Elements Restaurant, Princeton, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Restaurant Review

Elements is a nationally recognized restaurant and one of the best restaurants in New Jersey. Located atop Mistral Restaurant, both Mistral Restaurant and Elements are the creations of co-owners Steve Distler and famed chef Scott Anderson.

The kitchen is under the direction of acclaimed Chef Scot Anderson, having four years running James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region. Chef Anderson has reached the pinnacle of success using non-traditional, inventive and progressive cooking techniques. Elements is not a restaurant that is all things for all diners.

The dining experience at Elements is unique and not likely to be found in other New Jersey restaurants. Chef Anderson is an industry trendsetter and innovator. His innovative cooking techniques go beyond traditional boundaries.

Led by Executive Chef Scott Anderson and Chef de Cuisine Mike Ryan, the Five Course small plate, tasting menu offers limited options. For example, in the interest of preserving the purest flavors of each ingredient, the Wagyu Beef and tuna selections cooking times such as well done, medium rare, etc. and temperature servings are not offered as patron preferences.

The new American menu with Japanese/Asian influences changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients that are mostly sourced from local farms and producers. Most of the fresh farm produce is sourced locally from Dave Zaback' s organic Z food farm in Lawrenceville.

There is a serious commitment to using fresh organic ingredients and sustainably raised meats and seafood.

The ingredients are of exceptionally high quality --- well beyond "supermarket" quality. You will not find salt or pepper at the table. Requests for ground pepper that will overwhelm the delicate taste of the high-end ingredients are frowned upon.

Be prepared for a 2 1/2 - 3-hour dining experience. The five-course small plate tasting menu begins with two servings of well-executed, tasty, artfully presented amuse-bouche.
Each course is served on earthenware plates and bowls commissioned by local artisans and potters, and presented by a member of their kitchen staff, accompanied by a brief explanation of the dish's components.

The decor and ambiance are quietly formal and elegant with open, exposed, beamed ceilings. Walls are earth toned and adorned with a large mural in the main dining area. Tables in the main dining area are spaced comfortably apart with seating for two or four.

The main dining area has seating at nine tables for 28 with every seat having a view of the open kitchen. providing intimacy with the kitchen staff.

In addition to the main dining room, Elements features two private dining rooms, which can accommodate a combined total of 30 individuals. All parties of 7 or more will be seated in a private dining room.

The wait staff are professional, well trained, and knowledgeable, dressed in dark suits, white shirts and ties, without appearing stuffy and formal.

The dining patrons are typically high-income patrons ages 35 to 55+, well dressed, with some patrons wearing sports jackets.

Limited street metered parking. A private parking garage is within walking distance at Chambers Street and Hulfish Street.

(updated July 2024)