Outdoor Dining

Share delicious dishes and reflect on your favorite moments of the day with family and friends while dining alfresco in the Princeton-Mercer Region. Many of our restaurants offer outdoor dining with views of a beautiful garden or historic buildings. Here are some of our top-rated restaurants with prime outdoor seating.

Fine Dining Alfresco-Style

Stop by The Perch at Peacock Inn any time of day for brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. The inn restaurant resides in a historic Colonial mansion in Princeton and offers indoor and seasonal outdoor dining in the garden. In the afternoon, enjoy tea sandwiches and pastries, and in the evening, opt for a heartier dish like seared scallops and grits. 

Rat’s Restaurant inside Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township serves farm-to-table dishes in a whimsical outdoor setting open seasonally. Order off the French-inspired menu and extensive wine list and enjoy views of fountains, sculptures, and the garden from your table. Rat’s also offers a picnic package, which provides guests with a picnic lunch, packed in an insulated tote, complete with a bottle of wine, tumblers, and flatware. Indoor dining is also available.

Another fantastic dining option for outdoor seating is Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna in Princeton. Feast on Mediterranean dishes made from locally sourced ingredients for lunch or dinner on a lovely outdoor patio surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Be sure to check for outdoor dining availability before making a reservation at a fine dining establishment. 

Casual Outdoor Dining 

Relax and unwind at Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell, which features dishes, like grass-fed steak and caramelized peach tortellini, made using ingredients grown in its 800-acre farm. The eatery offers a lunch and dinner menu, and in the evenings, guests can opt to dine outside under a large tent. 

Many local grills and pubs serving up American favorites offer outdoor dining year-round, including Witherspoon Grill. In the colder months, portable heaters keep guests warm. That also includes the Princeton landmark The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant & Pub and Blue Point Grill, known for its seafood.

Delicious food, great company, and the perfect outdoor setting are the essential ingredients for an unforgettable dining experience in our region.