Recommends

LOTACOTA

Joined 4 years ago

THE ITALIAN FOOD AND SERVICE. WIthout doubts, this is the BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT in New York... The food is AMAZING!!!! The wine list is excellent and the service is the best I had in New York ever.

If you want to eat Italian food, don't think in another place but Primola

Doesn't Recommend

loisjuneny

Joined 5 years ago

Nastiest Maitre'd/Owner in NYC. If you don't eat at the speed of lightning, you'll incur the wrath of the maitre'd/owner of this over rated joint.

Last night my friend and I were told not to come back because we didn't relinquish our table fast enough. The food came at lightning speed and resulted in a rushed unpleasant experience. We ordered wine, were harrassed into ordering dinner immediately, and then everything arrived at breakneck speed--faster than any civilized person could eat. The maitre'd/owner glared at us every time he passed by, probably because we are not regulars (nor will we ever be.) We could hear him tell our waiter if we didn't order coffee to give us our check and get us out of there. To add insult to injury, once we did get the check, our Amex was misplaced and the owner became even more insane because we were still sitting there waiting for a receipt when he thought we should have been out the door. It was a major task to find someone to retrieve my coat. As we were leaving, the monster'd reminded us to "never come back." We told him he had no worries--there are other places to spend $200 for dinner: places were the food is delicious and the service divine.

Doesn't Recommend

wilbrich

Joined 6 years ago

avoid this establishment bad service bland & tastless food. Even with reservations, waited one hour at bar. Even though reminding owner that we had reservations every 15 minutes, finally we were finally we were seated at a table next to kitchen entrance, where we were able to listen to owner scream and curse at waiters. Ordered one of daily specials found it to be bland and tasteless sent it back asked for check,paid it and walked out . To many good italian restaurants with friendly staff to take abuse by this establishment. Stay away from this establishment unless your went to school with the owner.

Recommends

michseone

Joined 6 years ago

Best Italian On the UES. This little Italian joint keeps it real. They know how to treat their customers. It seems very genuine and close knit, and they have loyal customes. Last time we were there Tony Bennett was sitting next to us! I like how when you first sit down they bring you s couple little appetizers without you having to order them. A couple pieces of bruschetta, some olive, etc. I feel like i just got to my parents house and they're saying to me "EHhhhh sit down, you look HUNGRY! " The food is consistently good there, so while its a little on the pricey side i don't mide so much because I know I'm leaving happy. Plus if you go in there often and they get to know you you get treated like family. You always get cookies at the end too.

Recommends

wjky5

Joined 7 years ago

They have some of the best italian food especially their pasta dishes.. The only drawback is that it is not a big restaurant and on a busy night it can get a little crowded at the bar and noisey.

Doesn't Recommend

wlbeauty

Joined 8 years ago

NASTY MAITRED, PUSHY WAITERS, MEDIOCRE FOOD. If you are not a regular, a MAN, or are not prepared tot overtip the maitre d, be preprared to be treated badly and pushed out the door fast because they need the table, so they can make room for their power diners.....Overrated food and very average atmosphere, too noisy, overpriced, and cramped. There are so many better Italians on the east side.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A welcoming Upper East Sider with superb Northern Italian fare and service to match.. The Scene
A tony and prosperous crowd bustles through the door nightly and is greeted by the affable owner Giuliano Zuliani, who seems to know every client by name. Tables are neighborly--and it can get loud, but it's a gregarious loud, not a drumming one.

The Food
The menu reads like those at dozens of other northern Italian spots around town; the difference is dishes here are dead-on authentic, just the way you always hope they'll be. It might be vitello Abruzzese, perfectly cooked veal layered with rosy prosciutto, fresh peas and sage, risotto under a blizzard of white truffles or pristine roasted sea bass with a drizzle of herbed olive oil. Pastas are unfailingly good: Look for the fettucine with a stellar cast of Mediterranean shellfish in a briny, basil-laced broth, linguine with clams and mussels and orecchiette with garlicky broccoli rape. Desserts are limited but satisfying.

Recommends

sgourmandp

Joined 10 years ago

Consistant Italian. Primola is everything the upper East side wants: good Italian food, with a variety of options, service and prices to match. The food is not exceptional but it is consistantly good, making it a popular neighborhood spot. Go easy on the breadsticks, they are addicting.

Recommends

cheerin4u88

Joined 11 years ago

Finally great Northern Italian Food!!!. I was searching citysearch when i came across this restaurant...i had a wonderful time there!!! I had been searching for a great northern Italian Restaurant---there aren't that many---believe me!! Food was delicious!! It looks like I'll be a regular soon!!! Staff was very polite and sweet!!