Bestie Business Card
Primo Plates and Pours Restaurant. Upscale Italian Eatery. Fine Dinning.
Business Hours
Local Map
DirectionsAbout Long Lake, Minnesota, USA
MoreThe local economy thrives on professional and managerial roles, supported by Hennepin County’s diverse industries like technology, healthcare, and finance, along with proximity to regional shopping hubs. Long Lake features key attractions such as the historic Long Lake Area Museum and offers abundant outdoor activities including boating, fishing, and annual events like Water Ski Days. Community resources are robust, including highly regarded schools, library access, healthcare services, and recreational facilities. The city ensures safety through effective law enforcement and proactive community initiatives. Transportation is convenient with major highways and proximity to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Long Lake’s distinct four-season climate enhances its natural allure, contributing to a lifestyle focused on quality living, community engagement, and environmental appreciation.
Nominated for BestAround
Primo | Plates & Pours emerges as a standout Italian restaurant in southwest Minneapolis, distinguished by its authentic culinary offerings and deep-rooted family heritage. Founded by Tony Ostlund, the establishment seamlessly blends traditional Italian recipes with modern twists, particularly evident in signature dishes like the Spaghetti & Meatballs and the lasagna. The use of fresh, homemade pasta sets Primo apart, appealing to those seeking genuine Italian flavors. The restaurant's atmosphere, both inside and out, is warm and inviting, enhancing the dining experience with a cozy bar area and excellent wine selection. Tony Ostlund's commitment to family traditions, such as preparing special recipes on Christmas Eve, cements Primo's role as a community cornerstone.
The restaurant's nomination for "BestAround" is well-earned, as it successfully balances its Italian roots with contemporary dining trends. The online ordering feature is a strategic enhancement, improving convenience without sacrificing the personal touch that defines the dining experience. While some customers note the high prices and occasional service lags during peak hours, these minor issues do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reception. The seasonal specials add variety and keep the menu exciting, reinforcing Primo's reputation for quality and innovation.
In summary, Primo | Plates & Pours qualifies for "BestAround" by delivering an exceptional blend of authentic Italian cuisine, family heritage, and modern dining conveniences. Its commitment to quality, tradition, and customer service positions it as a notable and cherished establishment in Minneapolis, promising to continue honoring its roots while embracing the future.
About Primo | Plates & Pours
Primo | Plates & Pours stands out as a unique and charming Italian restaurant in the heart of southwest Minneapolis, embodying the essence of authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The establishment is not just a dining spot but a living testament to family heritage, rooted deeply in the traditions of Italian cooking and the Ostlund family's legacy. Founded by Tony Ostlund, whose grandfather was stationed in New Orleans during World War II and whose fiancée, Phyllis, chose to marry him in an Italian restaurant, Primo Plates & Pours has cultivated a rich history that is palpable in every dish served. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, homemade pasta sets it apart in the competitive Minneapolis dining scene, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking a genuine culinary experience.
As an upscale Italian eatery and bar, Primo Plates & Pours offers a refined atmosphere that seamlessly blends traditional Italian charm with contemporary flair. The menu, while rooted in classic recipes, is thoughtfully curated to cater to modern palates, ensuring that patrons enjoy both nostalgic flavors and innovative twists. This balance is particularly evident in the signature Spaghetti & Meatballs, a dish that has become a cherished tradition for the Ostlund family and their community. Each year, Tony Ostlund continues to uphold this legacy by preparing special recipes for his sons on Christmas Eve, a tradition that underscores the restaurant’s role as a family cornerstone.
Primo Plates & Pours is poised to expand its reach beyond Minneapolis, leveraging its strong brand and family-driven ethos to attract a broader clientele. The online ordering feature, accessible via a dedicated "Order Now" button, reflects a strategic move to enhance customer convenience and streamline the dining experience. By integrating technology with the warm, personal touch that defines their restaurant, Primo Plates & Pours is well-positioned to become a beloved fixture in the Minneapolis culinary landscape, continuing to honor its Italian roots while embracing the future.
Category Tags
What Customers Say
389
Official Google Reviews
Customers consistently highlight Primo | Plates & Pours as delivering an exceptional Italian dining experience, characterized by authentic flavors, attentive service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the pasta dishes, particularly the lasagna, fettuccine, and bucatini, noting that even the smaller portions are well-received. The calamari is frequently singled out as a standout dish, while the meatballs receive praise for their flavor and spicy kick. Service is another recurring positive aspect, with servers described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to detail, often going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
Several reviews mention the intimate and cozy setting of the restaurant, which contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The bar area is particularly noted for its lively atmosphere and excellent wine selection, making it a popular spot for both meals and drinks. Some customers appreciate the seasonal specials, such as the lasagna night and the pappardelle bolognese, which add variety to the menu and keep the dining experience fresh.
However, there are also some critiques, primarily related to pricing and occasional service issues. A few reviews mention that the prices can be steep, especially for certain items like bread or wine, and that service can be slow during peak times. Additionally, there have been instances of overpriced or under-serviced meals, particularly when customers have requested specific dishes or special occasions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing a strong desire to return and recommending Primo to others.