Caffe Primo

I have been coming to this place for years abd it use to be good. But with each visit it seemingly gets worst.

Probably one of the bigger Café Primos I’ve been to. And unfortunately it’s not the best one I’ve been to.
This place used to be New York Bar and Grill. And when I came here last time they had been taken over by Café Primo. They had kept some of the steaks and authentic American menu items. I am very disappointed that they don’t still have these additions to the regular.
The food is average and the staff seem somewhat abrupt. I won’t say I am absolutely disappointed, the primo franchise doesn’t (in my opinion) have the best of quality reputation

Great prices and HUGE portion sizes. I love that they give you a free garlic bread with lunch or a pancake with dinner, nobody else does that. The kids indoor playground is great and well designed. We had a great dining experience but our daughter did find a sharp bone in her fish, luckily she didn’t swallow it. The manager was apologetic and gave us a refund of her meal as well as vouchers for next time. That’s how you treat customers. We are going back soon.

I have been to this Café Primo many many times, and there has not been one single time where they have gotten my order and my food correct. And it’s not like I order anything complicated. Today I ordered a bolognaise with fettuccine, and they brought me a bolognaise with spaghetti (not much of a difference I know but I don’t particularly like spaghetti) last time I came I ordered a avocado pasta and they brought me an alla pana pasta. I had to get this changed (which they were good about) the food is always either overcooked, or undercooked. On the bright side, the staff have always been very nice, quick and pleasant. I always have to create an expectation of the wrong order and bad food before I come here. Other Café Primos exceed my expectations, but this one always seems to disappoint unfortunately.

I’ve eaten at this place a couple times and I honestly don’t mind it. It’s okay. Just okay. It’s an easy place to dine if you want something basic, quick and easy … And cheap. Doesn’t necessarily mean the most amazing meals and greatest tasting dishes this side of Adelaide.
I went on a Saturday night lately and they were quite full with several reserved tables as well.
We had booked in advanced for a number of guests, but called that evening to reduce our booking size down to 5 … But instead of changing our booking the worker got the idea to cancel our booking instead. So when we walked in and found out about this mistake, the place was already full… but luckily for us and lucky for them a large table was just finishing and leaving.
Most of my group ordered Chicken Schnitzels. They were okay. I don’t know how fresh they were. The crumbed base seemed quite solid. They’re fairly reasonable for $ 18… No extra charge for sauce toppings of your choice. Parmigiana extra $ 1.
Primos do lunch and dinner deals whereas you’ll receive a complimentary garlic bread at lunch with any main meal ordered. The good thing is their garlic breads are made on a small pizza base. The dinner deal is a complimentary small serve of pancakes with cream and maple syrup to go with any main meal ordered. These deals are quite a treat especially since a majority of the mains aren’t super expensive either.

Every time I come to this Café Primo it seems they are short on staff (or at least short on competency)
Over the course of a year I have been here about 5 times and every time I’ve had to wait on average 1 hour for food. Staff never apologise for the wait.
Food quality is average.
Price is on the cheap side so I suppose that might explain the above…

I know, I know. I’ve been so disappointed with the last two Caffe Primo’s I went to, why would I do it to myself again?
I had the unfortunate experience of being outvoted by friends recently, so we wound up here for dinner.
Same average food as the rest, and same average service.
The highlight of the night was leaving the place.

There are many, and I mean many, Caffe Primo’s out and about in Adelaide. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was one in every suburb. Anyway, I love Caffe Primo mainly for their $ 13.90 meal deals (which used to have the burger on there but sadly, not any more), but why do I love the one located at Westfield Marion the most? It’s huge! This space used to be the «New York Bar & Grill» back in the day, which was also a good place to eat, and since Caffe Primo took over they haven’t changed the décor at all, and haven’t misused any of the space. There are plenty of tables, but that doesn’t change the fact that there may be some nights you are best off booking (like a Saturday) because it can get pretty darn busy in there.
Their meals are cheap and fabulous. The service is generally really good. The drinks are always cold.
Oh, and did I mention free garlic bread with lunch? Or free pancakes with dinner?