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    Roots Ocean Prime

    4.1 (178 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Roots Ocean Prime Photos

    ROOTS OCEAN PRIME ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Roots Ocean Prime

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    Filet sandwich, French onion soup and salad
    Wei M.

    We been to Roots Ocean Prime many times for dinner and always enjoyed my experience here. Last weekend, we came for lunch with my family after a Princeton basketball game, and it did not disappoint. Although I did feel slightly under dress. If you are here for lunch, you have to try their express lunch menu. It is a quite reasonably priced, and packed with the same quality and flavor you'd expect from Roots. For about $20, you can get either half lobster roll or filet sandwich, and either lobster bisque or French onion soup and salad. I choose lobster roll with French onion soup and salad. My wife got lobster roll with lobster bisque and salad, my daughter ordered filet sandwich with French onion soup and salad. All items were delicious and perfect amount of food for lunch. The service, as always, was great, with attentive staff ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. The ambiance is perfect, striking a balance between upscale and welcoming, making it great for both family outings and formal dinners. Roots Ocean Prime remains one of my favorite spots in Princeton, and I'll keep coming back!

    Susanna C.

    Conveniently located in Princeton near Princeton University, right by ample metered parking. Excellent value lunch menu - which includes half a lobster roll, salad and soup. The French Onion soup was excellent - not too salty - and is made with their awesome popovers. Oh the popovers....! Fresh out of the oven, light and fluffy - don't miss out on this! Oysters were fresh! Definitely check it out for lunch!

    NY Prime Strip
    Lindsey M.

    Great service and patio was quite nice but no heaters. Your typical nice restaurant. Everything tasted great, especially the steak and horseradish sauce. I wouldn't get the halibut next time because the portion was small for the price but all the appetizers and sides were tasty. They paced the food really well and our server was super friendly. The starter bread muffin is pretty unique and a great touch.

    Beef Wellington and Mac and cheese
    Anila K.

    My bf took me for my job celebration. I ordered beef Wellington and Mac and cheese. Food, ambience and service all great: I would come back

    French Onion Dip Steak Sandwhich
    Chris H.

    Great place for lunch or dinner, on the Princeton University campus. The steak sandwich was truly amazing. Perfectly seasoned, moist, and packed with flavor. The toasted Brioche bun was the perfect vehicle and held up very well when dipped in the French Onion Au jus. The Colossal Shrimp Crostini is seafood heaven on a plate! Most restaurants don't get prawns and shrimp right. Either they overcook them or don't season them enough. Thankfully that was definitely not the case here. The Shrimp were fresh, flavorful, and fried in a light crispy batter. Add that with the toasted garlic crostini and the dip that comes with it, you can't go wrong. I started to order one for the road. All in all, I was very pleased with my first experience and have continued to go back.

    Carolyn M.

    The food is very good. I particularly like the steakhouse salad. We tend to go for lunch so my husband can get the lunch trio with lobster bisque, slider, and lobster roll.

    Alice J.

    Five star food, five star ambiance, four star service (not bad, just with glitches). We came here on a Thursday night for an early dinner, and was seated in front of the big fireplace (no fire). Cold outside for April. The whole night I was frozen. There's a draft from the fireplace in fact. They should not have seated us there. A booth would have been warmer and more preferable. Every dish was appetizingly presented and delicious. Extensive menu. The sundae dessert was top-notch (candle celebration was icing on the cake). Their service, though, left something to be desired given their price point and the calibre of the restaurant. For seafood, they gave us steak knives. We had to ask for fish knives but they didn't have any (just regular knives). They kind of dumped the dishes in front of us without any smile or explanation and they served wrong dishes to us (typically for restaurant of this calibre they should remember who ordered what).

    Oyster Appetizers 1/2 dozen
    Bob M.

    Everything was perfect. Located in Princeton, lots of parking and even maybe an after dinner stroll around the university. Roots Ocean Prime was indeed a restaurant to come to. Being Celiac conscious, I called ahead and was gauranteed the safety of having a gluten free meal. It was Celiac friendly which can be hard to find since most restaurants only assure Gluten free but not Celiac safe. The food came out to perfection and honestly I could have licked my plate clean it was so delicious. . One error the waiter did make though is the roots steak sauce he brought over to the table. Be aware that it is not Gluten Free.

    Anna H.

    My second visit to Roots wasn't as good as the first last year unfortunately. The service was still great, but my husband and I each ordered a medium well filet mignon. Mine came out well-done so it was pretty dry, and his came out more like a medium. Additionally, I ordered a loaded baked potato as a side, and I ate some potato insides that fell onto the plate it was served on. I was not prepared for how salted the plate was (I'd expect it for the outside of a baked potato to a certain extent) - avoid doing that! My friends and husband did really enjoy the potatoes au gratin and macaroni and cheese sides though.

    Celebration platter and an amazing smile
    Dane A.

    Went here for our 2 year anniversary and had a fantastic time. Multiple servers came up to us to greet us and ask how we were doing. I ordered the porterhouse with the cherry peppers in beurre blanc which was a perfect acid balance to the richness of the steak. The drinks were poured heavy which is perfect for me because I love to save money. Even the head chef came out to personally thank us for dining and made sure our steak was to our preferences. Quick tip ask for the samba sauce on the side as it was a nice sweet and spicy contrast to the steak. Thank you to the managers that night Matt and Jarrod, the servers Kim, Juan, Christian, Kezia, Tenaya, and Cameron, and the bartenders Dan and Lucas as well as the head chef Brett and the steak master Nelson on the broiler. Everyone made our night spectacular and a memory we cherish.

    Complimentary dessert from our server. We were celebrating my niece finishing her first year as a hockey Coach!

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    2 months ago

    The best in princeton's restaurants. Expensive but worth it. Excellent steak and friendly staff

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    6 months ago

    Food was great. Service, quite sloppy. Waiter had to be reminded to fill water glasses and provide a place setting for each diner.

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    My wife and I simply cannot say enough about the quality of service, quality of the food and attention to detail during our meal.

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    Ask the Community - Roots Ocean Prime

    Do they serve wine? or is it byob?

    Yes they do, both by the bottle and glass.

    Can you make Reservations?

    Yes you can

    Hello, do they have happy hour?

    No they dont have happy hour

    View All 4 Questions

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    Witherspoon Grill

    Witherspoon Grill

    3.8
    (658 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    I ate here solo, looked for a bar / high top seat but they were all taken, on a Tuesday night mind…read moreyou. Staff accommodated me at a nice two seater table that didn't have me in the middle of the action, so I felt comfortable dining alone. Started off with the best Blood Orange Martini I've ever had. Cold and tasty!! I honestly had the best Caesar Salad I may ever have had. So tasty and plentiful. Abundance of Parm & croutons and packed with flavor. Hadn't had a Filet in awhile and opted for that with some Bearnaise. Great choice - tender cut - tasty crust - perfectly prepared. A jazz band was playing which only added to the amazing ambience. My server was attentive and quite friendly. I'm sorry I missed her name. Thank you for a fantastic evening. I will return for sure.

    What lovely place to have lunch, at least on a warm almost-summer day eating under an umbrella at…read morean outdoor table! Friends picked us up at the Princeton Junction train station and drove into Princeton. We had lunch at Witherspoon, one of their favorites, before heading to the Princeton University Art Museum. My friend and I shared the grilled shrimp salad, and they kindly split it in the kitchen for us. Hardly any black beans, at least in mine, but two large shrimp (one of my favorite oxymorons!) and lots of shredded romaine, topped with about half a sliced avocado. Came with a creamy dressing on the side, no great shakes to me but my friend loved it. My husband had a whole grilled shrimp salad to himself, ignored the dressing, and really liked the salad. Our other friend had 2 appetizers as his meal - lobster bisque and a poke cup that was on the menu as a tuna martini, or something like that. Cute title. Two of us had unsweetened iced tea, one had a cup of hot water. My iced tea was good, our friend got a refill of his. I'm not sure if he was charged for it but I don't think so. We passed on dessert, went later for ice cream. Enjoy!

    Photos
    Cozy atmosphere
    Cozy atmosphere
    Strip Steak with bernaise sauce
    Strip Steak with bernaise sauce
    Dirty martini and French Chardonnay

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    Dirty martini and French Chardonnay
    Agricola Eatery

    Agricola Eatery

    3.9
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Good food , lively vibrant ambience, and good company makes for a great evening . The service was…read moregood except they missed the occasion we were celebrating and didn't care to bring out a candle with the dessert we ordered . As we were leaving I reconfirmed it with the person at the host's desk ( seemed to be the manager) , who apologized and said maybe our waiter missed it . But it was a noticeable miss that cannot be overlooked, as that was the purpose of our dinner here. End of the meal, our family's spirits fell flat, but we still sang and celebrated sans the petty candle. Now on to the food and drinks... Mocktails were delicious, colorful, and eye-catching . We tried all 3 on the menu and loved it. Appetizers galore filled our table ... Bang Bang cauliflower had a medley of sweet & sour flavors. Hummus pita board - Warm grilled pita was a table favorite with the small portion of hummus and fresh crisp veggies. Harvest salad - crisp lettuce, feta cheese, walnuts, poached and fresh sliced pear, cucumbers, and watermelon radish with rose vinaigrette made this extra special. Crispy calamari - great pairing with pickled veggies and arugula basil aioli. We ordered an assortment of entrees with all seafood choices . Salmon with risotto , Halibut & Branzino cooked to perfection served with flavorful sides. For dessert, it was the warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter cup . The brownie was soft and not too sweet, slightly warm and it vanished in a few seconds. Peanut butter cup was a dense donut texture with candied peanuts We hoped that at least one of the desserts would be served with a candle as we were celebrating a birthday but they missed it and didn't care enough despite letting them know when marking the reservation. I loved everything about the experience at Agricola, but their lack of attention to detail stuck out like a sore thumb , as the poor communication between their front desk and wait staff dampens the guests' experience , making it a not-so-great finish .

    Another fine meal at Agricola. The Calamari was light and flavorful without being overwhelmed by…read morethe breading. My Salmon was superb along with service that was right on time. In contrast to their far more expansive location in Morristown, the Princeton location is noticeably more "intimate" with Manhattan inspired table crowding. Not enough to detract from a wonderful meal but certainly worth noting. Five stars all day long. PS... no credit card surcharge. A surprise that certainly puts a smile on my face.

    Photos
    Beautiful ambiance.  Great vibe.
    Beautiful ambiance. Great vibe.
    Roasted Local Mushroom Medley
    Roasted Local Mushroom Medley
    Santa's Sleigh (w/nonalcoholic rum) & Spicy Holiday

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    Santa's Sleigh (w/nonalcoholic rum) & Spicy Holiday
    The Perch At Peacock Inn

    The Perch At Peacock Inn

    4.5
    (81 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Less a restaurant than an experience in immaculate luxury... where the quarter percenters must go…read moreto keep the remaining one percenters out of sight and mind. For years I have been boring friends, family and anyone who would listen about the wretched state of service in the US, unfortunately made even more dismal by the pandemic. Well, I'm happy to report that service isn't dead, it's just lounging in the witness protection program at a place called the Perch at Peacock. Service here is as gracious and precise as a metronome and is a welcome respite from the current shambolic state of things on planet earth. And before I forget, the food... almost matching the service which is saying something. I absolutely loved the Restaurant Week Hangar Steak and Tomato Bisque with a finger sandwich of grilled cheese and lobster. Tastes that I'm unlikely to replicate as I return to the assorted diners and dives that are not privy to the safe harbor of witness protection and the unwashed remnants of the one percent. Damn. I almost don't have to say it, an easy five stars.

    I was so looking forward to dinner here at the venerable Peacock Inn. I had worked in the…read moreneighborhood a few years ago and it was always considered the fancy place for an elegant meal. Sadly, our weekday meal was a disappointment. My friend and I were only one of two parties dining in the restaurant. The menu overall feels old and dated. It features Just the classics, which is fine if executed well, but the execution was seriously lacking. The little gem salad featured pickled cucumbers in a very sharp vinegar sitting next to overdressed, lettuce and kale. It also had very large round carrots, which I think were completely unnecessary. The complimentary bread was brought to the table, warm and featured little mini salads on the side, which was a thoughtful touch. My entree of duck was a substitute for the more exciting braised short ribs mentioned initially. The breast was tough and chewy and the bread crumb on the leg was mushy and not crisp. Desert was our last hope but the flourless cake proved to be a hard, tough dome. Shout out for the kind and thoughtful wait staff! Overall, however, a let down. What a shame! There are too many excellent restaurants in the Princeton area and a clientele that definitely have a global palate so I worry this place might not last.

    Photos
    The Perch At Peacock Inn
    The Cherry
    The Cherry
    New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Menu

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    New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Menu
    Kristines

    Kristines

    4.1
    (203 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    Here I go again--another French bistro I absolutely adore…read more Christine's French Bistro is everything you want in a cozy, decadent French spot: small, intimate, softly lit with sconces, and anchored by a beautiful bar you can dine at or just sip champagne and linger. Let's be honest--I come here for one reason: the soufflés. They are my kryptonite. Sweet or savory, they never disappoint. I've had the chocolate (rich, decadent, flawless), though I'm still chasing my ultimate favorite--the elusive Grand Marnier soufflé. One day... Beyond that: * Mussels + champagne = always a win * Service is warm and welcoming * Prices feel fair for the quality and experience This place has become part of my ritual when I'm in the area. I'll fly into Newark Liberty International Airport, hop on the Amtrak Acela, get off in Princeton, head straight here, and yes--plan my trip around a soufflé. No regrets. The location is perfect--right in the heart of Princeton, which is one of those charming, walkable towns with tree-lined streets and that classic, almost European feel. There's garage parking nearby, but honestly, once you're there, you won't need your car. Perfect for: * Date night * Dessert and champagne with friends * Solo bar seating (highly recommend) Bottom line: Elegant, cozy, and worth going out of your way for--especially if you love a proper soufflé. Life's too short not to eat well. Go make it happen.

    Very disappointed. To begin, the first basket of bread was stale and cold. One small pat of butter…read morefor a table of 3. 2 of our group ordered the steak frites and the steak was tough and full of gristle which made it inedible. There were literally 8 French fries on the plate and they were cold. I understand restaurants are trying to cut costs but potatoes are still cheap. One diner had the lamb special which was supposed to be served with a sauce but was dry and flavorless. The accompanying black rice was just there. The only positive was our server who was helpful and friendly. This is Princeton for Pete's sake. Most of the patrons have been to France and know good dining.

    Photos
    French Bistro (Interior Seating)
    French Bistro (Interior Seating)
    6oz Hanger Steak, Poached Eggs & Breakfast Potatoes
    6oz Hanger Steak, Poached Eggs & Breakfast Potatoes
    Rainbow Trout Meunière & Green Beans

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    Rainbow Trout Meunière & Green Beans
    Mistral

    Mistral

    3.9
    (771 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We came here on a Sunday morning and there was only one other party seated, so it was pretty quiet…read more That may have been due to it being MLK weekend, with many people out of town for the long weekend. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Wrap, which was excellent, packed with chicken and very filling. I ended up taking half home because it was both generous and delicious. The side salad was also surprisingly good. We ended up returning later for happy hour, which takes place in the room to the right of the hostess stand. I highly recommend stopping by for drinks and bites if you're in the mood for classic cocktails and solid food. Happy hour is first come, first served and limited to the bar only (around 15 seats total). We arrived right when it started, and when we left about 40 minutes later, the bar was about half full. I'd definitely come back to try their dinner or to enjoy their happy hour again.

    The evening didn't start off well, it picked up but ended flat…read more First, the hostess. We walked in from the bar entrance and heard a voice over our shoulder. There was a young lady sitting in the corner in the phone telling us that there were no seats if we didn't have a reservation. Not the most polite but whatever. We went back to the bar and got a table. Why are bar tables always so sticky?! Anyhoo, we just missed the Happy Jour menu but it was only a $1-2 discount (except for the burger: $4). Service was pleasant and attentive. The food was overpriced for sitting in a bar. $30 for a bowl of ramen! (I don't know how it tastes but it's $17 across the street.) $22 for a burger and fries! $10 for two little bao with a single shrimp in each! Ok, that's not too bad since Bao is generally overpriced for some reason but I could have gotten more than one shrimp. Unfortunately, the price did not reflect the quality. My friend who got the ramen said it was in the bottom 25% he's ever had. My burger was pretty good but the bun was toasted and brittle and made an unnecessary mess. The fries--personal preference--I don't like skinny fries. As for the bao, the shrimp was too salty. I liked the finishing salt but the flavoring salt was too heavy. Also, it was drizzled with aioli and I couldn't pick it up and eat it like the sandwich it was. Overall, a disappointment. Mediocre food and an elevated price for no reason.

    Photos
    Mistral
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.

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    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.

    Roots Ocean Prime - steak - Updated July 2026

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