Recommend restuarant in Princeton (Somerset, Somerville: credit card, hotels, university)

[LivieLuv]

I have an upcoming business dinner where I will be entertaining about 10 people and I was hoping for a good recommendation.

Its going to be in the Princeton-area, clients will be coming from Princeton, Somerville, and Somerset. I'm clueless on the restaurant scene since I don't live in the area, and any help is much appreciated!!

Oh, and this dinner won't be happening until late Feb-early March.

Thanks!

[Viralmd]

How fancy are you looking for?

[LivieLuv]

Pretty fancy. Have to stay within a budget of $125.00 a head.

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by LivieLuv

Pretty fancy. Have to stay within a budget of $125.00 a head.

if you want a nicer, but slightly less formal place look for salt creek grill on Rt 1

[Diane Giam]

Here is one in the Town of Princeton. I had lunch here, its excellent.

http://www.terramomo.com/restaurant/mediterra/index.html---Italian (broken link)

French Restaurants in Princeton NJ


Big Fish Seafood Bistro
Princeton Market Fair, 3520 Route 1 North, Princeton, NJ 609-919-1179
- Upscale Seafood Franchise Restaurant. Greater Princeton's alternative to Blue Point Grill. Plus... you can reserve a table and order a martini.

Blue Point Grill
258 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 609-921-1211
- Seafood & Raw Bar, Reservations Not Accepted, BYOB, Occassional Live Entertainment, Outdoor Seating, Private Room Available, Major Credit Cards Accepted. No reservations. Be prepared to wait for a table (but well worth the wait).



I've eaten in the Big Fish many times on Rt 1, excellent.

Restaurants

Za Restaurants: Homepage gourmet
Lahieres American/French

Diane G

[jerseyj]

We, frequently, entertain out of town business associates at Mediterra in downtown Princeton. It is located in Palmer Square on Hulfish St.
The menu varies as they use local produce, so it is always a different experience. It is licensed but $125 per person is doable.
The Spring St. parking lot is right next door and they can easily accommodate 10 folks with a reservation.

[Badfish740]

No love for the Ferry House?

The Ferry House

Located on Witherspoon Street just off of Nassau.

[Ourdreamhouse]

LivieLuv,
Having been in your situation myself several times, i'd consider the following:

(1) For a business dinner, i always figure that guests will enjoy being in the charming downtown area of Princeton, rather than out on charmless Route 1 (Big Fish, Salt Creek Grill, etc.), in a shopping center (Main Street Bistro), or a neighboring town (Lawrenceville Inn in Lawrenceville, Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell)

(2) if it's a business dinner for 10, you probably won't want to bring your own liquor and wine. Unfortunately, that eliminates several of the best restaurants, e.g. The Ferry House, Blue Point Grill.

So, you're left with:
Lahiere's (mostly classic French, expensive, the oldest of downtown Princeton's fine restaurants, recent reviews are somewhat mixed)
Mediterra (small, noisy, but very good food; they may have a private room)
Alchemist and Barrister (charming old building, but food just OK)
Witherspoon Grill (attractive, but mainly a very good steak place)
Sotto (pretty good food, but in a basement below Nassau Street)
Nassau Inn/Yankee Tap Room (food barely OK, but some historical University atmosphere).

All things considered, I think Mediterra, Lahiere's, or maybe Witherspoon Grill would be your best choices. You may want to consult them for detailed menu and pricing information.

[Viralmd]

If you're looking at fancy, I would vote with Lahiere's.

[LivieLuv]

Thanks so much for the great advice!!!

Will begin checking these recommendations out asap.