(Dined 11/09/17 TH @ 8:00pm): Spring over to this homey Italian restaurant for some home-cooked…read morefood!
After an exhausting day of traveling from Los Angeles, getting situated at our hotel the Hilton Garden Inn, and exploring the surrounding area, my friend and I were ready for a real authentic Italian meal and found Primavera walking distance from the hotel. Located on the ground level of the Hotel Primavera, it appeared exactly what we wanted for our first evening in Venice, Italy. Would this be a great representation of true Italian fare!?
PURCHASE
Complimentary Bread & House Red Wine (9.00 Euro): Freshly-baked bread...you were my kryptonite! With its flaky outside and soft inside, I just wanted to be melted butter spread myself all over each slice. Served as a liter, my first impression was an anchovy aroma followed by bold dark berries and oak on my palate, this full body finished with an dark berry astringent aftertaste. Not bad at all https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Vbm2G-R5rRfl4YIRLlUXGA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Spaghetti Alle Vongole (10.00 Euro): Cooked to perfection, the pasta was wonderfully soaked in the clam broth but lacked in portion size. In addition, there were appeared to be a disproportionate amount of clam shells versus baby clams. All things considered, it was a lovely dish but wished it was bigger https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=gq1lMk7a6kKWaI8zN4_eZw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Quattro Formaggi (8.00 Euro): This 10' medium-crust pizza was layered with four different kinds of cheeses (I picked up gorgonzola, mozzarella, and parmesan but couldn't get the fourth). The crust was crispy, light, and easily went down while the marinera sauce seemed to have a tinge of their house red wine in it...unless I was inebriated at this point! I honestly could've eaten another pie and would've had no regrets about it https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=KikCgalI4DfqqppKq84s_w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
With the clang of the bells on the front door that opened to the bar, an older woman with menus in-hand appeared from the restaurant warmly greeted us and led us to a table for two inside the dining room. We needed several minutes to peruse the menu which gave her ample time to help others. Once ready, she kindly answered some questions, took our order, and quickly brought out a bread basket and wine. Minutes later, the rest of our meal was brought to our table. Throughout the meal, we were checked on while our water glasses were filled. After a casually long and relaxing meal, we asked for the check, immediately paid, and were on our way with a gracious "ciao bella!" All was good!
PARKING
Although they had their own parking (not sure if they charged), we simply walked about five minutes from our hotel.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A large three-section layout divided into a quaint bar and a dining room split into two, it was as if you entered into someone's home which they converted into a quasi-banquet hall. Square tables in various sizes and heavy wooden chairs filled the dining room while various framed pictures hung tastefully on the walls https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=D-Ip0R2_pWq7Z-QuYgBeVg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. An exposed section revealed a pizza and bread ovens, respectively, which lent themselves to a lovely baked aroma. A decent amount of natural lighting came in through the various glass doors and windows while a wealth of electric recessed ceiling lights covered the entire restaurant. There were TVs while music played in the background https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=dBb3cg6MTRbv7xWQ3X61_g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Primavera added a spring to our steps after we left and was a near-perfect experience for anyone's first night in Venice! The mom-and-pop local feel was exactly what I enjoyed coupled with cheap prices, warm inviting service, and amazing food with an extensive menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9xVzQNiWjXb-8pZnSzzwTg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. The only thing I asked was that they somehow made sure there were more clams in their pasta. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $27.00 Euro BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=GVglLm3yHkKfW-mZLPi_QA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! 5.0 STARS
