We were super excited to visit this renowned restaurant. Hence. we arrived almost an hour early to ensure that we could be seated at the bar due to high demand and difficulty in securing a table reservation at such a popular restaurant. We arrived first but due to an unclear greeting procedure we're seated second. We were fortunate to have a few tasty drinks prepared by their fine bartender. However, after placing our dinner order it took some time to receive our appetizers. Then, after quite a lengthy period (over an hour), we were kindly visited by a manager who acknowledged the delay and apologized and offered complimentary cocktails and or dessert which we graciously accepted. Sadly the complimentary drinks and or dessert never came. Nonetheless, the experience has sadly tarnished our view of this lovely place that we had previously enjoyed so much read more

0km is a Sunday midday meal for anyone who wants casual dining with exceptional quality and detail. If you don't like lines, get there right before 1 b/c by 1:30 the line will be around the parking lot. Farm to table but not overbearing and always delizioso and varied enough to satisfy families and venture capitalists alike. Yes, after 25 years in Rockland their reputation and Chef Kelly's vision and skill have kind of created a monster but sit in a spot looking out onto Owl's Head and enjoy your icicle pop bellini, arancini, and $2 Mere Point oysters and you won't be distracted or disappointed. read more

This restaurant was simply incredible. Service, 10... food, 10... ambiance 10. If you are within any reasonable distance you need to give this restaurant a try. The food is truly farm to table, the service is professional but also laid back, the ambiance is upscale rustic. Our server was knowledgeable, witty, relaxed, and professional. We took her recommendations for drinks and for food and they were great. The ambiance was nice and matched the area. It feels like you are at an upscale place while still being rustic. The food was outstanding. Fresh, flavorful, and unique. The chef has put together great dishes and built flavors along the way. The attention to detail was visible on every plate. We were floored by this restaurant and highly recommend. 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

Amazing farm to table Italian restaurant w/ a beautiful garden near the sea. That homegrown salad and zappella dessert were out of this world, everything was so fresh. This has to be one of the best meal I've had in 2022. Life is at a slow pace in ME, you have to take your time to savor every moment at this restaurant. A must visit restaurant in Rockland, ME. read more

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This was hands down our best meal in Maine. It was impeccable. I was somewhat unsure if the hype around this restaurant (ie: being a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's) would give us the classic letdown upon actually experiencing the restaurant...but if anything, the food and entire experience were actually better than we had anticipated. The service was also great as we had a very large group (including some children). The food was out of this world: farmers salad was memorable, the salmon was perfect, bluefin was a big hit (seasonal I believe), oyster oyster oyster was popular amongst our group, mussels were awesome, the desserts were off the charts - everything was extremely well executed, thoughtful, and most importantly delicious. Wine selection was way better than average. We had bottle of Austin Hope and Orin Swift Mercuryhead and both were home runs. The food rivaled almost anything I've had anywhere else. To add to the 5 out of 5 food...the property is really charming. It's an old Victorian house that's been repurposed into a restaurant and it's just very different and fun. In addition, there are gardens (yes, where the herbs and salad greens come from) to walk through and enjoy as well as a very large chicken coop with probably 50+ chickens running around. We also found 10 or so pigs in the back of the property in a pig sty which was super neat. The pigs smell, well, like pigs as you can imagine lol - but they're a good five hundred yards from the restaurant so don't worry you won't smell a thing while eating haha. the kids loved them. And, yes, the bacon and pork products come from the pigs as I understand it. read more

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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Ah, Primo. That locavore Mecca on a hill just outside of Rockland's arty downtown. Chef Melissa Kelly's reputation for destination dining is James Beard awarded, well-earned and evergreen. The restaurant itself is charming and is as appealing on a hot summer twilight on the patio as it is cuddled up in a cozy nook in a rainy, coastal squall. Much is grown or raised at this resto-farm and the food shines with seasonal freshness and the quality of its husbandry. With a slight Italian flare, vegetables, fish, seafood and meats come together into lovely, creative takes on old favorites like Saltimbocca and Cordon Bleu or as beautifully cooked simple preparations of local halibut or scallops that emphasize the integrity of the ingredients. The wine list is appealing, the cocktails are fabulous and dessert is worth saving room for. And where else can you pick up a dozen farm fresh eggs on the way out the door? Primo ain't cheap, but it's worth every, single penny. Go there. read more

I do have high expectations as I worked w/many talented folks on the West coast managing some great restaurants. The service was minimal-as if the poor guy just needed to get through his shift. The wine list was good-but wine was brought to the table too early & was merely placed in a chiller unopened until we finished our champagne. We ordered several courses including appetizers, salad, entrees . The best made/tasting dish of the entire night was the salad. The charcuterie was fun/ok but could use labels for food geeks. There were people pacing the floors but not really noticing we couldn't get through either entree. The scallops ordered felt like a kid right out of culinary school made it up w/out guidance from a more sophisticated chef. There were way too many flavors including a WAY over seasoned black rice & odd pesto on scallops that was washed out by rice. The saltimbocca was also WAY too salty. I've managed these tables-there's an easy solution that requires someone in the establishment to actually give a %#it! When I was asked how I enjoyed my meal; I was politely honest. No response from anyone at Primo. This is truly a tourist trap-super overpriced for what they deliver. One would enjoy the cuisine of a more authentic chef by going to Nina June down the road. I will definitely NOT be recommending this place to the hundreds of Inn guests that ask for guidance during their stay-what a waste of several hundred dollars! read more

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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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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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 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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What a disappointment. Guess the shine from a James Beard award tarnishes after 10 years. We ordered the scallop hor d'ourves, it was fine. We did also order the Burrata which was inventive and delicious. Unfortunately, until dessert, we were disappointed. My wife ordered the Campanelle. The Percorino cheese was very bitter and she only has a couple forks. I ordered the Bluefin tune. It tasted great but the tuna (ordered med rare) was overcooked and the pureed parsnips were cold. Desserts were a treat. We ordered a puff pastry with a delicious Carmel ice cream and Carmel sauce. I ordered a cannoli that was amount the best I ever had. Beautifully smooth and tasty filling. Perfectly fried shell and the ends were dipped in chocolate and then rolled in pistachios. Nice beginning and ending to a disappointing dinner. The service was attentive. 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

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

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

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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food was great, but service was spotty and somewhat unprofessional. with good server training, this could be a great restaurant. good wine list 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

There was a so much here to recommend. Drinks were great, food was out of this world and service was superior. The location is lovely but we didn't get to enjoy that as much since it was raining. Didn't care! Experience was so fantastic I would drive up again just for dinner! read more

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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