On what we at Discover Pattaya consider the best road in Pattaya for restaurants: Thappraya Road, we were delighted to be invited to have a look at the “new kid on the block”. Primo, situated on the right side of the road as you journey down from Pattaya, is by the entrance to the Jomtien Complex. A location that was once Valentino’s and Felini’s Italian restaurants, what makes this new establishment believe it can succeed where others have failed. Well we will tell you. P

Primo has a smart, open and welcoming interior. The modern decor and original art, featuring impressions of the Pattaya skyline, complements the warm, romantic lighting. There is plush seating and cosy nooks that add to the overall inviting feel. and the music, while present, is chilled and doesn’t overpower. In fact it is surprisingly quiet inside given the roadside location. However, there is outdoor seating available for those seeking a breath of fresh air or a cigarette, and here you might catch a tune from a neighbouring band. On the night we visited we saw that the restaurant had attracted a diverse clientele with couples enjoying intimate dinners, a family having a pizza night and some groups of friends catching up over delicious food and wine. The food concentrates on using quality ingredients at a reasonable price point. The portions are generous and beautifully presented, and the friendly staff provides attentive service. I opted for the recommended seafood soup, which delighted me with its warm, creamy tomato sauce infused with the rich flavours of the sea. It was a perfect prelude to the lasagna, a rich and extremely satisfying dish with layers of creamy cheese and flavorful meat. My companion started with an Avocado Tartar which she reported as being really fresh with generous cuts of both the salmon and avocado.

We could see from the dishes coming out of the kitchen to other tables that this is already a popular starter at Primo. She then enjoyed an Australian Sirloin with mushroom, truffle sauce which was pleasingly accompanied by a colourful medley of grilled vegetables and reasonably priced at just 650 baht.

Primo’s menu offers a diverse range of options, from classic pizzas to hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood. The Pizza selection is particularly impressive, 11 choices on the menu at around the 200-300 baht price; they include a Hawaiian (which I am not personally a fan of) but all the classics. There is also a Calzone, and a rather intriguing Genovese with pesto, cheese, shrimp and Zucchini. Then if you feel like splashing out there is even a Pizza with Primo Burrata, Smoked Ham and Truffle at 450 baht. You may find yourself looking towards an incredibly tempting display case of desserts, elegantly presented with favourites such as Panna Cotta and Tiramisu. The fresh berries and chocolate shavings add a touch of sophistication to these classic Italian desserts. However, we resisted these – so you will have to try them for yourselves.What we didn’t resist, however, was a choice from the impressive wine list. It features a wide selection of reds and whites. I particularly enjoyed the Gnarly Head, a bold and flavorful red that complemented the rich flavours of the food. their elegant presentation. We were told that many customers enjoy the unhurried vibe of Primo relaxing long after their meals to enjoy good company and a glass of wine. .

It is good to see that although there are plenty of Italian Restaurants situated along Thappraya road (some more successful than others) Primo seemed to be carving out their own niche in this foodie environment. We left after having spent a fun evening chatting and laughing with friends and that is exactly the impression the owner wanted us to take with us. His vision for Primo is to have an elegant, yet informal bistro where people can hang out and enjoy each other’s company whilst sampling some good quality Italian food with excellent steak, pasta and pizza, all reasonably priced. The restaurant also caters to vegan diners and has a selection of Thai meals so there is something for everyone. With attentive and friendly staff creating to the warm and welcoming atmosphere this really is a relaxed place to hang out and enjoy good food and service

It is good to see that although there are plenty of Italian Restaurants situated along Thappraya road (some more successful than others) Primo seemed to be carving out their own niche in this foodie environment. We left after having spent a fun evening chatting and laughing with friends and that is exactly the impression the owner wanted us to take with us. His vision for Primo is to have an elegant, yet informal bistro where people can hang out and enjoy each other’s company whilst sampling some good quality Italian food with excellent steak, pasta and pizza, all reasonably priced. The restaurant also caters to vegan diners and has a selection of Thai meals so there is something for everyone. With attentive and friendly staff creating to the warm and welcoming atmosphere this really is a relaxed place to hang out and enjoy good food and service

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