Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Princeton

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianIndianSpanishPizzeriaComfort Food

Regions

MercerMiddlesex

Neighborhoods

CranburyHamiltonLawrencevillePrincetonTrenton

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Mediterra

4.7

Exceptional(4401)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Princeton

Booked 50 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.

2. La Mezzaluna

4.6

Exceptional(1800)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 15 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.

3. Metro North

4.7

Exceptional(2464)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 18 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

4. Eno Terra

4.8

Exceptional(3987)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 33 times today

Call for availability and reservations! (609) 497-1777

A photo of The Mauryas Bar and Lounge restaurant

5. The Mauryas Bar and Lounge

3.9

Excellent(82)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Princeton

Booked 3 times today

Mauryas Bar and Lounge offers Indian and New American cuisines with dedication to uncompromised details, we take pride merging traditions and innovations, combing exotic ingredients with contemporary techniques to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Located in the Forrestal Village in Princeton, drawing inspiration from surrounding farmlands and the historic Mauryan Empire. The Three-levels establishment catering to various dining experiences, from corporate events to elegant occasions, so join us for an evening of great dining or the 4pm to 7pm Fun Hour experience, we adhere to a casual elegant dress code, please no short or sandals, thank you so much for your patronage.

A photo of Trattoria Procaccini restaurant

6. Trattoria Procaccini

4.3

Awesome(523)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Princeton

Trattoria Procaccini offers a warm, inviting taste of our family's favorite meals from Italy, in our kitchen. Using natural, organic ingredients, we cook delicious Italian dishes, with specials based on the season, using goods from local merchants and growers. A delightful array of pizza, fresh salads, handmade pastas, Italian specialties, soups and fresh baked bread make Trattoria the spot in Princeton to get away from the regular and enjoy a plate, just like Nonna made for us, in the comfort of our home away from home

A photo of Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture restaurant

7. Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture

4.2

Awesome(8585)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • Princeton

Booked 39 times today

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.

A photo of Vidalia Restaurant - Lawrenceville, NJ restaurant

8. Vidalia Restaurant - Lawrenceville, NJ

4.8

Exceptional(2012)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Princeton

Booked 8 times today

Welcome to Vidalia, 2016 winner in Top 10 Best Italian Restaurant in New Jersey by NJ.com and 2017 rated # 1 Italian restaurant in Mercer county New JerseyBYOB PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR OUTDOOR SEATING IS ENCLOSED AND HEATED DURING WINTER AND FALL. SEATING REQUESTS ARE NEVER GUARANTEED FOR THE OUTDOOR SUMMER SEASONLawrenceville premiere destination for gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. Accented by soft lighting and elegant décor, Vidalia aims to please and succeeds in doing so. The professional staff caters to its guests’ every need making sure not to cut corners and only offering the finest, highest quality ingredients. The menu is vast and eclectic showcasing an impressive selection of Authentic Italian specialties. Treat your guests to an evening that they won't soon forget. Menu prices are based on cash transactions, A 3.5 % credit card fee will apply if swipedWe Do Not have a Coat Check *Vidalia and its staff are not responsible for lost or stolen goods.

9. Zinna's Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1949)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cranbury

Booked 17 times today

WE HAVE MOVED! Visit us at 10 Cedarbrook Drive, Cranbury, NJ!Zinna's Bistro is a family-owned and operated Italian-American bistro that opened in January 2010. It is one of the hidden gems that make up the treasured Cranbury community. At Zinna's, we believe that your fine dining experience starts with quality. We showcase homemade pastas and produce grown on our premises as well as the freshest ingredients the Garden State has to offer. From food to service, we strive to provide a dining experience you will only find here.We do NOT allow outside desserts (there will be a $5 per person fee) Zinna's Bistro offers all cakes & desserts call to place an order for your upcoming event or party.20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more. We are limited to splitting checks to 3 per table. An additional 3.38% is applied for all credit card transactions. Entree Sharing Fee of $10 per person applies.HOURS:Tuesday-Friday12PM-3PM5PM-9PMSaturday-Sunday12PM-3PM4PM-9PM

A photo of Amalfi's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

10. Amalfi's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(194)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lawrenceville

Booked 8 times today

Combining classic Italian food with a bar and casual pizzeria sounds like a great idea and Amalfi’s delivers this with style in its cozy bar and restaurant that feels just like your neighborhood spot. Whether you’re there to enjoy a drink after work with some friends or colleagues or you are there for a huge family dinner with a big group, Amalfi’s has everything you could want.Appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, chicken, fish, steak and pizzas are all mainstays on the Amalfi’s menu, so consider your many options and then go for whatever strikes your fancy, like some fried calamari, chicken parm egg rolls, some lovely vodka rigatoni or a classic pepperoni pizza. Our homemade dishes have served the Mercer County area for over 20 years! So come in as a customer and leave as part of the family!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LindaVIP
New Jersey •54 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our waiter, Jack was attentive, pleasant and courteous. Two of us order the strip steak and it was a bit tough. For the price, I didn’t expect to have to cut around two nerves running through the meat.
More info
Eno TerraPrice: Expensive• Italian• Princeton
•
4.8
G
GaryVIP
Philadelphia County •56 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
This is an excellent restaurant and its longevity is a testament to its quality. Would however like to see more options that are lunch oriented.
More info
MediterraPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Princeton
•
4.7
J
John
Philadelphia County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Excellent Italian food. Chicken Parm was outstanding. Seafood fra diavola terrific!
More info
Metro NorthPrice: Expensive• Italian• Princeton
•
4.7
B
Bharti
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Very good and authentic recipes. We had very good experience with the server and amazing food
More info
The Mauryas Bar and LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Princeton
•
3.9
K
Katie
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 24, 2025
charming, friendly, good food, make sure to BYOB or buy next door
More info
La MezzalunaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Princeton
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Outdoor dining

Princeton

Collingswood
Fairlawn
Franklin Park
Mountain Lakes
Little Falls
Asbury Park
Rochelle Park
Scotch Plains
Maple Shade
Linwood
Westwood
Berlin
Metuchen
Haddon Heights
Englewood Cliffs
Nutley
Edgewater
Brigantine
South Orange
Paramus