Rat's Restaurant

Rat's, considered by many to be one of New Jersey's best restaurants, was founded by sculptor J. Seward Johnson at Hamilton's 35-acre Grounds for Sculpture. The restaurant's own grounds are an extension of the park, and the landscaping, architecture and Johnson's own sculptures lend a magical atmosphere to the place. The fantasy-land feel continues in the restaurant's interior, where rough-hewn, rustic wood walls and rich upholstery recall the fictional home of the ever-gracious host Rat from Kenneth Grahame's famous book, "The Wind in the Willows," for whom Rat's is named.

The cuisine, described as being created in a "well-traveled French kitchen," is epic, as is the wine list. The restaurant frequently offers prix fixe menus made up of multiple courses paired by a sommelier with interesting and unusual vino choices. Impeccable service from start to finish is the icing on the cake.

The restaurant's Kafe Kabul offers a more casual version of the menu in an exotic Middle Eastern atmosphere. There is also a prix fixe brunch served on Sundays.

The experience of dining at Rat's doesn't come cheap, but if you're looking for a venue for an extraordinary night out, the restaurant should make your short list.

See more: Trenton-Princeton restaurants, French restaurants