We celebrated our 40th anniversary with a fabulous dinner. Breads are terrific and worth paying for. We tried a burrata appetizer (eggplant, olive, capers) that was deliciously unique. Entrees consisted of a NY Strip that was cooked to perfection medium rare (and a local farm to table product that was especially flavorful and grisle free); the other was a pan seared halibut with mussels in a somewhat spicy broth. We loved both. Finished with an Affogato that is accompanied by the lightest beignet/ donuts. Service was great. Primo is our go-to high-end restaurant in mid Coast Maine and one of our favorites anywhere. read more

Primo is offering curbside take out for very, very reasonable prices. Follow them on Facebook for current daily menus. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs last week for 2 and it was $20. Any tips go to the local food bank. read more

Primo - 3/23 menu from 2020 - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Having previously visited Primo on a previous occasion, looked forward to visiting again, and it surely did not disappoint. In one of those rare instances, I think my perception and appreciation of Primo has only increased as a result a recent visit. Knowing that the story of Primo perpetuates the use local ingredients, farm to table in its truest form, I was able to visit Primo grounds as a result of an early reservation. They encourage guests to peruse their farmhouse grounds, albeit only possible day hours fully visualize, to see fresh herbs, ready to harvest veggies, chickens and pigs roaming the grounds. In the case of chickens, apparently very freely and they walked up to us in the pictures you'll see with no fear or trepidation. As I walked from one area to another, I was encouraged by those maintaining the grounds to explore freely. It's actually an incredible sight to behold, this is true farm to table coand here is a chef/owner that has been able to do this year after year for almost two decades. The food itself is outstanding as many others here have noted. I have not had a dish here that has disappointed. For this visit, dinner began with an Amuse Bouche bruschetta with delicious diced heirloom tomatoes. This was followed by a pizza margherita, with a perfect crispy thin crust and a strong mozzarella. The fried stuffed squash blossom is unique and completed well. This is a dish that should not wait long to be eaten. Dinner entrees were shared with not one disappointment in the group. Pork Saltimbucca, Chicken Milinase, Spaghetti w/Peeky Toe Crab and Uni, Pappadelle with Lobster, Prime Rib and Seared Scallops. The prime rib special was perfectly prepared to desired temperature. The seared scallops were the largest scallops I've ever had on a plate. Perfectly seared on a plate with what seems like wild rice. The Chicken Milnase was pounded thin and crispy. The pastas were my favorite, the lobster papadella, included a large chunk of lobster tail and a claw that was not cooked one second too long. On a trip that has included much lobster consumption, this bite of lobster was one of the best. While each was certainly a worthy selection, the Pork Saltimbuca, apparently a family recipe of Chef Kelly, which was a favorite dish of her grandfather, was exceptional. It came over a bed of prosciutto over perfect mashed potatoes. The gravy that accompanied the entree was of the lick-the-plate variety. To close, Primo is definitely worth a destination visit and should be on everyone's list of places to visit. Do visit earlier in the day to appreciate the efforts the staff here take to bring the absolute best to your dining table. I'm not exactly sure anyone is doing it better then Chef Kelly. read more

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We brought a party of 10 (5 couples), only one had ever been to Primo before which always makes us nervous about recommending a restaurant but Primo was as good, maybe better than ever! We had a great table upstairs that fit the 10 of us perfectly. Everything from the Apple cider & crème fresh amuse to the cinnamon and sugar "donuts" (and every bite in between) were fantastic! Everyone loved Primo and I know we won't hesitate recommending it!! We'll done!! PS. The foie gras app and the duck main were my personal favs of the night but the other guys still were talking about the pork chop special the next day! read more

Primo - Duck entrée - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

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Primo was PRIMO! This beautiful restaurant is so unique. Farm to table at its finest as when you approach the restaurant, you're drawn to the greenhouses and yes, a farm, on the property. Across the street you can admire the beautiful Penobscot Bay. We had a party of 8 in which they placed us upstairs at our own large private table. The staff here was top notch. They confirmed our reservation and gave us a courtesy call prior to our arrival. The meal was fantastic. Charcuterie to start with a fantastic foie gras. A melt in your mouth deep fried blue crab and a strip steak to cap it all off. Can't wait for our return! read more

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The food is very good, as expected. We have eaten here many times over the years. However, with this caliber of restaurant I was surprised that they are now charging for bread. The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable on all aspects of the restaurant. My great disappointment and shock about Primo was their treatment of a birthday reservation. I have never been to a good restaurant that didn't have some small celebratory event during dessert when a birthday reservation was scheduled. Primo, however, had nothing. I thanked the waitress who felt bad for nothing being offered as she signed Happy Birthday on our bill! Unfortunately, it is the small extra thoughts and actions of a restaurant that sets it apart as exceptional, not just the food! I will think twice about visiting Primo again. read more

My boyfriend totally surprised me bringing me one night, I had no idea what sort of restaurant we were walking into..fabulous establishment. Delicious! read more

Overpriced pretentious and the food is fine but far fr worth the price. Location is lovely but not as nice as the folks who work there think it is. read more

First time to Primos but definitely came on a five-star day. I saw some of the one- and two-star reviews but could not picture what they described. The grounds around the restaurant are just as interesting as the restaurant itself. Fire pits add to the atmosphere and smell good. The different dining areas were in nooks that gave you the feeling that your table was private. The wait staff was a delight to include our "back server" Danielle. They were polite, funny, knowledgeable, and attentive. Setup of the table was first class and they pay attention to all the details. The bread service was beautiful and wonderful. I haven't said anything about the main course but I had the pork chop with black eyed peas and collard greens - best meal I've had in years. The key lime cheesecake was also better than expectations. read more

Primo - Pork chop with black eyed peas and collard greens. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Exceptional dinner! High-quality food, drinks, and service. Lovely, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. As good as any other top-notch place one expects in places like San Fransisco, New York, etc. Just go. And then go again and again if you can afford it. read more

I love love love Primo! Secret - you can walk in and typically (on weeknights or late around 8pm) get a bar spot and be served the full menu. I started with a mezcal cocktail, so good. The oysters oysters oysters salad was a highlight! Really cool take on oysters + oyster mushrooms in a salad. Growing up in Owls Head I have been to Primo many times. Usually I've found there are 1 or 2 entrees that really stand out. I have (begrudgingly I hate saying this!) had some forgettable entrees so I try to get recommendations on the entree from staff before ordering. Their menu changes constantly so it's always fresh and beautiful. I'm just all about those memorable taste bud feels!! You could also literally get a drink and a dessert. Their dessert is to DIE for. I'll need to do a dessert round one time here. God it's so good. Our cannoli - we licked the plate clean. Beautiful spot and Melissa Kelly is a fantastic human! Walk around the farm before or after dinner to enjoy the pigs, ducks, animals etc. Love Primo! read more

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We didn't have a reservation, but showed up early to wait on line for the few seats Primo holds open for walkins. The four of us were seated at the bar, and received attentive service by the bartender. The menu and specials were creative and prepared and served with precision. Of special note were the pork saltimboca , the cavatelli, and the octopus and foie gras appetizers. The wine list was extensive and contained a good selection of wines that were approachable. We had very high expectations that were exceeded in all respects. While the tariff was steep, the experience was well worth it. read more

Ambiance 10; service 10; food 10, had duck breast in a wine sauce. Literally, the best duck I've ever had. We were treated to a warm apple jack with creme fraiche before dinner and a homemade biscotti after dinner while we waited for our dessert - profiterole filled with caramel gelato dripping with chocolate sauce. Do I need to say more??? read more

Primo - Duck breast. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Beautiful location, beautifully run from welcome by maitre'd to impeccable service by wait staff. Food was delicious, from craft cocktails to amuse bouche to apps and entrees and straight through dessert. It was worth every dollar spent. An amazing experience and great food. We had an 11 yo with us (who was very excited about the menu) and the waitress informed us they could also make more traditional pizzas or pasta with sauce (appreciated the options). The space is really interesting and if you are able to make reservations you can make special requests regarding seating and any food concerns which they seem to respect greatly. (Table next to us were vegan and this is certainly not a vegan restaurant but the waitress immediately noted she saw they were vegan in their reservation and was ready with options.) We did not have reservations but on a Thursday in late August we walked in at 5p and had a table at 6p. If you have a night in Rockland, it's worth a stop! read more

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I ended up at Primo for dinner on a Sunday night after vigorously looking for open restaurants in or near Rockland, and I'm so happy we were able to get a reservation here. We chose outdoor seating because of COVID-19 but also their outside ambience, and it was great. The food was incredibly fresh, as most of their produce and ingredients are used from their on-sight garden. The pizza was delicious, almost looked and tasted like New York Style pizza! The drinks were good -- plenty of options to choose from. And our meals were cooked to perfection. read more

Primo - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

So this is the hardest review ever!! Best meal ever! Food was incredible drinks were amazing. So salad course and entrees were great and service was great as well. Then..... our plates and drinks were cleared. After bus service asked if we wanted another bottle of water 45 min after enters cleared , i realized they were moving us along. I was still waiting for the dessert menus after ogling the table next to us 45 minutes earlier. We then had to ask for dessert menus. Then thinking, now they know they missed us for a bit, thought they'd follow up quickly they did not. Another 20 minutes, we said. Please bring the check we need to go. I pulled the waitress aside and asked if we had been missed, she said yes and offered a dessert to go. I declined. Total understand getting busy and how covid has made thing tough. Everyone around us however did get served and got their full meals in a reasonable time. From apps to dessert. Great meal and great first 1/2 of service. Left feeling disappointed and a little ignored. Hope to have better next experience. Sorry for the mixed review. Just really felt that the ball was dropped and our long awaited experience did not meet the expectations of such a fabulous establishment read more

We had reservations but still was forced to stand in the rain for over 20 minutes after our reserved time in which we our entire group was there. This lack of accommodation knocks a star off. I started off with the fried Oysters. They were so amazing that the couple of us that ordered them, shared them with the rest of our group and we just had to order more. Best fried oysters I've ever had. I then ordered Halibut for my main dish and as someone who grew up in Alaska, I was looking forward to well prepared Halibut and it didn't disappoint. It did take a long time between seating, ordering and getting food. So much so that we all said no to desert because we were ready to leave. Having said that, everything we tasted from each other's meals was amazing and I would eat here again in a heartbeat. Be prepared to wait even with reservations and be prepared to wait on staff so be kind. read more

We went in May of 2023 with a group of 4 people. I have been wanting to go for years now but Rockland was always just far enough (Portland) to go for dinner. Decided it was finally time. We had reservations so no issue there. The service was also good, but no different than any other fine dining location to be honest. Had some cocktails a few apps, 4 entrees and deserts. The best course to us all was the amuse bouche. The best paid component was a pork belly app, which would reorder. The best entree was pork saltimbocca, also very good. All the other entrees (chicken, pasta, etc) were average. The pasta was very boring to us. Being from Portland will likely not bother returning as the price/quality ration was just average. Maybe it was a bad night. read more

Everything about this place was excellent from the landscaping/farm on the property, to the joyous staff and most importantly the mouth watering food. Started off with $1 oysters which were absolutely fantastic ! Then moved on to the fried chicken drumsticks for an appetizer. They used a chipotle batter which was flavorful. The chicken was crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. For our entrees I got the special - blue fin tuna, which had complex flavor profile with beans, pea shoots, mushrooms, duck sausage. Truly a unique taste with layers of flavors. While the other entree was the swordfish which was cooked perfectly served Mediterranean style. It was hearty and had a burst of flavor ! And ended the night with a blueberry/nectarine pastry with ice cream, it really complemented the other dishes . Would highly recommended any of the dishes we got and honestly feel like you can't go wrong with anything on the menu !! read more

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This restaurant was recommended to us from a local Mainer. I am giving 3 stars due to the service. We ordered the zucchini blossoms as an appetizer. It lacked flavor but was a pretty dish . We both ordered salads to start (expensive!) the red leaf and the baby kale. They were good however not worth $16 each. For our entree we had the scallops and the halibut. The scallops were awesome!!!! But the risotto that came with the scallops was Phenomenal!! The Halibut was nothing to write home about. It was dry and really thin but was seasoned well and had a nice crispy sear. It was on top of a tiny tiny bit of crab meat that you could barely find and some fresh earthy peas. Our server Christina needs a little attitude adjustment. The grounds of the restaurant are beautiful and worth a stroll. read more

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Go here. Drink the drinks. Eat everything. There is a reason why this place is hoppin. Melissa the manager helped us to get a seat at the bar upstairs. We were able to watch the girls behind the bar make desserts. They were the sweetest. Benjamin was our waiter and had suggestions for us- he knows his stuff. The staff are amazing and so is the food. 10/10 would come here again. read more

Primo - The girls behind the bar made us their favorite. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Phenomenal food and ambiance. Feels like a slice of heaven. Cocktails are delicious and the food is fresh and made to perfection. Dinners in the restaurant are on the high end of pricing but worth it. Summer Sunday oyster specials outside are incredible. You have to come early to snag a table and avoid long lines but again I find it is worth the experience!! read more

We had to wait for over an hour for mediocre food very disappointed. Would never go there again. It is also overpriced.

I've never paid a check at Primo. That doesn't mean I "dine and dash." That wold be a felony. It means my Dad pays. And although I'm on the other side of 50 and have eaten in Paris, London and a frog leg place in Indiana, it gives me a thrill. I am eating fresh oysters and stunning seafood dishes, and it's as free as when I was 8. It's a great place. Pick up the check for your kids. read more

Beautiful location, great staff, outdoor seating options. What's not to love. Unfortunately after a very tasty and expensive meal both my husband and I had terrible stomach aches and digestive issues that I won't go into detail about. I hate to leave this review but we are both still suffering several hours later and wonder what could have been the culprit, the oysters? The salad? The tuna? Would love to return to this beautiful restaurant but can't risk feeling this way again. Not even an expensive bottle of champagne was enough to wash down whatever was a little off. Unfortunate tale, but it's the truth and I am not anything if I am not a truth teller. read more

Go here to say you did. Three stars because our food was pretty good but management and service were not great. Despite having a reservation, we had to wait 30 minutes for our table as multiple tables with admittedly no reservation were seated before us. That's fine, I understand things happen, tables don't turnover, etc, but the restaurant gave little apology and did nothing to make up for it. Our server opened with what menu items they don't have. This soured the rest of the experience. At this price point, the "bread service" charge is pretty offensive. $2.50 per person to put some bread and olive oil on the table. These appetizers are $15 and entrees are $30+. Put the bread on the table or don't. The bread was fine. On a positive note, I had the best dirty gin martini I've had in Maine and our food was good. The portions on both the appetizers and entrees are satisfying. We had, salmon, halibut, pork saltimbooca, baby kale salad, farmer's salad, ... and it was all pretty good. Go here because you'll inevitably be asked if you did. read more

Great exciting menu options and excellent service. We always go to Primo's at least twice when we visit the area.

You know how sometimes you go to a restaurant and it's a wonderful experience, then when you get to go a few years later and you've built up that previous experience to a mystical level, so you're afraid your ridiculously high expectations won't be met? Not here! It was even better, somehow, than the last time. The food, service and atmosphere are outstanding. This is Foodie Heaven. read more

When you see the greenhouse out front you know you are going to get a fresh meal prepared with great attention to detail. Primo delivered on that. The pizza al forno app was crispy with just the right amount of ricotta. The fried oysters were light and delicious . Entrees we're presented beautifully and done perfectly. (See pics) Only negative was charging $2.50 per person if you want bread and it's not hot. Service was professional and friendly. Leave room for dessert! The zeppoles ( fried donuts) were better than at any Italian festival. Worth it! read more

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Let me start by saying I never write reviews, but I am very unhappy. Very disappointing evening at Primo. I have been here several times and have always loved it. This time was different. The food was average. Tasteless, seasonless, and therefore makes it below average for these prices. I've been coming here for years and this meal was the worst by far. The "crepe" was this weird deconstructed tasteless chocolate thing that we barely touched, the affogato was bland and also tasteless, and the entrees were also uninspired. We had the duck and the halibut and I wouldn't recommend either dish. Even worse, the service was not well trained or polished. The server charged us for a glass of wine that we never received, which was slightly annoying. They brought the wrong dessert. And we needed to keep reminding them to bring utensils or to follow up on items we requested. And they didn't seem to know the menu. But my real issue is that Primo didn't have air conditioning on one of the hottest days of the summer, where it was 90 degrees in Maine. We were concerned about the heat, but They told us that inside was "cooler" when we asked, and sat us inside. Little did we know that the air conditioning was broken, and that they sat us inside a pressure cooker. The windows were not open and we are boiling inside with the kitchen going and the restaurant packed and windows closed and no ventilation. When we asked about the situation, one person told us they were working on it (clearly the party line), but another server admitted that the air conditioning was broken for a week and a half. On my way out, I mentioned something to the hostess, who started arguing with me. She told me they win James beard awards for their food, as if the experience and service don't matter. I told her she was wrong and that the experience matters. Then the manager came over and was only marginally more sympathetic. Here is the bottom line. This restaurant charges $100 a head and boasts a James beard award. Then live up to those standards. Let your patrons know in advance of the situation, and given them the option of cancelling their reservation. And consider providing some type of nice touch, like a free glass of Prosecco or dessert. on the house. This treatment is not becoming for a restaurant and very disappointing when they lied to me and pretended it just happened today, and then did nothing to demonstrate any understanding. There may be lines out the door, but Primo is slipping. read more

Everything was fabulous. I had my reservation set about a month in advance and called a few days before to request to be seated upstairs in the lounge. I was so pleased with the location of our table to start. Benjamin, our server, was extremely well versed on the menu, efficient, and kind. The food was just out of this world. So many different flavors combined I can't even really put it into words. The chicken that I had was SO FRESH, seriously it was insane. The meat was white as can be and cooked perfectly. So was the duck. And the octopus. To finish out the night we had a coffee nudge (so tasty) and a bowl of zeppole....a legit bowl of crispy warm fresh donuts!!!! They were sooo good...only request would be for them to be served with some type of sauce for dipping. Overall, we had a great time and a phenomenal meal. I already can't wait to go back. read more

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We had a great time and meal at Primo!! The service was excellent and the food was Really good. We got the soft shell crab, squid and halibut they were unbelievable!! The best halibut dish I have ever had. Definitely recommend that you try this place out. read more

I went there for my anniversary last night and we had an absolutely amazing dining experience! For starters it's a beautiful space. They have a farm on site they grow a lot of their offerings on and allow guest to tour the space. Plenty of parking in their private lot. We arrived early so we had a drink at their bar which was located upstairs. Cosy, warm, inviting, and decor that feels simple yet sophisticated. Thoughtful art, and accents that scream farm living. The "New Fashion" was an excellent spin on a old fashion but revamped well to make me want another one. My fiancé's "Gin & Tonic" was HUGE but very well balanced. We moved to our table where I ordered the "Cat's Pajama's" a nice play on a rum punch. The dining room was wonderful. Bread was great! We started with the Smoked Tomato Salad & Meat Board which we're both home runs. The house cured meat was outstanding. We shared the Octopus with Chorizo & Poblano Aioli and Foie Graz with a PB & J sandwich spin of sorts. Both were amazing but the Foie was the highlight of the meal. We shared the homemade Spaghetti with Local Crab, Uni, Tomato, and Chilies. Very well Balanced. We proceeded to have an excellent Riesling and Chenin Blanc to pair with them. Excellent Choice. For the final savory we shared the Roasted Duck with Wild Rice and Corn, Chanterelles & Squash. The duck was cooked to perfection, and the accompaniments were a perfect pairing. I had a Pinot Noir and my fiancé had a Cab. Both worked well with the duck. I had the warm Peach & Blueberry Crostata and my fiancé had the homemade Zeppoli's. Be advised the donuts are made to order so give them time to prepare but WELL worth the wait. I have a perfect cappuccino and my fiancé one as well and a lovely limoncello. Perfect ending to a fantastic and inspiring meal. Our Server was incredibly friendly, polished, professional, and knowledgeable. He answers every question with confidence. He was at our table the perfect amount of time and made our experience that much better. We were lucky enough to see the kitchen and meet Chef Melissa. Very pleased with our perfect experience! read more

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Awesome farm to table food. The freshest ingredients are used in all their recipes. The chickens are farm raised and they taste so good when cooked to perfection. The salads are so delicious and made with the sweetest garden tomatoes and veggies. The bread service is a must. Its funny actually paying for bread but its worth it at least once. The service is great and the quality of food is impeccable. I highly recommend but reservations are advised. read more

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What can I say But amazing! After getting s recommendation from our dear friend Briton (who used to work there ) we decided to make the 2 hour journey from Portland to dine at this famous place. Wow we weren't disappointed that's for sure! Upon entering the grounds and to see all the different plots of land dedicated to growing all of there produce and flowers it was quite amazing. The barns the animals very cool. We sat immediately and were offered a cocktail I had the primo Gin martini with house pickled onions very good. Jim had a new fashion bourbon fruit and procecco also very good. Dinner we started with splitting a Farmers salad Frisee, romaine and radicchio lettuces tossed with a lemon-parmesan vinaigrette olive oil fried croutons, house~made bacon and a backyard poache egg Excellent We split a mid course Pappardelle alla Bolognese with Local Pork and Beef, aged provolone Also amazing For our mains I had the Local Line Caught Halibut peas and morels, pommes fondant, sweet onion soubise...summer truffle and foie gras butter And Jim had the Pork Saltimbocca Roast garlic mash, garden spinach, prosciutto & mushroom~ yum yum yum Unfortunately we had no room for dessert . This is a bucket list restaurant make sure you check it out def worth the 2 hour drive. read more

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Sublime food, imaginative and cooked to perfection. Good service. A bit crowded but still manages intimate environment.

COVID FACTS: Primo is one of the best restaurants in the world. If you are in Maine you must go. Primo is incredibly safe during COVID they have taken every possible measure to ensure safety. Everyone that works at Primo is wearing a mask. They have outdoor seating and indoor seating is over 6 feet apart from every table. Pork saltimbocca and the farmer salad are the best thing on the menu! read more

What a disappointment! I've been coming to Primo annually since 2002. I've never had worse service or more inconsistent food than this year's visit. In regards to service- I can't remember the last time I've had to ask to order, ask to have water refilled, ask for bread service, and experienced radical delays in even seeing my server. In regards to food I sent back one brutally overcooked halibut to be given a second brutally overcooked halibut far after my dining companion had finished his meal. Both batches were under seasoned and for the first time I questioned paying $48 for tasteless, overcooked food. I'm lucky to be able to afford $200 plus for a meal for two, but shouldn't it be flavorful, or even well seasoned, not to mention cooked well?!? What an embarrassment tonight was. read more

Made the reservation 4 weeks in advance and only 5:30 was available! Very much in demand! Is their reputation deserved? After coming to Rockland for years we were finally about to find out! They describe themselves as "Farm-To-Table". That's an overused and vague term these days but in this case, believe it. Parking in the overflow parking lot we walked through vast gardens growing everything imaginable, greenhouses for the delicate stuff and the winter months, and chickens galore: in the spacious yard and even some roaming around the grounds. Free-range indeed! Whatever they don't grow themselves they buy from local farms, including all the other meats, and the beef is of course grass-fed, and all origins are indicated on the menu. First impressions are important. In this case, first impression was they were trying to rush us. Trying to take our drink order within seconds of sitting down before even opening a menu. Asking for our entree orders with the appetizers, etc. Do they rush the "early birds" to make room for the later diners who are perhaps bigger spenders? Who knows. But after a couple of pleas to the waiter to "just give us a minute, please" things settled down and the rest of the evening proceeded at a comfortable relaxed pace. We actually spent over 2 hours there. So I'll forgive them for this - this time. My cocktail (Oaxacan Sunset) was truly unique and excellent. Mescal-based, infused with herbs and several liqueurs that I've never heard of. Too many flavors? No; they worked perfectly together. DW's drink was more conventional (Tito's Martini) but was also excellent. Appetizers: Fried Squash Blossoms stuffed with cheeses for her, a saffron-laced bread and seafood soup for me. But of course this can't describe the dishes adequately. With the abundance of herbs grown on site, the chef is free to add so many layers of flavors and she does it brilliantly so they blend together and "belong". Portions were generous for appetizers. My soup went especially well with the outstanding breads, made in-house of course. For entree, I had a sirloin steak. For those who know me that might seem like a boring choice. All I can say is, you have to try it to believe it! Not only was the meat outstanding and cooked EXACTLY as promised (medium-rare) but the herbed butter drizzled over it (again I have forgotten the details; they were described on the menu) made it special. And the plate really was a thing of beauty: The steak was sitting on a bed of tiny beans and adorned with two enormous garlic scapes protruding from the plate. They reminded me of green lobster antennae in appearance, and in flavor they were mild, nutty, with just a hint of garlic. DW ordered a simple pasta dish: spaghetti with parmesan and guanciale. (Think "carbonara" with the guanciale taking the place of the bacon.) But strangely they seemed to have left out the guanciale! She told the waiter who claimed that is not possible, that it may be hard to see because it "sort of melts in". Possibly but I consider that unlikely. We both examined her pasta in more detail and tasted the little bits: hard cheese. The waiter relented and went back to the kitchen to ask again. When he returned he brought a small dish of guanciale to add! A nice touch, and it is a fascinating ingredient: unsmoked and pale. I call it "Ghost Bacon" (Remember: You heard it here first!) Her dish now complete, it was also quite excellent. And her pasta, like all they serve, is made in house. I must say I am a but surprised by the push-back from the waiter about our complaint, but given the end result we were both pleased, and I'll give them another pass. Desserts: Budino for me: a complicated affair with cake, salted caramel, ice cream, fresh mint. If you're thinking "like a brownie sundae" you'd be wrong. Nothing like that. You must try it to believe it. The ice cream part was incredible: powerful fresh peppermint flavor with tiny chocolate bits. I couldn't identify the flavors in the cake part but it was also amazing, as was the caramel sauce. DW had an espresso float with chocolate and vanilla ice creams; also amazing! I can't wait to return. I want to try everything! read more

This was our second time at Primo. As was the first time, our experience was superb as was the service and the food. We went the tapas route, as the offerings are too varied and interesting to choose just one or two things. Our waiter was wonderful. He was attentive and knowledgeable of the dishes. He had forgotten our drink order briefly, but was back within a minute or two and told us such, while clarifying the wine selection and was profusely apologetic. The one time later he was delayed, he was again apologetic and it was clear that it was due to it being a busy Friday night. We started with the charcuterie board, and the included meats, pickled vegetables, and orange mustard aioli were all top notch. While one might not think of scrapple as something belonging on a board of meat samples, it truly found its home paired with the other offerings. We moved on to an order of parsnip frites and chicharrones. The chicharrones were perfectly crisp with a touch of chewiness, while I can't say enough about the parsnip frites; served with an aioli compliment, we ordered a second round. We also had Galician octopus and a haddock cake. The octopus was prepared well and well-seasoned to combat the normal neutrality in its flavor. The haddock cake was crispy and well-paired with another aioli sauce. For desert we had the Belgian chocolate cake and a very shortbread, the special at the time. The chocolate cake was paired with it's a mint gelato that complemented it perfectly, while the shortcake had a healthy serving or local berries. Both, again, were superb. I cannot recommend Primo highly enough. From its unique and cozy atmosphere to it's Michelin star-worthy offerings, this restaurant is a must for anyone within driving distance. read more

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