Try These New Restaurants in Princeton During Reunions 2026

Since Reunions 2025, much has changed in Princeton’s food scene. A wave of new restaurants and cafés has arrived, adding fresh energy and a diverse range of flavors to the town’s already vibrant dining landscape. These eateries showcase international tastes from regions across Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, offering everything from comforting classics to creative new twists on familiar favorites. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these select spots have a little something for everyone.

XiBei Cuisine
43 Witherspoon St.

Located directly in front of the entrance of Princeton Public Library, XiBei Cuisine brings the flavors of Northern China to Witherspoon Street. The restaurant specializes in hearty, comforting dishes that highlight the bold spices and handmade techniques typical of the region’s cuisine.

My personal favorite is the Lamb Hamburger (羊肉夹馍). This classic Northern Chinese street food is well seasoned with traditional Chinese spices and packed into a crispy flatbread, making it both flavorful and filling. It’s also a great option if you’re in a hurry, since it’s quick to grab and easy to eat on the go. At $8.95, it’s a reasonably priced item and a great introduction to the restaurant’s menu.

Another staple XiBei offers is Tomato Egg Noodles (西红柿鸡蛋面), which brings back a nostalgic taste of home for me. The dish features wide, hand-pulled noodles served in a savory, rich tomato broth that is both comforting and slightly tangy, topped with just the right amount of scallions for a fresh finish.

Prices for noodle dishes typically range from $16.95 to $18.95, with add-ons such as extra noodles or beef available.

XiBei Cuisine is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s closed on Mondays.

Food Street
183D Nassau St.

Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., Food Street — marked by a beautifully painted mural — is tucked behind Thomas Sweet Ice Cream on Nassau Street and sits beside Princeton’s Visual Arts building.

Despite its somewhat hidden location, the spot has quickly become a go-to destination for those looking to try bold and flavorful South Asian street food close to campus.

One of the restaurant’s most popular items is the Anday Wala Burger. This loaded sandwich features a fried egg, fresh tomatoes, onions, a generously sized patty, and special homemade sauce, all layered together to create a rich and aromatic bite. At $10.99, it’s a filling option on its own, but diners can add a drink and a side of crispy fries for $4.99.

Another standout is the Chicken Tikka Paratha Roll, which is perfect for anyone craving something warm and flavorful. The roll includes tender pieces of spicy, marinated chicken tikka along with onions, chutney, and tomatoes, all wrapped inside a flaky fried paratha — a popular South Asian flatbread. Priced at $12.99, it’s a satisfying handheld meal that captures the essence of classic Pakistani street food.

Seating is very limited, so it may be more convenient to order your meal to go.

Madras Dosa Company
180 Nassau St.

Need a place with seemingly endless menu options? Look no further than Madras Dosa Company. This lively spot specializes in South Indian cuisine and offers a wide variety of customizable dishes, whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or in between. With its casual atmosphere and generous portions, it’s a popular stop for those coming home to Princeton.

I love their dosas because one order is so filling that it easily lasts two meals. A dosa is a thin, crispy crepe that can be prepared sweet or savory and is typically served with a trio of accompaniments: coconut chutney, ginger chutney, and sambar, a flavorful lentil-based stew.

One of the highlights of Madras Dosa Company’s menu is the ability to customize your dosa. Diners can choose from a vast selection of fillings, including 20 vegetables, five sweet options, and three meats.

Another item on the menu worth trying is the Uttapam Taco, a playful fusion dish that blends South Indian flavors with the familiar handheld format. It features three soft, thick, savory South Indian pancake “tacos,” filled with your choice of ingredients. As with the dosas, diners can select from nine vegetable fillings and three meat fillings.

Madras Dosa Company is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Best Grill & Fries
200 Nassau St., Apt. 2

If you’re looking for a place to hit after the late-night music raves, Best Grill & Fries may be one of the few — if not the only — spots still open for a bite.

Open from 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, this Halal Mediterranean eatery serves up big burgers, fries, and street food that are perfect for a midnight snack.

It is open from 11 a.m. to midnight the rest of the week.

One standout is the Graduate Beef Burger, layered with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and a grilled jalapeño, along with a quarter pound of lightly spiced fresh beef and homemade special sauce. The combination of fresh toppings and bold seasoning makes it a hearty and satisfying choice.

Another popular option is the Doner Kabab Wrap, a well-sized tortilla flatbread filled to the brim with tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a signature homemade BGF sauce, all wrapped up for an easy grab-and-go bite.

And if you’re a few drinks in and feeling adventurous, consider the Waffle Cone Nachos. This playful and unconventional menu item turns classic nachos into a handheld treat — the kind of creative late-night grub that perfectly captures the fun, anything-goes spirit of a night out in Princeton.