Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Mercer

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Mercer? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Villaggio Iccara

4.9

4.9 (2662)

$30 and under

Italian

Yardville

About the restaurant

In 1999 our dream to let people experience our passion and love for food came true. Since then our menu has evolved year after year through additions of our creative recipes. We pride ourselves on having developed a contemporary Italian cuisine, which focuses on the quality of ingredients while revisiting traditional Italian flavors.

Open the rod iron gate to a lit dining area and be awed by the beautifully hand painted murals that bring you closer to our Italian culture.

From our wood fire pizza to our signature Black Angus NY strip steak, you'll discover that our dishes are a feast for all of your senses.

Bring your family and friends to join our family. Experience the pure pleasure of savoring a meal, down to the very last taste.

Top review

Ken

Dined on May 23, 2026

They have Great food and service. They are my favorite restaurant.

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Popular dish

Plain Pizza

Acacia of Lawrenceville

4.9

4.9 (1178)

$30 and under

American

Lawrenceville

About the restaurant

Welcome to Acacia where simplicity is key. We use local ingredients whenever possible. From our food to our service, we strive to give our guests an exceptional dining experience, one that they can come to expect time and time again. We offer both heated, covered outdoor dining and indoor dining.

Top review

Bill

Dined on May 20, 2026

Service was lovely, the food was outstanding, and the prie fix was a great value

12 Farms Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (291)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Hightstown

About the restaurant

By partnering with local growers, our mission is to secure the best, freshest, local, organic-when-possible, ingredients to cook for our customers. Our menu will change regularly to reflect what's best in each season.

We have a simple menu for a reason. Instead of purchasing dried pasta, we start with flour and eggs to make our pasta from scratch. Instead of purchasing frozen gnocchi, we peel the potatoes to make our own, fresh, light-and-fluffy, gnocchi. Our chefs create beautiful dishes with flavor that can only come from a recent harvest. When we are unable to secure a local ingredient, we will communicate that to our customers.

With the umbrella heading of a farm-to-table restaurant, our chefs are free to create dishes that cross into different ethnic cuisines. However, the majority of our meals are influenced by Italian and American tastes.

Top review

Annie

Dined on May 22, 2026

The food was wonderfully prepared. It looked amazing, tasted even better. The combination of spices, vegetables and cooking style’s brought out all the different flavors and textures with each bite. It was a wonderful experience. It’s pricey but worth it. We wii return.

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4.7

4.7 (4510)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Princeton

About the restaurant

Our culinary philosophy is simple yet inspired on our Spanish and Italian roots. We combine these influences with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and pair them with an ever-evolving selection of exceptional wines, both fine and approachable. Every dish, every pour, and every detail reflects our commitment to quality.

Top review

kathy

Dined on May 23, 2026

Great tapas and entree selections. Cocktails were made perfectly and got to our table quick. Great service. Will return soon!

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Triumph Restaurant & Brewery / Princeton

4.7

4.7 (207)

$31 to $50

American

Princeton

About the restaurant

Please note that all reservations are exclusively for the Upstairs Main Dining Room.

We kindly ask our guests to dress appropriately for the upstairs bar, lounge, and dining rooms. We feel ball-caps, flip-flops, shorts, leggings, or athletic-wear are too casual for our Main Dining Room.
We welcome casual attire downstairs in Der Keller.

Triumph Brewing Company is a sophisticated restaurant & brewery featuring regional American cuisine & hand-crafted, freshly brewed beer. Triumph is located within Palmer Square.

Top review

KarenGold

Dined on May 23, 2026

Everything was excellent- service, beer, food and ambience. Highly recommend

Grazie Bistro

4.7

4.7 (128)

$30 and under

Italian

Princeton

About the restaurant

We are a modern BYOB Italian restaurant committed to the farm-to-table philosophy, delivering an authentic experience with every dish. Our menu is thoughtfully curated by our chef, who use the freshest locally sourced ingredients to create culinary masterpieces with genuine care and passion. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Marco D'Amico, hailing from the picturesque Abruzzo region of Italy, you will embark on a culinary journey that beautifully captures the essence of Italy.

Top review

AngelaGold

Dined on May 14, 2026

I can’t say enough about our evening. The service was excellent and the food even better! We skipped the appetizers and ordered the Farmers Salad (delicious, highly recommend) and I ordered the Chitarra Alle Vongole-house made fresh pasta (the best) with little neck clams. My husband ordered one of the specials-Snapper. We both cleaned our plates. I can’t wait to go back.

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4.6

4.6 (2042)

$50 and over

American

Princeton

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Scott Anderson chose the name "elements" for the restaurant because he is passionate about sourcing fresh, local, organic ingredients and sustainably raised meats and seafood. He wants the very elements of your meal to play a major role in the taste of it. Then he and his team work to reveal the complementary flavor dimensions inherent in the elements by skillfully combining them—often in edgy new ways. Restaurant menus change constantly here, making this the dinner restaurant that is excitingly different every time you return.

If you're a foodie, you want to know where—and how--your food grew. It's fascinating, it's a good health practice and it provides extra pleasure from everyday experiences, like a meal with friends. elements is the American restaurant serving local steak and seafood, but with global influences in seasoning and cooking methods. A true culinary adventure!

Top review

Tanisha

Dined on May 23, 2026

I had such an amazing experience. The team made my birthday feel special and the sommelier was so knowledgeable. I appreciated the pairings and chef did such an amazing job with marrying the flavors on the menu. I will definitely be back.

Mistral

4.6

4.6 (3249)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Princeton

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, Mistral offers a stunning mix of taste, style and atmosphere. Chef Scott Anderson places a superlative emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in creating a variety of culturally influenced, inventive plates with inviting flavors for guests to savor and share.

Now offering a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails for our guests, Mistral’s guests will enjoy a full craft cocktail menu that is both unexpected and attuned to chef Anderson's local and seasonal ethos as well as an extensive craft beer and wine offering with the open of Mistral’s bar

Top review

RobinGold

Dined 4 days ago

Everything was fantastic, from the service to the smallest detail. Humberto our waiter was great- so knowledgeable about the dishes and just a friendly guy. Caroline the Sommelier is a truly outstanding professional- she knows more than just wine and is very sweet and personable. We will definitely be back

Americana Kitchen and Bar

4.6

4.6 (923)

$31 to $50

American

East Windsor

About the restaurant

More than a great restaurant, we are a "great local." Conveniently located on Route 130 in East Windsor, NJ, we feature an elevated dining experience with menu options for dietary preferences, plus a full bar with an extensive list of fine wines and craft beer (on tap). Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a communion, bridal shower or any other special moment, the Americana Kitchen & Bar is committed to impeccable service and delicious food. We offer beautiful spaces for your private party or corporate function, plus we are well equipped to meet your A/V equipment needs for events. We have the culinary muscle and wine list to please the most discerning palette, and our professional conference planners will assist you at every turn.

Join us on holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more!

Top review

ElizabethGold

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, lots of choices, excellent service. Place was clean, we had a wonderful dinner and will return.

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Experience

Celebrate Father's Day

Experience

Mexico v South Africa | FIFA World Cup Watch Party

Experience

Brazil vs Morocco | FIFA World Cup Watch Party

Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine

4.5

4.5 (157)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Princeton

About the restaurant

Introducing the newest addition to the culinary scene, a Mediterranean restaurant with a rich history of flavors and traditions
The restaurant is the brainchild of two brothers with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, and this marks their fourth establishment. With their expertise and passion for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, they have crafted a menu that showcases the best of their culinary expertise. From savory appetizers to mouth-watering entrees, every dish is carefully prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients. The menu features a range of Mediterranean favorites such as hummus, bowl salad, crispy octopus , tirit (Göbekli Tepe), margarita, roll baklava and more. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family, this new restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that is sure to please.

Top review

EllenGold

Dined 6 days ago

We had a large group and they did very well with the food and timing. Large portions. Very delicious. Wide variety. Would go back for sure!

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