Chris G.
Yelp
Numerous restaurants in the Palos Verdes area supported the slide recovery effort, with dining proceeds benefiting the cause. That was all the incentive we needed to visit, Primo Italia.
On this Wednesday evening around 6:45 PM, the restaurant was bustling. Parking is available on the street or in the back parking lot, but street parking can be tricky--especially when it involves parallel parking on the busy Hawthorne Boulevard.
Upon entering, we were greeted by the charming sound of a piano and live singing, creating a lovely ambiance. However, the lively atmosphere encouraged us to choose a quieter spot in the back room, perfect for catching up on our day. You will find a host upon entering the restaurant.
The decor was warm and inviting, with an impressive display of wine bottles and glasses adding a touch of elegance. They also have a big bar with televisions in the main dining room. I saw several people enjoying themselves after a long day of work.
The menu featured an enticing selection of Italian dishes, both from land and sea. We kicked off our meal with two appetizers that were simply delightful: Crostini Burrata and Gnocchi a la Romana--absolutely delicious on both fronts! The gnocchi preparation was different than I was accustomed to, see my picture.
For our main courses, we each picked an entrée that spoke to us, and then we swapped plates to sample everything. We ordered four dishes, each satisfying in its own way. They handmake all the pasta elements inhouse. My personal favorites, ranked, were: 1) Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, 2) Bucatini alla Gricia, 3) Picci Toscani con Tartufo Nero, and 4) Ravioli ai Funghi.
While dining in the back room meant a bit of a wait for our food, it was no issue as we enjoyed a lively family dinner. The staff was attentive, and Juan S. provided excellent recommendations and service.
Overall, the experience was exceptional, and the food was truly enjoyable. We collectively rated our visit at 4.5 out of 5, but I tend to round down. Primo is sure to impress--"MANGIA, MANGIA!"