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

The service at Roots Ocean Prince is impeccable. The staff is exceptional and treats the patrons like royalty. As we stepped up to the main entrance, the host anticipated our arrival and opened the door for us. I've have never experienced that before in all my years of dining. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. The interior has an open bright dining area on one side. The other side has a more rustic and darker bar and dining space. My preference is the brighter area and we were fortunate to be seated on that side. Prior to our meal, we were served fresh baked popovers. They were delicious. My husband ordered the steak (prices not for the faint of heart) and I went with the lunch special (half sandwich, soup and salad). He was in heaven with his steak and enjoyed every last bite. My soup and salad was really good. The half sandwich is on the very small side. We also went with a side of mac and cheese. And to top if off we had the build your own sundae for desert. It was decadent if you are a sweets lover. read more

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We returned to Roots last night to celebrate my oldest daughter's birthday. As you may recall, our first visit was bar only. Last night we had a reservaton for the dining room. As we arrived a bit early, we had cocktails at the bar. Girls had Cosmos. I had Hendricks up with blue cheese stuffed olives. Perfect. Bartender Sue was cheerful and attentive. We were promptly (no rush) seated as we had finished our drinks. I had asked for a quiet corner, as both my bride and I have a hard time hearing in a lively room. They put us a large high round booth in the corner near the fireplace (table 61). Awesome as the girls are always cold and the high round booth did a good job of keeping our voices in and the general noise of lively room out. Our server Kezia warmly greeted us as we were seated and gave us menus (food and wine). I asked, but there are no menu additions. I noticed they had the Billecart-Salmon on the wine list. So I discreetly ordered a bottle. Same bubbles that my bride and I had enjoyed at our wedding 36 years ago. In fact, we missed the cocktail hour of our wedding because the wedding party was taking pictures in the park and polishing off the bubbles. But thats another story. Kezia promptly brought the bubbles which were properly chilled. We bantered about the menu selections while enjoying a birthday toast. We decided on a dozen oysters, the Maine lobster bites and the crab cocktail for appetizers. All were brought promptly and perfectly prepared. The osyters were nice and briney served over ice with traditional cocktail/horseradish, side of tabasco as well as mignonette (my fav). The lump crab was delicious I just wish the portion was larger. I didnt try the Maine bites this time but the girls said they were great. For entrees the girls had petite fillet mignon. One with shrimp. Two mediums, one medium rare. They were OK. The mediums were fine, but the medium rare was pretty medium. I had a prime aged Cowboy (ribeye on bone). It was a decent size and cooked perfect medium rare, but I was expecting to be "wowed". Pretty ordinary. Sides (Au Gratin potato, brussel spouts, mushrooms) were typical steak house fare. Very good but ordinary. We had a Paul Hobbs cab with dinner which was very nice. While perusing the dessert menu, Kezia brought a huge glass full of ice cream and candies to celebrate my daughter's birthday. Very generous portion for the whole table. Gratis. I enjoyed some of the dark chocloate. I skipped the cognac and had a cappuccino which was not very hot at all. The room is very lively. If we didnt have the booth Im not sure we would have been able to hear each other. It was also very busy but Kezia did a great job. She was there anytime we needed her but not over bearing. Her service was excellent as were the busers and other dininig room staff. Pace was perfect. We were seated in the main dining room behind the bar but there is another much smaller room (Ivy Room) to the left when you first walk in. Very white linen and formal plainly decorated as compared the clubby feeling of the main dining room. If we were going to return for dinner we might try the other smaller room. Looked more intimate. But candidly, I kind of enjoy the bar scene here better than the dining room and dinner. read more

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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! read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Filet sandwich, French onion soup and salad - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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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! read more

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We drove by OP on our way to the car dealer and decided to give it a try a few weeks later for date night The atmosphere was great, food was as well and the servers were amazing Definitely going into our dining out rotation read more

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. read more

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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 read more

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As a no reservation walk-in on a crazy busy Fall Saturday in the Prince of Ton, I fully expected to be summarily dismissed and on my way to some last chance greasy spoon oasis. Imagine my surprise as a table magically appeared and dinner was forthcoming in a restaurant I affectionately refer to as Bruce Wayne's man-cave. Dark and masculine, dripping in understated affluence, Roots is always a pleasure. Tonight it was a sublime Salmon and Halibut with my favorite bespoke ice tea, literally brewed at your table. A nice touch that cools the sting of a hefty tab... as does service that is present but not overbearing and a confident, hushed vibe that allows for normal conversation. Well, it's time for Alfred to bring the car around so I'll leave five stars as a parting gift. A truly excellent meal. read more

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. read more

Roots Ocean Prime - French Onion Dip Steak Sandwhich - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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What a wonderful dinner experience. Like the recent review by Dr. Alma M, we also sat outside. I agree with M regarding the lack of heaters. The lovely outdoor area would benefit from heaters. Our server Sarah was the nicest server and her recommendations were spot on. Her knowledge of the menu and the way she described the preparation of each dish was exquisite. The entire staff was extremely friendly and we cannot wait to return. Unlike Dr. alma m, my experience was top notch and I would doubt if anyone else would fine fault with this excellent restaurant. read more

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). read more

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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. read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

We had an event at the restaurant today and was so disappointed. The restaurant is beautiful no doubt but service was less than desirable! So unorganized and hap hazard. Two events going on at the same time; orders were getting confused between the two rooms. We ordered 2 seafood towers one was at the table not to mention the seafood was sparse for 11 adults. I ordered filet mignon medium was raw and the least they could do is add 2 spears of asparagus to the plate! It was a piece of meat on a plate! Salad wedge was delicious! Desserts came out no coffee, drinks were delayed. I could go on but looks like things got a bit worse! Meetings should be held with entire staff the day before or day of to review what is expected of staff and to keep clients coming back. We won't be. read more

The service is impeccable, from the host to the waiter, bartender, and manager. They all went above and beyond with service and recommendations. Every single thing I ate was delicious. I'm definitely coming back to try out some more food items on the menu. read more

Went for lunch on a Sunday. The place was very pretty. Service was so so. The steak sandwich was virtually inedible. The waiter must've known that because he disappeared and I needed another waiter to get a check. No stars. read more

It all starts with the service and it was great. The food was amazing. I had the filet mignon and it was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. Highly recommend it! read more

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. read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Oyster Appetizers 1/2 dozen - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

First time here. I've been to the other location in Morristown. The building is beautiful rustic lodge type of vibe. Luis was our server. Very attentive and detail oriented especially with the fact that we had a dairy allergy. We really liked him. We all enjoyed our meals. I got a filet medium well and it was actually pink and cooked perfectly. Just was a little salty. We got mushrooms and mashed potatoes on the side which were very good. The bathroom had feminine products which I haven't seen anyone do in a while. We had a birthday and they had a nice card on the table waiting for him. Also gave us a huge birthday ice cream which we appreciated. Thank you so much again. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Celebration platter and an amazing smile - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Really enjoyed it here. Service was excellent. I would highly recommend getting seated in the back room. Especially around Christmas time. Big open fire place and tasteful decorations. The food: we started with the bacon, seafood platter and Caesar salad. All very good. Bacon was cooked perfectly and had a nice glaze on the outside. Seafood tower was excellent. Lobster, tuna tartar, shrimp, oysters, excellent all around. Entrees: we both got filets, cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Perhaps could have used a bit more salt and pepper but not much to complain about. We got creamed spinach and lobster Mac with it. Fire, absolutely fire. Def will come back. Expensive but overall worth it. read more

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Roots Ocean Prime really used this space nicely. A few different dining areas making the place seem i primate and fancy. Fine dining service really makes the meal as much as the food. We had oysters to start and definitely the highlight of our meal. So tasty. We will be back for another special occasion soon. read more

Everything was spectacular. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Server was top notch. Food was amazing! What a gem on the gorgeous Princeton campus! read more

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Phenomenal! Worth the drive and the price. Not overly expensive, we consistently eat out in Atlantic city, great service, and wonderful 'dates night' ambiance. Our waiter, Christian, was very kind and attentive. He answered my questions and suggested good options. The food...mmmm.... the food. Kobe sliders, melted in my mouth. The arugula salad was a 10! Both the petite and regular size, 12oz, filets were delicious and perfectly cooked. I highly recommend the Bleu cheese crust! The colossal loaded potato was delectable, and the Brussel sprouts were amazing. The only, and I mean only, thing I was NOT a fan of was their bread option. Everything else, very worth the trip! Overall, we WILL be coming back again. Thank you, Roots Ocean Prime, for a fantastic experience! read more

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

Great meal. Perfectly cooked filet. Outstanding service. Our waiter was very attentive. The pace of service was perfect. The restaurant was decorated for Christmas. This restaurant consistently delivers a great meal. read more

From world class service to the incredible dishes and finally the attention to detail to the things that matter most, Roots Ocean Prime ALWAYS rises to the occasion. Thank you for a beautiful lunch date with the Mrs today! read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

What a meal! Best steaks we've ever had. We started with a yummy popover. We ordered martinis and they were excellent. Halfway through our martini, our server, Jacqueline, brought us new chilled glasses!!! Wow!! Our dinner was top notch. The side dishes were enough to feed three. We decided that we will definitely dine the hours to come back! read more

Great choice! The restaurant is more intimate than expected but VERY nice and cozy. The ambiance is amazing! The staff were welcoming and the service was excellent! The food was scrumptious, although the portions are on the smaller side. Will definitely return again. I highly recommend. read more

We've been here quite a few times, and I can honestly say that both the food and staff are exceptional and consistent! They also have outdoor seating in a lovely setting (forest come, first served), which is needed in our case. They graciously and deliciously accommodate food allergies. This time, we were there for my son's birthday, and they came out with the most incredible sundae for him, complete with candles and toppings in delicious, beautiful, chocolate cups!! I wish i had taken photos of the steaks (not to mention the luscious whipped potatoes and crazy good creamed spinach), but we were too busy eating it all! Really, we love Roots Ocean Prime and highly recommend! read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Birthday sundae after my son added allllll the toppings, including the chocolate cups! - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Cozy steakhouse! Amazing food and service. Visited this restaurant on many occasions for lunch and dinner, quality of food and attentive staff remains high every time. read more

Excellent staff. Fantastic drinks. I tend to go for apps and sides and martinis. Don't forget the popover. read more

Roots Ocean Prime - Dirty martini with blue cheese olives. Fantastic. - Steakhouses Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Alright, let's dive into a culinary experience at Roots Ocean Prime in Princeton! Roots Ocean Prime Princeton: A Symphony of Steak and Seafood From the moment you step into Roots Ocean Prime Princeton, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance. The warm, inviting ambiance sets the stage for a truly memorable dining experience, and the attentive staff ensures that every need is met with seamless grace. Let's talk about the star of the show: the steaks. Roots Ocean Prime truly lives up to its name, delivering perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth cuts that are nothing short of exceptional. The quality of the beef is evident in every bite, and the searing technique creates a beautiful crust while retaining the juicy tenderness within. For those seeking a delightful surf-and-turf combination, I wholeheartedly recommend the steak and shrimp pairing. The succulent shrimp, perfectly grilled, complement the rich, savory steak in a harmonious dance of flavors. This duo is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to both land and sea. Now, let's discuss the sides, which are far from afterthoughts. The au gratin potatoes are a revelation. Imagine the creamy, decadent comfort of classic au gratin, elevated with the nuanced flavors of French onion soup. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth that transforms this side into an absolute must-try. Each layer is a perfect blend of creamy potato and rich onion. And while we're on the subject of sides, the mac and cheese deserves its own spotlight. It's truly the best in Princeton, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that's both comforting and indulgent. The perfect blend of cheeses and the right amount of seasoning make this a side dish that outshines many main courses. To enhance this culinary journey, Roots Ocean Prime boasts a beautiful wine list, carefully curated to complement the menu's diverse offerings. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for the perfect pairing, the knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you towards a selection that will elevate your dining experience. The service is impeccable, with the staff exhibiting a level of attentiveness that is both professional and personable. They are knowledgeable about the menu, eager to offer recommendations, and genuinely invested in ensuring your satisfaction. In summary, Roots Ocean Prime Princeton delivers a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional. From the exquisite steaks and seafood to the delectable sides and the impressive wine list, every element is meticulously crafted to create a memorable meal. The lovely ambiance and attentive staff further enhance the experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly special dining experience in Princeton. read more

We dined at Roots Ocean Prime with a reservation for two at 6:30pm on a Wednesday evening. The restaurant started to fill by 7pm from what we could tell as we were seated in the bar area. If you're picky on when you want to sit, trying making a note to sit in the main dining room through Resy. However, we really enjoyed the cozy bar atmosphere that felt more like a lounge. We started with the lobster bisque and their pre-summer appetizer, the Lobster and Burrata. The lobster bisque was fantastic--not too thick, but very rich tasting. The lobster and burrata was served over roasted heirloom grape tomatoes and crispy bread. The burrata has the most creamy texture to it. I highly recommend both. For mains, we had the Roots Tailors Plate (petite filet and two jump shrimp) and the 12 ounce filet with 3 Cajun seasoned shrimp. And for sides we shared the classic macaroni and cheese and creamed spinach--both fantastic! While the steaks were ever so slightly over cooked and were missing the blue cheese hat, they were still delicious. We did let our waitress know who told our manager and she comped us a drink. Because of the quality, ambiance and service, this restaurant definitely deserves five stars. We can't wait to come back! read more

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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.

Overall a nice place! Beautiful ambiance. The service was very good, our waitress was nice. In terms of food here's what we had and my ratings: 1. French onion soup - 2.5/5 bc it was way too salty 2. Max & cheese - 5/5 perfect flavor, cheesy goodness 3. Brussels - 4/5 a bit sweet but nice combo of flavors and cooked well 4. Whipped mash potatoes -5/5, my favorite thing there. Perfect mix of butter to potato 5. Bacon slab - my husband loved it and said 5/5 6. 12 oz filet mignon - 4.5/5, cooked perfect medium rare! Decent cut read more

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Went there for my husband's birthday dinner when we were greeted they said happy birthday. The food was good. The service was fair, not the best for the prices. After dinner they said, do you want any dessert and didn't even recognize that it was a birthday read more

This place was worth every penny! Service was great, our waiter was very nice. He suggested the lobster bites and they did not disappoint. My husband and I both got steak. Delicious! And as everyone on here is saying, the butter cake hit the spot! The restaurant itself was very clean. We definitely will be back to try different dishes. Thanks for a great birthday celebration for my husband! read more

Been here a couple times. Consistently delicious, high quality dishes. Great location and overall ambiance. Very attentive, welcoming service. We were very disappointed in the bearnaise sauce, but luckily the steaks and sides were so fantastic we didn't mind. Solid appetizers and salad. Decadent desserts. Haven't been there in a while, and I hope they maintained this level of quality. read more