Sunday Brunch in the Princeton Area

Sunday brunch in the Princeton area is offered in many local restaurants ranging from an a la carte menu to a full-blown buffet. The origins of Sunday brunch is not quite clear. There are sources claiming it began with Catholics wanting to fast before Sunday mass. Others believe its history lies with lavish meals of the English hunt. Three things we can all agree on is it’s a late morning meal, a blend of the words breakfast and lunch, and it’s always a social occasion. More than half the local restaurants that serve brunch present traditional American fare, but a good number offer a unique menu of international cuisine. Whether you’re coming from church, have guests over for the weekend, or were celebrating after midnight, there are many great restaurants in Princeton and the surrounding towns where you can indulge in a Sunday brunch.

Sunday Brunch

Agricola Eatery

A farm to table restaurant in the heart of Princeton with communal tables and benches. It offers brunch in two courses plus sides a la carte. Avocado toast fans will rejoice since it’s on the menu.

The Alchemist & Barrister

This central Princeton eatery, known for their pub grub, only offers a few breakfast items plus salads, grilled/baked dishes, burgers and a number of sandwiches.

The Brothers Moon

Two a la carte courses of light and substantial dishes. This BYOB restaurant with a front patio is located in Hopewell.

Cafe Vienna

They have no liquor license, but an extensive Viennese coffee menu and serve eggs, fruit, salad, a meat and cheese platter, and more. And yes, they have Sacher Torte and Linzer Torte! Score an outside table on Nassau Street to simulate dining in Europe.

Cargot Brasserie 

Brunch with a French accent, as in croque-madame, tarte provençale, and brioche pain perdu. Also unique is an a la carte raw bar and they offer hors d’oeuvres, entrées and sides. Kick it up a notch with a cocktail or champagne.

Despaña

Complimentary house coffee is served with your Spanish brunch. Choose from four platters, two of which offer a choice chorizo and one features churros with a rich valor hot chocolate. You can order omelets, pancakes, and side dishes a la carte, and there’s a menu for kids. They have tables on their upstairs terrace overlooking Nassau Street. You can order a decadent cup of valor hot chocolate, a craft bottle of oranges juice, coffee, or tea.

Jammin’ Crepes

Their menu offers more than a multitude of crepes (breakfast, savory, and sweet). They have muffins, scones, rolls, buns, yogurt parfaits, side salads and slices of their award-winning 20-layer crepe cake. This Nassau Street eatery was featured on the Food Network.

Mediterra

Here is where you’ll find the best view of Palmer Square plus a fountain while dining outdoors. They offer food with mostly Italian and Spanish influences. Starters, soup, salads, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and main courses are served. You can also order a cocktail or house-made lemonade or strawberry soda.

Metro North

Choice of an appetizer and entrée with unlimited Bellinis, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, coffee, and tea. This a great for those who love cocktails. In Princeton boarding Lawrence Township.

Mistral

Centrally located, this restaurant is perfect for brunch since they serve small plates. Their a la carte menu consists of starters, main courses and sides. The plates are perfect for sharing. You can also choose from half a dozen cocktails and ginger lemonade along with coffees, tea, and juice.

Peacock Inn

Located within a boutique, they serve an upscale two-course menu and offer sides. There is also a children’s menu. FYI, their famous ricotta gnocchi is on the menu!

PJ’s Pancake House 

Originally known for their pancakes, PJ’s menu has grown substantially. Order from their breakfast, lunch or dinner menu a la carte. Locations include Nassau Street in Princeton, West Windsor, Kingston, Ewing, and Robbinsville coming soon.

Rat’s Restaurant

This Hamilton restaurant is located within the Grounds for Sculpture outdoor museum; therefore, the admission fee is required for entry. You can roam freely on the grounds after brunch, making this ideal for special occasions. It is one of the most famous places for brunch in the area and boasts several serving stations in its buffet. You can also order cocktails.

Teresa Caffe

Classic brunch items and breakfast pizzas. Palmer square with outdoor dining. And of course, Italian coffees.

Turning Point

Good selection of coffee and tea, pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, including 10 “eggstraordinary” dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more. Located in the Mercer Mall.

Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar

Another Palmer Square location. Start off with a complimentary Bloody Mary, Screwdriver or Mimosa (coffee, tea, soda or juice). Continue with a buffet including classic breakfast items, seafood, salad, hot entrees, a carving station, and a dessert table.