Elements Restaurant

Elements Restaurant
163 Bayard Lane (Rt 206)
Princeton, NJ
609-924-0078

Restaurant Review

This is the finest restaurant in Princeton, and one of the best restaurants in New Jersey.

Converted from an old auto repair/gas station, a short drive from the University, the design uses the natural "elements" of stone, wood, glass, and metal to create an upscale, open, contemporary decor. This 80 seat restaurant under a high ceiling is done up with soft earth tones, glass panels, wood trim, bare tables and walls, carpeted floors, and soft cushioned arm chairs, has an elegant, yet casual ambiance.

This exceptional fine dining restaurant has achieved instant success under the influence of part owner and executive chef Scot Anderson, a young chef and one of the few chefs to be regarded as a "Best in Class" chef on the New Jersey dining scene.

Without a noted culinary school to his resume, he has developed his skills with many outstanding restaurants including having been the chef de cuisine at the Ryland Inn, Les Copains, Mediterra, and the Lawrenceville Inn.

Anderson is passionate about every detail of his food preparation including the use of the freshest ingredients available, many of them organic, and selectively introduced to provide very creative, flavorful, and attractively presented dishes.

Anderson is committed to using locally grown, sustainable food products though out the year. During the winter months, the locally grown produce comes from the greenhouses of nearby Terhune Orchards.

He also grew up in Japan and his influences can occasionally be found in his offerings of true Kobe beef and Kindai Blue fin Tuna, a tasty captivity bred fish that offers a sustainable solution to over fishing.

Kindai Blue Fin Tuna is available only to a select few US restaurants and Elements is the only restaurant in New Jersey to be selected by the tightly controlled Japanese distributor to receive an allotment of Kindai Tuna. This rare delicacy is offered at special events.

Elements offers a wide range of item prices from the pricey $75 Kobe Rib Eye Steak to a few selections on the menu under $25.

Vegetarian, vegans,and organic enthusiasts will find many options to chose from.

The biggest downside of this restaurant is the moderately high noise level in the main dining room..

The menu is seasonal and changes weekly

A pleasant surprise, and a clever example of the restaurants commitment to excellence is the complimentary “pre-dessert” called bacon and eggs, served in an eggshell filled with brioche French toast, creamy egg-and-bacon custard, and maple flavored hot milk foam accompanied by a strip of bacon and a piece of French toast. It will delight you!

The wine list is extensive with a wide range of varieties and prices.

The service at Elements is top draw -- you are apt to find anywhere from 5 to 7 wait staff, working as a team appear at your table --- professional, anticipatory, and knowledgeable.

And finally ( as you might expect) as the check was presented, a small silver holder covered with complimentary small pastries and jellies will appear, and then finally, on the way out the door, the hostess will hand each diner a little French cake covered in a cellophane wrapper as a departing gift.

The numerous detailed little extras and their passion for making this a memorable dining experience are what makes this restaurant one of the best in New Jersey.