not seasoned well. Very disappointed. I expected much more from this restaurant!
  19. EM

    EdwardM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyable lunch with good friends on a rainy day under a canopy.
  20. JF

    JudyF

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Go early before your reservation and enjoy the restaurant’s collection of wonderful sculptures! A perfect start to a great meal!!
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband took me here last night for my birthday and as always it did not disappoint us. Our waiter was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu. The food was as always delicious.
  22. MP

    MarcelaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect for a small graduation lunch. Server was super nice. Great memories!!
  23. KD

    KimD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was phenomenal. She was great at building rapport and making us feel welcome. In addition, she provided great service.
  24. T

    Textwoman

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My daughter took me for a visit to Grounds for Sculptire and lunch at Rats. Exceeded expectations. I look forward to coming back for dinner.
  25. JR

    JenniferR

    Philadelphia

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was slow to come out and there was not many guests.
  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Service was very slow. It took one hour to get appetizers
  27. TR

    ToniR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Enjoyed a dinner outside with nice view of pond and woods. Food very good. Service a bit spotty, as in many restaurants these days.
  28. DL

    DianeL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely area to eat outside and enjoy the view. Chicken sandwiches were wonderful.......salads a bit skimpy. Waiter was good.
  29. P

    Pamg

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall, great dining! Servers wonderful! Would go again and again!
  30. O

    Ollie

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    We arrived at our 12:15 reservation are were seated. Drinks and food were ordered. The drinks arrived but after numerous inquiries about where was are food, after a hour and 15 minutes we gave up and left.
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Overall the experience was nice. Not the worst I’ve had but not the best. The views from the patio are really incredible. Prices high but food is excellent.
  32. MC

    MClark

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Had an enjoyable lunch at Ratz. Food service was a little slow but the wait staff was excellent.
  33. AS

    AmyS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great view to hang out with friends during delicious lunch
  34. M

    Matthew

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress Alexa was on point with everything. Her description of the food, attention to detail, wine recommendations and the food was fantastic.
  35. K

    Keith

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a wonderful experience, both visual and culinary. It is well worth the trip. Make sure you book your garden tour ahead of time on line as the restaurant has nothing to do with the gardens.
  36. KR

    KandR

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best place ever, patio just beautiful. Service excellent, Food outstanding. Could not ask for anything more. Price is expensive but so worth it. Just love it there, go every year.
  37. S

    Swanlily

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Nice lunch outside on the patio. A more varied menu would have been nice. Very crowded - couldn’t fund a oarking spit which was frustrating- had to create one.
  38. K

    Katem

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Experience at rats was incredible. Our waitress was so amazing, and very attentive. The food was incredible And delicious. The experience was so high, it’s worth to rave about.
  39. SN

    StaceyN

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    They seemed extremely understaffed, but everyone was quite pleasant. Food was good, not great. Beautiful setting but annoying to get a table for the view and to try to eat when people are constantly walking /posing for pics in front of you.
  40. c

    charlie

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall1food5service1ambience4
    I have always loved this restaurant. Tonight the service was horrible. It was as if we did not exist. Service was terribly slow the entire night. Very disappointing!!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture is rated 4.5 stars by 6063 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Google Map for Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture

16 Fairgrounds Road Hamilton, NJ 08619

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Sculpture Way

  • Neighborhood

    Princeton

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Abundant parking is available in our private parking lot.

  • Public transit

    Less than 3 miles from the Hamilton, NJ Amtrak/NJ Transit complex

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Richard Freedman

  • Additional

    Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.ratsrestaurant.com/

  • Phone number

    (609) 584-7800

  • Catering

    Rat’s Restaurant and Ground For Sculpture offers a full complement of resources and services for a wide range of social, private, and corporate functions. So many events—from weddings and holiday parties to meetings & trade shows have been inspired by the unique interplay of nature and art. Only the unparalleled service and dedicated staff’s attention to detail rival the setting itself. Rat's provides award-winning menus for groups up to 200 with flexible space and tiered food and beverage packages that may be customized to your specific need and budget <br />

  • Private party facilities

    When looking to host a memorable affair, Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is the ultimate venue for a unique and elegant event. Whether planning a small wedding, intimate cocktail party, or corporate dinner, Rat’s private dining rooms, lounges, and outdoor spaces is just right!

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersOpen for Business Blog
Join us on
Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo