Reviews
Food and Wine - March 2008
"They make their own excellent pasta, and the self-proclaimed emphasis is on well sourced ingredients... with a wine list worth exploring it'd also merit bringing the credit card and telling the babysitter not to wait up"
Katy Mc Guinness, The Gloss - April 2008
"Only on a wet week in the job and i was rumbled by the savvy staff of Il Primo... we knew we'd been busted when Audrey brought two complimentary half portions of their house speciality creamy smoked haddock & chive risotto... not that we minded, because it was sublime... great comfort food at recession proof prices"
Tom Doorley, Irish Times - December 2007
"Finally, one of the brighter episodes of the year was a visit to the revamped Il Primo in Dublin, where Anita Thoma's cooking is blissfully simple and robust, with the kind of confidence that is all too rarely seen in Ireland."
Ruth Hegarty, Totally Dublin - August 2007
"Rabbit with pasta fell apart and was rich in flavor. The risotto was moist and cooked to perfection. The chocolate cake was special... you would do well to seek out Il Primo, order a great italian wine and eat until the rain stops."
Tom Doorley, Irish Times - July 2007
"Some of the best fresh pasta (narrow papardelle) that I've tasted outside Italy."
"The risottos are the best in Dublin, bar none."
"Much of the wine list is sourced direct and there are some pleasant surprises."
Aingeala Flannery, Irish Independent - May 2007
"There was a good buzz about the place, the staff were working a system, enjoying their jobs, and entirely au fait with the menu."
"The transformation was extraordinary. A concerted effort has been made to keep prices straightforward and reasonable."
"We tried the pappardelle with slow cooked lamb, grated potato and courgette - we loved it - at last Il Primo has restored its good name."
GCN - May 2007
"A good part of that charm rests with the waiting staff, who are smart, professional and clearly know and love Il Primo's menus, but they also have a casual air about them that makes for a truly relaxing experience."
"The food menu is simplicity itself. It's my happy duty to report that Il Primo not only know how to cook a steak, they also know how to serve it."
"If you're looking for something special yet simple, smart, yet casual and very definitely delicious, you would be well advised to make your way to Montague Street."
Evening Herald - February 2007
"Located in one of Dublin's most exotic streets, Il Primo's suave, sophisticated ambience and exceptional service make it one restaurant worth seeking out."
"The service, for example, is outstanding, charming and refreshingly informal."
Domini Kemp, Image Magazine - February 2007
"John is passionate about his wines, many of which he sources directly, thus cutting out the middleman and inevitably passing on to the customer the cost benefits, great flavours and local knowledge he has gained on his many trips to Italia. Service is really sweet and their little interior tweaks have made it their own whilst still retaining what was always charming about Il Primo."
Ross Golden Bannon, Sunday Business Post - January 2007
"Beautifully presented with a great contrast of colours, the fish itself was impeccably cooked and wonderfully married with the faint aniseed notes of the celeriac and deeper black olive. Another culinary triumph."
"Il Primo makes its own pasta and the effort shows in the quality. This simple dish was evidence that Thoma is adept at the full repertory of rustic Italian food."
"John Farrell’s passion (and talent) for good wine means he genuinely wants to share his great finds.
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