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Primo Italia
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Primo Italia
8.7
Primo Italia is a polished, Southern Italian restaurant and cocktail bar where house-made pastas, tableside moments, and live music make it one of the area’s most sought-after date-night reservations. The kitchen leans rich and classic—think cacio e pepe, osso buco, and tiramisu—executed with more finesse than most neighborhood red-sauce joints.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Wild boar pappardelle, Veal chop Milanese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Upscale Southern Italian cooking with live music and a moody bar.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups looking to linger
When to visit: Prime Friday and Saturday evenings with a reservation
What to order: Cacio e pepe, wild boar pappardelle, veal chop
Insider tip: Book bar or lounge seating if the main room is sold out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening for a fee; street parking on Sartori and surrounding blocks is possible but fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated outfits fit the room, but dark jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during live music sets; quiet enough for conversation earlier in the evening or in lounge seating.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm; the bar may have limited first-come-first-served seats.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Primo Italia is primarily a dinner destination; weekday early-evening meals generally have minimal waits with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and starters can be made vegetarian, though the menu leans rich and traditional.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes contain dairy or eggs; the kitchen can modify a couple of pastas and salads upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta is usually available, and many entrées can be adjusted, though the restaurant does not have a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, live music, and polished service make it an impressive first-date choice, especially if you want something romantic without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but it’s a gamble on weekends. Your best chance is showing up early and requesting bar or lounge seating, which turns over more quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens are fine early in the evening, but the room skews adult, especially during live music hours. No specific kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A polished date-night atmosphere, live music, and classic Southern Italian dishes executed with more finesse than typical neighborhood red-sauce spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan-focused options, or a casual, budget-friendly Italian dinner — nearby trattorias will be more relaxed and lower cost.
Primo Italia
8.8
Primo Italia is a stylish Southern Italian restaurant where wood-fired pizzas share the spotlight with house-made pastas, live music, and a deep wine list. Couples and groups book it for extended dinners that feel closer to a night out than a quick bite, with pizzas that lean on Italian ingredients rather than heavy American toppings. It’s the choice when you want pizza as part of a full, lingering restaurant experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil, Prosciutto and arugula pizza, Cacio e pepe or seasonal house-made pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Southern Italian restaurant where wood-fired pizzas meet live music and wine.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups wanting a longer dinner.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or later seatings with live music.
What to order: Margherita pizza, prosciutto-arugula pizza, a signature pasta.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead and plan to stay for dessert and a second round of drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during peak dinner hours; street parking along Hawthorne can be tight after 6pm but side-street spots open up within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—polished jeans are fine, but most guests opt for elevated date-night outfits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on nights with live music—conversation is doable but expect energy rather than quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–70 minutes without a reservation during prime hours; later seatings may see shorter delays.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners seat quickly if you arrive before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—Margherita and vegetable-forward pizzas plus several meatless pastas and starters.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify certain pizzas by removing cheese, and a few salads work as-is, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust is available upon request; many mains and salads are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its stylish room, live music, and polished service create a romantic but not overly formal atmosphere ideal for conversation-focused first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable—small parties may snag bar or later-evening tables, but prime weekend slots usually require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens—high chairs and kid-specific options are limited, and the ambiance skews adult, especially during live music nights.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Italian date nights, special occasions, and evenings where you want wood-fired pizza paired with wine, music, and a full dining experience.
Skip if: You want quick, casual slices or a low-noise environment; the scene-forward atmosphere is not suited for fast meals or very quiet dinners.
Primo Italia
8.6
Primo Italia is a Hawthorne Boulevard destination for Southern Italian cooking, where lasagna Bolognese shares the spotlight with housemade pastas and a strong wine list. The room leans intimate and lively, making it a go-to for upscale date nights and special-occasion Italian in the South Bay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Refined Southern Italian cooking with lasagna and pastas built for lingering dinners.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a nicer night out.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend evenings with a reservation secured.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for a full menu with slightly more energy and flexibility.
Primo Italia
8.8
Primo Italia is a southern Italian restaurant in Hillside Village where wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and Mediterranean seafood are served in a dim, lively dining room with regular live music. Couples come for smart-casual service, a deep Italian wine list, and a room that feels built for anniversaries and big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco di Agnello lamb shank, Wood-fired Margherita pizza, Housemade pappardelle with ragu
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Live music, smart Italian cooking, and a warmly lit dining room.
Who should go: Couples wanting live-music Italian date nights in South Torrance.
When to visit: Weekend evenings; reserve ahead for prime tables and music.
What to order: Ossobuco di Agnello, wood-fired Margherita, pappardelle ragu.
Insider tip: Ask about live music nights and request a booth near the piano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared Hillside Village surface lot with ample spaces; fills quickly after 6pm on weekends. Street parking available on side roads.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets not required but many guests elevate their look for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to live music; conversation is doable at most tables but quieter booths are best for intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on live music nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinners on weekdays see brief or no delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian pastas, salads, and pizzas; kitchen can modify several dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but possible; certain pastas and salads can be adjusted—best to ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available; pizzas are not always GF, so confirm day-of.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, live music, and polished service create a warm atmosphere without being overly formal. Great for making a strong impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weekdays, yes. On weekends, especially during live music, walk-ins face long waits. Bar seating may open sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more geared toward adults and date nights. Well-behaved older kids are fine, but there’s no dedicated children’s menu and the ambiance skews upscale.
Best For
Better for: Romantic Italian dinners with live music, strong wine selections, and a celebratory atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, fast-service Italian, or highly specialized dietary options.
Primo Italia
8.9
Primo Italia is a Southern Italian restaurant in Hillside Village where live music, house-made pastas, and a deep wine list make it a go-to for anniversaries and milestone nights. Couples book it for dim lighting, polished service, and a room that feels purpose-built for special-occasion toasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braciola di Maiale Tomahawk, Linguine alle Vongole, Profiterol with gelato and chocolate sauce
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Live-music Italian dining with polished service and transportive ambiance.
Who should go: Couples planning anniversaries or big Italian celebration dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings with reservations for music and buzz.
What to order: Braciola di Maiale, handmade pasta, profiterol dessert.
Insider tip: Ask about bar seats for a closer view of the piano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot with plentiful spaces; valet is occasionally offered on peak weekends. Street parking along Via Valmonte fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a celebratory lean—dressier outfits fit the room’s lighting and live-music energy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively due to the piano and weekend crowd; intimate conversation is still manageable at two-tops away from the stage.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during live-music sets.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused service; weeknight evenings typically see minimal waits with early arrivals.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several pastas and starters can be made fully vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can adjust salads and a few vegetable starters, but mains are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Strong—multiple pasta dishes can be prepared gluten-free, and staff is attentive to cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a more elevated, romantic tone. Dim lighting, live music, and polished service help the conversation flow, though it may feel a bit formal for extremely casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays before 6:30pm. On weekends or music nights, walk-ins should expect a long wait or bar seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s better suited for adults. Well-behaved older kids may be fine early in the evening, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion Italian dinners with live music, a deep wine list, and an atmosphere designed for anniversaries and milestone celebrations.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist Italian meal or need extensive vegan options—lighter, simpler trattorias in the area may suit you better.
Primo Italia
8.9
Primo Italia is a Southern Italian dinner house in Hillside Village where house-made pastas, live music, and a serious wine program anchor one of South Torrance’s most polished patios. Couples and small groups use the partially covered outdoor space for anniversaries and milestone dinners that feel upscale without drifting into stiff formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco di Agnello, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Live-music Italian dinner house with a polished, reservation-worthy patio.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning milestone Italian dinners.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend evenings when the patio and music are buzzing.
What to order: Ossobuco di Agnello, handmade pasta, classic tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask for a patio table near the rail for more privacy and better sound balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking within Hillside Village; generally available but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet; street parking is limited.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished denim or slacks with a button-down or blouse; many guests dress up for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to live music; conversation remains manageable on the patio, especially at tables along the perimeter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on music nights; patio requests may extend waits.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Primo Italia operates primarily for dinner service, with minimal early-evening waits Monday–Thursday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including salads, pastas, and vegetable-forward starters; kitchen is accommodating with modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and modifiable pasta dishes, but expect fewer fully plant-based entrées.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly pasta substitutions available; staff is well-versed and careful, though kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio’s warm lighting, live music, and attentive but relaxed service create an easy, upscale atmosphere for conversation without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays, especially early evening. On weekends or music nights, reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits for patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? It can work for older kids or teens who enjoy Italian food and calmer settings, but the ambiance skews adult-centric, especially during live music hours. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Live-music Italian dining with an upscale outdoor patio, polished service, and a wine program that outperforms most neighborhood competitors.
Skip if: You prefer very quiet dinners, need extensive vegan choices, or want a budget-friendly meal without the celebratory atmosphere.
Primo Italia
8.9
Primo Italia is a dinner-only Southern Italian restaurant in Hillside Village where house-made pastas, serious secondi, and live piano make it one of the South Bay’s buzziest date-night reservations. The room leans warm and clubby rather than stiff, drawing couples and groups who want a big-night-out atmosphere without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco di Agnello, Primo Lasagna, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Live-music Italian dinner house with serious pastas and polished energy.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning South Bay date nights.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the bar and piano are buzzing.
What to order: Ossobuco di Agnello, Primo Lasagna, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation and request a table within earshot of the piano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Hillside Village complex during peak dinner hours; otherwise, the shared plaza lot offers free parking but fills quickly on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; most guests opt for elevated date-night attire, though polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially when the piano is in full swing; conversation is doable but expect an energetic dining room.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster but still require patience.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the restaurant is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of vegetarian-friendly pastas, salads, and starters; staff can guide modifications.
Vegan options: Limited options; some pastas and salads can be adjusted, but the kitchen leans classic Italian with dairy-forward dishes.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request; many proteins and secondi are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, piano music, and polished service create a romantic, high-energy setting that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait on weekends. Your best bet is arriving early for bar seating or calling ahead to check on cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited for adults and date nights. Older kids or teens may fit in on earlier seatings, but the ambiance is not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, upscale date nights with live music; standout handmade pastas and a polished, bustling atmosphere make it a go-to for celebratory evenings.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, budget-friendly pricing, or a quick, casual dinner — the experience here is designed for slower, more elevated nights out.
Primo Italia
8.9
Primo Italia is a Southern Italian dinner house in Hillside Village where handmade pastas, serious secondi, and live music turn multi-course evenings into full-night outings. The kitchen occasionally runs three- or four-course prix fixe and special menus, making it one of the strongest tasting-style options in the South Bay without leaving ZIP 90505.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braciola di Maiale Tomahawk, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Profiterol with gelato and chocolate sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Live-music Italian dinner spot where occasional prix fixe menus showcase the kitchen.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning elevated South Bay date nights.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when piano and dining room energy peak.
What to order: Braciola di Maiale Tomahawk, handmade pasta, nightly dessert special.
Insider tip: Ask about any current three-course or chef’s menu when booking; they’re not always heavily advertised.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in Hillside Village; generally reliable but can tighten after 6:30pm on weekends. Street parking available on surrounding residential roads with short walks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets not required, but most guests dress up for date nights and live-music evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—live piano and weekend energy create a buzz, but two-tops can still hold a comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak piano hours; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Primo Italia is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple pastas, salads, and a few starters can be made vegetarian; staff is knowledgeable about swaps.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and vegetable sides can be adjusted, but mains lean dairy- and egg-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation—several dishes can be prepared gluten-free, and gluten-free pasta is usually available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and live music create a romantic, high-impact atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but difficult on weekends. Walk-ins may find space at the bar or patio earlier in the evening, but prime hours typically require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Well-behaved older kids are fine, but the ambiance, pacing, and nightlife energy skew date-night rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Polished date nights, live-music ambiance, handmade pastas, and special menus that feel like multi-course events without leaving the South Bay.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, quick casual service, or extensive vegan options—this is an experience-forward, dinner-only place with a deliberate pace.
Primo Italia
8.9
Primo Italia is a Southern Italian dinner house in Hillside Village where multi-course evenings often play out in richly appointed private rooms off the main dining room. Handmade pastas, serious secondi, and live music give private celebrations the feel of a classic Italian supper club rather than a generic banquet space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braciola di Maiale Tomahawk, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Salmone in Crosta di Pistacchio
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Multiple intimate private rooms deliver white-tablecloth Italian dinners that feel custom-tailored to your group.
Who should go: Couples and groups planning upscale Italian celebrations.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the dining room and piano are buzzing.
What to order: Braciola di Maiale Tomahawk, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Polpo Alla Griglia.
Insider tip: Ask about booking Rocco’s Room or other named private spaces for a set family-style menu that simplifies hosting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Complimentary valet is typically available in the Hillside Village lot; street parking on nearby residential blocks is possible but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished denim is acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the main dining room due to live music; private rooms offer more controlled, conversation-friendly volume.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins can face 45–75 minutes; private rooms require advance booking and often deposit-based holds.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though private rooms may be pre-reserved for business luncheons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several antipasti, salads, and pasta dishes can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items may be adapted, but most dishes rely on dairy or egg-based pastas.
Gluten-free options: Strong accommodations — the kitchen offers gluten-free pasta and can adjust many secondi; notify when booking private rooms so menus can be tailored.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, live music, and polished service create an elegant but comfortable setting. For quieter conversation, request a table farther from the piano or consider a private alcove.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends. The bar sometimes has first-come seating, but private rooms and prime dinner hours book out well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can sit through a formal dinner; younger children may find the pacing long. Private rooms are a good option for family celebrations where movement and noise are easier to manage.
Best For
Better for: High-touch service, piano-driven ambiance, and flexible private dining menus that feel curated rather than banquet-style.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual Italian night, strictly vegan menus, or a quieter room without live music energy.