(609) 772-4934
Roots Ocean Prime in Princeton, NJ, is an exceptional chophouse restaurant that masterfully combines the sophistication of a classic steakhouse with a vibrant seafood-forward menu. Nestled at 98 University Place, this culinary gem invites diners to indulge in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere that caters perfectly to celebrations, intimate dinners, and memorable gatherings.
Their menu is a testament to refined taste and expert preparation. Start your meal with the velvety Lobster Bisque, rich with oceanic depth, or the refreshing Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, whose bright, clean flavors awaken the palate. For main courses, the Beef Wellington delights with its tender filet wrapped delicately in a buttery puff pastry, while the Prime Porterhouse Steak for Two offers a shareable carnivorous pleasure, accompanied by signature sauces including the complimentary Roots Steak Sauce and indulgent options like Au Poivre or Béarnaise for just a few extra dollars.
Seafood lovers will revel in the elegantly presented Oysters Rockefeller and the exquisite Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, perfectly caramelized with a subtle smokiness. The Seafood Tower and Chilled Seafood Platter showcase freshness that customers have praised as exceptional, as echoed by reviewers noting the “fresh fish” and pristine flavors. Side dishes such as Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and rich Mac and Cheese round out the meal with comforting textures and bold flavors.
Roots Ocean Prime also excels in creating a dining ambiance that effortlessly balances lively energy with intimate privacy. Whether seated in the inviting dining room or a secluded private space—as many celebrants have enjoyed—the attention to detail in service makes every guest feel like royalty. Customer accounts resonate with moments of genuine warmth, from attentive waitstaff who remember your preferences to thoughtful surprises that elevate special occasions.
Sweet endings here are just as compelling. The Roots Warm Butter Cake draped in blueberry compote and whipped cream is moist, decadent, and utterly satisfying, while the Flourless Chocolate Cake, paired with velvety vanilla gelato and caramel sauce, offers a harmonious balance of richness and sweetness. For those seeking a playful finish, the Roots Sundae layers chocolate and vanilla gelatos with an array of luscious sauces, delivering a nostalgic yet refined dessert experience.
Whether you’re stopping by for a perfectly seared Petite Filet Mignon Cooked Rare, sharing the legendary Steakhouse Cheddar Burger at lunch, or savoring the satisfying crunch of Roots Crispy Shrimp Scampi, this is a dining destination that caters to all the senses. The enthusiastic reviews from regular patrons highlight not only the impeccable flavors but also the genuine hospitality that makes every visit feel intimate and personalized.
In short, Roots Ocean Prime is much more than a restaurant — it is a celebration of premium ingredients, masterful craftsmanship, and warm, intuitive service. If you find yourself in Princeton craving an unforgettable meal where every detail is thoughtfully curated, this elegant chophouse awaits to welcome and dazzle you.
Wow the service here was upscale, we celebrated a birthday. They gave us a private room, and treated us like royalty I enjoy every moment of it. I truly recommended. The food was really good. Perfectly cooked. The fish with felt it was fresh. If you’re in Princeton, this is the place to go
Celebrated our anniversary at Roots Ocean Prime and couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Everything was perfect — from the beautifully romantic ambiance to the incredible food and service. Our waiter was kind and attentive, and the surprise dessert made our night even more special. Thank you for making our celebration unforgettable!
Overall, an amazing experience. The hosts we're incredibly knowledgeable about the area and very welcoming. They were excited to learn it was our first time, and took us on a tour around the restaurant, highlighting the place's history. The dining room ambience was lively but private. For a Monday, there was a buzz about the place! Our meal was fantastic. Slab bacon app was tasty. Had a char with with sweet glaze and we devoured it. Blood orange OF was great, girlfriend enjoyed the funny apple. Sweet and tart, could barely taste the alcohol.we both ordered the NY strip and the temps were spot on, again with a char that was just perfect. Our server, Bruno, was super accommodating and always seemed to show up when we needed him to. His service was among the best weve received, ever. Overall, a solid 9.5/10 experience. From the entry to the exit, the staff seemed intent on making us repeat customers and we'll be happy to oblige.
We met here for a team dinner after finishing an important project, and the whole experience felt like a reward in itself. The table was filled with colorful drinks, rich starters, and delicious main dishes. I ordered the Roots Tailors Plate, and it was honestly outstanding. The staff handled everything with warm attention and made the evening smooth and relaxing. Highly recommend!
I recently had dinner here, and the service by Irene and the team was absolutely amazing! My girlfriends and I had such a great time. The French onion soup was my absolute favorite, and the filet/shrimp entree was super yummy. The warm butter cake was delicious and moist, and the drinks were great too! I can’t wait to come back.
Celebrated my birthday here with some friends and it was a great experience. The server was extremely nice and was able to bring a free (humongous) dessert for the special occasion. Their fresh baked bread, although it looked a tad deformed, was excellent. We loved their calamari, cowboy steak, and especially their lobster Mac and cheese. Roots is 100% a great place to celebrate something special.
We had a very great experience! Our waiter that night was so friendly and kind. He was happy to answer any of our questions about the food. We started with the calamari and I loved the peppers it came with. Sometimes flavorful and spicy. We had the 42 oz prime porter house steak for two, brussel sprouts and truffle pommes frites. They ended up giving us a huge ice cream dessert because it was my fiancé’s birthday. Overall great experience!