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Healthy Places to Eat in Princeton
If you’ve spent any time around Palmer Square, you already know the area has a certain charm. You can feel it the moment you start walking the brick pathways or catch the scent of fresh coffee drifting out from a café doorway. It’s the heart of the local dining scene. It’s also one of the best places to explore when you’re looking for healthy restaurants in Princeton.
Many of the restaurants and cafes offer gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and diet friendly meals, with menus built around sustainability, seasonal produce, and local partnerships. Think of Palmer Square as a walkable dining district– every corner holds something delicious and nourishing.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of Palmer Square’s top healthy dining options — from Mediterranean-inspired meals and French café comforts to nutrient-packed açaí bowls and modern American classics. We break down what each spot is known for, highlight signature healthy dishes, and help you find the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or something quick on the go. Let’s dig in!
Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna — Fresh, Seasonal, and SPE Certified
Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna is one of those rare restaurants that feels lively at lunch and effortlessly elegant at dinner. Rooted in the flavors of Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean coast, it’s a cornerstone of Palmer Square dining– a trusted favorite for locals seeking healthy restaurants with real depth of flavor.
Their commitment to fresh, regionally sourced ingredients shows up on every plate. Even the olive oil tastes intentional. Mediterra partners with Canal Farm in Kingston, NJ, where much of their produce is grown, and their artisan bread is baked in-house. They’re also SPE Certified– a distinction given to restaurants that prioritize nutrition, sustainability, and the well-being of their guests.
Healthy Lunch Dishes Including Salads, Bowls, and Wraps
- Chickpea hummus served with warm pita
- Shrimp Saganaki Bowl with orzo salad, feta, olives, and arugula
- Seasonal salads with beets, Brussels sprouts, squash, and toasted quinoa
- Wraps filled with smoked salmon or cranberry–cilantro chicken salad
Fresh, bright, and satisfying, these lunch options balance nourishment and flavor beautifully.
Healthy Dinner Entrees with Low Carb Options
- Pasta-less lasagna layered with roasted eggplant and basil mozzarella
- Nordic Blu salmon with seasonal vegetables
- Local chicken served with rice, haricot vert, and herb salad
- Grassfed beef meatballs
Dinner at Mediterra feels like a gentle reminder that wholesome food can still feel indulgent. It’s upscale, but never unapproachable– a perfect choice for those who want low carb options without sacrificing taste.
View the menus at Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna.
Maman — Wholesome Comfort, French Style
Maman is the kind of place you wander into once and immediately decide you’re coming back tomorrow. The design is charming in a way that feels collected rather than curated. Think French country meets cozy neighborhood café. Originally from Soho, Maman was inspired by the homemade recipes the founders grew up with. The name means “mother” in French, and the menu reflects that comfort-first approach to cooking.
Maman leans into wholesome, locally sourced ingredients and has become known for its creative partnerships. This includes a collaboration with Martha Stewart. It’s a lovely stop for anyone looking for healthy, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free meals that feel crafted rather than mass-produced.
Signature Healthy Favorites
- Martha Stewart’s Chicken Salad Sandwich with herbed dressing, apples, and candied bacon
- Chloe’s Garden Wrap is a gluten free, vegetarian option with hummus, roasted beets, and chimichurri
- Vegan breakfast options like vanilla overnight oats with coconut and chi
- Farmhouse granola parfait (gluten free)
- Papa’s Breakfast Bowl featuring arugula, avocado, and a sunny-side egg
Imagine the smell of fresh pastries and warm espresso, a little music floating through the air. It’s the perfect backdrop for a breakfast that feels like someone prepared it with you in mind.
Playa Bowls — Fresh, Fun, and Nutrient-Packed
If Mediterra is elegant and Maman is cozy, Playa Bowls is pure energy. Bright blues, beach-inspired décor, and a menu bursting with color make this a go-to for anyone craving something clean and vibrant. Their bowls and smoothies celebrate sustainability and community, with bases like açaí, pitaya, green matcha, and coconut. It’s the ideal stop after a long afternoon of shopping, or for a quick grab-and-go bite that still feels thoughtful.
Must-Try Açaí Bowls & Smoothies
- Pura Vida Açaí Bowl: blueberry flax granola, strawberries, and honey
- Coconut New Orleans Smoothie: banana, cacao nibs, chicory coffee concentrate, and oat milk
- Mermaid Fuel Green Juice: kale, pineapple, apple, and mint
Everything here is vivid, refreshing, and naturally diet friendly.
View the full menu at Playa Bowls.
Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company — Wholesome Comfort Food, Made Healthy Daily
This is one of Princeton’s most beloved lunch spots—crowned Best Breakfast Nook, Best Vegetarian Restaurant, and Best Homemade Soups in Mercer County. It’s cozy, casual, and perfect for diners looking for healthy restaurants that balance comfort with smart ingredients. The Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company menu includes a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices, making it easy to bring a group with varied diets.
Healthy Lunch Favorites
- Soups: spicy chickpea with lemon and orzo, turkey chili, chicken noodle
- Sandwiches & Salads: beet hummus wrap, Mediterranean salad with chickpeas and feta, egg salad on toast
- Healthy Add-ons: avocado, grilled chicken, guacamole
- Kid-Friendly Options
It’s community-forward, flexible, and always reliable. Consider it the ideal spot for a quick but satisfying lunch.
View the Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company menu.
Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar — Classic American with a Healthy Twist
Winberie’s is the casual neighborhood favorite that always hits the spot—especially when you’re craving American classics done in a lighter, more modern way. Their focus on house-made dishes and customizable plates makes it one of the most approachable healthy places to eat in Princeton.
Healthy Menu Favorites
- Vegetable Stir Fry (gluten free) with broccoli, snow peas, peppers, and ginger-soy glaze
- Salmon Poke Bowl with avocado, sushi rice, and sriracha mayo
- Mediterranean Grain Bowl with quinoa, farro, grilled vegetables, and lemon-garlic citronette
Every bowl or salad can be topped with tofu, chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak. Winberie’s is the “healthy comfort” choice, perfect for those who want hearty meals without feeling weighed down.
View the full menu for Winberie’s.
Experience All the Healthy Places to Eat in Princeton at Palmer Square
When it comes to healthy places to eat in Princeton, Palmer Square brings together the best of Mediterranean cooking, French-inspired comfort, American classics, and vibrant açaí bowls. All of this is within the most walkable part of town. From vegan breakfasts to low carb dinners, vegetarian lunches and gluten free snacks, it’s easy to dine well while enjoying the historic charm of downtown.
And if you’re looking to stay committed to a full healthy-living routine, Palmer Square is also home to Pure Barre, a popular boutique fitness studio offering low-impact, high-intensity workouts designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. It’s the perfect complement to a nutritious meal and a great way to round out your day in the Square.
Plan your next visit, browse menus, and explore the full directory of healthy restaurants in Princeton at Palmer Square. Every meal is just a short walk away; nutritious, delicious, and always inviting.
Related reading: Gluten Free Restaurants in Princeton