Outstanding Dining Experience
Excellent.

This was our first trip, and it was the eve of Valentine's Day, so we were looking for something special. We got it.

From the cheerful valet parking attendant, the smiling and attentive host, and doting waitstaff, the initial experience is refreshing and wonderful. The seating arrangement is open and inviting. Dress is from casual to semi-formal, with no tie required. The atmosphere is suitable for family dining, and very conducive for teaching table manners and semi-formal experience to children.

From appetizers through dessert, the preparation, presentation, and taste were all consistenly excellent. The Calamaretti are light, tender, and the sauce is not overpowering. Some of the best we've had anywhere. The rolled and stuffed eggplant is also an excellent appetizer, and suprisingly well executed with all the different flavors.

We allowed the staff to select wine, which is always our test for first trips. The selection was dead on for the meals we selected. Italian Merlot - house for the veal, and a crisp white Zinfandel for the crab ravioli. Perfect.

As we both had specials, and this is our first time, we can only speak to them. Veal entree and crab ravioli were not only good, they were signature in their subtle taste. Both dishes lingered with smooth flavor that stayed consistent, satisfying, and never excessive.

The layered vanilla chocolate cake with raspberry and dark chocolate sauce was a perfect ending. The coffee is served strong and hot, but not scalding.

Summary: we both left feeling guilty at having missed this jewel for so long. We'll be back and highly recommend!    [14 Feb 2004 11:03:08]

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Recommended Dishes: Crab ravioli

     ­Chris Bonavita   cgoodlife at aol dot com

Service, what service?
After driving by this restaurant for too long, we decided to try it. We should have kept driving.

While the food was passible, the service was non-existent. After seeing people seated ahead of us (we had a reservation), we were seated next to a large noisy table in a nearly empty restaurant. After we were moved (by our request) we were forgotten.

Eventually, an individual who previously was the bus person took our entire order - no recitation of specials (of which we found later there were many), no drinks first, any questions about the menu, etc.

After another long and dry (no refilling of the water glasses) wait, the drinks arrived. The appetizers then arrived but the entrees were 35 minutes later, and incorrect. Soon after I sent my entree back as it was not was what was ordered, we heard another waiter recite a long list of specials to another table, a list from which we were not privileged to select.

Seeing that the evening was not likely to improve, I complained to the manager and asked for the check. Once I convinced him that no, I was not interested in getting the food to go, he agreed to provide the check. Ten minutes later I had to ask again for the check.

Finally, as any good meal must be completed with dessert, the valet brought us the wrong car.

While the food was not bad, there seems to be no guarantee that you will actually get any. I recommend that you keep driving.    [26 Dec 2006 21:05:02]

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     ­Local Patron   

Inconsitent reviewer
I concur with Mr. Bonavita. The dining experience was outstanding. I especially liked his use of the word "doting". We too were doted on. I would even suggest that we got a double shot of "dote". I take exception to the review written by "local patron" (you coward you - post your name!). I'm not sure how you can provide an overall rating of one star while giving both the food and the ambiance a 3 star rating. Remember that part of math in 5th grade called "averages"? Oh, that's right - you were too busy complaining about the poor service your teacher provided because she forgot about you (granted, it was a field trip, but are you noticing a trend here?). Worse yet, you give the food a decent rating and then never recommend a dish. Well, to you, Mr. or Mrs. Flip Flop, I say that it's likely that nobody can please you. Viva Ristorante Primavera!    [29 May 2007 12:20:59]

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     ­Max Patkin   

Home base
The food is very good, ambiance is good but service is spotty. We go to RP quite a bit and while service has never been as bad as described above, Sometime times you have to ask for things. However, the people (servers) are very friendly and inviting. I would rate service as ok. Ask for one of DeWitt's tables and you wont be disappointed with your service.

I would try what ever your in the mood for. There are hidden gems on the menu but anything you order will be good.    [19 Jan 2008 11:47:38]

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Recommended Dishes: Bistecca (medium rare)

     ­Local