Primola Reviews

The appeal of this establishment escapes me. It is a red-sauce Italian restaurant in a high-end zip code that caters to people with lots of money and no imagination. They actually offered spaghetti and meatballs as one of their specials the other night! The other special was chicken Parmesan. Regular menu options are similarly uninspired. You'll pay dearly for it, too. Wine list is nothing to get excited about. Service is serviceable. I have to wonder about the raves here; the place is just not that good.

I often go to Primola with friends because I like the food. But after my last experience I will NEVER go the restaurant again because of the shocking behavior of the manager/owner. He is equally abusive to his customers and staff. I was with a friend who has a serious food allergy. The waiter wrote it on the order, but the food came with the ingredient. It was sent back and another replaced by a tasteless version. When the check arrived I called over this manager to explain. He angrily took an amount off the bill after scolding us for bothering him and told us not to come back! Loudly and rudely!! The restaurant was loud and crowded. I suspect that instead of not accepting reservations, they simply squeeze in more tables. only to add to the chaos. This manager doesn't mind sucking up to the better known patrons, everyone else is a nuisance. SHAME ON THEM.

The food here never disappoints. They use the freshest ingredients and it shows. The staff is most helpful, especially Giuliano the owner. They try discretely hard to watch over you and anticipate any of your needs. My mouth waters when I am on my way to enjoy a meal and some chatter at Primola.

I went there to celebrated one of my best friend birthday and from the beginning the waiters was rushed us to drink the bottle wine in 10 minutes and finished the food, was horrible experience ,the don't care about the clients the only care about you leave the table in 30 minutes and if you stay more time the owner look at you with bad face and unfriendly behavior.I went to all the restaurant at the upper east side are the the rush you and the service are very good I will never ever go back to this restaurant because I don't need bad indigestion when I have a dinner

Primola is a neighborhood institution, but somehow I have missed it. That was rectified with a visit last month. The prices are more reasonable than the location (Upper East Side) would imply, and the solid, middle-of-the-road Italian stand-bys are first rate.

The food is always good, however our experience was bad as we had to wait 45 minutes for a table, as i don't live in the New York and can't visit this place frequently the owner does not care as he has a thriving business. I was jet lagged from my trip and the whole culinary experience was spoilt to see the owner ignore us and giving all his attention to his regulars. The restaurant owner must realize that occasionally international travelers might visit and they should be treated with respect. Everytime we asked him about our table he would say five minutes and those five minutes were forty five minutes.

Wonderful starters. Everything was delicious. The server was extremely attentive. Overall a very enjoyable dinner. My daughter loved the pesto.

I ate here for work and enjoyed it but was not wowed. The service was impeccable, friendly and accommodating. The variety on the menu was very nice and they had many specials. I had a nice fig and prosciutto appetizer, and my colleague enjoyed his burrata, tomato and arugula. Many at our table had the soft shell crab special. I had veal scallopine special with tomatoes and zucchini, which was fine, but not very special.

Met a group of friends here while in town. From beginning to end, it was wonderful. Still craving the homemade bread sticks ! Picata dishes fabulous as were the specials for the evening - yes, we have to share .... Must have reservation !

For starters, they greet you with a small plate of salami, olives and Parmesan cheese. We ordered the best grilled Baby Squids ever, in a garlic and olive oil sauté. The salad we chose was an Asparagus and Hearts of Palm Salad that was tasty and abundant. We also had the Asparagus and Spinach Risotto that was very good and creamy. Make reservations as it was packed by 7PM! Very popular!

Front or back, the owner asks. Front, we reply. Sorry, front is full, he responds. So why did you ask? After being seated we bought out a bottle of rare 2004 Chianti Classico. Did you ask, the owner demands? Yes, we were told $35 corkage. I don’t allow that, he fumed. And so it went. Ossified food, packed screaming face lifted privileged clientele, zero hospitality. How do they survive in a neighborhood filled with superior spots?

This is a place that caters to the people that they "know." Occasionally a celebrity can be spotted here, but if you are an unknown, be prepared for a small table in the rear. Food is good, nice specials, attentive waiter service. Prices are on the high side. Overall, a decent dining experience but there are many other Italian restaurants in NYC where the greeting will be much more warm and inviting.

Wonderful Italian food! A little pricey but not bad for NYC. Fresh, tasty, and they happily accommodate fussy palates like mine!

For years we have ben enjoying every meal And they will prepare anything you desire The food is always fresh and creative

On New years eve 3 couples met at Primola to celebrate, greeted by the hostess who smiled and took our coats, then the manager said if all the parties aren't all here I can't seat you, and then the last couple arrived. He stood spaced out deciding whether to seat us at the table. Although dinner was very good and our waiter was excellent, the manager on multiple occasions was extremely rude, and at one point said if you don't like it, don't come back. When we got the check the prices charged for the meals were inflated. When we asked to see a menu to compare prices the manager grabbed the check and took off 10% and flung it back at us. Although we believe the food is good, there are many other Italian restaurants on the upper Eastside where the dining experience is excellent from the food to the service. We will never eat there again.

We had just arrived & we were staying in the upper east side neighborhood. Both the food & service were amazing. We did not have reservation, but we were immediately seated. For a Thursday- the place was packed! For good reason. Highly recommend!

I’m a New Yorker but now live in Hong Kong. When I come back to NYC I always enjoy the variety of the restaurants available. Whenever I go to Primola I am always reminded of why New Yorknis such a great place. The menu is wide-ranging and there are also specials each day. The food is great as is the service. It’s very much an “Upper East Side” favorite and is not full of tourists, which is great (nobody taking pictures of their food!). If you want to experience a “local” NYC restaurant, head there. Ask the waitstaff for their suggestions.... they are always good. Just PLEASE don’t take pictures of what you are served... so obnoxious). Enjoy!

This restaurant is one of the best in New York city a hidden gem only know to the locals. I was introduced to this place by a dear friend who ate their everyday for over ten years till he moved to Florida. The food is of par excellance, the atmosphere conducive for business or private dinners. The owner is always available and very friendly. A must if you are in the Big Apple and craving for some great italian food.

Nice Italian restaurant. Had their Ravioli with mushroom/truffls which was excellent. My partners to the meal seemed happy too.

Service was exceptional. Old school Italian. Mario our waiter had memorized about 10 special dishes. Every meal was authentic Italian. LOVED the prosciutto and figs. Went for a family get together and felt right at home. Ciao!

Enjoyed our visit greatly. Old school. We make anything you want if we have the ingredients. Good came out fast, fresh, hot, tasty. Would go back in a heartbeat. Large full pour glasses of wine. Come hungry, come often. Will be back.

Smallish, typical Manhattan residential restaurant with a pleasing ambiance. I ordered their daily special soup, bean and pasta, that was delicious. Same with the main courses. My wife ordered a Chilean sea bass that she said was one of the best preparations she had experience. I ordered the veal medallions with wild mushrooms that was absolutely wonderful. Portions ample, service was personal and attentive.

The veal in truffle sauce is truly unforgettable. Everything was wonderful even the crispy, salty, breadsticks that one can't stop nibbling. Little pricey.......... But I think we will nevertheless visit here again soon.

Recently our daughter became engaged and we wanted to take she and her fiancé out for a special dinner to celebrate. They came down from Boston and we drove up from Baltimore to meet in Manhattan for a special dinner in their honor. My wife and I had eaten at Primola one year ago, so since we know few restaurants in NYC, we made reservations for 6:30PM this past Saturday night. From the moment we arrived, we were brusquely ushered to our table, rushed through our meals, and then a little over an hour later, whisked out of the restaurant. We have never experienced such rude service and such an inhospitable atmosphere. The waiter could barely even look at us as he greeted us and then returned to rattle off the specials. Dishes were removed from the table in a hurried manner and each course was basically thrown down onto the table in a perfunctory manner. We all felt like we were being timed how fast we would get in and out so they could get onto the next party waiting to eat. And our rude waiter and hurried busboys seemed to all be acting in accordance with the pace and curtness set by a large, older man (notice, I did not say gentleman) who watched over them and stared down each table impatiently as if anxiously waiting for people to finish, pay, and leave. For all this rudeness, we paid much more than the above average food and presentation was worth. To add insult to injury, a heavily accented coat check girl tried to extort more money from us on our way out, even though she carelessly left our luggage and computers at the front door unchecked. Overall, what we were looking forward to as a very special evening to celebrate with my daughter and her fiancé turned into a disappointing and humiliating dinner that we would all like to forget. We will NEVER return again to this restaurant and have already told friends who live in Manhattan of our experience. Ironically, one of these couples has confirmed that they had heard others friends complain of similar rudeness by the staff at this restaurant.

This is the sister restaurant to Canelleto but with more of a buzz.. It is always packed and gets somewhat of a celebrity clientele so it's great for people watching. Besides that the food is great and the service top notch. Happy to accommodate any special requests. During peak times the restaurant can be a little noisy for conversations.

The middle aged man who usually brings you to your table is a very rude man. He screams at the waiters in front of the customers. It is unfortunate since the waiters are very efficient and nice. The place has an older clientele. A nice thing they do is bringing small bites like cold cuts, cheese, carrots etc the minute you sit down. They have an enormous choice of specials and the best flourless chocolate cake.

When you have an owner greet you at the door, you know you are getting the right thing. Finally the taste of the Mediteranean in New York. Pasta was just as it should be, sauce too. They offer extra virgin olive oil as a normal thing. Everything was fresh. Price affordable. We were there as a family. To recommend.

Short of going to Italy you can't do any better. Granted it tends to be crowded in the evening but for good reason to. The spaghetti alle vongole and cozze don't come any better anywhere and the rest of the menu follows suit.

This place has been around forever with the same owner and same chef for 20 years ++. The place is cozy and the waiters are delightful (especially the two from Bulgaria). The food is very good, but not everything on the menu is equally delicious. It takes a little navigation and luck -- for instance, my husband had the squid ink seafood pasta and it really wasn't great, although everything else was really tasty. The portions are large and hey, it is New York, so be prepared to pay.

I suppose every great restaurant can have a bad night, and maybe even a really really (yes 2 reallys) BAD night, but last night at Primola was a contender for epically horrible restaurant experiences. Without going into every mishap (from waiters crashing dishes into my guests to the 90 minute wait for entrees to arrive, to surly waiters excusing their bad attitudes because the owner over booked) this night was an embarrassment that the executive on duty waved off with a curt 'sorry' as we left after paying the bill (in full without so much as a complimentary dessert offer) we left to find another place to finish the evening with a peaceful dessert, but I don't suppose my guests will count on my restaurant pic any time soon. I may go back, but it will be at least a year before I'll risk bringing a guest there. And my table was only one of the many exhausted and disgusted that night.

Primola is a great spot to have a truly realistic Italian dinning experience. NYC is filled with Italian Restaurants, no shortage here, but most are just the usual Americanized Italian food. Not here, Primola is exceptional, try this place you will luv it!

Had dinner on a Saturday night after helping our son move into his apartment. Busy, but no wait. Nice start with complimentary breadsticks, bread & small tastes of cheese, olives & cold cuts. Entrees not cheap, but ok for Manhattan (mostly in the $20s). Seafood pasta was tasty, though the shrimp were scant and clams microscopic--scallops & mussels made up for it. Wine list mark-up through the roof, order by the glass. Service was attentive and professional, though busboy a bit over-eager to clear the plates. A dependable neighborhood restaurant, but not in the pantheon of New York City Italian eateries.

A good place to get excellent Italian - good food that is way over priced while eating next to a celebrity (Don Imus was in the house when last night). Typical NYC This restaurant if very similar to Elios NYC. I would have to say the service at Primola was MUCH better then Elio's but I think the food is better at Elios. Both are great places to go if you want to pay the price

Primola is one of our favorite spots because the food is well prepared and the waiters maneuver around the many tables that are filled with joyful diners. The waiters are accommodating eager to please and will get the kitchen to prepare the food the way you would like it. This year we met with our children and truly enjoyed the holiday spirit that permeated the evening. Dr. Phil Heller

We have eaten at Primola many times, but most recently in Jan 2018 after not being there in a few years. Great to see that the food is still phenomenal and ambiance is still wonderful. I had an incredibly fresh branzino, 2 other friends had the Calf's Liver which they raved about, the Veal Piccata was sublime and the Spaghetti Ai Frutti Di Mare was too die for. Dont hesitate to go!

This place was recommended to us by one of the staff members at the Affinia hotel, located around the corner. Even on a weeknight, the first time we tried we couldn’t get a reservation as they were all booked, so another day we actually stopped in one afternoon to make a reservation. When we arrived for dinner the place was packed. The front room had a little bar area and a bunch of tables and the second room was all dining tables -- there was pretty much no place to stand to wait the 10-15 minutes we had to stand there before our table was ready. Yet, it was OK -- the place had a neighborhood feel to it and people were nice. We got seated at a nice table in the back, near where waiters come out of the kitchen. Our waiter was quick and energetic in that old NYC waiter kind of way. Even though he clearly had been doing this forever, he was still enthusiastic about the food and about us being there. It felt cozy. Food-wise, I most remember the breadsticks being addictive!!! I honestly don’t recall exactly what my pasta dish was, but I think it was a nightly special and it was very good but not anything that stood out amongst the fantastic food available to us in NYC (clearly, if I don’t remember it). While nothing was bad, nothing was particularly notable, either. I would say that I’ll leave room for the folks who live around there and so obviously love this place.

I visited Primola Restaurant last spring, in Manhattan, and all my friends and my wife enjoyed the experience very much. The staff was prompt to help, and the food was very good. Not only the antipasto, but the main courses were also very good; and they have a good selection of pastas and other Italian dishes. The prices are very fair for the quality of the food. I Definitely recommend it!

Dinner with my son was fabulous. Very attentive staff, many options on the menu, great wine and dessert. Loved the small, but lively atmosphere. Definitely will come back on a future visit.

I did not have a big appetite so I ordered an entree only. I chose the Calf's Liver, ordered it with onions and it to be served whole, not sliced up into strips as served elsewhere. I requested it to be grilled and cooked medium rare, but it was served to me medium. It was not moist, as I would have liked it to be, therefore not as flavorful as Calf's Liver can be. It came with a mediocre Polenta and String Beans with a strange taste.

My wife and I dropped into this nice NYC restaurant the other night after we arrived in NYC. There is nothing wrong with is restaurant in regard to the service or the food. Both are very good. The only problem that I had was with the price and selection of the wine list .There are sometimes in life that one wants to go out for a casual dinner an not see a wine list that starts at $ 45.00 and goes up in a rapid pace from there. Even in the nicest restaurants in Italy, one can always ask for the regional or house wine at a reasonable price. Give ALL of your patrons at least the choice to decide the level of wine they want to consume.

We met friends there and had a great dinner! From the bread basket to the chicken marsala (request), soft shell crab with angel hair, veal, eggplant parm - all wonderful !! Service incredible !!! Fresh berries for dessert - so fresh !! TEN Stars **********

I am a regular here since 1996, the year that I moved to New York. The quality has been consistently good, the staff consistently welcoming and professional. Zarko, the head waiter is the heart and soul of the place, advising, by now basically telling, me and other regular guests, what to order. Even though not on the menu they make a pasta all'amatriciana that I never had as good in Italy. That with a tomato salad with red onions and capers, who can imagine a better lunch? The pasta is always perfectly cooked, al dente. In season the vitello tonnato or the sofsthell crabs are musts. And if you really want to splurge in the fall, order the vitello topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese and ... truffle. The home made ice-cream covered in chocolate, Zarko calls it 'La Bomba', is worth the sinn. Very good wine selection, you don't have to go overboard as also the cheaper wines and wines by the glass are good. The place is pleasantly quiet at lunch time, can be very crowded in the evening. I have heard complaints that the staff may not be as nice if they don't know you. I am the wrong person to ask whether that is true, but if it is true, keep going back until they know you, it's worth it.

A very "upper east side" Italian restaurant - I hadn't been there in a long time and recently revisited. Clearly a neighborhood favorite with standard fare - nothing exciting or creative but the food is well prepared and attractively served. Personally I think the portions are overly large. I had the mixed grilled seafood and it was more than enough for two people. The service is okay, not exceptional by any means and can border on brusque. All in all, you'll find a menu with a good selection, food that is good but won't be setting any trends.

We arrived a few minutes early for a 6:30 reservation. The maitre d’ immediately behaved like we were an unwelcome addition to his already busy evening. It was a Saturday night and standing room only for the bar and the line to be seated. Once seated at the table the waiter asked us what we would like to eat before providing water, asking if we would like drinks, or even providing a menu. This was not the relaxed atmosphere we were hoping for on a night out. No sooner did we give our drink order when we were again asked for our dinner order; and told that the kitchen was very busy and we should order soon. A small plate of salami, cheese, olives and vegetables was put on the table and was a welcome touch. After demurring to order a second time, we finally relented and said we were ready to order appetizers. No, that wasn’t good enough! We had to order everything at once or else the kitchen would be confused. At this point it was clear that the waiter wanted us to eat and leave so that they could use the table again. Sure enough, the appetizers came out minutes after we ordered. My sautéed artichokes were dry with no accompanying sauce. My dinner entree was the Tagliatelle Emiliana with a bland meat sauce and pasta that was limp and overcooked. My wife had the Calamari entree which was just a large appetizer portion of fried calamari with no sauce and no pasta. She is a good judge of food and was convinced that the Calamari had come from a frozen package. The tartufo desert was delicious and the one part of the meal that was superb. The “decaf” cappuccino kept me awake until 3 am, adding one additional reason to dislike this restaurant. We had spent the previous 6 days eating dinner at Italian restaurants in NYC. Every one of those other restaurants had far better service and far better food than Primola.

Super food, excellent service, relatively reasonable prices. Reservations suggested. Take out also available.

In it's way, it's like Nicola's.........at its core, it's a good Italian neighborhood restaurant.... and there's a buzz in the room. We're told that you generally have to wait for your table but we only go with friends who are well known so that's not the case. I had paglia e fieno followed by roasted chicken last night. Dale had gluten free pasta with a clam sauce. Both very good. Service by professional guys from Queens who seem to have been there forever. We like it.

We arrived at the restaurant to a din that was more than energetic. The tables were so close that the backs of chairs were all touching. Before we even got menus, we were told we had better order quickly or we might never see our food. We wanted to enjoy conversation with old friends but the hovering waiter bullied us into ordering. The entrees came out in 10 minutes, hardly cooked to order. As the entrees arrived, the bread and bread plates were whisked away. As each of us finished our entrees, the plates were whisked away even though some of us were still eating. My wife paused half way through the meal and her plate was bussed! We had coffee and the cups were taken one by one as soon as emptied. The food was good but who cared at that point. Oh, and it was very expensive, even by New York standards. (For the record we were all born and raised in New York City, and eat out almost every night)

We went to Primola on a business dinner and we had a reservation made for 5. They sat as at the table minutes after the reservation because the restaurante was packed. The wine list was very good, very good selection of italian wines. The one we choose was excellent. They give you bread and a plate with tipical italian salume and cheese, olives and veggies, which were excellent to start. The selection is very interesting; few italian dishes that are not usually found. My appetizer was sliced grilled artichokes and it would have been perfect if they had removed the bits of artichoke and garlic that gor burned in the pan. The rest of the appetizers looked great to me, though, so I guess they were too busy and the kitchen, so i did not complaint. As a main course we ordered milanesa, that was also a good choice. My colleague ordered fresh pasta, and looked really home-made. I think the quality of the place is very good, however, a bit overpriced.

The place is elegant, the food is delicious and the service is great. I ordered veal and it was very good. I will totally eat again here.

There are two rooms, the more sedate front room with bar, and the back room which tends to be used by more boisterous large groups. If you reserve a table for two, it's essential to specify the front room. Regarding the menu, stick to standard Italian fare and you will not be disappointed: linguini with clams and white wine sauce, veal with fresh mushrooms, NY cheesecake etc. Service can be slow if you are not important or not selling yourself to the wait staff. But if you are in a good mood, you can have a great time at Primola.

The food is slightly better than average Italian cuisine, but don't go there if you want a pleasant dinner. They were so over-booked everything was rushed to get us off the table. We were hardly slow with dinner and desert in less than an hour and a half, but could not finish coffee without comments about how they needed the table. The waiter was okay but the rushed service ruined the evening, There are too many better paces to go in the city for Italian.

Meal was outstanding so was the service. I enjoyed the artichokes and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Had a meal with my son before he headed off to college and he enjoyed it too. So much he went back with his girlfriend. Owner took The time to greet us And Answer some questions. Look forward to going back Soon.

Primola is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Great pasta, excellent fish and sea food. Wine and desserts are a must here. Excellent barman

I've been coming here for 20 years (damn I am old), it is just terrific food, great service, and a simple yet elegant atmosphere. You can't go wrong.

This Italian restaurant has been in the neighborhood for many years. The food is good but very expensive. If you are recognizeable the service is great; if you are an unknown it’s the opposite, that is, if you even get seated. Attitude and arrogance prevails. They only welcome my medical service dog when I’m there with a known person. Otherwise, they are rude and ask inappropriate and illegal questions and refuse seating.

Upscale superb Italian food with excellent service, consistently great meals. Linguine with clam sauce and veal chop and veal scaloppine in various ways. If you want something prepared specially, you request can usually be honored.

Food is good. Ambience is fine. And we arrived on time for our 6:30 dinner reservation. From the moment we sat down, the waiter rushed us every step of the way: menus and specials within the first five minutes, kept returning every couple of minutes to urge us to decide and order, food came out with the speed of light, check was put down at 8:00. We asked him to slow down but he said he’d get in trouble. An impatient crowd was waiting at the entrance. The owner began stalking our table every three minutes or so until we paid. The most extraordinarily rude, rushed, unrelaxed, intrusive service I can remember having experienced in NY. If you expect to turn over the table for a second seating, then you need to tell a patron when he makes a 6:30 reservation. It is most ungracious to hover over your diners until they finally get so annoyed that they leave. This is no way to run a restaurant. Shame on you. We will not be returning. There are many better choices in this great city.

Really enjoyed lunch at friendly restaurant. Nice wines by the glass, Enjoyed restaurant week selections and shared terrific desert. Will be back

Visiting from out of town, we chose Primola at the recommendation of a long time New Yorker. We made a reservation (7:30 Saturday PM), arrived and were seated promptly. We picked two specials (veal medallions; spaghetti with meatballs) and risotto with fresh seafood. My veal was very tender and expertly prepared. Deserts were also great. Service was excellent. We plan to return before leaving NYC.

This is one of our go to restaurants in the neighborhood. Only a few blocks away. Great people watching, always mentioned in page 6 of the post which is fun. Crowded at peak times but we are always accommodated. Food is terrific and if it isn't on the menu they will always try to please. Good food, good service and great people watching.

I visited Primola few days ago. The environment and quality of food are excellent for lunch or dinner with family or collegues.

Don’t go here. Very rude and unprofessional owner. Shouting at me when I said my pasta is not fully cooked.owner told the waiter not to throw my pasta because he will eat it. Shouting at me and other customers were looking at me as if I wanted it for free

Food is good and our waiter was attentive but you need to fire that awful rude maitre d' that rushed our dinning experience in an uncomfortable environment that even your staff can't tolerate you.We were visiting from London and will not dine here again need a more upscale restaurant, not worth it.

Ordered directly to the restaurant.Ordered 2 very expensive dishes.Food was Average.There was no bill.Called Primola & asked for bill & was connected to manager.He asked if food was good & my husband said it was average.His reply was”next time go somewhere else“and hung up.My husband called back again and said he would like a bill for his records and was finally told the price by a woman.She said she could not send it now. He said how about later.She said tomorrow.It was only 6:45 PM.

The only reason that I didnt leave a 5 star rating is the arrogance of the owner. The food is terrific; he knows it. He has his loyal customer base; he knows that too. What he doesn’t seem to know (or care about) is nothing lasts forever. The greeting we received was inexplicably aggressive and inhospitable but the food and service muted the obnoxious owner. Maybe if we keep going back, we will get the respectful greeting his longtime customers seem to (insincerely?) to receive. Great food. Great waiter. Owner? Not so great.Maybe it’s time to retire?

Strange restaurant as everyone is gone by 9:30. Why? Because it is a B & T restaurant that for some reason attracts a Joisy crowd. Pasta was limp and not al denti. The fried zucchini was over fried. Soft shell crabs were over fried also. Stick with the veal and you will be OK. Good wine list where you can find some special vintages

Primal has been around for seemingly forever and there is good reason. The food and service is consistently good and customers consistently support Primola. One gets the sense that most diners are regulars, though the waiters treat everyone like a special guest. Primal is one of those rare places which works for special occasions, couples, friends and business dining.

We ate here with friends, and were absolutely stunned at how awful the service was. The bartender was out and out rude--I have never witnessed such a grouchy, nasty bar tender--I can only assume that he must be a partial owner, because no one in his right mind would hire such a nasty old man to tend bar otherwise. He made me a drink which was not what I had requested (he said he didn't have what I ordered, so he just decided to make something else, without telling me!). When I indicated that the drink didn't taste right, he grabbed it away and threw it in the sink, and then asked the person next to me what HE wanted to drink! When we got to our table, the waiter was very courteous, but whatever we requested had to be re-requested several times until it arrived--even something as simple as water. Considering this is a pricey restaurant, and the food was just OK---about a B, I would say--it's not worth enduring the poor staff. There are many restaurants in New York City. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

First time here with a party of 10 on a Sunday. Food and service were great. They have a great wine list. I had the Vitello Abruzzese. The veal was so tender you could cut with a fork. The wait staff was very accommodating. I asked for something that was not on the menu and without any hesitation, I got a "absolutely" . Everyone in our group enjoyed their dinner. Will return.

Well, here's the thing... if you are staying across town... there are many fine Italian restaurants,in between. BUT,if you are staying around E 64 you must go. It is so very local, though you will feel very welcomed. We have gone with and without reservations, I don't think it matters. as regulars are seated first. But, going early is always an easy get. Staff is all family and the food is spot on. We cannot go to NYC without going there , just because. They have outside dining in good weather, as well. In the neighborhood of the Garden, my personal fav hotel. buon cibo!

We had a very good dinner, but didn't appreciate being rushed along when we repeatedly asked to be left alone for a bit! We weren't even "lingering" but at that price point we should be able to not be shooed out in less than 90 minutes. rude

The food is so fresh and perfectly prepared. The ambiance is cozy conducive for quality conversation and the service enhances the relaxing pleasure found in the muffle of the city. Recently my wife and complimented the owner for our enjoyable evening. this is one destination we recommend to all our friends as it is do worth the visit.

Our son recently moved to NYC and treated us to dinner at Primola as it is near his apartment and the online menu (foursquare, trip advisor, etc) had very reasonable prices. Since the restaurant has no website, we could not check the menu directly. Actual menu prices were almost double those we saw online. Our dinners were very good and service was prompt and polite. They start with complementary appetizers of focaccia, breadsticks, cheese, cured meats, olives, and raw vegetables. Three of us had pasta and one had veal. My husband said that he would have preferred having less garlic in his linguini with clams and mussels. Overall, it was an authentic Italian meal.

Primola is a little local restaurant that caters to the neighborhood clientelle, but has food that is far better than your average local eatery. Always packed, the regulars include notable authors and other literary lights (ok, maybe no celebrity sitings here), and you get the feeling of family as you walk through the door. The food ranges from good to spectacular, depending on the night, and the wine list is quite respectable. We have eaten here maybe 10 times over the past 6-8 years, and have never had a bad meal, with a couple of absolutely superb offerings. Ask what is best for the day, and you will get an honest response, not just what they want to sell out. We have gone with our son, when he was 10 or 12, (he loves the food and this is his favorite place in New York - he is now 17) but this is not a place for young kids. Good food, good family, good atmosphere, and you feel like you live in the neighborhood. Going back this weekend...

Not being from NYC, I noticed how close everything was...something natives must get used to. Food was most enjoyable and reasonably priced. Wait staff very attentive. We had a wonderful evening with friends.

Simple, straight-forward, high quality, Italian food. A gem of a place. Not pretending to be anything special, but ending up being super-special because to the low-key, high quality, non-pretentiousness of the place.

My favorite Italian Restaurant in NYC. Food is superb. Wait staff are friendly and care about your dining experience. I have visited many times and have never been disappointed. Food is fresh and full of flavor. Great atmosphere.

We made a reservation for our family of four. We were placed in the back room with the families with small children...I imagine this is because we were eating with our two teenage sons. I was a bit put off by this because the front of the restaurant has much more atmosphere. That aside, the food was very good. We all enjoyed our meals. The service was efficient, but not very friendly.

simply one of the best Italian restaurants in the big apple. The food is consistently good along with the service. There's always an exciting atmosphere created by Juliano and his staff. Go and enjoy.

Have not returned for so many years and I was expecting to resume the flavors that I savored. Unfortunately the food was only average and service was not up to par. We had to wait between meals. The house wine tasted very bland. We were offered dessert wine at the end but we declined. The biscotti was good to bring home. Prices were also an average. I would say that this is an old local Italian restaurant for older neighborhood people.

We stayed close by in a hotel and just found this restaurant walking by,,,very busy but a warm welcome (no reservations) and absolutely delicious food...good menu with many selections and service perfect. We will be back.

Yes. The food was excellent. The Greeters were excellent. But our waiter was either to busy or just scatterd brain. He was very pleasent, but forgot orders and request. And the busboys work so fast, you actually get nervouse that so much is happening. In a resturant such as this, the service should be there, but not be annoying. AGAIN... Yes great hight priced quality food. Maybe the best... but, calm the wait staff down!

They label themself as an Italian restaurant and they serve dishes that you will never find in Italy such as chicken parmigiana........the only parmigiana is made with eggplants . Some people on our party ordered the dish and they were served what look like a chicken pizza......flat piece of "something"....same for milanese.....all breadcrumb dry and no flavor. Now you understand why i say..... STAY AWAY.....

Each time we go to NYC, we make sure to include a dinner here. The food, in my opinion, is delicious! A friend of ours, from New York, joined us this last time and thoroughly enjoyed herself, kept stating over and over how good everything was. My husband, who isn't a huge Italian food person, loves their food. Can't wait to get back.

Primola is our favorite Italian restaurant on the UES. The host is brisk but still friendly. Wait staff is attentive but not pushy. It starts with the cocktails. Generous pour and mixed just right. The complementary antipasto arrives immediately. Salami, Parmesan cheese, sliced fresh veggies, olives and bread. Several veal dishes to choose from. Fish is terrific, Bronzino is our favorite. We tend to stay away from pasta dishes, so no commentary there. Wine by the glass is as good as if you'd ordered a bottle. Traditional Italian desserts. Espresso snaps you right back. We're looking forward to returning again sometime this autumn.

I used to live in the neighborhood and when I get a chance this is my favorite Italian place in the city. Sorry Elio's you are good but too noisy and keep me waiting at the bar too long! This place has an older and more sophisticated crowd and there is a reason. It earns it every night.

From the moment you walk in they make you feel like family. Each and every dish is a delight. Don't miss the veal chop and the truffled pasta

Old fashioned in the bad sense. Poor waiters who seem not interested in what customers want or expect - somewhat sitting on their laurels with rather mediocre food. Frustratingly expensive and poor wine list. Much better value and experience elsewhere.

The restaurant is smallish, but that makes it warm. The menu and wine list are amazing. The owner helped us select a perfect Italian wine to compliment our meals. The veal chop with truffles is not to be missed. Our server was very helpful. It is hard chosing from all the delicious options. We wished we could sample everything on the menu.

Our friends took us to this small Italian restaurant and it was a real treat. From the langostinos as appetizers to the orechiette with shaved white truffle on top to the wonderful lamb chops we really enjoyed the meal. Staff was very helpful and the wine selection is great. Not a cheap place but definitely worth the visit.

This was our first time at Primola. I was shocked at how crowded it was on a Thursday night when many restaurants we walked past on the way were empty. We were a little underdressed as many men wore jackets and ties. The food and service was excellent. It was a bit pricey, but I don't mind paying for good food and service. If we are in that area again, er will definitely be back.

I went here the other night after a long layoff. I used to live around here and the food is still very good. I think it slipped a little but still quality. Great ambiance with the occasional celebrity too.

A bit old fashioned style restaurant. Food is of good quality. But it is overpriced main courses with only water for over 100 usd did not make my day.

We went there several times because some of our friends like the food and it's in there neighborhood. Each time I was shocked by the rudeness of the manager and his poor behavior with his staff. Please and thank you are not part of his vocabulary, really sad ! The food is ok but you can find much better in NY .

Three of us went for dinner and had a memorable meal. The food was outstanding as was the service. Portions were the right size.

Let me begin by saying that the food at Primola is always good, and that this review isn't about the food at all. It is however about respecting your customers and knowing that when you run a restaurant no matter how good it is, your success and failure are always predicated on the customer experience. Weekend night dinners in NYC are always crowded, and this Friday in question was no different. The reservation ( for two ) was made in advance and confirmed for 7:30PM. The restaurant was unsurprisingly crowded and we were asked to wait at the bar until the table was ready.The bar in this restaurant is a three seater and if others are waiting which was the case, it can be quite hectic with waiters passing bye, and tables filled with patrons. Thirty minutes later and no update from the owner ( runs the front of the house ), we asked for status of the table and we were dismissed that our table would be ' coming up'. Fast forward to another 15 minutes later with no update we told the owner we were going to have to leave and to please give our table to another party. He insisted - your table is here follow me. While leading us to the table he turned around and said - ' don't hold a gun to my head ' making a gun gesture towards himself. This was NOT said in a joking way so there is no misunderstanding he was quite serious as if we should be privileged eating in his establishment. At that point we had seen enough of him and the restaurant. Our reservation was 45 minutes prior. I understand these things happen occasionally but there was no need to be rude to us. We told him to have a nice evening and went to the Mark Hotel for a lovely dinner. We won't go back to Primola again. It is a shame, the food is good, but there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in NY where your treated nicely.

I rarely go negative but..... Owner or whomever the gentleman was who met us at front door( note: I did not say greeted) was rather cool upon our arrival and rude several times during our meal. However, waitstaff was very nice and attentive. And food was tasty. That being said, many restaurants have good Italian food with owners who are actually happy to see customers and do not snatch the biscotti from one’s table to abruptly end the meal. Caprese salad and chicken with fontina were tasty.

Food was adequate. Service was very slow. Water was leaking (pouring) from the Ceiling. Veal with truffles quite good. Linguini with clams not so much. Too many good places in NYC to spend time here.

They didn't blast music at you and it was very cozy. The food was delicious and I loved everyhing! Definatly recommended and I am going back!

I also found this restaurant just walking by. I felt a little "off "when I was arrogantly asked if I had a reservations (when the restaurant was empty) and was made to feel like I was lucky to get a table. After that however a very nice waiter guided us through the menu and the food was very good. It is a cut above your basic neighborhood italian restaurant with unique choices and top quality ingredients. It is well worth a taxi ride too if you are not in the neighborhood.

Two of our party were delayed for reasons beyond their control. When they arrived, the owner cursed them and told the waiter to make the table wait. The other couple were frequent customers of the restaurant. When one of the late arriving couple went to apologize, the owner haughtily dismissed it and complained about the table had been already occupied too long. With that attitude and food which hardly justifies the price, there is no reason to frequent Primola

We have visited many times over the years - this is just the update. Tuesday evening. The Orecchiette Pugliese special was excellent, and the antipasti were just as good as ever. The place was packed when we got there and packed when we left. A really good buzz in the crowd, and you could tell the entire place was on top of its game. It seemed the wine list was much more expensive than the last time - so we had the house San Giovese which was quite good. Ask for the house wines - much better value than the wine list.

I've been coming here for over 15 years. It is just old school, good italian food. They don't care about trends, or what others do. They just make fresh, high quality food, with good service, at a reasonable price.

I think I gave two stars as an act of generosity, nearing Easter as we are. Six of us, family. No one ordered a protein, just a pesto pasta, another pasta and four pasta e fagioli. The pesto dish was swimming in unjustified liquid, that we had to ask to be poored out ... The pasta e fagioli had a good taste, but it did not have the right consistency: too brothy. We were put under pressure to finish quickly (we certainly did not overstay) because it was going to be a busy evening for them, as they said. Then I got the bill and, unique among the other NY restaurants I ate at, it had no description of what we ate and drank. Just the total. Which was very high for what we had. And I mean high for New York. There is plenty of choice in the area ...

I ambled into this little italian bistro with my wife expecting a good but uninspired quick lunch. In truth I was grumpy thinking that I'd be overcharged to boot. Shocker, I had the best fruiti di mare over spagetti of my life ... and that's one of my go to dishes. The service was quick and thoughtful, the bread crusty and delicious, everything including the complimentary cheese, olives and oil were memorable. I can't wait to return for dinner. This place is wonderful! and oh yeah, the prices are reasonable as well. I entered grumpy and hungry, and left smiling and full.

We wanted a reliable and straightforward dinner having arrived from London that afternoon and Primola did not disappoint. Delicious pasta and meats with a good wine list alongside. The dining room is comfortable and cozy and the service attentive. We’ll definitely be going back.

Best Italian in nyc on the east side. Bravo. Cannot miss. Great selection. Consistently excellent. Good for family, friends or business.

We dined here regularly when we lived across the street 7 years ago and loved it from the first, when they welcomed my husband, who was dressed in shorts (from a move in) and did not make a comment! The food is excellent, especially appreciated during our recent visit, when we dined on both veal and a spinach pasta...we could not decide which meal was better! Despite the gaps in our visits ( sporadic trips from California), the staff remembers us and is always warm and welcoming. This is a wonderful NYC dining delight!

We had a booking for 4. We arrived on time and alerted the 'hostess' that we would be only 2. He said 'then you will have to wait' and started to seat people behind us. The owner that acted as manger, hostess, waiter at the same time, was aways rude when we asked him how long we would have to wait. It was as if he was punishing us for not beeing 4. They don't have space for waiting,only a small balcony with a few seats, all occupied. So people waiting were pushed by waiters and clients all the time. We decided to leave when a woman in her way to the restroom passed in front of a waiter comming with a tray full of dishes and after yelling at her he called her crazy.

We as foodies visit almost every 6 weeks and are never disappointed The preparations and flavors are consistently good The staff is friendly and efficient

Scroll down to read the other reviews commenting on the manager/owner after reading this one because my experience is apparently not unique. We arrived exactly on time for our reservation. The only person who “greeted” us was the coat check person. We waited 10 minutes and no table and no explanation. My wife asked the manager and was blown off. They then seated the people behind us. I approached the manager and before I could say a word he said “If you argue with me I’m not going to seat you.” No apology, just hostility. I asked him why someone was seated who was behind us. He repeated the same threat. I said I would make it easy for him because we were leaving. He then said he had been about to seat us at a table but now wouldn’t - as if he was punishing us. If he had said that he would seat us promptly in the first place it would have been fine. But he was a bully. Clearly, he has done this to others based on what I read below. Place was incredibly loud and he was an incredible jerk. Better off going to Mediterraneo, one block north.

It was time for our quarterly visit to Primola. And Primola always delivers. Sophisticated clientele supports the dining experience. Guys, dress as well as your wives, and wear a sports jacket. You might get a better table. You know you're in a great Italian restaurant when the wait staff talks (yells) to each other in Italian and the coat check woman is drop-dead gorgeous. As always, the antipasto is delivered to the table before you're seated. My wife's Cosmo was perfect. I prefer scotch during the winter months. I had Vitelllo Abruzzi and she had Vitelllo with mushrooms. Both were great. Desert was scrumptious and we managed to bring home some extra biscotti. Thanks Julian for another great evening!

Polite and nice waiters. Very good food. I ate seabass. More expensive than I expected after reading travel handbooks. Tables are close to each other and it is crowded.

Elaborate menu with nightly specials. First they bring you the house plates. Pieces of bread with a tomato sauce. A plate of cheese , pepperoni, carrots and celery. Plus a plate of bread and butter. You’ll be full before you start. I had the artichoke first course. That’s special. Never had this anywhere. $18 . Could be shared. Little pieces of artichoke. Delicious. For a main course I had veal scallopine with lemon and capers. $31. Soft pounded and perfect. Plus a side of spinach in garlic. For desert a tartouffle with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I was full but this is a good restaurant. Don’t miss it.

The food was delicious and service was attentive. The place is quite the local restaurant with many people on first name basis with the maitre dis, the bar, and the staff. Portions are generous and I would give the restaurant a 5 if not for the noise.

This is the best food in Manhattan with a neighborhood atmostphere .. the best .. and i am a picky eater. The very best Italian food , lots of great and fresh food to choose from .. like real Italy !

Met other executives here for a dinner. We had a very nice table in the corner which enabled us to talk easily. The staff was warm, friendly, helpful, and let us have as much time as we needed. For appetizers we shared a chopped salad, and the artichoke dish (which was very delicious). We all had different entrees, including seasonal softshell crabs, homemade tortellini, & black pasta. All were very tasty. There is bread and breadsticks on the table and a plate of fresh green beans cooked Italian style were served for all to share. For dessert we shared a lovely plum tart and Italian cheesecake. The wine list is extensive. Restaurant has an old world feel with a wall of wine at the far end. Tables are far enough apart to talk easily. There were many waiters and service was superb. I would definitely go back if you're in the neighborhood.

I have debated about sending in a review but Trip Advisor is a useful resource. We met friends for dinner at Primola on a Saturday night in December. Look, the food is very good and the service was reasonably attentive but became very rushed and then not friendly. This was especially the case when the owner thought we may have stayed too long. He is truly rude as has been written about many times. Apparently he doesn't care. If you are not a regular don't go here especially on a crowded Friday or Saturday night. You will not be treated well. The regulars all know this and are better treated. That's how it is.

The food is excellent it's very crowded and noisy so catch up conversations are difficult. The tables are very close. Service was terrific.

One of our favorite restaurants in New York Top quality food and great preparation and exceptional tastes The truffles are the leaders

I decided to have dinner at Primola recently. I love Italian food and I have to say that the food did not disappoint. I had pasta and it really was excellent. The pasta is fresh and the sauce was great tasting. However, the service is lacking. I was seated near the bar and could see the interaction between the staff. My waiter was nice but I could sense that he was displeased that I was only having an entrée and no appetizer. The Croatian girl behind the bar was arguing with the owner and she was very rude to the busboy!! Some of the waiters looked really nice but others looked like they did not care to be there. Competition is fierce between restaurants in New York and food alone does not keep the clients coming back.

See this is a real Italian Restaurant. They still use red sauce and serve tasty classic Italian dishes. Veal, chicken, beef and pasta cooked real Italian style. Not stuffy but well prepared and served meals. Foodies beware this is a classic classic Italian kitchen.

Two of us, on a mid-week ‘Jewish holiday’ (so it may not have been as busy as usual) walked in at about 7 and got a table at the back, no problem. The wait staff were efficient, friendly and even entertaining. The range of dishes was very good, with some very tempting specials for the day. I had a wonderful tortellini (filled with mushroom and ricotta, served with a truffle sauce). The wine list was really excellent (with a good range of wines by the glass), I chose a (to me) unfamiliar white (Vernaccia Di San Gimagnano) which was dry as I requested and very tasty indeed - so, good advice available on the wines. Somewhat unexpected, the espresso (decaffeinato) was really excellent. We will make this a go-to special place for the three months we will be here.

if you want to go to a restaurant with exelent food and wine this is it. beautifull ambience and well served.

From my veal appetizer, perfectly prepared bistecca fiorentina and a great dessert of freshly prepared zabiglione with fresh berries, my meal was wonderful and reminded me of my days living in Florence.

After hearing a radio personality rave about this restaurant, our group elected to go on a Sunday following a theatre matinee. We had a wonderful round table for eight making conversation easy in this nicely decorated restaurant. Our server was jovial and very competent as he accommodated all our requests. We drank, we ate, we laughed and felt very welcome throughout our early evening adventure. We spoke with the owner before we left complimenting him on the staff, large menu featuring delicious food and overall ambiance of the restaurant..

We love Primola! We moved to NYC in 2004 and had our first dinner at Primola and have returned many time since. Even though we now live in Santa Fe, we will be visiting Primola on our annual trip to NY. The food is excellent, the staff are gracious...and after all these years...they still remember us when we arrive and are warmly greeted.

Average at best. Several friends had positively commented to me about Primola. All I can say, everything about the restaurant is only fair. The fried zucchini was greasy and a heavy batter. I had chicken scarpiella which was forgettable. Simply stated, there are much better Italian restaurants on the east side....... and that says it all.

Visiting from the west coast, and friends who live in the neighborhood took us here for dinner. Great atmosphere, extensive menu. I think my veal dish was actually veal, but even with the fancy mushrooms it was all very bland. None of the dishes my fellow diners had looked memorable, but the ambiance and great service helped make up for lackluster food.

This was our first visit and was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to try it. It was very busy inside and outside. We decided to try the homemade pastas and they were excellent. My only negative was that the tables were very close together (a sign of a busy restaurant). Bread sticks were terrific and the waiter claimed they were homemade as well. Definitely worth a try.

Excellent food. Best and lightest gnocchi I have ever eaten. Great attentive service. The staff is extremely professional. The owner treated our party as if it was his party. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We went with family and friends on May 8th. The place was full but we had a reservation. The food in fantastic and dessert even better! It was my mother's birthday and they brought a complementary Tiramisu (delicious) and sang Happy Birthday with us. Super!!! Also great neighborhood to walk. Strongly recommend it!

Nice old world style NY Italian restaurant. Small bar up front. Extensive menu, and our meals were delicious. The problem we encountered waa that we were rushed aggressively. On a Tuesday night wish a 630pm reservation, for 75.00 a head, we should be allowed to enjoy a two hour table. From the second we sat down we were hounded to order. We told our waiter we hadn't seen our friends in many years and hadn't looked at the menu yet. He boomeranged back every few minutes. My friend said,we have to order. He wants us to" and I reminded her that WE were paying guests who shouldn't be forced to rush. We were out of there in less than 90 minutes and went somewhere else for a nightcap.

Neighborhood place. Lots of locals, regulars, which says a lot. Food's great. Wine list a bit rich, but good. What to say? The reviews which comment upon rudeness or rushed service are one-off, I'm sorry someone had a bad experience. Not the norm. The owner is terrific, friendly, and our experience has always been the opposite of rushed, here or at Canaletto, the owner's other UES Italian restaurant. Highly recommended.

Great old school Italian spot - wonderfully prepared dishes - solicitous and knowledgeable longtime staff - neighborhood regulars - welcoming to newcomers - great for solo dining right at the bar as well - friendly pour!

Worth every penny you spend, so don't tip-toe through the menu you. Get what you want and enjoy its worth it and so are you!

I am preparing to go on a business trip to NYC and am thinking of the great restaurants I need to get reservations at. La Primola! I have written several reviews and realized I left out La Primola. This hidden gem was recommended by a friend that lived in NYC. he told me, "if you want the real deal Italian, it's at La Primola." I was not let down. From the moment you walk in, you feel like 1960's mob royalty. The place is very old fashioned. Everyone speaks Italian and wants your meal to be a true experience, not just another meal. They go the extra mile to make sure you feel so. I read a review that the service was too attentive?! The staff is all Italian. Real Italians! They take pride of their job and show you with a first class experience. Now let's talk food. This isn't a Chef Boyardee ravioli place. It's the real deal. Make sure you are hungry because they will bring you lights snacks before you even get a drink order in. The appetizers are phenomenal. I had a mussel appetizer that was incredible. Next was a simple but great salad. For the main entree I ordered the feature, lobster over pasta. I was not let down. Great flavor. You can tell everything from the bread to the sauce was made in house. I ordered the house chianti which was great. I read a review saying the wine was over priced. Wine has a 500% mark up EVERYWHERE. La Primola is right on the mark with any other restaurant's wine prices in the very uppity Manhattan. We are all on trip advisor because we value service, and an overall experience. La Primola is my first five star review because I have eaten there three times in three years and it's always an amazing experience. They don't know me personally. I'm not a regular, but they treat me like I know the owner. And that's what counts. It also helps that the food is unreal. Make your reservation and go!

Bustling italian restaurant in the upper east side, with old school service and good solid italian food

We have been going to Primola for a couple of decades and is a favorite place for Italian in the city. It's small neighborhood walk to place with a lot of local repeat patrons. The menu has most all of the Italian favorites and the wine list many excellent Italian wines. We always expect and get a great meal there. Occasionally, the maî·tre d' and wait staff get into it but we figure that's part of the ambiance of the city. We originally looked up the place because the NYTimes gave it a couple of stars and had it reasonable prices.

This poor excuse for an Italian restaurant is a must avoid! The wine list is quite limited and the few selections bear no relationship to what they actually have. The food is served by people that do not understand what Italian food is. Indeed, when discussing various possible seafood that would be in the frutte de mare (seafood sauce) I was told "I do not know what that is." But, the worst came when I ordered the lentil soup. It had rocks in it! That is there were a number of very hard items in it. This, is, as anyone who cooks lentil soup will tell you, what you get if you do not properly clean the lentils. All in all the servers were close to abysmal and rather rude. The food left a lot to be desired. If you like over cooked pasta or Chef Boy - Ar-Dee this is your place. It is a place for the east siders to go and pretend they are an Italian restaurant. In the old days this was good place . Clearly something has happened.

We have been to Primola's before as have many other New Yorkers who love frequenting this authentic Italian restaurant famous for its traditional dishes. We had enjoyed our last two experiences there and our dinner guests too had been to Primola's and had liked the food, so it was a unanimous decision to go there. We had noticed in the past that there was a LOT of attention focused on the regular guests and the new customers were never quite given the undivided attention of the waiters. But the food had been good so we went there again. On the tables they give a generous supply of bread, breadsticks and olives etc. The service was very lackluster and left a lot to be desired. The place was crowded with customers streaming in constantly and they had the tables squeezed in right next to each other. The noise level was high and the place was cramped but that is not so unusual at a popular restaurant in New York City. Our service however was very slow and whenever we had the waiters attend to us, they seemed to be frantic and in a rush, and there was this atmosphere of frenzy in the restaurant with patrons trying to squeeze through and waiters trying to rush around carrying plates precariously over the tables. Upon reading the line " We have white truffles" on the menu, I ordered a dish of pasta with mushrooms and truffles as my entree and decided to share that with my husband. It was well prepared and there was the few customary shavings of the truffles over the pasta that provided the legendary flavor. At the end of the meal when we asked for the bill, I was astounded to see that my one entree of pasta with truffles cost $160.00!! Now I do enjoy truffles a lot and also cook it myself and I do know that they are not inexpensive, but I would never have guessed that the restaurant deemed it necessary to charge $160.00 for the one plate of truffle pasta. We of course called the waiter over and wondered why he would not have mentioned the price to us when we ordered the dish. He clarified that the restaurant policy was that they only mention the price if the customers ask for the price. I understand that logic - if I was to be ordering something off the Daily Specials menu, I should ask for the price and/or otherwise pay whatever the amount is charged by the restaurant. However since this was not part of the specials and this was a dish that I asked because of the statement on the menu - " We have truffles", I felt he ought to have mentioned the price. There may be other restaurants out there that feel justified in putting together a dish with pasta, butter, mushrooms and truffles and charge $160 or more, but to my credit I frequently eat in prestigious, top-notch restaurants and at many of them I have been served delicious truffle dishes and these have been expensive but nowhere - nowhere near $160. Any way we paid the bill but we were still not happy about the service and why we had not been advised about the crazy price before the meal. We called over Guiliani to voice our dissatisfaction. I am not sure if he is the manager or owner but he is always around, welcoming customers and ordering waiters around and running a tight ship in his customary brusque manner. After hearing our explanation, he looked quite condescendingly at us hinting that we obviously don't know the cost of truffles, then called the waiter over and asked him to take off $120 from $160.00 charge for the pasta! As he walked away he angrily called out, " And don't come back…"! We and our guests looked around uncomfortably and other customers too were getting curious about the confusion at our table. The waiter did bring back revised credit card receipts with the $120.00 taken off as promised. We were appreciative and thanked him. When Guilani was walking past our table, my husband reached out to him to thank him for his gesture, but he had the audacity to back away, raise his hands in disgust and state- " Don't talk to me! Don't bother me"! We were flabbergasted! Yes there can be differences between customers and waiters but I have never come across an encounter where the manager/head physically recoils from us when we reach out to talk to him and thank him, and claim he wants nothing to do with us. Well, Primola has certainly run its course for me. There are countless excellent restaurants in this amazing city and I plan to enjoy the ones where the customers are welcomed and differences are settled without drama.

Good casual atmosphere and solid Italian food with excellent service and often a celebrity or two of the older crowd. Gets very crowded in fall and winter.

There was great food at Primola! The only downside was that the service was very slow! I would recommend the Mozzarella and Tomato appetizer!

Just the place to go to get your "fix" of great, authentic Italian food in midtown NYC. The veal is some of the best I have ever had--tender, well prepared, great sauce. Make sure to try the daily pasta special. Reasonable wine selection to match the food. Desert was a little underwhelming after a great meal. We will go back again and again!

It seemed very authentic Italian menu and food prep. Quite crowded the night we were there. The service was fast, but I wouldn't call if very friendly. Wine list is best for those who like Italian choices. Food was just average in my opinon. Generous portions. Too many other spots in NYC for me to go back.

Good food but owner was so mean. We were three women, questioning a price…35$ for pasta and 25 for shrimp, when we ordered shrimp and pasta,..,,,,he didnt like us questioning the price, and actually told us to go to 3 different Italian restaurants in the future… no one should be treated like this, when we motioned to call hom over he said” that is how i call my dog over”…..horrible to treat customers like this….

in brief - simultaneously authentic, classy, adventurous menu. Attentive staff. Enjoyed the truffled polenta, artichokes and mouth watering scaloppine. You might try to avoid the dessert but you are bound to fail. Great cheesecake and a memorable creme brûlée. We felt we were in Europe with Manhattan accents all around us.

My husband recommended Primola after I had mentioned we needed Italian food. After reading the reviews I was a little nervous. All I can say is the service was impeccable- the food was unbelievably delicious and the atmosphere was quaint and elegant. Lots of locals but not the stuffy vibe I have been reading about. Everything was amazing. I highly recommend dining here!!! Grazie Primola!!

While the food is good, the prices are highly inflated and the portions small. Service is too attentive. They start taking plates away before you are finished and the wine list is outrageous. Cheapest wine is $55 for the 12% alcohol content. This is LOW END wine. The bill was over $200 with tip. They need to find better and more reasonably wines than the garbage that they are serving. Would not even consider returning to this place.

As an upper east sider and seasoned restaurant goer, I thought I would try Primola. We arrived on time for our reservation on Saturday 8pm. The host/owner Giuliano showed us to a table which was in the pinch point of the bus station, kitchen and main dining area. I asked if there was another table available and he said it would be another 5 or 10 minutes. We waited at the bar with a cocktail. Ten minutes later Giuliano seated us and said " we were lucky to have a table like this on a Saturday night." At that point we should have left, but stayed for a sub par meal, including uncooked pasta which we sent back. Before leaving we wanted to give Giuliano feedback regarding our experience. He was ill mannered and made it clear that he was doing us a favor by seating us, then turned his back on us and walked away, We will never step foot into this restaurant again.

Had a late dinner with professional colleagues. We shared a mixed antipasto that was delicious, I particularly enjoyed the salami, artichokes, & mushrooms. For entree we shared a cavatelli special and swordfish. They were excellent. I enjoyed a proseco and for dessert, tartufo. The waiter was very helpful and attentive. Service was very fast. If you're in the neighborhood, this is a great place to go.