Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Pennington

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Metro Grill

4.8

Exceptional(602)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Ewing

Booked 19 times today

Metro Grill in Ewing stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful mix of dishes that resonate with authenticity and quality. Diners consistently praise the "absolutely wonderful" food and the "fantastic" service, highlighting experiences that go beyond expectations. One reviewer ecstatically noted, "The food was delectable; some of the best I've eaten in a while," underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence. The atmosphere is described as both "relaxed" and "nice, clean," perfect for enjoying their celebrated dishes like the tantalizing scallops and robust pork chops. Metro Grill's ability to blend a casual vibe with upscale flavors makes it a cherished destination for those seeking a true taste of Contemporary American fare.

2. Stella

4.7

Exceptional(2544)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Hope

Booked 34 times today

Stella, nestled in the charming neighborhood of New Hope, offers a quintessential Contemporary American dining experience, drawing rave reviews for its innovative cuisine and stunning Delaware River views. Diners consistently praise dishes such as the "perfectly cooked" diver scallops and the "delicious and light" Pavlova, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as "beautiful," with options to dine on a scenic patio, enhancing the culinary delight with "beautiful views during the day and around sunset." Stellar service complements the dining experience, with guests noting the attentive and friendly staff. Whether it's the "interesting combinations" of food or the thoughtful inclusion of a dog-friendly menu, Stella epitomizes the best of Contemporary American cuisine, making every meal memorable and every visit worth repeating.

3. Mistral

4.6

Exceptional(3135)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Princeton

Booked 30 times today

Mistral in downtown Princeton captivates with its exceptional fusion of culturally influenced, inventive cuisine that consistently wows diners. Chef Scott Anderson's commitment to fresh, local ingredients shines in every dish, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors that celebrate both seasonality and innovation. Guests rave about the unique blend of American cuisine with eclectic ethnic touches, with one diner exclaiming, "Every mouthful is an experience!" The restaurant's ever-evolving menu features standout dishes like Crispy Salmon Bites and Butternut Squash Beignets, paired beautifully with craft cocktails and an extensive beer and wine selection. Mistral's atmosphere is described as upscale yet comfortable, making every visit a delightful culinary journey.

4. Blue Bottle Cafe

4.9

Exceptional(1466)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Hopewell

Booked 10 times today

At the heart of Hopewell stands the culinary gem, Blue Bottle Cafe, celebrated for its exceptional Modern European cuisine. With Chef-Owner Aaron Philipson at the helm, the restaurant offers a seasonally inspired menu that highlights local produce, hormone/antibiotic-free meats, and sustainable fish and seafood, ensuring each dish is both fresh and ethically sourced. Patrons rave about the "bold flavors" and "pristine sauces" that elevate favorites like gnocchi and seafood to new heights. The intimate and cozy dining atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to special celebrations. As one diner eloquently put it, "The food is unbeatable... Rory and her husband should have 2 Michelin Stars," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. If you're seeking a dining experience where every bite is a revelation, Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell is a must-visit destination.

5. Bowman's Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(3034)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • New Hope

Booked 31 times today

Bowman's Tavern in New Hope offers a quintessential Comfort Food experience that leaves guests raving about their visits. Known for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere, Bowman's serves up hearty, seasonal dishes that are both local and environmentally conscious. Guests consistently praise the tavern for its exceptional service and delightful dishes, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The Halibut special was extraordinary as was the meatloaf & soup. We will be back!" Another echoed the sentiment, noting, "Always good food! Music is fantastic, great ambiance!" The live music adds an extra layer of enjoyment, enhancing the already cozy and inviting vibe of Bowman's, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic and satisfying Comfort Food.

6. Ficus

4.1

Excellent(131)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Princeton

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the heart of Princeton, Ficus stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Asian cuisine, delighting diners with its exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance. Patrons rave about the "unique and flavorful" menu that includes standout dishes like the bulgogi banh mi and duck spring rolls, each a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere is described as "astounding," enhanced by "smooth classic music" that complements the dining experience beautifully. Ficus's ability to blend sophistication with the warmth of a local café makes it a must-visit destination. As one reviewer enthusiastically notes, "Absolutely wonderful. The servers were so polite, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was astounding." This glowing endorsement underscores why Ficus is the pinnacle of Contemporary Asian dining in Princeton.

A photo of Martine's River House restaurant

7. Martine's River House

4.6

Exceptional(1395)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Hope

Booked 22 times today

Martine's River House in New Hope, PA, offers a quintessentially American dining experience that's both a delight to the palate and a feast for the eyes. Nestled along the scenic Delaware River, this restaurant serves up seasonal American cuisine that's classically inspired with a contemporary feel. Guests rave about the "delicious and perfectly prepared" meals, from fried green tomatoes and flank steak to scallops. The outdoor patio setting is consistently highlighted in reviews as "beautiful" and "the best place in Bucks County to have dinner." Martine's commitment to excellence is evident in their "top notch food and service," making every dining experience memorable. This gem truly stands out with its "amazing river views and friendly staff," ensuring that each visit is as spectacular as the cuisine itself.

A photo of Anton's at the Swan restaurant

8. Anton's at the Swan

4.7

Exceptional(1314)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lambertville

Booked 10 times today

Located in The Swan Hotel, Anton's provides modern classic cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. For over 30 years Anton's at the Swan has been known for the charming atmosphere of the Swan Hotel. The excellent cocktails made by professional bartenders start the meal, followed by Chef Chris Connors'. sourdough bread. Our seasonal menu changes regularly, taking advantage of the local produce in Bucks and Hunterdon counties. Homemade desserts are the finishing touch on the meal. Our kind and thoughtful waitstaff will make you feel welcome and cared for.Please note that reservations are for indoor dining only and not in the bar. The Swan Bar does not take reservations.

9. Odette’s

4.6

Exceptional(1887)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Hope

Booked 46 times today

Odette’s in New Hope offers a sublime dining experience that epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. Nestled by the Delaware River, this elegant restaurant offers "stunning views" alongside a menu that boasts the best in steak and seafood. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" steaks and the freshness of the seafood, suggesting that it rivals even the finest steakhouses in Philadelphia. The ambiance of Odette's, a blend of historical charm and modern sophistication, provides a "beautiful setting" that enhances every meal. Reviews consistently highlight the "exceptional service" and the "innovative" menu, making Odette’s a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in New Hope.

A photo of Elements Restaurant restaurant

10. Elements Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2036)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Princeton

Booked 3 times today

Elements Restaurant in Princeton stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, blending expert culinary craftsmanship with a commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Executive Chef Scott Anderson’s passion for using organic and sustainably sourced elements shines through each dish, offering a dining experience that changes with the seasons. Diners rave about the "fantastic" 15-course tasting menu and the "impeccable" service, noting that Elements is "in a league of its own." Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a unique meal, Elements promises "an experience with amazing service and presentation" that consistently surpasses expectations. Truly, a pinnacle of dining in New Jersey.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Peter
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined today
First time at Stella to celebrate my wife's birthday and we thought the place was one of the best in the area. Food was delicious and atmosphere was great. Highly recommend!
More info
StellaPrice: Expensive• American• New Hope
•
4.7
K
Karen
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
As always, Chef Rucker knows how to bring it! The food, service, ambience, music and vibe were all on point. The swordfish belly app, lobster toast, hash browns, crab claws, blue fun tuna, cabbage, scallops, swordfish Milanese, sea bass, ham and squid ink biscuits and chicken were unreal. This is our third visit, and the consistency and quality were outstanding. We’ve probably had every menu item and have been enjoying the changing drinks menu as well. The matcha cocktail is a favorite, can drink it like water! The new mezcal Negroni was delish!!! You have to get the desserts. I crave them constantly now. The granola cremeaux is in my dreams.
More info
Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
C
carey
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Phenomenal food and service. A bit noisy when dining room fills up
More info
Metro GrillPrice: Expensive• Italian• Ewing
•
4.8
K
Karen
Philadelphia County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was a very busy Friday between Christmas and New Year’s, and we were thankful for Open Table and having made reservations! The mild weather brought everyone out to Peddler’s Village and all shops were crowded. The next best part was they didn’t run out of the favorite foods so we could get the specials plus anything else. We always enjoy the food and atmosphere here.
More info
Earl's New AmericanPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• New Hope
•
4.6
E
Emanuel
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Thank you so so much!! By far, this is the best food place I’ve ever been to! Highly, highly recommend.
More info
MistralPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Princeton
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Pennington

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Pennington

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Metro Grill

2. Stella

3. Mistral

4. Blue Bottle Cafe

5. Bowman's Tavern

6. Ficus

7. Martine's River House

8. Anton's at the Swan

9. Odette’s

10. Elements Restaurant

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable