Had brunch in Il Primo with a gang of friends on Sunday. The place was lovely, chilled and relaxed. I had the roast lamb which was cooked to perfection - crispy and pink. I was jealous of my pals steak and eggs but the raclette topped rosti was the big hit. We will make this a regular haunt on Sundays. Going back soon.

We had our office Christmas dinner here. Very few of my colleagues have been and were pleasantly surprised. The game lasagne was nice, but a bit dry and not up to the usual pasta standard. The risottos however, were excellent. Although I don't like boozy tiramisu's, this could have done with more alcohol. The service was good.

I went back to Il Primo to give it a second chance, but it was disappointing like the first time. The staff was ok and friendly enough in a busy night, the place was dark and cold. We got a grill vegetable salad, (small, not enough dressing or vegetables) and a seabass fillet that said on the menu pan fried, wich it was not, was baked in the oven with no seasoning, cold and served on a cold plate. Food is disappointing in a restaurant with such a reputation, and I will not be back in this restaurant.

Back to il primo last month, for another lovely evening. Food, wine and ambience on top form as per usual. Certainly one of the best restaurants in Dublin. Am looking forward to lunch on Xmas eve!

Went with a group of 11 to Il Primo on Wednesday night. The food and service was fantastic. The place was really busy but that did not affect the service. The Waiters were so nice and helpful. There was a lovely atmosphere in the restaurant and all of our party loved the dishes that they had. I had the Bresaola with Rocket and Parmesan as a starter. This was well seasoned and had a really nice dressing. I had the slow cooked dry aged beef with truffle mash and peroni onion rings for a main course. The beef was really tender and melt in the mouth. The portions were very generous. I couldn't fit a dessert but just about managed the cheese with fruit chutney. We all had a great time and we would definitely return. I would seriously recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to have a really good food experience

I visited this restaurant with a large (15) group. The room was a perfect size and ambiance was nice. We were only given 9 slices of baguette for the whole group to start which I thought was quite miserly. I had the main of braised beef which was extremely fatty - as a result of chewing into it I lost my appetite completely. Unfortunately I cannot recommend it.

Popped into Il Primo on a cold and blustery thursday night...first time here and was greeted at the door by a jovial chap who asked would we like to sit at the bar area downstairs or upstairs in the main body of the restaurant. We chose the former and settled in for a very pleasant evening...the food and service was great we both commented on our departure that we were delighted to have found this hidden gem.

Perfect lunch on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. Attentive and informative service.Myself and companion had a pair of smoked haddock and chive risottos, and a couple of glasses of a well matched white. It takes a skilled waiter to tell you that you've chosen the wrong glass of wine for the dish, and suggest another far more suitable match, without a hint of arrogance. Thankfully, he did. Like all good risottos, the dish delivered the requisite side order of guilt- proper risotto should never taste like it's good for you. Skill was also demonstrated in the judicious seasoning, which, given the already high content of salt from the haddock, could have fallen asunder in more amateur hands. Cheese was offered, but not accepted. The dish needed nothing. I'll be back.

A group of 8 of us dined here last night. We chose this restaurant based on reviews we had read in a dublin restaurant guidebook and in newspapers. I could not fault the staff. They were very friendly and helpful. The food however was a different story. Our salads were lacking dressing and had more leaves than necessary to balance the accompanying items. The hot food was served on cold dishes, which meant by the time you were halfway through the food was cold. Desserts were very good, they were the best part of the meal.We had a good night there due to the company I was in rather than the food that was being served. I wish I could say that I would recommend this restaurant and that I will be returning but unfortunately neither will be the case.

Met a friend for dinner last night and we were just in time to avail of the pre theatre menu. We had 2 courses for €23 - not the best value around these days particularly when you consider its largely pasta or risotto. However the food was good - I had the beef strips to start and it was a really good dish. Had the mushroom risotto then, flavoursome but not out of this world. I like the fact that when you ask for parmesan its grated from the block - nice rustic touch. My friend had the crab lasagne and she said it was good. What made the experience stand out for me was the exceptional service. The waiter was very attentive but not intrusive. My friend couldn't choose between a couple of different red wines so he gave her a half glass of each. When my white wine was finished he gave me a complimentary top up. Nothing was too much trouble. I wouldn't dash back but if I was in the area again I would be more than happy to head back for another meal.

Yikes, I dused to dine here on a regular basis a couple of years ago and loved it. I stopped going as I felt I was going too much. I visited for the first time last week and was so dissappointed. All the regular faces had gone unfortunately, and the restaurant lacked in the atmosphere it used to have. Food was fine, pasta was drenched in sauce though and over salty for me, noone checked on us until after our meals so i didn't get an opportunity to change it. I think it will be a while before I go back.

Came here last night with my colleagues, had heard good things about it and was looking forward to a relaxing thursday night. We arrived early to avail of the pre theatre menu and the place was already busy with a nice buzzing atmosphere. We were asked would we like to sit downstairs or upstairs and chose the former as to people watch a little! The welcome was genuinely friendly and the service continued in this vein for the night with a very knowledgable Italian waiter advising on our wine..we had a Morellino di Scansano on his suggestion which was perfect. All my guests were happy with the food epsecially the crab lasagne and the special seafood risotto...I suppose the best compliment I can pay the chef is that all of us commented its authenticness (hmm is that a word!) flavour and value. Lots of nice little touches such as freshly shaved parmesan at the table and little cantuccini with the coffee to finish Thoroughly enjoyable meal highly recommended

My 1st and only visit. Have never been so disappointed in a restaurant (especially one with such a good name). 1st impressions, cramped and dark. A cool evening and we were put sitting beside a window (closed) but it might as well have been open, as there was a breeze blowing through it. We had to keep our coats on the entire visit. Had heard their Risotto was the best around. So chose for my starter. SERIOUSLY, the best. NOT. Mine supposed to have chicken and wild mushroom. A tiny bowl of what looked like (use your imagination), but involves young infants. There was not 1 single piece of chicken and the only mushroom was balanced on top as some sort of garnish. Not a flavour in the world off it. Wallpaper paste has more appeal. AND... the plates were cold, a big no no in my book. I did tell the waiter my concerns, but just got a sorry and a smile. For my mains I had 2 half portions of 2 different pasta. Again, cold plates so meal was congealed by the time it arrived. Even if they had been hot, I'm glad did not have a full portion of either. Although if you had liked them you would still be hungry after as portions tiny but not at tiny prices. Have to say, I'm sorry but really have nothing good to say about this place and def. won't be making as 2nd visit.

Had dinner here last Friday, from the moment I walked in I loved the vibe of the place...friendly welcome and attentive service from the off. I had the sirloin strips to start which were excellent and the special main course of roasted monkfish in parma ham which continued the theme of the night and was also perfect. One peroni and a glass of chianti meant the bill came in under €70 for the two of us..good job done by all

This is my first time in this establishment even though the friend I was with had been there before. You could describe the restaurant as cosy. There is a small bar downstairs. The restaurant is upstairs and is divided into 2 small rooms connected by a very narrow corridor. Food is great and service is good even though it was understaffed and the waiting staff were rushed off their feet a little. Value for money was average. Try the beef stew risotto if it is on.

This restaurant accommodated our party of 26 persons in a small and intimate private area last night. They designed an amazing 3 course set menu for us which had an excellent range of variety and choice. The value for money was exceptional, the service was great and the food was even better. The manager of this restaurant was exceptionally friendly and extremely helpful when arranging a party for such a large group. Can't rate our experience any higher! . Will definitely be returning!

A little pricy for what you get but solid delivery of good food. Seared steak salad was simple but delicious and risottos were excellent and delivered taste and good comfort food We did not have a reservation but friendly staff seated us without any of the tut-tutting experienced elsewhere. Will definitely return!

we are always well looked after at lunchtime here and the food is generally tasty especially the risotto with the odd exception service is always very good

This has to be the most amazing Italian restaurant in Dublin! Super food, wine and service in a really relaxed atmosphere. I love going back here any chance I get. The specials always offer something delicious!

Il Primo is a great find tucked away between Camden Street and Harcourt Street. As always, food and service were exceptional.

Was here with a large group for lunch. Overall quite impressed with the standards. Would have liked larger portions but as it was a lunch menu I can't give out too much. In general the group had chicken skewers, hake and canneloni (spelt wrong!) and all very positive. Chocolate cake for desert was also delicious. This was all washed down by a nice pinot grigio. Didn't see final bill but will def come back!

Some friends took me for dinner here - we were a table of three. The usptairs is nice but you get the feeling everyone can hear every word you're saying. I ordered wine by the glass so didn't see the wine lst. The menu was pretty good and I had the chick pea bruschetta with ham and then the pasta with prawns. They were both pretty tasty, but I was expecting something better since I'd heard so much about the place. I'd rate the food at Nonna Valentino above I can't see if I would go back to Il Primo by choice if I was looking for good Italian. I suppose it's slightly cosier and less formal so maybe it's better for lunch. My friends ordered the risotto and loved it - smoked salmon and horse radish.

The finest and most authentic Italian food I have tasted in Dublin. Only recently was I thinking that Dublin does not offer any decent Italian restaurants when a friend reccomended Il Primo. On viewing the menu I knew what I was in for. I tried the Duck tart for my starter and the spaghetti with prawns and spinach for my main. The food could not have been better and the service was superb. Can't wait to return.

My very first experience of Il Primo. Had a Christmas lunch with my loved one's cousins, aunts and uncles. I had the slowly cooked rabbit as a main and the strips of beef with rocket and parmesan as a starter. Some of us had tomato soup followed by sea bream. I went for my favourite finish, a cheese platter. It's a cosy place, a bit noisy, yet comfortable. The food was excellent and was enjoyed by all. A new Italian to add to my growing list of good restaurants in Dublin.

The best pasta in Dublin! Am a regular lunch guest here - love the two-course special. We had a soup to start and pasta to follow and on this occasion, chocolate torte as a dessert. All excellent. We will return!

very nice restaurant. service and food are excellent. a little bit expenive though. will return with their current offer :)

I had dined once previously at Il Primo before my recent experience and found it to be fantastic. It was always recommended to me by my father as well. Unfortunately my last visit was disappointing. After a superb starter (mussels in a white wine sauce, and a goats cheese tart) we were treated to two sub par risotto dishes, one lemon chicken and one "seafood special". My seafood risotto contained about 5 or 6 substantial bones and other questionable items, the chicken dish containing some gristle. Both main courses were for the most part bland. It is a huge shame as despite our early seating in the almost empty restaurant it was a very receptive atmosphere and our waitress was hugely likeable. I hope to see these things rectified the next time I dine there.

Even if a little pricy, Il Primo is very solid and dependable and shows off to great effect what's best about Italian cooking, it's simplicity and purity of flavours, it's clever use of authentic artisan foods and nature's bounty, all complemented by a fabulous array of world class wines. I'm a frequent visitor to the restaurant and just want to applaud the good work they do here.

Hadnt been to Il Primo before, but wanted to try somewhere different and I wasn t disappointed. We were seated upstairs (which I would recommend you to book as downstairs is quite informal maybe more suitable for lunch than dinner). Food was really good, and as it was a Wednesday night there was 20% of all wines! The service was excellent. All in all I would definetly go back!

I’m a big fan of this place! Simple yet delicious dishes, warm atmosphere and great service- one of the first places I think of when taking friends out for dinner.

Had never even heard of this place but was booked for a work dinner. We were seated upstairs promptly - a little cramped as the space is quite small but it was fairly comfortable overall. The lighting is lovely but the very small space and sparse decor take away from the atmosphere somewhat. I had the marinated steak to start - really delicious, and then the crab and leek lasagne for main - also really lovely, and a perfectly sized portion. My friends who went for the calamari were not so successful - I tasted it and it was cold and had a strange texture and taste, not recommended. Had a bread and butter pudding for dessert which was not really bread and butter pudding, more a fruit cake. Worked out pretty expensive for the meal including wine, but the food is overall of a high standard so would probably go back.

Hadn't been to Il Primo in a long time but dropped in for a mid week bite recently. Glad to see it's good as ever. Risotto was perfectly cooked and had great flavour and braised lamb shoulder with home made pasta was simple but delicious. Only slight food gripe was a touch of underseasoning. Wine and coffee were excellent as ever. I keep forgetting about Il Primo because it is slightly off the beaten track but I will not be leaving it so long before visiting next time.

I went here for a celebration dinner and wasn't disappointed. The restaurant itself is divided in two with a brightly lit downstairs area with a few high tables and bar and upstairs is much more cosy and intimate with really great lighting. Music was pretty dreadful though, don't really want to listen to the James Bond theme while I'm eating but still pretty funny. I opted for a seafood risotto starter which was light and tasty and generously portioned. My partners goats cheese bruschetta was also enjoyed greatly. For mains my lamb tagliatelle was pretty unusual with the lamb having been stewed down to a similar consistency to tuna, taste wise though it was a winner. A shared tiramisu for dessert was quickly devoured. Pricewise each course was quite expensive at around €10 for a starter and €18 for a pasta main but as a treat Il Primo is a great option.

went there on a Saturday night. The restaurant is quite small so probably better avoid week ends when it inevitably tends to be packed ( and customers getting squashed). I have mixed feelings about this restaurant: while my oxtail pappardelle were excellent (pappardelle were home made) my partner risotto was quite over cooked in my opinion and starters were also nothing special. Desserts were good though, my chocolate pudding was very pleasant. Wide range of wines on the list; service attentive and they don't push you to finish your meal. Overall good experience, but we won't rush back.

Was here for lunch a few Fridays ago - had the Caneolloni - absolutely yum! The waitress was lovely - however, the place looked closed up when we arrived - about 12:40, and we were the only customers upstairs - at peak time on a Fri! I think they should open at 12:00 - and open the door, and light candles in the window; anything to make the place seem open for business, and not somewhere that you'd walk past! I think they lose out bigtime on not opening earlier,and not trying to welcome people in. Having said that, the food yas gorgeous and good value.

Not a bad meal i guess. Service was a bit slow. Though i do appreciate any place that can cook a good Oxtail. Overall pleasant

First time, and I have to say I really enjoyed! I went on a first date and thanks to Il Primo it was a success. The service is excellent, I booked for 18:15 and we got there 30 minutes earlier but there was not any problem for us to have our table. I asked for two prosecco just for a cin cin with my date and it was very good and at a reasonable price. I had liver as per starter (I raccomend it) and it was gorgeous just like mama make back home and my friend got the seafood salad and she was extremely pleased. As per main I got the Pappardelle with oaxtail and porcini mushroom while she choose risotto with seafood and we were both very impressed and pleased with it. The service was great and we felt we could have stayed all nite without getting the impression to be rushed out. Along with our food we got 2 glasses of wine and again no complains. We finished than with 2 tiramisu and again nothing bad about it. So we were very happy and the overall experience will bring us back again!Best place for a first date!

Excellent. This is the lasting memory of my first time at Il Primo. I wanted an Italian food resturant and read the other reviews about this restuarant and so booked a table for my girl friend and I. We had a table upstairs and yes the bottles are still stacked on the stairs. The service was quick, polite and efficient. Even though the restuarant was packed with people and a little noisy, the atmosphere was warm and cosy. At no time were we made to feel rushed and clear the table. In fact we felt we could have stayed all night and talked to the early morning hours. The food was excellent, the portions just right and the wine list very good. We will definately be going back again.

Great food, I have been a few times now and cant resist the marinated steak starter they do - it is soo tasty! I think it's much nicer to sit downstairs so I ask for that. More atmospheric, upstairs looks colder and more squashed. Risottos are great and you can get them or the pasta as half portion which is good as full portion is too much if I want to eat anything else.

I had often passed by and wondered how a restaurant managed to stay afloat with only 3 tables. So when it came up as a suggestion for our Christmas team dinner I was thinking there was obviously more to this than meets the eye. On arrival we were directed upstairs past many boxes of wine, around the corner by the coat rack and into a room no bigger than the average living room but at least with plentiful windows. Our waiter was excellent. My colleague who had been before suggested I ask for the duck risotto which was not on the set menu as it is his favourite. I did and after a quick chat with the kitchen it was deemed possible! Well, he was right. It was probably the best risotto I've ever tasted. The portion was large without being obscene and I finished it easily without having to be helped out of the restaurant afterwards. The waiter was also very helpful with choosing from the Italian-only wine list. The wine he chose was to everyone's liking and went very well with the meals. I'll be back. It is a place for a special night as it is not cheap but definitely one to remember for a birthday.

Best chocolate cake EVER! 5 of us dined here last Friday, on one of the busiest pre christmas nights in town, the restaurant was the same. Never having been here I was very impressed, small restaurant, dim lighting nice atmosphere. Attentive and friendly staff. It is a pity though that pre christmas most restaurants choose to have set menus. it can be limited for some. I opted for the marinated sirloin, which was fantastic, I'll be going back for it. Beef Cannelloni for main. 1 friend order the chocolate cake and after foolishly offering a taste 3 more of us were hooked it was gorgeous. Good wine menu, I will be going back

I have the interesting experience of writing about our groups visit to Il Primo when someone else from my group has already written about. Our group was over 30 people and the space upstairs just wasn't suitable. Everyone was very cramped and one table was being served main course when another table was getting their dessert. The set menu was very limited, pork belly casserole was substituted for the night with duck which was nice enough but didn't go that well with the bean casserole. I was struggling for a main and went for lamb, there was a lot of it but not a lot of flavour. Chocolate cake was just ok. I might try Il Primo again but it will be hard to get over a very average first impression

Went to Il Primo for a work christmas meal. We had the set menu, the choices were pretty good and every one of the eight liked their dishes. I had the fish soup to start and the beef canelloni for my main, both were really tasty. I will definitely be back to try the a la carte some evening.

I am mindful that it is the Christmas season and that most restaurants are busy with big parties. Having booked ahead at Il Primo and not noticed the tiny writing at the bottom of the webpage where it stated that at this time of year, a set menu is the only available option, I was disappointed in the lack of choice. We were entertaining visitors from outside Ireland and had one very fussy diner with us who was less than impressed. The prawn & garlic risotto was very nice but the rice was overcooked and the garlic overpowering while the canneloni was judged to be very nice but not very filling. All in all, I would go back to Il Primo on a quieter night but I definitely did not enjoy a good meal experience.

A large group is always difficult to cater for but even keeping this in mind the overall experience remained disappointing. The set menu offered little to inspire most of our group. I choose the salad as a starter; which comprised of an abundance of green leaves, 3 pine nuts (I counted) & 2 halves of a cherry tomato. My main was salmon which was accompanied by roasted vegetables which all swam nicely in a river of oil. Hardly the healthy option I was hoping for. Desert of chocolate cake was just "ok". Service was good yet delivery of each course to the 3 cramped tables we occupied was staggered to say the least. The group impression also reflected my own, that of mediocrity. If a restaurant cannot cater for large groups; do not accept the booking.

This place is tiny! My tomato chorizo pasta had some pesto on it and the whole dish just tasted of pesto then! I mean I love pesto but I didn't think I had ordered a pesto dish! The rocket pizza was just perfect, one of the nicest pizzas I've ever had in Ireland. The guy serving us was very knowledgeable but at all not condescending. Recommended! .

Wonderful food and Great Service. Have eaten Il Primo about 4 times over recent months. It has been wonderful on each occasion. Highly recommend the Sirloin & Rocket starter and the Crab and Leak Lasagne

We tryed Il Primo on recommendation from a friend. While we enjoyed it we expected more. Although we had booked a table, when we arrived we had to wait in the cramped doorway for about 10 mins along with 3 other parties. There were only two staff on for the whole restaurant, one of which was also the host.The sirloin starter is really good. I had the pear and blue cheese salad, which would have been really lovely if the pear wasn't so under ripe. My partner had a pasta dish which was nice and I had the beetroot and ricotta risotto which was v disspointing. No real flavour to it. I will try it again in the future, but I won't be rushing back.

My favourite restaurant in Dublin!!! Get a table downstairs by the bar for a romantic dinner or book a big table upstairs for groups. It smells delicious the minute you walk through the door, the food is full of flavour and cooked to perfection. The staff are happy to help and will leave you alone if you want them to. They dont do early-bird but the prices are very reaonable for what you get. The last time I was there, was a rainy summer evening and we just sat by the window for hours, feeling warm and cozy watching people strugling with umbrellas outside!

Myself and A girlfriend went here for a catch up and some good hearty food My soup to start was amazing, full of flavor and really tasty. My friends rocket salad was a bit on the basic side, nothing too swanky I have to say!.... Our mains were not the best either my cannelloni was quite over cooked and looked like something I could throw together at home myself. The desserts we chose were a apple sponge cake which was nice but the caramelized fruit was tasteless and too sloppy. The service on the night was rather good. The waiter was very nice and very helpful. I think they just need to take a look at their menu and change some things around and this would be a gem of a place!

I love this restaurant. The risottos are delicious and the chocolate cake is amazing - make sure you leave room! The sirloin salad starter is also a firm favourite amongst my meat eating friends! The staff are always really helpful and know the menus inside out.

I really wanted to LOVE this place, but alas, it was more of a LIKE. It has a great pre-dinner drinks area downstairs- which made me feel that it was going to be a really special place. The service is great- the waiters really know their stuff and are approachable and the atmosphere was buzzing early on a Friday evening. What really let it down was, unfortunately, the food, more specifically the portion sizes (after a 3 course meal, I left unsatisfied). The quality of the food was OK....my trout salad to start was good although lacking in anything other than trout and leaves. My blue cheese and roasted broccoli risotto was OK, a bit dry and not enough gorgonzola flavour and my chocolate cake was ok- but not more-ish...The wine was great (as recommended by the waiter) and my kir aperitif was sensational- the best kir I've had in a long time...not sure if i'll be back....

I visited the restaurant last Saturday night with my better half. Service was as good as I can remember. It was attentive without being overbearing and knowledgeable without being arrogant. They created an easy-going ambience that made the meal all the more enjoyable. Food was excellent. Menu is a little expensive but €119 with tip was reasonable given the quality of the overall experience. Both my wife and I were impressed and we will be back!!!

Ate here last night before the Carlsberg Comedy Festival. Really quaint little italian restaurant. Modern, simple decor. Staff were really friendly & helpful. Food was delicious, I would recommend the spinach & ricotta cannelloni. A little bit more expensive than your average Italian but worth a visit.

I booked a table in this restaurant for Saturday night and it did not disappoint. The service was brilliant, from the moment we walked in til we left we were treated lite royalty. The waitress offered suggestions on both the menu and the wine list, suggestions which turned out fantastic. The food was exceptionally good, and this place is definitely going to be visited again.

"Italian food as it should be" thats what you get when you eat at Il Primo. We were made very welcome right from our arrival. The service was excellent and very professional, and it was easy to see that the waiting staff were passionate about their food and had pride in their menu and restaurant.We had a quail dish and sirloin / salad for starters.For mains I tried the Risetto and my partner had lasange. The only quibble which we had was the Tirasimu, which was served as a very small portion.If it was twice the size it would just be about right. We finished off a very satisfying meal with tea and good coffee. Two glasses of wine and a bottle of water(5 Euro) brought the bill to 90 Euro.For Italian food this is a little pricey, however it won't stop me returning for another visit.

Me and my colleagues ate here last week at lunch time. We would recommend it although we felt we were very cramped. Food was delicious and certainly different to other italian restaurants. Looking forward to dining there some evening.

Where will I start this restaurant is Amazing! What a little jem, tucked away off Harcourt Street. I went here with my boyfriend a couple of Saturdays ago the atmosphere on arrival was really welcoming, the restaurant manager offered us a seat in the downstairs area in the bar or upstairs. We opted for the bar area, there is such a buzz here! I enjoyed a Risotto Pancetta with shredded duck which I would highly recommend it. The staff are excellent and recommended a beautiful bottle of wine. I would definitely recommend it and will return very soon.

Good food, friendly staff, but noisy though. We were there as a group of 6, sitting upstairs. The space is small & not quite cramped. I wouldn't like to have been there for a romantic meal. Noise travels not just in the room we were in, but also it seemed from downstairs. We couldn't easily have conversation from one end of the table to the other. Having said all that, the staff were so nice, professional and good; the food was tasty and quite good value. I would go back, but would look to go on a quieter week-night.

Can t believe Ive only discovered this place! Myself and a friend went here on Saturday night. She had been years before but it was my first time. Arrived alone which is always daunting but received a really warm welcome and it only got better! Its got a unique style with a really homely feel. The Irish waiter and waitress looked after us in a way I wish would happen in all Dublin restaurants. The food is the best Ive had outside of Italy and the prosciutto and wine divine..if you haven't experienced Il Primo you are truly missing out..Il Primo is in my top three and I cant wait to try the other dishes. Id go back for the service alone.

I ate here with some girlfriends for a mid-week meal. The welcome was lovely, but the waiter service wasn't great. The restaurant wasn't all all busy but we seemed to have to wait to get his attention. Food was fine but not great. Need a wee bit more choice on the menu to appeal to everyone's taste. When asked for a wine recommendation e.g. something in the region of a house wine, we were recommended a quite expensive wine so we had to ask for another. Overall it was fine, but not somewhere I'd rush back to. All it needs though is a bit better of a waiter service and more food choice. A little bit of tweaking and it could be very enjoyable.

I've only eaten here for lunch but it's streets ahead of the surrounding restaurants. At lunchtime you can get a starter sized portion of any of the mains, which works out incredibly reasonably and doesn't mean you're too full when you go back to work. I'd really recommend the crab lasagna but to be honest you just can't go wrong with any of the dishes!

Had a work lunch here a few weeks ago and thought it was really nice and chilled. Small and unique. Good menu, food was off high standard. I will be returning very soon to try the evening menu.

Had dinner here with 2 friends on a recent Saturday night. We arrived early but were seated immediately. I had a pear and blue cheese salad to start and then the risotto. Both were excellent, as were my companions' dishes. The portions didn't appear very large but only one of us was able to manage a dessert ! Service was prompt and friendly throughout: in fact, had we wanted a long evening out we might have felt a little hurried. Il Primo is a considerable cut above your regular Dublin Italian restaurant.

Il primo is just great! I love the rabbit pasta in particular but all that I have tried have been interesting. The risottos are really good also. This is a cut well above the average Italian restaurant that you will find in Dublin. The chef Anita is really passionate about food. Great staff - professional & friendly. Fantastic selection of wines and prices are good. Has a real New York feel to it.

Did we just hit this place on a "bad night" or what?? Had heard great things about Il Primo but, sadly, it did not live up to expectations. Chicken dish was particularly poor, lacking flavour and imagination. Would not be inclined to return.

Now THIS is a restaurant that understands service!!! the staff were fantastic- extremely welcoming, helpful and efficient. The place was bustling, the crowd very relaxed and cosy and a great buzz in the place...even the staff looked like they wanted to be there! As for the food...there was nothing left on any of the plates going back to the kitchen all night but the bones of the main courses...deeeeeelicious!!!!!

After a long absence at il primo I was pleased to see it was more airy and fresh and felt as if it was getting some love again. My guests and I were lucky enough to sit downstairs where the buzz was to a lovely glass of prosecco. There was no little bowl of olives but lovely bread and olive oil which got the tastebuds going. We ordered fish cakes, soup of the day and the favourite pan fried sirlion steak as starters. Sadly the classic crab and leek lasagne was not on the menu, but I am convinced that after our protests it will be very soon! Il primo really know how to make fresh, good pasta, especially the spaghetti which we all ordered with different sauces which were all delicious. We ended the meal with a very generous cheese plate and tiramisu. The wine as usual was brilliant and the selection vast and well priced. The service was subtle but professional and we all had a great relaxing start to the new year. The bill didnt break the bank as it used to do which added to the night. No matter if its a business lunch, group dinner or romantic night out, il primo won't let you down.

I visited this restaurant with my Mum a couple of months ago and have to say that it was definitely the best Italian I have had in Ireland. The service was excellent and the staff very helpful especially when asked for advice on food and wine selections. It was a beautiful meal and I can't wait to return next time I'm in Dublin.

I went here a little while ago with my mum for lunch. We had a glass of prosecco each (great) and a nice seat downstairs by the window. The place has is clean, warm and comfortable. I had the crab & leek lasagna which I thought was gooorrrgeous and my mum had the broccoli & blue cheese risotto. It was the nicest risotto I have ever tasted. It's fairly steep but a great place if you feel like pushing the boat out a bit. Very Very Tasty and a special atmosphere.

Got last minute tickets for a show in the NCH and decided to make a night of it. As my wife is heavily pregnant we decided to try somewhere local. I had walked past Il Primo a number of times and fancied giving it a go. From the very start the staff made us feel welcome. Unfortunately, as we are in the Christmas silly season the menu was the set Christmas one and perhaps not one based on what ingredients are fresh or good. That said the menu did provide us with enough choice that we took a good ten minutes to decide on what to eat. After that decision had been made we were then tasked with trying to work out which bottle of wine to go for. Thankfully the waiter was on hand to suggest and was bang on the money with the wine he suggested. I will definitely be giving Il Primo another try once Christmas is over to see if the evident charm carries over to general dining.

I love this little restaurant on Montague Street. The staff are so friendly and the food is amazing. I've never once been disappointed!

Great little Italian tucked in off Harcourt Street. We were shown to a cosy little table upstairs and had a gorgeous bottle of red wine. For starters, I chose the sardines and he had the sirloin. A great start - both were perfection! For mains, I had the spaghetti with chorizo and he had the cannelloni. Again, beautiful! I'm getting hungry just writing about it. The atmosphere is so intimate - even though there was a larger party upstairs with us, we felt as if we were completely alone. We were too stuffed to attempt dessert, but they are definitely on my list for next time!

Stumbled across Il Primo following a couple of drinks on Wexford Street. It is tucked down a little lane way just off the street, so it would be quite easily to miss. When we walked in, I knew this restaurant would be a regular haunt. The place has a semblance of cool about it, the artwork on the walls keeps your interest, it is they type of place I would have no problem dining alone in. The staff are so welcoming and so happy, which tells me that they work in a good environment. We were seated upstairs, a party of four, and recommended a bottle of red and white wine. I tried both, and both were perfect, I wish I had gotten the names. For starters I plumped for the bresaola, which was delicious, I just couldn’t fault it. Followed by a delicious pasta with chorizo, which was full of flavour, and far too much to finish. The others in our party were equally thrilled with their dishes. Pizzas and sea bass came highly recommended. I am so glad we stumbled across this restaurant, I will be telling everyone who will listen about my new discovery!

This is a lovely little restaurant. The staff are very friendly and the food is gorgeous. I found it very difficult to choose as everything on the menu sounded yum. I opted for a sirloin beef salad for starter and crab lasagne for mains. Both were wonderful especially the lasagne. My boyfriend had the steak which was huge and perfectly cooked to medium rare. I'd highly recommend a visit!

Food very good, not great value. I ate here last night and thought the atmosphere, service and food were very good but it was a little pricey. We had Sardines and mixed salad as starters, two different risottos for main (duck and broccoli/blue cheese) and chocolate cake & cheese to finish. Wine list was excellently varied and we chose a recommended bottle which lived up to the hype. Was disappointed by the response to our question about what one of the cheeses was on the cheese plate - the response was "blue"??!!!! Lovely atmosphere in the place and the staff were hugely attentive, very friendly and polite. I would return here most definitely as the quality of the food was very good.

I have eaten here twice, and I hope to continue doing so for a long time to come. The place is small, so be prepared to hear everyone else's conversations above your own, especially if a large group have just finished eating... The food is very tasty, and the staff pride themselves on their knowledge of the wine list. Sirloin starter and the steak main course are highly recommended. All in all, tasty Italian food, at reasonable prices, Double thumbs up!

Great Spot. I have been eating here for years. Try the signature crab lasagne dish, it is fantastic. The resturant used to be run by a fellow who had a wine wholesale business as well, and therefore a good but pricey wine list in the resturant. The staff have now taken the resturant over and the wine list is just as good but far more reasonable. Although the menu does not say it, you can order one of the pasta mains as a starter.

Had an amazing meal here last night. The food is superb but I must say I was more impressed with the wine list, well researched and our waitress knew exactly what she was talking about. The food was spot on: the risotto was cooked to perfection and my steak was seasoned delicately but sadly more medium than medium rare, but it didn't stop me eating it! Coffees were good strength. I wasn't too seduced by the dessert list, but the biscotti was enough after the risotto and steak and the fact that my fork travelled to all plates at the table. Great for a romantic meal and big tables too. Will definitely be back there.

My partner and I visited il primo the other night. I have to say it was one of the best meals we have had in Dublin for a while. The food is simple Italian fare using quality ingredients and the wine list is excellent. Our waitress was outstanding and her wine recommendations went down a treat. We will be back often.

I ate here on Friday night and it was delicious. We both had the starter of sirloin and I would go back for that alone. I then had lovely duck risotto, which was good and not too rich or heavy. 2 complaints though - first is the bad table by the top of the stairs - we were initially seated there and the waitress saw my reaction and moved us fairly promptly. It's too cramped there. The 2nd issue was the bottled water. It wasn't cold. Bottled water (sparkling) should always come from the fridge. Another table had to ask for ice, so we were not the only people who got warm sparkling water.

Had a great evening in this place. Have to admit I love Italian wine and in this place they have the best selection of Italian wine in Dublin. Was on a date - very gay friendly. This is a very good restaurant serving as good as it gets Italian fare with sophisticated service that I would use for business and pleasure.

Stumbled upon this place the other night with no expectations, was very pleasantly surprised. We had some very excellent pasta, braised oxtail with one, hare & porcini with the other. Pasta was cooked perfectly all in all very authentic Italian food, a nice change from stodge often murking around as Italian food. Didn’t know much about their wines so friendly waiter helped with our choice. Great atmosphere liked the fact wine was stored anywhere they could find space, all in all very nice time.

Il Primo suffered for many years under the previous owner: high prices and towards the end poor quality ingredients. I have eaten there many times since it re-opened and the food is excellent. I particularly like the sirloin and the fresh risottos and pasta. In my view its authentic Tuscan food and the wine list is superb value. (I understand its directly imported from small producers.) The atmosphere is great, particularly so downstairs. Don't go if you want fussy, posh service this is friendly and the staff are well trained and informed about the food and wine. I will be going back again and again!

Was anxious to try it out again under the new management, but a bit disappointed. Had the braesolo for starters, which was fine, but was really looking forward to the crab leek and lemon lasagne. However, it was definitely all it was cracked up to be, mainly because of the lashing of tomato sauce all over it, which completely killed the flavour of the crab, no taste of lemon, and found the leek underneath it after I got rid of the tomato stuff. Have to admit that the service was faultless, but can they never get rid of those boxes on the staircase? They really are a fire hazard, and very difficult to negotiate if you are elderly, like me. Enjoyed our evening, but mainly for the company, not the food.

I am at a loss to know what other people are talking about in the recent reviews of Il Primo. I have eaten there twice in the last 3 weeks and I adore the place. The food is very reasonably priced, they have a fab selection of wines (of which our waitress was very knowledgeable without being condescending) and the flavours are fab. I have had the cannelloni, the risotto, the beef sirloin salad and the chicken and I would not fault any of them. However my favourite without a doubt is the risotto, the duck and pancetta one. The flavours are sublime and it is so filling and comforting. The best risotto around. I love this place and will be back there again in the very near future

I have eaten in Il Primo many times before but not in the last couple of years until a few days ago, and I must say I was immensely disappointed as was my husband, he had a salad to start and it was dry and flavourless, we can all throw a bit of rocket, parmesan and parma ham together, I had what they called a fish soup but this was a fish soup with a difference it had chorizo sausages in it and it certainly was a first for me. I will say they do an excellent Crab Lasagne, if it wasn't burned as was with the pizza we had, I don't believe they will see us again.

Ive just heard about this site and to my amazement, there are good reviews about this place!!! It was over the Christmas period that myself and a friend had dinner there, After reading great reviews about it. Well, all I can say is that they obviously wrote the piece themselves, or knew the writer. The atmosphere was dreadful. The food was absolutely appalling!!! And incredibly over priced. The portions were so small and so simple that anyone could make them at home. The only saving grace for this "rustic Italian restaurant" was the service. Our waiter was a young Irish guy, Very friendly and efficient. Kept us smiling all night and was very helpful. We were seated upstairs and all you could hear from downstairs was the chief screaming all night. We were there for about two hours and it was continuous!! Then she actually came upstairs, In her uniform and started to have a beer with some customers beside us. I'm not in the business but I'm sure that is some kind of health and safety issue. I will never go back & recommend everybody to skip the unfortunate experience, And stay away! We tipped well, But for nothing other than the service. 2/5 - All to the waiters.

Staff were excellent, very well informed especially about the wine list. Delicious food and buzzy atmosphere would have to disagree with the negative reviews and would definitely return again.

Well done Primo!

I had read some of the reviews posted for this place and we decided to give it a go a few weeks back. The food wasn't very exciting and for the prices I would expect something more than ok. We won't be heading back there any time soon. Our waitress burned herself when a bowl of soup splashed back on her face as she came up the stairs (I hope she has recovered) but the service before and after was very good. Overall 2/5.

The night I went here, all I experienced was slow service of overpriced food and I felt like I was eating in a small warehouse, boxes everywhere! There is hardly any order to this restaurant. The staff seem ill-informed and ill-prepared. Good, authentic Italian food was a relief but not worth it for the atmosphere at all.

Curiosity got the better of me to see what the new owners had done to Il Primo. Soup of the day (always a good test for any restaurant) was lentil, but this was no ordinary lentil soup, this was made from very flavoursome stock and had a piece of naturally smoked haddock doing the breaststroke (nice touch). Main course was a very well prepared crabmeat, lemon and leek lasagne, good wines by the glass, and all served by a very friendly waitress. I'm looking forward to a return visit.

Truly disappointing. The prices are very high for the amount of food you get. A party of 11 - some were almost finished both starters and desserts by the time the others were served. The main course of spaghetti for €18 was soaked in butter with a couple of cloves of garlic thrown in - we had to order side dishes to make up for the paltry portions. The staircase up is lined with boxes of wine which I am sure is a fire hazard and the atmosphere was like being in your granny's living room. The waiter had a habit of putting his hand on your shoulder, which I found uncomfortable. Wine served appears to be a sample but no it was a full serving at €7 a glass. Overpriced and not worth the visit. Will not be going back.

On the strength of a recent review I went to this restaurant. The food was very simple but excellent. It was very busy on the night but service still very good with well informed staff. Will be back.

What a disappointment. We went to this restaurant because of the reviews accepting a 7pm sitting. Big mistake. We were rushed through our meal by fussy staff. For example, three times different waiters trying to take my unfinished starter plate before I mopped up the salad dressing with bread. Yes the waitress was helpful with the wine list but did persuade us to spend 55 Euro on a good Brunello. Our meal was finished by 8pm. One hour for Euro 120! It ruined our night.

I was at this restaurant on valentines day and I was a bit scared when I first walked in about the size as I thought it was quite small. I soon got over this and took my seat at a small table. The service was very quick, a little too quick and they only gave us a minute or two between courses. I think this may have been due to the night that it was but I felt very rushed. The food was amazing but limited as it was a set menu for valentines day and not very Italian. It was also in my opinion quite expensive. Overall I would go back here but not on Valentines Day...

Nice mood, excellent and well informed staff and the wine was great (selected facilitated by a very knowledgeable waitress). The pork main course was really good but my partner's lamb didn't hit the mark (there were lentils and mash and it was a bit much... and the lamb shank was a bit tough rather than succulent). Desserts were fairly uneventful and overall I felt it was pricey.

Not quite a traditional Italian but some dishes present an interesting combination of Irish and Italian cuisine (try the Papardelle with slow-cooked lamb) and the cannelloni’s were delicious as well. I felt the portions were rather small (typical Dublin) and pastas at €18 and risotto at €16 each a bit expensive- nowhere in Italia you will find these prices: it is just pasta and Arborio Risotto, if you know what I mean! Desserts were good but three choices are very limited. Service at Il Primo was super friendly and John, the owner, was also there to meet and greet the clients- excellent touch. The downstairs bar area at Il Primo is really cool and even though the two upstairs sections are cosy, the proximity of the tables might make you to feel as if you were sharing conversations and tables with someone else (another Dublin signature feature: squeeze as many tables as possible in a room).

Had been here a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it, it was quirky and charming but a recent return visit was very disappointing. It’s had a facelift but it now looks like any other restaurant. Wait staff were pleasant (a bit clueless though) but the atmosphere was a bit odd - we could hear loud shouting from the kitchen and it was rather off-putting. The food wasn't great - apart from one good starter (Parma ham salad) we were disappointed. Pasta with oxtail tasted of salt and nothing else, and my girlfriend's steak lacked any flavour and came with some boring potatoes. Dessert options were very limited (2 choices or cheese) and the tiramisu we ordered appeared to have been thrown at the plate from across the kitchen. Our wine was a good Chianti but we both felt it was quite expensive for what it was. I can't think of a good reason to go back.

On the strength of reviews I took the Gorgeous Blonde to Il Primo and found ourselves upstairs at a cosy table, served by an affable Australian. I don't question the quality of the food wine nor the unusual offerings on the menu. However, the two things that put me off more than anything else were the miserly servings of wine (the Gorgeous Blonde thought she had been given a taster rather than a glass) and the very paltry serving of cheese and crackers for the dessert. A wonderful place to go when you seek something different. But not a place to go if you've spent the day walking and building up an appetite!

Astounding. A wonderful little secret hidden so close to St Stephen's Green. The food was flawless and the service staff were so helpful and enthusiastic and seemed to take great pleasure in our ooh's & aah's. So surprising as it looks like a wine warehouse and you end up climbing around endless cases of wine to get to your table. If you love good wine but know nothing about it - this should be your first stop. The waiter matched each course perfectly with each wine. Really special.

This may well be my favourite restaurant in Ireland. Great food, excellent staff and Dieter the ultimate in restrautainment. Funny thing about this place they are always busy - but have never been turned away, worst case you have to sit downstairs sipping wine and nibbling at bread and olives for a half hour Went the last new years eve, at 12 Dieter poured champagne for every one in the restaurant and set fireworks in the laneway, dangerous an illegal I’m sure but great fun You have to try the open chicken ravioli and the seared steak salad with rocket and parmesan 100s of wines by the glass, they put the bottle on the table and charge you for what you had, dangerous though ! Never left a bottle unfinished yet! Great place to go with a gang!

The food and service are fantastic and they have a great wine list. Definitely worth a visit.

I love this little restaurant on Montague Street. The staff are so friendly and the food is amazing. I've never once been disappointed!