Primo

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#3 of 44 Restaurants in Rockland$$$$, American, Vegetarian friendly

+1 207-596-0770+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Wed

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Thu

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,222 reviews

#3 of 44 Restaurants in Rockland

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“For dessert, we shared profiteroles, which were great.”

“... the duck entry, fried green tomatoes, swordfish pasta special, port entry.”

“I had foie gras (perfect) and duck breast; my husband had halibut and we shar...”

“I have to say, the octopus appetizer was probably one of the best dishes I’ve...”

Location and contact

2 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841-3814

+1 207-596-0770

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Is this restaurant on the beach?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

Women-owned

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About

Melissa Kelly is the Executive Chef and proprietor of Primo, a restaurant located in mid-coast Maine. She is the 2013 James Beard Foundation Award winner of the American Express Best Chef: Northeast Award. She also received this award in 1999, making her the first 2-time winner of the same award. What started out as one chef and two cooks in the kitchen, one greenhouse and one acre of vegetables has now become a full staff of 60 with 2 greenhouses, over 200 laying chickens, 150 broiler chickens, 5 ducks, 15 pigs and 3 acres of vegetables continuously rotating throughout the season. We have an endless pursuit to accomplish a more sustainable ecosystem filled with love, creativity, and respect for the food. Nothing is wasted — everything has its place. Any waste from the restaurant feeds the pigs, the chickens, or is burned to fuel our wood burning oven. We consistently rotate gardens to keep the soil as healthy as possible. We give back as much as we take.

CUISINES

American

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Beach, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

1,222 reviews

Excellent

857

Very good

168

Average

117

Poor

Terrible

waterandmore

Rockland2617 contributions

What great experiences

Sep 2020 • none

This August and September we visited Primo Provisions in the barn several times, were weekly guests for the buck a shuck oysters on Sunday afternoons outside and dined on the porch. Every experience was terrific. The oyster visits were quite fun. They oysters were great and the arancini were wonderful. We had fabulous dinners for our anniversary and other visits trying pasta dishes, pork saltimbocca, fish, chicken and an array of tasty appetizers. We love this place and its great food and service. Primo is also very careful and safe in response to the virus. Cheers to Melissa and her staff for their creativity and continuing to deliver outstanding food.

Written September 25, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WMSME

Portland255 contributions

Unique and enjoyable

Jul 2022 • none

This was our second visit to Primo, and it holds up well. It is appropriate to think of this not as haut cuisine, but rather country cooking, earthy, produce-centered and a bit rural. Every dish was very good, nothing was quite memorable or spectacular. A stuffed squash blossom started arrived at the table a bit cold, and both entrees (swordfish and chicken) were slightly overcooked but still enjoyable. The vegetable-heavy broth which accompanied the swordfish was wonderful. We both ordered dessert (cannoli and a fruit tart with a pastry crust), which is unusual, and neither of us finished ours, which is also unusual. Again, "pretty good." The high point of the evening was the assistance from Paul, the sommelier, in choosing a wine. He came up with a Loire Valley chenin blanc which was both memorably good and well below the maximum price I had mentioned to him. Service was thoughtful, not slick, and more earnest than polished, which was fine. The biggest drawback was the noise level (my wife corroborated this). We were in a first-floor room with a low ceiling and no sound baffling and the noise impeded out conversation. The last visit, when we were seated in a room upstairs, this was not a problem, and it certainly would not be one on the outdoor terrace where diners also are. It's a pleasure to find a restaurant which is very good but not intimidating. It is hugely popular, so if you book for, say, 5:00 pm when they open, be prepared to wait in a long line for fifteen minutes, with diners with reservations mixed with those without them.

Written July 26, 2022

Kim H

3 contributions

Do your mouth a favor and go here!

Jun 2021 • family

This Mecca of Cuisine was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The ambiance reminds me of books with warm kitchen tables conversations with grandmothers and the food would too if they were five star chef. The food was inventive but approachable and the service was just as thoughtful. I would definitely recommend the duck but anything you order will be divine. You can really tell that the chef loves what they do and we’re they’re from with every bite. Ingredients come from their own farm which you can see on the property as you take in the views of rockland and the Atlantic.

Written June 15, 2021

Randall E

9 contributions

Third Time - Not a Charm

Jul 2021 • none

This was our third visit to Primo's in four years . Our first two visits were good, with excellent service, tasty and creative dishes and pleasant, quiet environment. Unfortunately, the owner or managers of Primo's have changed focus. Primo's has shifted their model to seeing how many people they can cram through the doors on a given night. Even with a 3 month reservation, we were greeted with being cattle-car loaded into the 2nd floor bar area, which was so noisy and packed with people, if a fire broke out, it would be the demise of all. (Rockport F.D. should take a look at fire code violations, before this place and its guests becomes a statistic.) Ridiculous. This environment takes the term, "fine dining" to new low. Though our server and wait staff were all attentive and knowledgeable, we waited over 2 1/2 hours for our entrees, which even embarrassed our server. We were given all the excuses in the book, from, "they cook all the salmon dishes at one time", to the old standard, "the kitchen is really backed up". Additionally, when the entrees did arrive, the salmon dish (which was said to cause the long wait) was served upside down on the plate (skin side up). Obviously, quality and focus on presentation is no longer a priority at Primos. The second dish, and evening Special - "Maine Halibut", was just "okay"; rather dry and tasteless. The garnishments, 'marinated garden products" were actually tastier than the primary dish. The deserts reminded me of something that might have come out of a mass-produced freezer box. All in all, a bad experience with a tab at over $200. Well, two out of three visits is not a bad track record, however there will be no fourth for us. Too many nice, consistent restaurants in this area to risk another trip to Primos.

Written July 17, 2021

Richard S

12 contributions

DISAPPOINTING

Aug 2020 • none

The interior of the restaurant is very basic and needs updating and brightening. The place settings and glassware are what you would find in a diner. Other reviews rave about the location. If you're by a window or on a deck facing the ocean first you look out over busy Route 1 and beyond that an industrial setting before your eyes find the distant bay. The staff was pleasant and attentive. The desserts were excellent but my NY strip steak was one of the toughest I have had in years and the julienned green beans scattered of top of it as a garnish were next to raw, quite off-putting. My wife had the halibut which was done nicely, fresh tasting and enjoyed. We appreciate fine dining and were hoping for a memorable evening. Unfortunately the memories are not good and we will not return. Simply stated this restaurant is just a step above average though this night it was a couple steps below. At $300 for 2 with 1 cocktail each, 1 glass of wine each, appetizers, entree and dessert it's overpriced. We're fine with the $300 but so disappointed with what we received for it.

Written August 27, 2020

maybaum

Naples237 contributions

We got a last minute reservation at closing time, may have affected service/food

Jul 2020 • none

This restaurant was highly touted by our innkeepers at Limehouse Inn (a great place to stay BTW). We got the last reservation at 9:00 PM. We are extensive worldwide travelers familiar with excellent dinners, this was not one of them and the service was slow and indifferent. We were initially placed is a rather stark room with no other diners. The restaurant itself has several charming rooms and a delightful porch but all were taken. We had swordfish which was a bit overcooked and dry but the sauce was quite tasty -- a few minutes less cooking time or not under warming lights would have made a huge difference. This was our first time in Rockland and we will go back again but will try some of the other suggested restaurants rather than Primo.

Written July 15, 2020

David N

Minneapolis85 contributions

Trying way too hard and not

Oct 2020 • couples

Trying way too hard and not succeeding Ambiance and service are solid. But, the food is the real reason you go to a restaurant. We have been twice and it is disappointing. When you drop $100 per person you expect really good, but you get average....at best. We had the mussels. They were overdone. I am sorry, but this is basic. Don’t overcook your seafood. We also had the octopus; again, over cooked. Main courses of scallops for my wife. I had squid pasta. Both were good, but not excellent as I would expect. My squid had some small stray shells in it. Again, far from my expectation for the price. Wine selection is ok, but lacking for a restaurant of this level. We are from the Midwest. Unfortunately, I can get better seafood there. Save the hype and your wallet and hit the local and down to earth places. They are better than Prima.

Written October 14, 2020

RayV555

Blackstone231 contributions

Amazing Meal

May 2021 • none

My wife and I ate here during our visit to Camden based upon a recommendation from our Inn. This is one of the top meals that we have ever had. We felt very comfortable with the spacing of tables and the masks that were worn due to COVID. Let me first say that our server, Paula, did a great job throughout and paced our food very well. We were very impressed how Primo utilizes their farm to table concept which is reflected in their food. The food was just fabulous from our appetizer to our desert. Every aspect was just perfect. The chef even sent us out a sample of cold soup, cheese ravioli's and truffles at the end. We just enjoyed every bite. The prices are on the high side but well worth the value in our opinion. We will return when in the area and highly recommend.

Written May 22, 2021

Caroline

Chelmsford308 contributions

Delicious and well presented

Nov 2021 • none

We had wanted to try Primo for quite a while and once we found out that there is a wait for reservations of a few weeks, we didn't try it until now. We were seated promptly and greeted with menus and water. The server was over in a few minutes and explained everything well. It was dollar oyster night (every sunday) and of course I had a half dozen. We then shared a charcuterie board and ordered main courses with a bottle of wine. We enjoyed the charcuterie board and each item was explained when it was delivered. A server stopped by with an amuse bouche of hot cider with calvados whipped cream - yummy. I had the quail and my husband the steak. The quail was delicious but my husband told me the steak was good - but not great as we would have expected at a restaurant like Primo. Although he didn't say, it looked a little overcooked to me.

Written November 8, 2021

DeRiz

Chicago210 contributions

Amazing Choice in Rockland!

Jun 2021 • couples

We would stop back in Rockland just to go back to this restaurant. That is high praise for us! We sat upstairs at a table by the bar. Still lovely and fun to watch the 2 bartenders who also prepare the desserts. The bread with oil or butter was great. They offered a palate cleanser of asparagus soup which was super yummy. I had a cosmo while my husband had a lovely red wine. Both were good. We both had the halibut on a purée of potatoes in a fabulous sauce with mushrooms and some amazing spiral green beans. It was amazing. We had to sit a long time for the dessert - 40 minutes. It was a warm chocolate cake with pecan sauce and ice cream. They were short servers with the summer season just starting so it was a little slow (no water refills) and the servers were a bit manic but hey, we thought it was wonderful none the less. We would highly recommend it.

Written June 26, 2021

MaineGreek

Portland181 contributions

One of those Bucket List Dining Experiences

Nov 2022 • none

Finally planned ahead enough to book our reservation and this place exceeded all my expectations for our anniversary meal. The staff from the front of the house to our spectacular waiter Jack could not have done a better job. My wife started with a tasty year of the pig cocktail while I had a Peroni. Bread (freshly baked) service for both of us was well worth the $4. Who can resist fresh bread dipped in olive oil? She started with ½ of the pappardelle entrée as her appetizer (thank you Jack for that suggestion). I am not a chicken liver fan, but when they were harvested from the restaurant raised chickens the day before they were very good. I had the farmer salad as my starter, and it was outstanding! Mains were the Pan Roasted Halibut and the Local Swordfish from the Grill. Both plates were excellent and perfectly prepared. No dessert for us with the meal portion sizes exceeding what I expected. By all means do plan ahead and enjoy this special place!

Written November 15, 2022

CarenGast

Lewiston48 contributions

Grateful for treasures like this

Sep 2021 • none

It’s no wonder that Primo continues to be lauded as one of the best restaurants in the state, even after 22+ years of service. This beautiful place is even better than the hype. The entire experience, from touring the gorgeous farm to driving out with overly full bellies and leftovers, was a slice of heaven. The menu was breathtaking, everything we ate (braised and charred octopus, panzanella salad with fresh burrata, baby kale salad, a half order of conchiglie pasta with grilled chicken and foraged mushrooms, blue fin tuna and pork saltimbocca) and drank (a charred orange Negroni and a classic manhattan, by the glass wine recommended by our waitress and Armagnac) was beyond delicious, the dining areas completely charming and inviting and our waitress—-welcoming, knowledgeable and so very gracious! I felt like the entire place comes together to welcome and care. I’m nearly drooling as I write this haha and cannot wait to return!

Written September 8, 2021

Lisa C

11 contributions

Lived up the hype!

Jul 2021 • none

I was skeptical that Primo would live up to the hype, but it is one of the best meals I've ever had in a restaurant -- and I travel a lot! We sat in the lounge and were lucky enough to be there on dollar oyster night, so we had two dozen of those to start! Highly recommend the branzino, best I've ever had. My husband ordered a pasta dish, which was cooked perfectly al dente. Great cocktails, and killer dessert menu. I'm still thinking about Primo and would go again if/when we return to Maine.

Written July 30, 2021

sayhey53

Burlington8 contributions

Exceptional

Aug 2020 • couples

In our 40 years of dining out we have learned to lower our expectations when visiting a highly reviewed restaurant to avoid disappointment. We learned that is not necessary when dining at Primo. Everything from the drinks, appetizers, wine, and main dishes were exceptional and we highly recommend you visit with the highest of expectations- you won’t be let down!

Written August 18, 2020

Kathleen S

North Easton11 contributions

Great food and service, need a policy on very young childrem

Sep 2022 • none

Visited for our anniversary dinner. The food and service were very good. However, shortly after we were seated a party was seated next to us with a young child around 2 years or so who proceeded to scream for the entire meal. There were people seated around us who very likely hired a sitter that night for their own kids. We had a delightful conversation with the couple next to us and we all agreed the situation was intolerable considering the cost of this dinner and how inappropriate it was to have brought this child here. Restaurants of this caliber need a policy on age limitation for children as a courtesy to their patrons.

Written September 25, 2022

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