Ice cream sundaes, crazy bagels, delicious ramen: 6 foods worth the drive to Princeton

Hallowed halls and marble archways — it's no secret that the city of Princeton is known for its acclaimed university. Outside of providing one of the best educations in the country, though, Princeton has another claim to fame: its thriving food scene. Read any tourist guide to the city and chances are at least half of the entries involve grabbing a bite.

As clear as Princeton's assets are, however, its geography is debatable. Is it in North Jersey? South Jersey? Or (dare I spark this debate) Central? Wherever it is, don't let the location dissuade you from making a trip to Einstein's old stomping grounds — especially if you're a foodie.

From artisan ice cream to farm-fresh dinners, here are six foods worth driving to Princeton for.

Ice cream sundaes at The Bent Spoon

The Bent Spoon is one of the top ice cream shops in the country, so no trip to Princeton would be complete without a visit. To get the most bang for your buck (and enjoy many flavors), we recommend trying one of the shop's farm-to-spoon ice cream sundaes.

The Spoon's "Sundae," which was recently added to the menu after a three-year hiatus, includes multiple scoops of artisan ice cream, all-natural toppings, vanilla bean whip and a local preserved cherry. And if you're a sprinkle lover? You can add those, too.

Go: 35 Palmer Square W; 609-924-2368, thebentspoon.com

Ramen at Terakawa Ramen

One of the founders of Terakawa Ramen learned to cook in the Kumamoto region of Japan, so, since he designed the restaurant's recipes, we can be assured his team makes some authentic noodles.

In varieties from "Tan Tan" to "Shoyu" (with a notable "Miyu" in between), the spot's bowls are as authentically Japanese as you'll find in Jersey. If you're a fan of the umami flavors of Asian cuisine — but hate tolls and traffic — we recommend skipping the whole New York thing and heading down to Princeton instead.

Go: 64 Princeton Hightstown Road; 609-799-6688, terakawaramennj.com.

Farm-fresh dinners at Agricola Eatery

Agricola Eatery's entire M.O. revolves around serving natural, farm-to-table meals from locally sourced ingredients. From "Larson Farms Prime Short Rib" to "Chicken Parm from Griggstown Farm," the restaurant even includes its suppliers' names in the title of its dishes.

Each season, Agricola adapts its menu to reflect the local produce being harvested at the time. Indulge in any of the spot's hearty meals, therefore, and you can be assured that you're eating the freshest, least processed ingredients available.

Go: 11 Witherspoon St.; 609-921-2798 agricolaeatery.com

'Overload' bagels at The Bagel Nook

Sometimes we eat healthy, farm-fresh meals. And other times? We eat cookies on a bagel at The Bagel Nook.

Aptly titled "Overload" bagels, the spot's signature creations feature as many carbs you can stack on top of more carbs as possible. The "Elvis Overload," which features peanut-butter-swirl cream cheese, bananas and bacon on a gooey French Toast bagel, is our favorite of the bunch, though the colorful "Cookie Monster" — which tastes like an Oreo cheesecake — is also great.

Go: 301 N Harrison St.; 609-356-0370, thebagelnook.com

Greek 'Meat Platters' at The Local Greek

Local Greek is an upscale casual restaurant committed to transporting diners from Princeton to Greece via branzino, halloumi and more. Fish and cheese aside, the spot's best dishes are its meat platters, of which the "Greek Mixed Grill" reigns supreme.

Piled high with sausage, pork, chicken gyro, keftedes, feta, vegetables and Greek fries, the platter is as large as it is delicious, and is the perfect way to try many different Mediterranean dishes at once.

Go: 44 Leigh Ave.; 609-285-2969, localgreekprinceton.com

The 'Chef's Tasting Menu' at Elements

A year ago, we called Elements a NJ dining destination "worth the trip." We still stand by that decision, but — since we're talking about Princeton — we're going to get a little more specific.

In addition to its bar menu and 5-course tasting, the restaurant offers a 15-course Chef's Tasting Menu based on modernist cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients. Between the artistry of the dishes and the inventiveness of the chefs behind them, the grand $189 meal is not only one worth driving to Princeton for; it's one to remember.

Go: 66 Witherspoon Street; 609-924-0078, elementsprinceton.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Princeton NJ restaurants: Best 6 dishes worth the drive