As an expat Manhattanite who has been lucky enough to visit some of NYC's finest restaurants, I always tread carefully into what my friends have called a "great" suburban restaurant, as I have been disappointed too many times. Blue Bottle Cafe had the typical Hopewell-Princeton feel, an old home converted into a restaurant with several rooms, adored with a few interesting oil paintings. The first disappointment was a wait staff with no personality, no panache and no class. The hostess/wait person sat us, after some confusion as to where to put us, and then pulled out a pen and asked if we were ready to order or wanted more time, much the way a short order cook would. When we asked for tap water without ice (when will suburban restaurants start doing the smart thing, and simply put down a large carafe of water (NO ICE) on the table, so we don't have to keep asking for refills nor do we have to deal with freezing, too-cold-to sip water?) we were simply ignored. At this point, I was thinking, this is not going to be anything special. But then...the food arrived.My friend and I shared a stupendous Brussels sprouts starter, cold, crunchy and touched off by some white, cream-like sauce that was a slice of heaven. The bread, which I am told comes from a local bread company (also, the bread at a restaurant speaks volumes of both care and quality of owner/chef) was rustic, flavorful and served with already softened butter (a nice touch). My main, crispy scallops, were silky tender and mouth-wateringly tasty. And the chocolate profiteroles for dessert managed to taste decadent and light at the same time. To the owners, I say this: please take the ice out of your water, and find a way to re-train your staff. They do not measure up to the elegance and quality of your food.
The Blue Bottle Cafe has been our favorite place in NJ for almost 20 years! We have a marvelous time every time we eat there. We took a very good friend for dinner and she loved it too! I had scallops with a divine coconut curry sauce...yum!! My husband enjoyed the horseradish crusted salmon and our friend had the flatiron steak with so many beautiful mushrooms!!!! My husband and i have had the flatiron steak in the past and it is awesome!!! Tender and juicy and so flavorful. The Blue Bottle Salad never disappoints as well as the delicious bread they being out. Always amazing and delicious! Our server was delightful Elaine who is always so wonderful!! Thank you Blue Bottle!!
KarenO
We love going to Blue Bottle Cafe! Every time we go to the Princeton, NJ area we try to eat here. The food is delicious and we can have a conversation with our friends. I had the scallops on a purée of cauliflower and veggies in a curry sauce!
Dmitri S.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Blue Bottle.4 of us shared duck strudel, gnocchi and arugola salad appetizers. Delicious, every single one of them.Our main dishes didn't disappoint, either. Scallops were perfect, steaks were very tender and came thinly pre-sliced, and we LOVED the baby "lyonnaise" potatoes that were pan-fried with blue cheese that gave them an amazing flavor.Monk fish was very well presented and both the flavor as well as its texture were great.Shared Profiteroles were kindly served on individual plates, we also had a very good Banana Foster with a caramel sauce - it was an unexpected dessert (we actually ordered apple strudel ?).Service was very attentive, and we really appreciated a decanter for our very good bottle of St Julien (gotta love BYOB!)The restaurant was well worth the 40min drive! We'll be back!
My husband surprised me with a Valentines dinner a few days after. The ambiance was cute, quaint and inviting. The staff were friendly and welcoming and seated us quickly. We ordered the baked clams and gnocchi to start, both were delicious. The seasoning was on point for both, and the gnocchi was light and pillowy. My husband had the flat iron steak med rare, it was perfection. I ordered the special, bucatini pasta. It was delicious, seasoned perfectly with right amount of garlic, salt, and pepper. I wasn't aware that asking for cheese on my pasta (it also had crab and lobster) wasn't appropriate, however the kitchen staff made it loud and clear. I was able to hear our server getting schooled that pasta with seafood doesn't get cheese. My sincere apologies for our server having to be told in such a loud tone. Other than that, our experience here was great. One suggestion to enhance the ambiance of this amazing restaurant, is to add some light music. If that had been playing I probably wouldn't have heard the kitchen complaining about my asking for cheese.
LeilaV
We've known this place for over ten years but, due to travels, have not dined there for severl years. It was reassuring to find out that they have not lostt a step - exceptional, honestly prepared meals, each creativelly and carefully prepared (there was a 'hmmm' after every bite). Same with desserts. This experience was reassuring since our dining experiences in and around Princeton have been mostly disappointing. Hoping they will sustain this quality in the future.
xman
We still love their food, but the kitchen was very slow (probably because of Valentines Day) and our server was clearly getting frustrated with the situation. On an ordinary night it will probably go better.
VickiDanaB
Rory and the staff at Blue Bottle were not only knowledgeable but some of the nicest people. The ambiance is elegant casual and very inviting. The food was spectacular. We went for the Valentines Pre Fix, and it did not disappoint. Every course was splendidly prepared and presented. The gnocchi, duck, lobster, and apple crisp were all fantastic. You aren't rushed here and you almost feel like you are in a good friend's home. It was our first time there but we plan on many returns.
MichaelD
Our meals were delectable from start to finish with salad, appetizer, main course and tea and dessert! Service was superb!!! Really enjoyed the evening and will be back - for sure!!!
MDSDoug
Feb 2024 - Another great dinner here. House-made gnocchi with Jersey tomatoes, cream, white wine, and grana padano was delicious. The Duck Confit Strudel and Baby Arugula salad appetizers were equally wonderful. Dinner was pan seared Day Boat Scallops, perfectly prepared and a Flat Iron Steak with roasted potato's, onions, mushroom, and blue cheese and shallot sauce .... spectacular! And even though there was no room for desert - we had the Profiteroles with Caramel Sea Salt and hot fudge .... you'll find a way to make them fit in! Again, busy on a Wednesday night - Make reservations!
Great little place. Excellent food. Minimal menu which means they do a great job with what they offer. Wonderful ambiance. Wonderful waitress. And BYOB is always a plus (nice wine store up the street. We'll be regulars now.
MahlonL
This is a place we've been to several times, and it is always consistently excellent. BYO, which suits us. Only regret is that we didn't get to enjoy any deserts, which they do well... After our generous salad course, and wonderful dinners, there wasn't any 'room' left for more!
MaryH
Party of five and we all were highly impressed with all courses from apps to dessert! Quality of dishes and selections offer something for everyone. The servers and owners are all friendly and helpful making Blue Bottle one of our favorites. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at a very reasonable price. Couldn't be better!
MIke H.
Perfect meal executed with friendly staff. Every dish was creatively prepared and exciting. Gnocchi...perfect, blue bottle salad...amazing (we spent 15 minutes trying to figure out the salad dressing which was silent and loud at the same time/ingredients perfeclty paired) wow, double pork dish was unique in the best possible way...desserts (banana foster, chocolate pot)... perfect Yup. We'll be back asap. Thank you Aaron and Rory. Please consider a satellite resturant in Stockton NJ !
Renee Lumio
Amazing meal and excellent service. BYOB....MY FAVE!!
As an expat Manhattanite who has been lucky enough to visit some of NYC's finest restaurants, I always tread carefully into what my friends have called a "great" suburban restaurant, as I have been disappointed too many times. Blue Bottle Cafe had the typical Hopewell-Princeton feel, an old home converted into a restaurant with several rooms, adored with a few interesting oil paintings. The first disappointment was a wait staff with no personality, no panache and no class. The hostess/wait person sat us, after some confusion as to where to put us, and then pulled out a pen and asked if we were ready to order or wanted more time, much the way a short order cook would. When we asked for tap water without ice (when will suburban restaurants start doing the smart thing, and simply put down a large carafe of water (NO ICE) on the table, so we don't have to keep asking for refills nor do we have to deal with freezing, too-cold-to sip water?) we were simply ignored. At this point, I was thinking, this is not going to be anything special. But then...the food arrived.My friend and I shared a stupendous Brussels sprouts starter, cold, crunchy and touched off by some white, cream-like sauce that was a slice of heaven. The bread, which I am told comes from a local bread company (also, the bread at a restaurant speaks volumes of both care and quality of owner/chef) was rustic, flavorful and served with already softened butter (a nice touch). My main, crispy scallops, were silky tender and mouth-wateringly tasty. And the chocolate profiteroles for dessert managed to taste decadent and light at the same time. To the owners, I say this: please take the ice out of your water, and find a way to re-train your staff. They do not measure up to the elegance and quality of your food.
The Blue Bottle Cafe has been our favorite place in NJ for almost 20 years! We have a marvelous time every time we eat there. We took a very good friend for dinner and she loved it too! I had scallops with a divine coconut curry sauce...yum!! My husband enjoyed the horseradish crusted salmon and our friend had the flatiron steak with so many beautiful mushrooms!!!! My husband and i have had the flatiron steak in the past and it is awesome!!! Tender and juicy and so flavorful. The Blue Bottle Salad never disappoints as well as the delicious bread they being out. Always amazing and delicious! Our server was delightful Elaine who is always so wonderful!! Thank you Blue Bottle!!
We love going to Blue Bottle Cafe! Every time we go to the Princeton, NJ area we try to eat here. The food is delicious and we can have a conversation with our friends. I had the scallops on a purée of cauliflower and veggies in a curry sauce!
We really enjoyed our dinner at Blue Bottle.4 of us shared duck strudel, gnocchi and arugola salad appetizers. Delicious, every single one of them.Our main dishes didn't disappoint, either. Scallops were perfect, steaks were very tender and came thinly pre-sliced, and we LOVED the baby "lyonnaise" potatoes that were pan-fried with blue cheese that gave them an amazing flavor.Monk fish was very well presented and both the flavor as well as its texture were great.Shared Profiteroles were kindly served on individual plates, we also had a very good Banana Foster with a caramel sauce - it was an unexpected dessert (we actually ordered apple strudel ?).Service was very attentive, and we really appreciated a decanter for our very good bottle of St Julien (gotta love BYOB!)The restaurant was well worth the 40min drive! We'll be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Housemade Potato Gnocchi, Fish, Dayboat Scallops, Profiterole
My husband surprised me with a Valentines dinner a few days after. The ambiance was cute, quaint and inviting. The staff were friendly and welcoming and seated us quickly. We ordered the baked clams and gnocchi to start, both were delicious. The seasoning was on point for both, and the gnocchi was light and pillowy. My husband had the flat iron steak med rare, it was perfection. I ordered the special, bucatini pasta. It was delicious, seasoned perfectly with right amount of garlic, salt, and pepper. I wasn't aware that asking for cheese on my pasta (it also had crab and lobster) wasn't appropriate, however the kitchen staff made it loud and clear. I was able to hear our server getting schooled that pasta with seafood doesn't get cheese. My sincere apologies for our server having to be told in such a loud tone. Other than that, our experience here was great. One suggestion to enhance the ambiance of this amazing restaurant, is to add some light music. If that had been playing I probably wouldn't have heard the kitchen complaining about my asking for cheese.
We've known this place for over ten years but, due to travels, have not dined there for severl years. It was reassuring to find out that they have not lostt a step - exceptional, honestly prepared meals, each creativelly and carefully prepared (there was a 'hmmm' after every bite). Same with desserts. This experience was reassuring since our dining experiences in and around Princeton have been mostly disappointing. Hoping they will sustain this quality in the future.
We still love their food, but the kitchen was very slow (probably because of Valentines Day) and our server was clearly getting frustrated with the situation. On an ordinary night it will probably go better.
Rory and the staff at Blue Bottle were not only knowledgeable but some of the nicest people. The ambiance is elegant casual and very inviting. The food was spectacular. We went for the Valentines Pre Fix, and it did not disappoint. Every course was splendidly prepared and presented. The gnocchi, duck, lobster, and apple crisp were all fantastic. You aren't rushed here and you almost feel like you are in a good friend's home. It was our first time there but we plan on many returns.
Our meals were delectable from start to finish with salad, appetizer, main course and tea and dessert! Service was superb!!! Really enjoyed the evening and will be back - for sure!!!
Feb 2024 - Another great dinner here. House-made gnocchi with Jersey tomatoes, cream, white wine, and grana padano was delicious. The Duck Confit Strudel and Baby Arugula salad appetizers were equally wonderful. Dinner was pan seared Day Boat Scallops, perfectly prepared and a Flat Iron Steak with roasted potato's, onions, mushroom, and blue cheese and shallot sauce .... spectacular! And even though there was no room for desert - we had the Profiteroles with Caramel Sea Salt and hot fudge .... you'll find a way to make them fit in! Again, busy on a Wednesday night - Make reservations!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great little place. Excellent food. Minimal menu which means they do a great job with what they offer. Wonderful ambiance. Wonderful waitress. And BYOB is always a plus (nice wine store up the street. We'll be regulars now.
This is a place we've been to several times, and it is always consistently excellent. BYO, which suits us. Only regret is that we didn't get to enjoy any deserts, which they do well... After our generous salad course, and wonderful dinners, there wasn't any 'room' left for more!
Party of five and we all were highly impressed with all courses from apps to dessert! Quality of dishes and selections offer something for everyone. The servers and owners are all friendly and helpful making Blue Bottle one of our favorites. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at a very reasonable price. Couldn't be better!
Perfect meal executed with friendly staff. Every dish was creatively prepared and exciting. Gnocchi...perfect, blue bottle salad...amazing (we spent 15 minutes trying to figure out the salad dressing which was silent and loud at the same time/ingredients perfeclty paired) wow, double pork dish was unique in the best possible way...desserts (banana foster, chocolate pot)... perfect Yup. We'll be back asap. Thank you Aaron and Rory. Please consider a satellite resturant in Stockton NJ !
Amazing meal and excellent service. BYOB....MY FAVE!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5