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  • Primo - Rockland

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Primo - Rockland

Primo - Rockland Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.primorestaurant.com/
  • Email: info@primorestaurant.com
  • Phone: (207) 596-0770
  • Hours of Operation: Early May to June: Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm; July 1st - Labor Day: Wednesday - Monday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
    Labor Day - October: Wednesday - Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
    November - Close: Thursday - Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm

    Closed for season - Early January through Early May
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, Spanish
  • Executive Chef: Melissa Kelly
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), View, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: Custom Menus

Getting there

  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Parking Details: Park adjacent to the restaurant and garden. Feel free to stroll through the garden before or after your Meal!
A word from Primo - Rockland
Italian and Mediterranean inspired menu...James Beard Award winning Chef Melissa Kelly prepares Farm to Table Cuisine in a restored farmhouse.

4 Acres of kitchen gardens, heritage pigs & chickens supply the restaurant with the freshest ingredients. Primo is both a gem to our local… clientele as well as a culinary destination for food lovers in search of casually elegant dining.
Supporting local and sustainable farms & businesses.


Creative & seasonal cocktails, artisanal breads, handmade pastas, gelato and much more.

Sundays and Thursdays come for $1 oyster night at the bar or join us for our small plates menu at our new Antipasti Counter. WE HAVE 40-50 SEATS AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS DROPPING IN WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.....THERE IS ALWAYS A PLACE !!!


Private Salon on the second floor for up to 14 guests or reserve one of the original parlor rooms.
Make a reservation or feel free to drop in to our lounge area. Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diner Reviews
  • "Amazing meal, amazing atmosphere, amazing staff! Worth the trip and a wait!"
    Dined on 5/19/2013
  • "Our annual date night with the owners of the Camden B&B we stay at annually has settled on Primo as the restaurant of choice. Year after year Primo's amazing creativity and attention to local sourcing - most coming literally from the "back yard" farm - delights our group. This year we tried a variety of small plates so that we could sample more of the exciting offerings - can't wait to return next summer!"
    Dined on 7/29/2013
  • "Everything was perfectly executed; beautiful presentations and incredible dishes. She manages this without being stuffy or losing any of the elegance of her beautiful restaurant. We come from Miami with many great restaurants, but Primo completely wowed us."
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "We had heard such incredible praise for this restaurant we wanted to try it before it closed for the season. The hostess greeted us nicely and offered to take our coats. We loved the ambiance of the cozy, romantic first floor seating. However, the spell ended when our waiter appeared and we never saw a smile on his face or heard a friendly word from him until we got up to leave. We actually got the feeling we were a bother to him. We will always remember that. Whether or not the food was sensational (it wasn't), what we will remember about our first (and likely last) visit to Primo is the unfriendly, brusque waiter. We wonder how a restaurant of that caliber can allow such a low standard of customer service from their wait staff."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "The upstairs table was uncomfortably cold on an outside wall. The appetizers were superb - perfection. One entree was superb, the other was sent back -the replacement dish was ok. Desserts were excellent."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "Amazing food if you love the farm to table experience ! Beautiful seasonal gardens. I would recommend this place to anyone , the best part I think personally is upstairs in the bar area, it's very hip and eclectic."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "The first time I went to Primo's, I had such a memorable meal that I talked about it to many people. I returned some years later anticipating an amazingly delicious meal as before and I was not disappointed. Every part of the meal was tasty. My partner enjoyed her meal as well. We were there for our anniversary and found it to be quiet and allowing for a romantic meal. In fact, we were offered the opportunity to choose our table from the various rooms which actually had different personalities. The only downer was a waitress who served us well but seemed a little over the top, somewhat inauthentic. Besides that, we both agree that we would gladly return and I feel just as compelled to recommend Primo's to my friends and colleagues."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "YUM! A perfect way to start off the new year. My only criticism would be that it was very cold in the restaurant. Wore my coat wrapped around my legs through our meal. But the food and service was superb!"
    Dined on 1/1/2014
  • "Our third visit to Primo, on New Year's Day 2014. Sitting at a nicely cornered table by a window, in a small enclave, with a very helpful waiter, excellent everything! We don't generally go for brunch, but on New Year's Day that was it. Everything from soup to nuts (figuratively speaking) was just as good & pleasant as we could have asked for. We're thinking of a return, come summer, for our 75th birthdays (the expense makes Primo a place for special occasions, and well worth it!"
    Dined on 1/1/2014
  • "Fabulous meal with not a detail missed! Every time, over and over again this place thrills my taste buds and my heart. The same attention to detail is there from early season to late, and the freshness just seems to go on and on. The food and flavors are beyond description from the best briny/sweet oysters served exquisitely chilled, to the fabulous backyard pork and chicken dishes ... down to the little sweet gifts of flavor at desert time. This place is a treasure. I'm sad to see they will close now for a rest until Mother's Day 2014! We'll see you again then Primo!"
    Dined on 12/30/2013
  • "We are often in Rockland when Primo is closed for the season, so this was our first visit. We LOVED it. It's our new go-to place for a fabulous meal in the Camden/Rockland area. Everything was just wonderful and I only wish I had skipped lunch AND gone to the gym that day so that I would have had more room in my stomach for everything I wanted to try. As it was, we had a spectacular octopus appetizer -- very unique, tender, and delish. I had skate with brussel sprouts and rice --- a HUGE portion, half of which I had for dinner the next night. Everything was cooked to perfection and I could not have been happier. We had a most amazing sorbet for dessert since that's all we could fit in our stomachs at that point. LOVE IT."
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "You can't do any better in the Midcoast than Primo. Worth every cent."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "it was a nite to remember! wonderful food, great service, unexpected extras, fantastic company, all in a beautiful, warm atmosphere. Thank you!"
    Dined on 12/22/2013
  • "I'VE DINED IN MOST OF THE TOP ROOMS IN MAINE (HUGO'S, FORE ST, GRILL ROOM, PIER 77, ETC) AND, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: QUALITY OF FOOD, SERVICE, AMBIANCE, AND VALUE FOR PRICE; BELIEVE THAT PRIMO'S IS THE HANDS-D0WN WINNER. WE DINED UPSTAIRS IN THE COUNTER ROOM ON SATURDAY NIGHT 12/22/13 AND HAD ONE OF THE BEST MEALS AND BEST DINING EXPERIENCES I'VE EXPERIENCED IN MAINE THUS FAR. OUR WAITRESS, ALEX, MADE A MEMORABLE EVENING EVEN MORE SO BY HER KNOWLEDGEABLE, GRACIOUS, AND ENTHUSIASTIC SERVICE. GREG"
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "Melissa Kelly is wonderfully creative. As a vegetarian I especially appreciate the food the kitchen prepares for me. The menu has rare main course vegetarian options but on request it is never a problem for them to create something phenomenal. We find the wait staff charming and attentive. Matt, the chef at the upstairs bar,is also very adept at creating excellent food."
    Dined on 12/19/2013
  • "This is such a different and wonderful experience. The price is well worth it for the very unique and fresh foods. The atmosphere upstairs is great. Went for my birthday and my husbands because we loved it so much. Can't wait to go back again!"
    Dined on 12/5/2013
  • "We have eaten at Primos before and always find the food exceptional. The wait staff is very pleasant and efficient. Aside from the fact that the prices are high, it's worth every penny."
    Dined on 11/30/2013
  • ".We had heard a lot about Primo and didn't know what to expect. As we live overseas and in DC we were skeptical of a restaurant with such high accolades. However, they were justified and we loved not only the food but the service and reception. The house was decorated for the winter season and was beautiful. The restaurant just needs to check for drafts coming in through the doors. Our feet were freezing as our table was next to a door leading onto the front porch."
    Dined on 11/30/2013
  • "Our celebratory dinner was over the top...extremely creative, delicious, great presentation, appropriate portions! The service was impeccable and our server was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We most certainly will be back soon!"
    Dined on 11/21/2013
  • "Living in the midcoast area, Primo has always been the go-to place for good food and rarely disappoints."
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "Friends and I stumbled into Primo when we were in town for a professional conference. We knew that it was a "farm to table" menu, but were unprepared for the astonishing menu, service, and experience at Primo. Our server described each menu item, including the specials, with tremendous detail -- including the way that the community had recently harvested its local pigs, the source of the "snout to tail" tasting menu option. The menu changes daily, based on the availability of organic and locally-sourced ingredients. For dessert: profiteroles with salted caramel gelato and pieces of cashew brittle! Primo's setting is a beautiful old farmhouse that has been expanded but retains its rustic charm. All I can say is, PRIMO is aptly named."
    Dined on 11/17/2013
  • "Primo is hard to beat, it is the gold standard for everybody else. Much of their food is home grown or local. A great mix of meat and fish plates Their signature desert: molten chocolate buddino!"
    Dined on 11/17/2013
  • "Altho the parking lot was packed, I was surprised how relatively quiet the restaurant was. Thank you! A Sunday night, in mid-November. Lots of specials, and I did the lamb two ways which included really very good grits! And I don't do grits. But don't say no, these we're very creamy, hot, and good poured into a pot with a pulled lamb shoulder on the one way. And altho my desert was very good, even the waiter thought it 'straight out'. It included caramel popcorn, pretzel stick, beer soaked pears, and sorbet! Try That! We'll be going back."
    Dined on 11/17/2013
  • "Excellent service! Very friendly and knowledge wait staff. Food is fresh, well prepared, and pleasantly presented. Overall a very good experience."
    Dined on 11/17/2013
  • "This has become an annual trip at this time of year. We build our entire weekend around dining at Primo. This is one of, if not, Maine's finest."
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • "Outstanding food and service, a destination restaurant"
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "This had everything that I look for in a restaurant. My wife and I are fairly good cooks and I want to experience something that I can't make. I might have been able to make the pork chop that I had if I could find the ingredients, but that is what makes this place special. They are a farm to table restaurant that delivers. We talked about the meal much of the next day."
    Dined on 11/8/2013
  • "Spectacular night as always with help from Primo. We travel 3 hours for this experience that surpasses our local Clio, the more distant Nobu and Gotham, and even rivals some of our Tuscan favorites. As usual, blown-away by the salad/apps/deserts - Primo's strongest work. Striking nest of baby kale, shokingly tender and dressed with the most subtle sensitivity. The surf and turf sliders where half-great: crab cake as good as any we've had; short rib, though plenty tender and flavorful, arrived quite cool. They nicely removed that item from our bill. Steak had the flavor of sirloin and the tenderness of ribs. Pasta was the best we've had at Primo - always good but never their strong-suit. Good profiteroles made great by rum gelato/sauce."
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "Absolutely incredible menu. My entree, The local rabbit two ways and the spinach and sorrel crepe filled with white wine and mustard braised rabbit was, without hyperbole, the best thing I have ever eaten. Everything we ordered was perfectly flavored, every vegetable, every piece of house made bread, the olive oil, the dessert. I would loudly recommend this amazing restaurant."
    Dined on 11/9/2013
  • "Expensive, but splurge-worthy. Lovely staff, fantastic menu."
    Dined on 11/7/2013
  • "I come to Rockland once every year for a conference and I always eat at Primo's. The service is outstanding and the food is 5 star. It's an eclectic menu with great parings of tastes and textures. I've eaten at most other up scale places in Rockland and Primo's is by far the best. Make a reservation early or you won't get in. Don't miss this dining experience!"
    Dined on 11/7/2013
  • "My husband and I own a house on an island in Maine where there's food to be had but only from the IGA. We like nothing better on long weekends or before time spent on island to tuck into primo for dinner before taking the ferry the next morning. It never disappoints (and we live in food Mecca brooklyn! ). Great salads, mains, snacks, fish, pasta - all of the above. Fun festive atmosphere too. No surprise. Everyone's thrilled to be there. Sit upstairs. Or at the bar!"
    Dined on 11/8/2013
  • "Loved the restaurant! The atmosphere was great; I particularly liked the feeling of the second floor bar part of the restaurant, and would like to sit there on my next visit. Every staff person we encountered was gracious and welcoming. And of course the chef delivers...the food is excellent. I would heartily recommend this restaurant to others."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Every aspect of our evening was great! Arrived a bit early so went to bar and had great conversation with bartender, and the best drink-a Charred Orange Negroni-yum! Dinner was delicious, sorry I live so far away, but will make every attempt to go again!"
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "Primos of Rockland Maine provides expert and imaginative food tastes and presentations. their service at the table is impeccable, friendly and comforting. A warm and leisure atmosphere further compliments the experience. A very luxurious experience everyone should have. Their attention to the customers is elegant. the philosophy of their floor management is impressive. seemingly one waiter cares for all the tables... but how??? the support group the waiter has steps up and in to service the needs of the customer, and the waiter. A very special restaurant indeed providing exceptional dishes from local farms, and their own, on the premises, cultivations and produce."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Dining at Primo Rockland is always new, fresh and exciting. All is good in Maine when at Primo."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Everything we had heard about Primo we found to be true. Great cuisine with a staff to match. The saltimboco was tops. The pumpkin swordfish, my wife's favorite fish, was the best she had ever tasted. The gin cocktails were playful and delicious. It all made for a most memorable anniversary evening for these two ex-New Englanders who still love coastal Maine. Heartfelt thanks."
    Dined on 11/1/2013
  • "What a wonderful place - a true gem in midcoast Maine. Everything was absolutely 5 stars. It was probably the best restaurant experience we have ever had, anywhere."
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "Great food from the surf and turf sliders to the warm budino cake! With perfect entrees in between - special rack of lamb paired with root vegetables and Melissa's delicious pasta with wild mushrooms and chicken. Try the Upper Manhattan for a special treat!"
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "We note unevenness! On Oct. 18, we would have strongly recommended Primo; however, our dinner of Nov. 1, was less than inspiring. The salads, Waldorf of sorts, far from exceptional. Pork saltimbocca outstanding on Oct. 18, but only fair on Nov. 1, with mashed potatoes too watery. Oct. 18, entree plates HOT; Nov. 1, entree plates COLD! Nov. 1, Coffee arrived with coffee in the saucer! Server used PAPER TOWELS to soak coffee up, only after our mentioning spilled coffee. YOU DON'T REFILL A COFFEE CUP BY REMOVING IT FROM THE SAUCER, FILLING IT, AND REPLACING IT IN THE SAUCER YET ON THE TABLE. Servers at fine restaurants need training. Server on Oct. 18 a Pro; not so on Nov. 1. PLEASE Refill water glasses before empty!"
    Dined on 11/2/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Boston / New England Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Italian
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Maine Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Notable Wine List
  • Special Occasion
Learn more ›