Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Interpretive-American Cuisine in Princeton
Since 2008, elements has redefined Princeton's dining scene through a commitment to interpretive-American cuisine that celebrates local ingredients and modernist techniques. Our philosophy centers on daily foraging, farming, and collaboration with regional producers to create ever-evolving menus that reflect seasonal abundance. Under the leadership of James Beard-nominated Chef Scott Anderson and Chef de Cuisine Mike Ryan, our team crafts multi-course tasting experiences that balance artistic presentation with bold flavor profiles.With just 28 seats and an open kitchen, we offer an intimate setting where guests witness culinary innovation firsthand. Our accolades from Wine Spectator, Esquire, and New York Magazine reflect our dedication to excellence in both food and service. The restaurant's design seamlessly integrates natural elements with contemporary elegance, creating an atmosphere that elevates both casual and celebratory dining occasions.
Services
Tasting Menus
Private Dining
Wine Pairings
Seasonal Cuisine
Open Kitchen Experience
Local Ingredient Sourcing
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer James Beard-nominated culinary leadership with global experience
- Our 28-seat intimate setting ensures personalized attention at every table
- Daily foraging and local sourcing guarantee peak ingredient freshness
- We create ever-changing tasting menus reflecting seasonal availability
- Our wine program features curated pairings from classic and emerging regions
Services
Tasting Menus
Our curated tasting menus feature 5-9 courses of seasonally inspired dishes that showcase local ingredients through modernist techniques. Each menu evolves daily based on ingredient availability and chef creativity, offering both standardized and chef's choice options. The experience includes artistic plating and wine pairing selections from our sommelier team.
Private Dining
We offer dedicated private dining spaces accommodating groups of 10-40 guests with customized tasting menus and dedicated service staff. The experience includes curated wine pairings and flexible menu options while maintaining our signature focus on local ingredients and culinary artistry.
Wine Pairings
Our wine program features both classic Old World and emerging region vintages carefully selected to complement our tasting menus. The sommelier team provides expert guidance for both individual selections and full pairing experiences across multiple price points and varietals.
People
Scott Anderson
Executive Chef and Co-Owner
James Beard-nominated culinary pioneer with global kitchen experience, specializing in interpretive-American cuisine that emphasizes local ingredients through modernist techniques.
Stephen Distler
Owner
Former Warburg Pincus managing director who transitioned from finance to restaurant entrepreneurship, bringing strategic vision and business acumen to elements' operations.
Mike Ryan
Chef de Cuisine
Hunterdon County native with extensive experience in progressive cuisine, focusing on combining local agricultural products with international culinary influences.
Questions
What type of cuisine does elements serve?
We specialize in interpretive-American cuisine that combines modernist techniques with locally sourced ingredients.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, we provide a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu with advance notice.
What are your private dining capabilities?
We accommodate groups of 10-40 guests with customized menus and dedicated event spaces.
How are the menus structured?
Our offerings include 5-9 course tasting menus that change seasonally based on ingredient availability.
What wine options are available?
We feature curated selections from both classic Old World and emerging wine regions with pairing options.
