Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a lot of changes when I visited Caffe Primo (Café Primo). I resisted updating my review until I had a definitive experience. So, as of today (28th April 2008), I decided it’s time to update this post.
Updated Review:
I’m withdrawing my verdict. I believe that Cafe Primo no longer deserves the title “best cafe chain in Adelaide”. At least, not in my book.
My two main reasons for this:
- Prices have definitely gone up. Minimum price per meal now is around AU$15. The old deals have all disappeared. For that kind of price, I’ve got a lot more options. And, Caffe Primo won’t be topping my list.
- While prices have gone up, quality of the food and the service have gone down. I’ve experienced wait staff trying to rush me off to finish my meal. And, management staff being less than friendly. The garlic bread that I used to love so much has now became dry and tasteless. Really not impressive.
And no, the lame TV commercials definitely don’t help either: “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Gah. Seriously?
Well, Caffe Primo folks, the answer to that question now is: Obviously not.
The only positive change I’ve seen in Cafe Primo is that they’ve increased their food offerings in their menu. But, even with more choices, my desire to go and eat there has definitely decreased. And, I’ve stopped raving about the place.
It really saddens me when I see something like this happen to what started out to be a good thing.
OLD REVIEW:
Cafe Primo is probably one of the best cafe chains in Adelaide, Australia. I’m not sure if there are other Cafe Primos elsewhere. Anyway, this is a great place to eat some good food for affordable prices. They have set menus that are divided in to AU$9.95, $14.95 and $19.95 meals.
My favourites from the 9.95 meal are: Garlic Prawns with Rice, Pasta Alla Panna, and Calamari with Chips. From the $14.95 meals: Prawn Gamberi Risotto and Pasta Carbonara top the list. From the $19.95 meals: It’s gotta be the Surf and Turf (Steak with Prawns and Chips). All these meals are served with salad.
Also, lunchtime meals come with a free small sized garlic bread per meal. For dinner, you get a free pancake with cream and maple syrup per meal instead.
I definitely recommend the garlic bread. They’re absolutely yum!
Down sides of the place: It can get really noisy and crowded. So, sometimes, you must allow for some waiting time. And, to avoid getting disappointed, you might want to book seats in advance, especially if you’re going out on a busy night in a popular location.
The thing with Café Primo though is that because of its success and popularity, you can find one nearly anywhere in Adelaide. Just check the phone book for locations and contact information.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
cheryl 04.01.08 at 8:44 am
hi just wondering if you can help we love love cafe primo how do you make their garlic bread??? thanx hope you can help!!! cheryl
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on June 9th, 2008:
cheryl: No, sorry. I don’t have the recipe. The current folks at Cafe Primo may not even have it either - seeing as the old garlic bread’s gone. Good luck with your search.
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melanie 05.22.08 at 12:46 am
Darn that’s a shame I hate being ripped off. Last time i went to Cafe Primo I really liked it epsec. their prawn or pasta alla panna dishes and i too got the free pancake. I havn’t had a chance to check it out recently I am curious what new menu they have and hope they havn’t cut the things i liked about it.
I tend to goto South Road Morphett Vale thats in Adelaide Sth Australia.
I have read online that their are a few Californian Cafe’ Primo’s in the USA I wonder what their prices are like lol.
Thanks for the review
love mel
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on June 9th, 2008:
melanie: Glad you found the review useful. I’m not sure if the Cafe Primo in the US is the same as the ones here. Thanks for dropping by!
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Janet 06.09.08 at 1:25 pm
My family loved Cafe Primo, but now with menu prices rising and portion sizes getting smaller, it is no longer a weekly outing to dine there.Bring back the old menu and prices and the restaurant will be packed again.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on June 9th, 2008:
Janet: As I shared here in this post, I can’t blame you for feeling that way. do wonder if it’s a case of growing a business too much, with too little thought. I do miss the old Caffe Primo too. I Thanks for dropping by!
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lyn 09.18.08 at 10:00 pm
I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT YOUR PREMISES AT MORPHETTVALE. ON THURSDAY 18TH SEPT. AT 10 MINUTES TO EIGHT IN THE EVENING MY DAUGHTER AND I HAD FINISHED SHOPPING AND WENT TO CAFE PRIMO AT MORPHETTVALE, AND IT WAS CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW RIDICULOUS ON A LATE NIGHT SHOPPING NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET REAL AND STAY OPEN TILL AT LEAST TEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Shai Coggins 11.03.08 at 3:04 pm
lyn: First of all, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a bad experience, but I’m afraid there’s no need to shout in an online forum. Putting ALL CAPS is a form of shouting online. Secondly, I do not own Cafe Primo. I only reviewed it. I suggest you call the management of the company to voice your opinion. I do not have any close ties with them.
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Simon T Small 12.03.08 at 9:01 am
Hey Shai,
It looks like your sentiments are being reflected over at Facebook too!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40477987068
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