Melissa Kelly is an acclaimed chef and proprietor known for her pioneering farm-to-table approach. She is the Chef/Owner of Primo restaurants in Rockland, Maine, and Orlando, Florida, where she integrates her passion...
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Dining at Primo was an excellent experience, especially on Mother’s Day when they had an incredible oyster special — $2 for all varieties. It was genuinely a great deal and even better in taste.
An indulgence of the Atlantic indeed: Pemaquid, Unicorn, Aphrodite, and wild oysters — each one impeccably served, briny, fresh, and distinct in character. It felt like a quiet celebration of the ocean rather than just a meal.
The staff were very friendly and attentive throughout, adding warmth to the experience without being intrusive. The overall vibe of the place is relaxed, slightly upscale, and very cool in its understated way.
The only minor drawback is parking, which can be a bit difficult and requires some patience.
Overall, a memorable visit with excellent seafood, welcoming service, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Would happily return
I made reservations for 845, that’s a really late dinner for us but for a party of four, I didn’t want to risk not being able to get a table. We showed up 10 minutes early and weren’t seated until 9pm.
It took 20 minutes after we were seated for someone to come over and just ask if we wanted water.
It was another 20 minutes after that for the waitress to come over with the specials. She sighed when she got to her table, was very monotone throughout and just seemed like she didn’t want to be there.
After reading the specials we were all ready to order but she walked away saying she would give us a minute. It took her another 20 minutes to come back to actually take our orders. It was past ten by the time our appetizers arrived.
The stuffed blossoms were very good, but there were only 2 per plate?!
The entires were very good, but seemed small for the price. $48 for duck breast and there were zero sides. Just a few garnishes, and pits in the cherries served with the duck. This may be something that maybe they want to warn customers about.
Overall, as good as the food was, it wasn’t worth what we paid, and the service was so bad that we will not be going back. We’ve honestly received better and friendlier service in dives.
5
What a wonderful dinner and service! Sarah and the team were there to assist when needed, while also giving us time to enjoy our experience. The bread and fish soup starter was excellent, as was one of the mainstays on the menu, the Pork Saltimbocca with garlic mashed potatoes and marsala sauce. Still drooling as I think about it. We found room for a delicious creme brulee to round off our excellent dinner. Did I mention the drinks?
5
Primo is one of the most celebrated restaurants in New England, and it earns its reputation. Before or after dinner, take a walk through the gardens. They are genuinely impressive and set the stage for what's on your plate.
The menu leans Italian and Mediterranean, and while it isn't adventurous or surprising, everything is executed beautifully. My squid and saltimbocca were both excellent — fresh, skillfully prepared, and elegantly presented. Service was polished and well-timed throughout the evening. And for the quality, ambiance, and service delivered, the prices are remarkably reasonable.
Reservations are essential. A worthy addition to any Maine coast itinerary.
4
We ate at Primo before sailing on the Schooner Ladona. Overall, the meal was nice. Nothing stood out as amazing, but everything was done well. We sat upstairs, which was a bit loud being right next to the bar. Sadly, they had run out of the menu item I desired by 7:30 pm, which seemed early to run out of an item that would inevitably be popular. They were able to provide one of the sides from the unavailable entree that I wanted, for an additional fee. Overall, it was a nice dinner in Rockland.
