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Rat’s Restaurant is designed to make guests feel like they have stepped back in time to Claude Monet’s beloved town of Giverny. With lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus featuring superb country French cuisine, Rat’s is a must-see (and must-eat) highlight of any visit to Grounds For Sculpture. With an authentic European aesthetic and bold French menu inspiration, we are committed to fresh seasonality made possible by our close proximity to local neighboring New Jersey farms. Named for the gregarious character in sculptor and creator Seward Johnson‘s favorite childhood story book, The Wind in the Willows, Rat’s will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time into a cozy and inviting French countryside café.
Country-style French dishes presented in a chateau-like setting surrounded by a sculpture garden.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Phone: (609) 584-7800
Website: https://ratsrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: ratsrestaurant.com
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Rat’s Restaurant: Home
Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds For Sculpture. Reservations Recommended · Winter … Hamilton, NJ 08619 (609) 584-7800 [email protected] · Facebook-square …
Rat’s Restaurant – Instagram
14K followers · 422 posts · ✨Award winning restaurant @byconstellation Located at @groundsforsculpture.
Rat’s Restaurant | Hamilton Township NJ – Facebook
Enjoy a front-row seat to the culinary artistry at Rat’s Kitchen. Join us at our private chef’s table for an intimate seven-course menu and wine pairings. ️ …
Reviews
Paige
10 out of 10 experience! My partner and I shared the hot seafood dip with sourdough! I got the mushroom rigatoni and my partner got the smoked duck. Everything was so succulent and rich! Not pictured but we also got complimentary popovers with a delicious compound butter! We sat outside and it overlooks a beautiful koi pond and figurines/statues! The inside is so cute and whimsical! The decor gave off your cool aunt’s house with a global village coffee house, cottage core and whimsicraft aesthetic! I love that!
Would recommend this restaurant for a celebration or a date day/night in combination with Grounds for Sculptures.10 out of 10 experience! My partner and I shared the hot seafood dip with sourdough! I got the mushroom rigatoni and my partner got the smoked duck. Everything was so succulent and rich! Not pictured but we also got complimentary popovers with a delicious compound butter! We sat outside and it overlooks a beautiful koi pond and figurines/statues! The inside is so cute and whimsical! The decor gave off your cool aunt’s house with a global village coffee house, cottage core and whimsicraft aesthetic! I love that!
Would recommend this restaurant for a celebration or a date day/night in combination with Grounds for Sculptures.
… moreWould recommend this restaurant for a celebration or a date day/night in combination with Grounds for Sculptures.10 out of 10 experience! My partner and I shared the hot seafood dip with sourdough! I got the mushroom rigatoni and my partner got the smoked duck. Everything was so succulent and rich! Not pictured but we also got complimentary popovers with a delicious compound butter! We sat outside and it overlooks a beautiful koi pond and figurines/statues! The inside is so cute and whimsical! The decor gave off your cool aunt’s house with a global village coffee house, cottage core and whimsicraft aesthetic! I love that!
Would recommend this restaurant for a celebration or a date day/night in combination with Grounds for Sculptures.
Rachael Baldwin
TL;DR: Rat’s Restaurant delivers a lively, eclectic dining experience with extraordinary service and a cozy, date-night vibe that’s hard to beat. The food is delectable overall, with the only real knock being a slightly tough exterior on the braised ribs.
Quality of Food
Braised ribs: The exterior had a tough bite, but the inside was fall-off-the-bone, moist, and rich with delectable flavoring, still absolutely worth ordering.
French onion soup: Fantastic and satisfying, though not the best I have had in New Jersey, still a standout.
Croquet de monster + fries: Superb comfort-food energy, served sizzling hot, with a sauce that tasted like a garlic aioli (or possibly a cheesy companion) that tied it together nicely.
Quality of Service
I really thought the service here was extraordinary. Attentive without hovering. They handled questions confidently, stayed on top of drinks, and paced the meal well (bringing entrées after you finished soups). The visit from the manager/owner was a classy touch that made the experience feel even more personal.
Environment & Ambiance
This is where Rat’s really flexes. The space is unique, eclectic, and genuinely makes you want to wander and explore. It’s also cozy in a way that feels perfect for date night. Romantic without trying too hard.
Pricing
Fits the “special outing” category, especially given the setting and the level of service. You’re paying for the full experience (location + atmosphere + hospitality), with a pricing about $30-$50 per person.
Concerns
The only true disappointment was the tough exterior on the braised ribs.
While the food is delicious, it may not be the most extraordinary in the state compared to the absolute top-tier spots.
General Comments & Recommendation
Rat’s is a high-recommend because it nails what so many restaurants miss: experience. Even if the menu isn’t the most jaw-dropping in New Jersey, the combination of warm ambiance, lively setting, and skillfully timed service makes it an easy place to revisit and an even easier place to bring someone you want to impress.
… moreQuality of Food
Braised ribs: The exterior had a tough bite, but the inside was fall-off-the-bone, moist, and rich with delectable flavoring, still absolutely worth ordering.
French onion soup: Fantastic and satisfying, though not the best I have had in New Jersey, still a standout.
Croquet de monster + fries: Superb comfort-food energy, served sizzling hot, with a sauce that tasted like a garlic aioli (or possibly a cheesy companion) that tied it together nicely.
Quality of Service
I really thought the service here was extraordinary. Attentive without hovering. They handled questions confidently, stayed on top of drinks, and paced the meal well (bringing entrées after you finished soups). The visit from the manager/owner was a classy touch that made the experience feel even more personal.
Environment & Ambiance
This is where Rat’s really flexes. The space is unique, eclectic, and genuinely makes you want to wander and explore. It’s also cozy in a way that feels perfect for date night. Romantic without trying too hard.
Pricing
Fits the “special outing” category, especially given the setting and the level of service. You’re paying for the full experience (location + atmosphere + hospitality), with a pricing about $30-$50 per person.
Concerns
The only true disappointment was the tough exterior on the braised ribs.
While the food is delicious, it may not be the most extraordinary in the state compared to the absolute top-tier spots.
General Comments & Recommendation
Rat’s is a high-recommend because it nails what so many restaurants miss: experience. Even if the menu isn’t the most jaw-dropping in New Jersey, the combination of warm ambiance, lively setting, and skillfully timed service makes it an easy place to revisit and an even easier place to bring someone you want to impress.
Taylor Spankanowicz
Ok. let’s start with the fact that this place is the perfect date night (or date brunch). The inside ambience is excellent. You feel like you’re in an old French chateau. If you are seated outside, it’s even better! you are seated along the water and you can see the sculptures and really soak up the Grounds for Sculpture (an amazing place to visit if you have the time).
I’ve been to Rat’s for college graduation parties, dates, weddings, romantic dinners, business lunches, and special occasions like anniversaries.
The food is a French cuisine. Heavy but delicious and creative. Sometimes they get a little busy and the service can be lacking but the food is spot on and the ambience is worth the price of admission. I have so many fond memories at this restaurant.
Due to the price, I definitely come here on special occasions, dates, etc but I highly recommend it as a jewel in Mercer County. We don’t have many places with great outdoor seating options but this place is definitely one of them.
… moreI’ve been to Rat’s for college graduation parties, dates, weddings, romantic dinners, business lunches, and special occasions like anniversaries.
The food is a French cuisine. Heavy but delicious and creative. Sometimes they get a little busy and the service can be lacking but the food is spot on and the ambience is worth the price of admission. I have so many fond memories at this restaurant.
Due to the price, I definitely come here on special occasions, dates, etc but I highly recommend it as a jewel in Mercer County. We don’t have many places with great outdoor seating options but this place is definitely one of them.
Corbett Reading
My wife and I had been there a while back, enjoyed the tour of the gardens and sculptures which are amazing. The restaurant has a beautiful setting and the ambience it provides is top notch. We took the 1hr drive last night for a 730 dinner and would say from that perspective nothing has changed. Note, Its worth seeing during the day as night time makes it limited.
Unfortunately, either the menu changed or we forgot how limited it really is. We ordered the French onion soup which was amazing with our glass of wine.
After not feeling overly impressed by the options I had the Short Rib and my wife had the steak and frites. Entrees arrived they were both cold, so i sent mine back and my wife decided to just eat what she could and take it home.
Marco the server was very good, he brought me back out a whole new dish even though I had eaten 20% of it.
We ordered dessert which was a mousse chocolate cake, which had little to no flavor followed by 2 regular coffees.
By 820 the place was a ghost town and lost all the good vibes it had 45 mins prior, which made us feel a bit rushed to finish up so they could close it up.
All and all for us, the 2hr round trip and price of the meal which was very expensive for what we actually got, left us disappointed. As I told my wife, explains why the place isn’t as busy as it used to be.
My advice. Go for a lunch, see the gardens and enjoy the beautiful settings. That’s what you are paying for, because the food is overpriced.
… moreUnfortunately, either the menu changed or we forgot how limited it really is. We ordered the French onion soup which was amazing with our glass of wine.
After not feeling overly impressed by the options I had the Short Rib and my wife had the steak and frites. Entrees arrived they were both cold, so i sent mine back and my wife decided to just eat what she could and take it home.
Marco the server was very good, he brought me back out a whole new dish even though I had eaten 20% of it.
We ordered dessert which was a mousse chocolate cake, which had little to no flavor followed by 2 regular coffees.
By 820 the place was a ghost town and lost all the good vibes it had 45 mins prior, which made us feel a bit rushed to finish up so they could close it up.
All and all for us, the 2hr round trip and price of the meal which was very expensive for what we actually got, left us disappointed. As I told my wife, explains why the place isn’t as busy as it used to be.
My advice. Go for a lunch, see the gardens and enjoy the beautiful settings. That’s what you are paying for, because the food is overpriced.
Ralph Rio
Nice upscale restaurant but very expensive for the level of service and culinary skills. The menu is rather limited. The service is normal. The wine and food orders are taken by the same waitstaff person – she even poured the water. There was no wine steward.
Dress code requires a collared shirt for men.
We had one round of drinks and our entrées – no appetizer nor dessert – and the bill was $60 per person not including tip.
Gave 3 stars mainly because a higher level of culinary skills, service and atmosphere should occur at this price level.
… moreDress code requires a collared shirt for men.
We had one round of drinks and our entrées – no appetizer nor dessert – and the bill was $60 per person not including tip.
Gave 3 stars mainly because a higher level of culinary skills, service and atmosphere should occur at this price level.
Meli Bagdavadze
Very nice restaurant — definitely a must-visit. I’m from Europe, and an authentic French restaurant was something I really missed in the U.S. The interior is beautiful, stylish, and elegant. Service is about 8/10 — not exactly French or high-end, but still good.
The food took around 40 minutes to arrive, but when it did, the presentation was chic and the dishes tasted as expected: tasty, refined, but not beyond what I imagined. They also have a kids’ menu, which is a nice touch.
After visiting the Sculptors Garden, this restaurant was a perfect way to end the day.
… moreThe food took around 40 minutes to arrive, but when it did, the presentation was chic and the dishes tasted as expected: tasty, refined, but not beyond what I imagined. They also have a kids’ menu, which is a nice touch.
After visiting the Sculptors Garden, this restaurant was a perfect way to end the day.
Corey Clark
We started with a cheese platter and a pork entrée, both carried rich, amazing flavors. I chose the cauliflower as my main course, and it was truly exceptional from the first taste to the last. The team was warm, caring, and always ready to assist. A wonderful experience all around.
… moreJeremy Vanover
This place really stands out for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and attention to detail. Every dish we ordered felt upscale but still approachable, and the flavors were spot-on. The portions were generous too—so much so that we ended up taking some home! It’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling rushed, and the food clearly shows that they care about quality. The atmosphere felt comfortable and inviting, perfect for a night out or a casual dinner. The staff were friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. Between the great ingredients, generous portions, and thoughtful presentation, it’s clear this restaurant puts effort into making each meal feel special. Definitely a spot I’ll be returning to for both the quality and the value—you leave full, happy, and impressed.
… moreErin F.
The atmosphere is always lovely especially if seated outside which we reserved for our wedding anniversary. This was probably our 6th time coming to Rats and I’m hoping this experience was a one-off so I rated 3 stars instead of 2. In the past we’ve had acknowledgement of the celebration when we’ve noted it under the reservation (such as a glass of champagne or a “Happy Anniversary” written with the dessert) but this time was not the case which isn’t a big deal but it just felt a little less attention to detail than in the past. The cheese plate was a little lackluster and did not feel like it was worth the price. It doesn’t seem like they do bread or popovers anymore but maybe it was just the Saturday we went? My crudo cauliflower salad was drenched in dressing so you may want to ask for dressing on the side. My cocktails also tasted watered down and seemed liked they were premade. The waiter did not ask if I would like anything else to drink after clearing my cup despite the entree not being served yet so I had to flag him back down before he ran off. My husband did enjoy the hanger steak and the creme brulee was good for dessert. All in all the experience was…fine? It’s just very pricy and we feel like corners are being cut that weren’t in the past.
… moreM Ortiz (Epicurean Explorer Rater)
Rat’s Restaurant is such a beautiful and unique place—felt like we stepped into a painting. Even though we sat indoors upstairs, the ambiance was still warm, cozy, and artistic, with a great view of the grounds from above.
We had the chicken chasseur (super flavorful and comforting), the golden quinoa & roasted corn salad (light, fresh, and perfect for summer), and the Rat’s cheeseburger, which was juicy and cooked just right. We finished with some really good coffee—smooth and strong, not the usual afterthought.
Our server was great—friendly, helpful with the menu, and didn’t rush us at all. It’s on the pricier side, but honestly, totally worth it for the food and the atmosphere.
Pro tips: Show up early and take a stroll through the sculpture gardens—it makes the evening feel extra special. And definitely make a reservation in advance; this place gets booked up, especially on weekends.
Highly recommend for date nights, birthdays, or just treating yourself to something different.
… moreWe had the chicken chasseur (super flavorful and comforting), the golden quinoa & roasted corn salad (light, fresh, and perfect for summer), and the Rat’s cheeseburger, which was juicy and cooked just right. We finished with some really good coffee—smooth and strong, not the usual afterthought.
Our server was great—friendly, helpful with the menu, and didn’t rush us at all. It’s on the pricier side, but honestly, totally worth it for the food and the atmosphere.
Pro tips: Show up early and take a stroll through the sculpture gardens—it makes the evening feel extra special. And definitely make a reservation in advance; this place gets booked up, especially on weekends.
Highly recommend for date nights, birthdays, or just treating yourself to something different.