I have been here twice and i would give a 4 stars for my first visit. But for my second visit, I took my wife for dinner for her birthday. Exceptional atmosphere with a view of downtown Cincinnati. Great service, good wines, (cocktails are average). My suggestion is white wines or a pinot and ask for pastas.
(5)
Kelly R.
Primavista offered a great atmosphere and terrific menu for celebrating our anniversary. My husband and I took some much needed quiet time after the holidays to celebrate and we loved it! The food was amazing and I highly recommend the bruschetta and my husband loved loved loved the lamb. The staff was attentive, but not overbearing and took special care of us for our special occasion celebration. Beautiful views, wonderful food, and a great location. We will be returning.
(5)
Bobby C.
We went here for our five year anniversary. It was the first time we had been there and we were looking for a nice restaurant with a great view, we found it. The service was the best I've had in years. The food was the same. I had the lamb rack and it was so good I didn't want to let my girl even taste it but I had too. We got a bottle of champagne and we never got to pour it ourselves the waitress was there to do it every time. We were the last ones in the place but never felt rushed. They even brought out a little ice cream with a candle since it was a special night for us. Yes it was pricey but we went on a night where price didn't matter we wanted the best and they delivered.
(5)
Eira T.
My dude and I ended up here at two failed attempts to find other restaurants (including next door's Price Hill Incline pizza place) with less than a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night. I get really cranky about waiting more than 20 minutes for anything, so we decided to pop next door to Primavista, which I haven't been to in probably about.... 15, 20 years? Imagine our surprise when we walked in to see if they had a table, and we were seated within about 30 seconds. Awesome! Primavista is REALLY old-school. It reminds me of a kind of place that early 1960s business men took their wives on a nice date when they could get a babysitter to watch the kids. I'm sure the decor has never been changed (they even have an old school phone booth, though the actual phone has since been removed). The best thing about this place is the view from the top of Price Hill. Oh my lord, just an incredible view of the city skyline. There is a whole wall of booths where people sit together facing out towards the windows, which is a little weird at first, but you get used to it very quickly. Everyone who works at Primavista is almost disturbingly nice. And being on the west side, it seems as if mini high school reunions happen every time a new group of people walks in. If the occasional vaguely smug hipster service in OTR is giving you grief (not saying this is true everywhere, but you know what I'm talking about), Primavista is a total and complete 180 from that. These folks are pretty much a case study in hospitality at its best. I got pasta fagioli and a small pizza. The pizza was decent, though not fancy. The soup was incredible. My sauvignon blanc tasted suspiciously like a chardonnay, but that's my only complaint. Primavista would make for a fantastic date night, especially if you don't want to deal with insane prices or insane waits. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jay H.
VIEW!!! In caps, breathtaking for the city view of Cincinnati skyline and the ambience on the 5 star service. My sister Mishell had a 42 birthday party on Sunday. I took my girlfriend Toey and her pastor and his wife also Steve and John for dinner here at Prima-vista. I ordered the thinly slice raw beef and buchetta for appetizer...that started out, with a bang. I ordered a Cabernet wine, was so good I ordered 2 more glasses. Onto main course. I ordered rack of Lamb...sensational. With green beans. I ordered for Toey fillet medium, I tasted it that was good. Mishell ordered the salmon pasta. I shared a spinach salad with Toey. Over all I really enjoyed everything. ANDY, Our waiter was the Best. The only issue I had was, it was a little pricy $$$$, so I'm glad, I don't do it all the time, just special occasion.
(5)
Adam M.
I brought my wife here on Valentine's Day this year and we were not disappointed, regardless of the location. The drive to the restaurant is nothing to get excited about, however, once you sit down and take a look at the city from a far, you realize it was worth it. I was happy with the food quality and the wine we had. The service was great, as well. It made for a really nice date night.
(5)
K J.
What a wonderful view of the City!! The staff and service was also wonderful. (I'd give the staff and the view a "5-star" rating.) The food was pretty good as well. I was here with a large group of 16 people and the staff and kitchen handled everything just fine. AND, there was a large group of 12 or so next to us and they all seemed very happy too. I'll go out of my way to dine there again one evening if I get back to Cincinnati on business again.
(4)
Al D.
This beautiful west side Italian eatery gets two stars, one for each word: Over. Priced. Our waiter was a pillar of professionalism and knowledge. He held himself together with true grace when a member of our party didn't know how to pronounce parmigiano, and then admitted that he didn't know what it even was. I, on the other hand, was not as graceful in my reaction to this admission: "Dude. It's Parmesan cheese. HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The bread they serve is fantastic, and the roasted garlic spread they serve with it is something I need to make every attempt to duplicate. I would then put it on everything I eat, and subsequently invest in a massive case of breath mints. Who am I kidding? I'd even put it on the mints. In glancing over the menu, I started to realize that I had a few options. I could pay $16 for spaghetti (or more for other kinds of pasta), about $10 for a pizza, or over $20 for a dish that had meat or fish of some kind. What really struck me was the price for spaghetti and tomato sauce. $16? Were the tomatoes grown in the garden of Eden? I opted for a pizza to play it safe, with the knowledge that others in my party would be ordering pasta. We're a sharing kind of bunch. My wife ordered the Penne con i Carciofi Arugula e Pangrattato, described as "Penne with artichokes, arugula, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic and seasoned bread crumbs". Given how it actually tasted, they could have saved some menu space and just listed the ingredients as "Garlic olive oil with penne". So much garlic, you guys. The pasta had more garlic than the garlic spread they serve with the bread. I don't even know how that's possible. My pizza was good, though the artichokes I requested were a bit tough and unusually chewy. Otherwise, it was a pizza not unlike any other pizza I've had. Tasty, but not exactly life changing, and I can get a comparable pizza in other places that is the same price but twice the size. This was pretty much the consensus of everyone at the table. The food is good, but the flavors did not justify the price tag. What I will say is that their view of downtown Cincinnati is beyond stunning, and I'm a sucker for a view as gorgeous as this one. But for me, if I want a great view with pizza on the side I'll grab a couple slices of Goodfellas and head to Devou park instead of Primavista.
It saddens me to write this review, but it is an honest evaluation from someone who knows food, has owned two restaurants, and has traveled the world dining at Michelin starred restaurants. I mention this criteria not to boast, but to provide validation for my review. Primavista served the worst Italian food I have eaten at any restaurant. My ravioli appetizer was "swimming" in butter and garlic, and the pasta was lost in a sea of seasonings. The Gorgonzola on top was so overpowering that it was almost as if the chef wanted the pasta to run away and hide. My veal piccata was mushy and had a precooked and frozen flavor. This was not Strauss or Provimi veal! Primavista's decor was so dated, that other than that marvelous view, I felt like I was dining in a nursing home. The service, while well-meaning, was contrived, patronizing, and phony, as the waitress "took on" a false voice that made me feel like I was being patted on the head and called a "good boy." What a waste of a fabulous view! With a refurbishment and an updated, maybe Mexican or Latin menu, Primavista could be an iconic piece of Cincinnati's restaurant revival. Imagine if David Falk or Jose Salazar had this restaurant...........WOW!
(1)
Kelly Y.
Contrary to popular opinion, I like the food at Primavista waaaay better than its view. I was an Eastsider, the view on Mt. Adams beats Primavista's anytime. Those glowing orange street lamps under the hill is just not that primo. But now let's talk about the food! It is old fashioned northern Italian. But they do it really well and very consistently. If it ain't broke, why fix it?? Hubby and I have dined there at least 3-4 times and we have been happy each time. The hubby's favorite is the Veal Saltimbocca. That was the first time(ever) he veered away from beef and chicken and he loved it and has ordered it every other time. The Risotto ai Funghi has become my favorite dish. The rice is perfectly al dente, the mushroom mix is always more exotic than crimini. Yes, do order it as soon as you sit down; then you can relax and the server will time it just right for you. Also, the service has always been perfect at Primavista. Professional, attentive, yet not snooty or overly friendly like Olive Garden. Sure, the prices are higher than your Olive Garden, but you get what you pay for. I know for a fact OG does not cook their risotto fresh to order just by tasting it. The portions are also much much larger at Primavista. And that Osso Bucco dish?? It is worth every penny.
(4)
Whit R.
We had a great time at Primavista. It's a little hard to find. Rather, it's easy to find but the route takes you through a somewhat disconcerting part of town, through a neighborhood and just about the time you start to wonder if you took a wrong turn, there it is. We started with gamberetti con gnocchi - very tasty. We also had a bottle of wine, Lot 96. It was a shiraz and decently priced at, if I remember correctly, about $30. For dinner, I had the Saltimbucco, an old favorite that did not disappoint at all. Really really good flavor and just the right amount, too. My wife had the Pesce de aragosta which was red flounder with lobster. Whew! That was super delicious as well. The best part was the pasta, which sat soaking in lobster butter goodness until the very end (because she/we ate all the other good stuff and ignored the pasta 'til last). The view here is indeed amazing. Cincy never looked so good. We had an app, a bottle of wine, and two dinners for about $130 (including tip). Certainly not cheap but we thought it was worth it and would recommend Primavista to anyone looking for a fancy (but not fine dining) dinner. Why not five stars? Our waitress was pretty slow. Not the slowest I've seen, but no real sense of urgency, which is a quality I want to see when I'm paying north of $30/plate. Call me high maintenance if you must!
(4)
Robert H.
Primavista offers great food, especially the desserts, in a beautiful atmosphere. The restaurant itself is very romantic and it has a great view of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. The service was fantastic and we were never for want of anything. The tiramisu was the best I have ever have. The one downside is that Primavista is a bit pricey for what you get. If you have a special occasion, though, it is definitely worth a visit.
(3)
Naveen K.
They tricked us into believing that they had options by displaying a large menu outside. In reality They had only half a page of entrees, of which 3/5 were essentially the same food with different garnishes. Their online menu has many pages of entrees, all of which don't exist. Their food was also very average. At best it was as good as Olive Garden. The only good part of my experience was the dessert, which was tasty enough for me to leave without the bitter taste from the food. The decor is horrid. The chairs are made of hard wood and you will simultaneously slip and feel like you're sitting on a slab of unforgiving concrete. The tables themselves are embarrassing. They place ceramic plates on glass surfaces, which slip very easily. If your table is tilted like mine was, expect to have your plates slide down on your lap.
(2)
Alex S.
It was date night! My gal was heading out of town for a few days, so I wanted to take her somewhere nice, somewhere with a view ... somewhere that was open on a Sunday night. I typed all of those things into Yelp here and I found Primavista. I'd heard of this spot before, but never actually been there ... or even seen it. To get there, drive up - seriously. You'll go up hill after hill followed by a giant hill to make it all the way up to ... a hotel? Apartments? What the hell is this run-down looking giant white building next to boarded up buildings overlooking the city. Are you in the right place? You are indeed! As you get closer you see a sign for Primavista. Walk through the crappy glass doors to the building and a thick black wooden door is to your right - the entrance to the restaurant. This is kind of the theme of the place - like a lodge cabin out of the '80s, as my date pointed out. Everything is mood lit and dark, but not in a bad way. No, more in a romantic intimate way. This of course is exemplified about a million present when you're walked into the main room and see the view. What. A. View! A wall of glass windows stretching from the ceiling to the floor looking out to the city skyline. We can at night, so everything was lit up and beautiful. It was really wonderful to just sit there and stare out. Your menu is upscale Italian. Dishes are anywhere from $20 to $40 and tasty. It wasn't the best vodka cream sauce I ever had, but delicious all the same. Plus it came with a nice house salad, which is a nice touch. The staff though really blew me away. They were attentive, friendly and really on the ball. Whenever I needed our waitress, she seemed to already be there. I'm not sure if that's because it was a Sunday night and there were only a few patrons or if it's just their normal routine, but it was impressive. I was very pleased with this date night selection...even if my girlfriend probably thought I was taking her to be murdered when we first got to the spot.
(4)
Opal K.
Came here for dinner after hearing some great reviews from friends. The view is absolutely phenomenal and definitely one of the best in Cincinnati I've seen. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at this place is a little stuffy. I was with a bunch of 25-27 year olds but felt like most everyone there was much older. I loved that there was a vegetarian menu but I found the food to be average and kind of bland.
(3)
Reem B.
My husband and I went there for our first year anniversary, we made a reservation through open table and made a comment about where we wanna be seated and apparently they care about their customers requests. anyway as they mention in their website most of the tables have nice views...and what an amazing view they have!! about the food, we had the Mozzarella con Pomodoro as an appetizer which was really good. for the main meal my husband took the Costolette di Agnello which was fine and I took the Pollo Gorgonzola which was a little bit spicier than you would expect on an italian meal! over all the food is just ok while everything else is very good like the atmosphere, the view and the service the best part is that they knew it was our anniversary so they served us a complimentary ice cream... I recommend this place for a romantic, calm dinner.
(4)
Alex V.
Sixteen years in Cincinnati and I'd never been to Primavista. We had not been specifically avoiding it but also not specifically trying to go. A friend's birthday and their enthusiasm to visit at least once a year provided the occasion. Why did we wait so long? This is definitely a place I'll be visiting once a year. The view and atmosphere are 5 stars all the way. I very much enjoyed the classic West Side elegance. People were happy to be there and you felt like you were somewhere unique. There are a lot more interesting restaurants in the city these days but there are a very high percentage that are effectively the same restaurant just with a different concept. Primavista is wholly unique. We love Italian and can make it well ourselves and have also eaten at many great Italian restaurants and toured Italy. I had discounted Primavista as an upscale Buca di Beppo for food. Wrong again. The menu is straight ahead Italian. I can't see any James Beard nominations coming the chef's way. That said, the preparation was impeccable. We took advantage of sharing many bites and every single thing I had was exquisitely prepared. It made me appreciate the value of execution over invention. Can't wait to get back.
(5)
Chad S.
Great Food, excellent service and magnificent views. I had the Scampi and my wife had the veal -both were great. The side of brussel sprouts was wonderful.
(5)
Steve P.
Primavista delivers! They claim that there isn't a bad seat in the house and that is the Truth. This my favorite restaurant view in the city. As proof, my lady is drop dead stunningly gorgeous and I am head over heals in love with her. In addition we went to Primavista on New Year's Eve and she looked especially amazing. But while there, the view was so awesome that I was actually able to take my eyes off of hers for a few moments. Seriously, it's that special! The prices are moderately expensive but the food is very delicious, and the service sets the standard being prompt, attentive and friendly. After all, you should come for the view. You will be glad you did.
(5)
Beth F.
This area was very run down in the past, I'll agree with the posts I've read on that, but what you may not know is that East Price Hill is up and coming! There is a serious preservation project going on up there, and the big empty space to the right is no more. There will be a beer garden next door with a view that is just as amazing as Primavista, although the ambiance will differ slightly I'm sure. Many of the homes that border the Queen's Tower building are being demolished or given a face lift. The boarded up apartment building now has a much cleaner appearance and residents to occupy the freshly redone building. It's still no Hyde Park, but I can appreciate the changes being made and I think Primavista will be right at home soon. However I also believe that this place is a diamond in the rough, and sometimes the best surprises come from the unexpected. Primavista is awesome for romance as everyone has said. The view is phenomenal, the staff are amazing and they know you by name once you've gone a few times. There is also a menu with side portions of pasta that I often get when I'm not in the mood for their 4 star portions and it fills my tummy just fine. My only complaints are that they don't have an updated decor. It's pretty old worldly and it sorta works for them, but perhaps some upgrades would still do them some good. I know I'm going to sound like some high class white trash too most likely, but I wish they would offer draft beer. Imported and something I can't pronounce would be preferred. They can even put it in a fancy glass to make it look pretty! They have bottled beer, but it's just not the same. Overall I love Primavista and frequent the place quite often & I don't see that changing anytime soon!
(4)
Zack F.
While many people have commented about the area being a little on the dangerous side, I didn't really have that experience. It should be easy to park close by. Give them a call and make a reservation for a time they suggest based on the time of year in order to watch the full sunset and then the city lights. It adds greatly to the overall experience. This is definitely a date night type of place. The seating all faces towards the wall of windows, but some tables/chairs aren't the absolute best if you want to be able to face the view at all times. If possible, request the upper seating which is comprised of small booths that allow you to sit side by side with your date, looking forward over the heads of the people in front as you are in an elevated seating location. They have a nice, slow meal timing that adds to the experience. The food is quite good and they do have options for vegetarians as well. Granted, while you will want to grab a bottle of wine for your evening of conversation and gazing, the total bill will end up being rather pricey for the food itself. While the food is certainly good, the price reflects the view and experience more than the food itself. It's on the upscale side, so dress nicely.
(4)
Sable B.
I am an Italian food fanatic- completely obsessed. (It doesn't hurt that both my dad's and step-dad's side of the family are Italian.) That said, Primavista does a great job. I've never had anything that has left me feeling disappointed or that I wasted my money. I think what makes the restaurant so great is the experience of it all. It's a cozy restaurant, with great staff and an outrageous view of the city. It's certainly a great place to go on a date or celebrate an anniversary. If you live in the area, I recommend that you go at least once!
(4)
Andrew N.
Meh. That about sums it up. Pedestrian? Perhaps thats a bit too harsh. When I heard that Prima Vista had the best and most authentic Italian in Cincinnati I had pretty high hopes. I'm glad to report I didn't find a chicken parmesan or pasta with "red sauce" on the menu, so at least it wasn't Italian of the Olive Garden variety. But then white wine marsala and veal saltimobocca weren't anything exciting or new, either. We went with a large party for a friend's birthday, so we had a decent sized and varied sampling of their menu, and nothing stood out. Nothing terrible, nothing great. But then when I consider the premium price tag, I guess that makes it kinda sorta terrible. Or well, just not great value, really. In the end I feel like this place was big in the early 90's and hasn't adapted much with the times. I was hoping for a more contemporary menu- things like pigeon ravioli and pappardelle with braised ox tail- so sure, maybe I was asking for too much. All things considered, if you like taking a trip back in time and sharing a dining room with a mostly 60 to 70 year-old crowd with admittedly, a great view of the city, you have found the place. Otherwise, head somewhere else.
(3)
Stacey L.
My family used to live in this building and so we often stopped in for dinner. I always loved it.... but didn't love it, love it, cut off my right arm for it. I think my biggest complaint is about the decor. This restaurant has not been updated since the 80s. Admittedly, you should be spending all your time look out the window, but for the prices they are charging its time for the decorator. Also, the surrounding neighborhood leaves a lot to be desired... Though they do have door security, I always worried about my car in the lot. The view and the food is fantastic. Definitely go after dark, because honestly the foreground outside the restaurant window is pretty ugly. I recommend the spaghetti with veal meatballs! Take a date or go for a birthday- definitely a place for a special occasion!
(4)
Richard L.
OK, got a question. What is mozzarella com pomodoro? Traditionally: fresh mozzarella and tomato with olive oil and fresh basil. Usually served with substantial servings of fresh cheese, sliced tomato on top of each, basil as garnish on top, with olive oil splashed over and onto the plate. Primavista mozzarella com pomodoro: "fresh cheese stuffed with pesto and mushrooms, with roasted tomatoes and balsamic glaze." Served as two roll-ups with a small portion of tomatoe thrown on top. Really? I ordered without reading the menu since I have ordered this in many fine restaurants here and in Italy. Pesto? Sorry, chef. This dish is not mozzarella com pomodoro. When it arrived in front of me, I asked the waitress what this dish was. She walked away, brought over a menu, and pointed to 'fresh cheese stuffed with pesto and mushrooms, with roasted tomatoes and balsamic glaze." I was aghast. I asked her to take it away. I know the chef has the option of preparing an item any way he/she wishes. But . . . mozzarella con pomodoro should only be served one way. Am I wrong here?
(3)
Mark C.
Anniversary dinner ... great view, casual dining with REAL good food!
(4)
Ryan C.
I wish i could give this place 3.5 stars. It's just a bit better than ok but I can't really say that I'm a fan. The journey there, well, let's just say it was interesting. There is another review that says their girlfriend thought he went out there to kill her. Yeah, I can totally see it and my wife thought the exact same thing. Upon arriving in the parking lot, it looks like we arrived at a bad Holiday Inn. Luckily they had signs in the parking lot saying the lot is constantly being monitored by a security camera. Says a lot about the neighborhood. Walking in didn't get much better. The door for Primavista is hidden on the right once you walk in the first set of doors. The door is pretty wicked, it's a very large, dark wooden door, almost Viking looking. I hate to say this but the decor of Primavista is bad hotel restaurant/lounge. Everything about it seemed rather tacky. The faux wine vines did not help things out. With all of that out of the way. Once you walk into the dining area, the first thing you notice is the view. What. A. View. It is absolutely gorgeous to see downtown Cincinnati this way, especially when the sun sets and the lights of downtown are aglow. If you are in the main dining area, there is honestly not a seat with a bad view. Once you sit, take in the view, order your food, you get to the great part. Eating. I don't mean to make this sound bad but the food is a very pleasant surprise. I was honestly expecting bad hotel food but the food is quite the opposite. The main course & appetizers were just simply amazing. I've definitely had better desserts at other Italian restaurants. Although, we did get free gelato because it was our wedding anniversary. So in the end, I would definitely try this place again, despite all of the downfalls, the food is that good. Unfortunately, a restaurant can't just simply rely on it's food if they want to be the best of the best. The view is just a nice little trick up it's sleeve to help bring people in. The ambiance however has a lot to be desired. But 2/3 ain't bad.
(3)
Allison J.
You look through the menu of $20 and $30+ entrees, you see pictures of the view, and you book a table for dinner. When you walk up to the address where your GPS brought you, you think, "I have to be at the wrong place." Nope. The neon sign in the window tells you otherwise. So you walk in and find a dark, cozy Italian restaurant perched on a hillside in a highrise apartment building. The decor is one part late 80's steakhouse, one part antique shop. It's impeccably clean, there's a candle at every table and the hostess brought us to an ideal table next to the sky-high window. Our server was wonderful. Warm, approachable, knowledgeable. She even volunteered to wrap up the bread left at our table with our leftovers. That's a nice gesture. The menu is straightforward Italian, leaning toward American Italian, with no re-inventions or fuss. I had a nice Caesar salad, with anchovy in the dressing and whole anchovies on top - yes! My ravioli was served with sausage, a thick tomato sauce and a sprinkling of fresh basil. The server brought a chunk of parmiggiano around and grated it fresh over our entrees (with our permission, of course). I was pleasantly surprised by Primavista. The prices are quite high, but it's not beyond acceptable. The service matches those prices, and the view is practically priceless.
(4)
Josh O.
Could you find a less expected location for an upscale dinner than on the ground floor of a highrise next door to a vacant and boarded apartment building? If so, I've never eaten at one. I have to admit I was very, very skeptical going into the meal, but I was happily surprised with the entire experience. As pretty much anyone who ventures out to Primavista knows, the main draw of this restaurant is the view. It is a spectacular showing of the city's western skyscape. It is extremely picturesque at night. Luckily, the windows are ceiling to floor and stretch the full length of the dining room. We got there a little after 8:00 and ordered drinks. They have a decent collection; nothing too crazy, but solid. I ordered a glass of wine, and around the table a beer and two martinis were ordered. Everyone seemed happy with them. We were also served a bread basket and some delicious roasted garlic spread. It was some good stuff. For our appetizers we ordered the mushroom risotto. It takes a half hour to make, but oh man is it ever worth it. The creaminess of it coupled with the earthiness of the mushrooms was spectacular. I would easily order this every time I visited. We ordered a bottle of wine to split and put in our entree orders. We all got veal dishes, myself getting the veal scallopini. It was served with a pretty average mixed green salad, though the gorganzola cheese I have them add give it a little boost. The veal dish was great. It was tender as veal should be, and topped with bubbly, cheesy goodness. The Polenta cake that it was served with was waaaaay to salty, but the green beans were tasty, if a little overcooked. I got an espresso martini for dessert and tried some of my table mates' chocolate martini and bread pudding. All of them were delicious. Great food with a great view. Don't be scared to head over there; you won't regret it.
(4)
Stephanie C.
First time at Primavista last night for my husband's birthday. We were SO excited as we managed to obtain a babysitter and this, my friends, never happens! Anyway, it's almost cliche at this point to say what a beautiful view we had, but we really did. It had a wonderful date night ambiance and we were there before and after the sunset, which I highly recommend. As you can imagine, this being the red-letter day that it was, we could have been served some Mickey D's there and still have been happy, which we were. Happy, that is! However, I think I should still review the food, so here goes. Everything was solid, nothing spectacular in my opinion. When you first arrive you are given some bread and a garlic paste which reminds me of this garlic confit recipe I have but it's not quite as good and the bread was only ok. This isn't exactly the end of the world, but isn't it SO great when you go somewhere and they have the most amazing homemade bread? There's just something special about that. At an italian place, I guess I was sort of expecting it. Anyhow, I had the saltimbocca which had a layer of cheese that was as thick as the veal and a little too much for me, it tasted fine but wasn't something that I would order again. It was served with green beans and red onions that were actually perfectly cooked and REALLY delicious, but you don't exactly go out to a restaurant for their green beans. My husband had the filet with a lobster claw and I have to say, his filet was perfectly cooked as was the lobster claw and both were good. They also brought out a dish of spumoni for my husband for his birthday, and that was really nice. By the way, I wouldn't want to forget to mention that our service was excellent. All in all, definitely a place everyone should experience, but with so many wonderful dining choices in Cincinnati, probably not a place we'll be returning to.
(3)
Trenny S.
Best view in the city, not to mention the amazing food. If you are lucky you will get Theresa for a waitress.
(4)
Rich G.
Incredible food with an incredible view! I had the Lolli Gorgonzola and it was phenomenal! Service was great! Very very pleased all-around! If you are looking for a perfect, quiet setting to have a nice romantic dinner or celebrate with style, this is the place to go!
(5)
Sarah A.
This is the restaurant my husband and I took our parents to in September 2010 for the first meeting and it did not disappoint! Beautiful view at night, good wine and delicious food. A 5 star night for sure! Love the old school vibe. This is an older crowd and when I say older I am talking the average age is about 85. Depending on where you live in the city and if you are not familiar with Price Hill you might be thinking "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Hyde Park anymore.". Trust me, you won't be disappointed and your night will definitely be interesting. Well worth the trip over the the West Side.
(4)
Emma N.
The view was breathtaking... almost, and this, along with very nice service were the only things I liked about this place... I picked it for a romantic date night, after I checked out the reviews here on Yelp, with so many people raving about quality of the food ... I figured, if they operate such fancy Italian words, they should know good from bad. Big mistake!!! My date had a bad feeling about this place ever as we drove up that hill everyone's talking about, and he proved to be right. Good thing we ordered only appetizers (let me show off my "stolen-from-the-menu" Italian here): Calamari Fritti and Ravioli con Pesto, both of the good old a-la freezer kind... The bread looked and tasted like it had seen better, much better days:( The ravioli dish was not bad, but still, nothing special -- anyone can whip it up with a bag of nice grocery store ravioli and a pot of boiling water. Calamari Fritti didn't even deserve to be called calamari -- there was next to nothing left of the extravagant squid flesh flavour in it. This very wicked fritti upset my date's stomach to such an extent, that he had to spend the rest of the night in the bathroom(((((((
(1)
M. G.
This was the best Italian meal I've ever had. Everything was delicious. I can still remember the gnocchi (if you're a gnocchi fan, ask for a larger portion!). The staff was wonderful--friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was casual yet elegant; sophisticated without being stuffy. The view was stunning! Tip: Make reservations in the evening, around sunset. It's so romantic!
(5)
nancy d.
Definitely one of our favorites! We have spent many a night at the bar with primarily as and appetizers ( the bartenders are superb!!) as well as having full meals overlooking the city. I happen to love the "dated" decor. The food is outstanding (I adore the veal meatballs and carpaccio!) as is the service.
(5)
Steve K.
I found the food to be sub-par and dated, the decor dated and wine selection lacking. If I'm going to trek to the ghetto of Price Hill, I need a better reason, this place needs more than just a view of the rail yard.
(2)
Chester L.
One of the best restaraunts in the city of Cincinnati, not just for the view (which is beautiful) or the service (which is excellent) but especially for the food. If you love classic italian, this is place to go. I love the bread with warm garlic spread they give you when you first sit down, and thier pastas are amazing. While the location is less than ideal (the restaraunt is located at the bottom of an apartment building, with nothing else nearby) it is really worth the short trip over the bridge. Highly recommended, and where we bring visitors from out of town so they can see the city and enjoy a great meal.
(5)
Terry S.
This restaurant made me wonder why there aren't other, cooler places to eat with such nice views. The view of the city (& the bats flying by the window!) are worth the visit all by themselves. Primavista is "fancy" not "chic," and compares unfavorably in many ways to Honey, Slims, Nectar, Chalk Food & probably a host of restaurants I don't know about. It costs as much, but the food is much more predictable. (I recommend getting only appetizers, and no fish.) The other clientele are former execs & older couples on their anniversary celebrations. They all dress up, but the dress clothes seem pointless and obligatory, since they don't improve the way their wearers look. But here again, the view comes to the rescue: because the room was designed to feature the skyline and not the other patrons, you can easily ignore everybody else. Our table only had chairs on one side -- the side that faced the view. One perk to add to the view of city & flying mammals: the servers. I suspect they may have been hired for their adorable congeniality & patience with septagenarians, but whatever the reason, they are discreet if ignored and instantly turn into your confidants if questioned. PrimaVista is not exciting. You are not going to see Natalie Portman here. On the other hand, there are no hipsters to annoy you, and it's a good destination if you want a quiet, romantic date at a place where you can focus on your sweetheart.
(3)
Sanjeet G.
This place isn't bad by any means but completely did not live up to my expectations of a great italian dinner with nice views. Pros: 1) The bread pudding 2) The views of the city 3) The service was very professional and friendly Cons: 1) The food honestly just wasn't that great It was a cool place to try out, but probably not a repeat place for me.
(3)
Kristina S.
Went here with some friends for dinner after hearing good things about the food and view. The view was fantastic and it was fun to see the city from the west side. Most of us ordered a chicken dish as the seafood or red meat dishes were very expensive at more than $25. Each dish had a nice presentation but they were standard, lacked creativity, and didn't have the best flavors. I expect to get stellar quality if I am shelling out $20 for an entree. My friend had a less expensive pasta dish and was very satisfied. The service was great and the wine list was fairly good. The atmosphere is a little pretentious for my taste but overall was a positive experience.
(3)
William D.
One of my favorites in the Cincy area. I'm not going to regurgitate what everyone else has said about the decor and it's setting making you feel like you're driving out to whack somebody but the food is pretty damn solid. We both had penne alla vodka and it was a monstrous portion. The leftovers the next day actually tasted better than when I originally got it. The service was great and it's nice to spend a couple of hours in there sipping wine and taking in the view. I would avoid their bruschetta. Surprisingly, not very good. Overall If you're considering taking a new girlfriend here, do it. It will definitely help your odds in getting laid. Going here tomorrow night to celebrate a work promotion. Definitely worth the two hour round trip drive.
(4)
Robert M.
My wife and I have visited Prima Vista several times over the recent past years. Past experiences have been mostly excellent, but last night's dining experience broke the positive string. As usual, service and ambience were outstanding. My wife's meal (Pistachio Crusted Mahi-Mahi) was very good, but my meal, one of the Chef's Specials...Sauteed Veal Scallopine, was mediocre...at best. The veal was so tough much of had to be discarded. No bacon in the sauce. No hint of sage. The green beans were blanched for perhaps 30 seconds, and in effect were essentially raw (but warm). I literally could not cut the beans using a knife and extreme pressure. btw, my wife's asparagas was in the same raw category. I seldom complain about food, and usually relish virtually anything, but this meal was truly poor. At $29 per entree, my wife's meal represented a fair value, my meal was a downright poor value. One last thought...my wife and I grow all of our vegetables,and pride ourselves on properly cooking vegetables. Overcooked vegetables are not a goal...but correct minimal cooking is necessary. I sense many higher end restaurants seek to please those detesting mushy, overcooked veggies, but come on....raw vegetables flown in from some distant source does not constitute fine dining. Like many dining males, I consider value as the paramount parameter. I don't mind dropping $100 or more for fine dining for two...but REALLY mind when I receive a $10 meal for one which I paid several times over. I give each high end restaurant a remedial visit or two before I wholly drop them from our dining list. Prima Vista will get that one remedial visit, but if their performance does not improve, we shall not return.
(3)
Brad B.
If you're looking for a delicious Italian dinner with a priceless view then this is your place.
(4)
Joshua B.
Amazing and spectacular, I can't say enough great things about this restaurant! The ambiance was wonderfully romantic and was very fitting for the occasion (anniversary). From Sinatra's "The way you look tonight" softly playing in the background to the breathtaking view, overlooking a vibrant and sparklingly lit downtown Cincinnati. Prima Vista absolutely delivered that perfect romantic night we were looking for.
(5)
Blair A.
My mother recommended this place for my 21st birthday. It was amazing. I was put-off at first because let's face it... the location is GHETTO. But the restaurant is anything but. The decor is very chic and elegant. The dishes are pretty expensive but it's just a classier place. Our waitress however was VERY SLOW, didn't smile, and wasn't very helpful or knowledgeable about the food or drink menu. It's not that she was slow because it was crowded - because it wasn't. The AMAZING view of downtown Cincinnati was definitely what makes this place so awesome. The food was delicious, if I may add. Too bad our waitress was PMSing or something, I would have given it 5 stars.
(4)
Jackie S.
I would not recommend this place to other Yelpers! While the food the food is decent, the wait staff is less refined. I'm still telling horror stories about our experience here and I definitively will not go back. I think the type of people who are in the yelp crowd would rather not trek all the way out to the middle of nowhere on the West End to sit down to an overpriced, lackluster meal with 1950's doo-wap music playing in the background. If you're looking for a place to take your date, or celebrate an event, there are much better options in Cincinnati, Covington, or Newport. All Primavista has to offer is a good view, and you can get that in Eden Park or Devou Park. One tip though is that they are listed on opentable.com and you can make reservations through the site.
(1)
Jonathan S.
My recent visit to Primavista convinced me that this long-standing gem, only a couple minutes outside the city center, should firmly hold a top 5 spot in anyone's list of best dining opportunities in Cincinnati. The food is exceptional, best salmon in Cincy... a shock for a menu leaning Italian. While the decor is not exactly chic... it's traditional... the food quality, food presentation, and remarkable view of the skyline all justify the higher prices you'll find on the menu. While the service has not always impressed me as much as the food and view, the service has never been bad; only needs polishing up based on the prices patrons pay. If you are smart like me, you'll request a window table with your reservation. Uber romantic!
(5)
Charlie T.
I'm giving it three stars because it was disappointing for a fine dining experience. The flavors were nice. The sauces and breads were excellent. However, all of the meat and seafood we had were overcooked and rubbery (ALL of it: scallops, lobster, red snapper, AND chicken).The scallop appetizer also had the smallest scallops I have ever seen. Also, every course was very slow to come out. This was strange because it was a Sunday might and there weren't a ton of people there. (Also, the portions were not very big--I do recommend having an appetizer.)
(3)
Loupe H.
Prima Vista can be a challenge to find, but once you do, oh what a view! Get a seat by the windows in this high rise and take in the Cincy city lights. Love, LOVE the mushroom risotto. I have dreams about it. The atmosphere is a bit dated; but also dark and romantic too. Take kids early for a make-your-own pizza.
(3)
Kathryn W.
Took my relatives from Germany here. They were, of course, blown away by the view , but the service is what impressed me. With guests who are diabetic, vegetarian ( and autistic) and allergic to various things, the waitperson was charming , flexible and made it all very easy for us to have a perfect dinner. We had a great time and wonderful food. Go here is you have special food prefences or just want a very special meal with no problems. You will have a wonderful time.
(5)
Gerry O.
Was in the Queen City for the Ohio Association of Realtors 100th year Convention. Friends from the area invited us to Primavista, they ARE good Friends as this place was great! 60's Bat-tastic building in questionable area, but the food and service is topnotch! I can not describe the view-but it is worth paying for, I envy the condo owners above the restaurant. 10 min cab ride from the convention center. i could describe what I ate-but everything that arrived at our table looked, smelled, and tasted better than we anticipated! EAT HERE!~
(4)
Peter B.
Probably the best part of the dining experience at Primavista is the view of downtown Cincinnati. Set in the lobby of an apartment building on a western cliff, Primavista is well known for the panorama. The food is something entirely different, as is the atmosphere. The patrons were decidely older than some of Cincinnati's best resturants. At 43, I felt like a was one of the younger diners. The food was overhyped in my opinion. It was good, but nothing stood out from the table. We each ordered different entrees and got the same set of side dishes. I could have gone to my grandparents' country club for this experience! If you want to enjoy a romantic evening overing the city, then give Primavista a try, but if you want impressive food, keep looking....
(3)
Sara Leah P.
Vegan friendly with an amazing view! It was the perfect place to have an anniversary dinner. The staff was very kind and attentive. Make sure that if you go with vegan or vegetarian fare in mind, you ask specifically for the vegetarian menu.
(4)
Bree P.
The perfect date night! So, what other Yelpers said, the journey there is...weird. But the view in this place is spectacular and the food is equally so. My husband and I are vegetarian and they have a separate menu for veg/vegan people. I only dabble in veganry, and everything looked so delicious that we ordered much more food than was necessary.We started with the bruschetta, and for our main course I had the cheese ravioli and Brussels sprouts, and my husband had the penne with artichokes and polenta. Do.Not.Skip.Polenta. Everything was fantastic and we had plenty for leftovers. I had the Tirimisu for dessert which was lovely and anointed with a fluffy lemon cream and two chocolate shavings that reminded me of angel wings; and my husband had the vanilla custard with caramel sauce, equally divine tasting and beautifully presented. Our server was named Andrew and he was pleasant, knowledgeable, and his service was on point. Get dressed up, take someone special, and enjoy the gorgeous view, you can't go wrong.
(5)
Christoffer M.
This west side bastion for special events is the best view in town for a meal, possibly excepting a picnic at Mt Echo. But no matter how skilled you are at packing a basket, it won't match the elegance of Primavista (even if it is nestled atop the dinginess of Price Hill). Oddly situated beneath an apartment complex, the full broad side of the dining room is windows, with the tables terraced so every seat has a prime view (hence the name). If you can tear your eyes away from the window, you'll be delighted by the traditional Italian decadence on the menu. Now, as a pastaholic, I wanted to order some noodles, but I had heard that the osso buco was phenomenal. So, I went against my grain (pardon the pun) and my morals (cruelty of veal) and got that braised veal shank. And I have no regrets. It was huge and tender and delicious, the accompanying risotto milanese was gorgeously golden, and suddenly I was more entranced by the view on my plate than the panorama of the Cincinnati skyline. The taste matched both views. This should be an obligatory visit for all Cincinnatians, regardless of whether you have a special event or not.
(4)
Brian M.
How much would you pay for a fantastic view and a romantic evening with your loved one? Odds are it is far more than Primavista will be charging. My wife and I enjoyed a lovely evening here with remarkable views and unparalleled views of the Cincinnati skyline. As one should expect from a classy establishment, the service was impeccable.
(4)
Kayla C.
Really wonderful. Menu had a lot of options, all fantastic, the wait staff was incredible both knowledgable, friendly and diligent (my water glass never got below half full), beautiful views of the city. Recommend.
(5)
Angela C.
This place is all about the killer view of the city. It's pretty awesome. Food was good but I can't say it was my favorite Italian for the city if you factor in the dinner price tag. Portions were a good size, though, and there is a good drink list with affordable options. It took quite a while for the bread to come out for our rather large group, but I did enjoy the garlic puree spread that it came with! The restaurant is very cozy (though at dinner it felt pretty dark but I'm just a light-sensitive person and tend to get sleepy), and I love the big fancy black entrance door (right inside the tower doors). The servers were very friendly and responsive. Overall, nice dining experience, though I'd just save it for a special occasion or maybe drinks and an appetizer (and remember, it's about the atmosphere, not quite blow-you-away food).
(4)
Craig M.
Tried to eat there by the owner's own account it was an hour and we almost served the meal. Yet my expectations were too high. Had to go the play. Will not be back
(1)
Devika A.
This restaurant is a restaurant with a view. I enjoyed the environment- it's a bit of a drive up Price Hill but it's worth it when you get to the top. The restaurant is dark and old-fashioned on the inside, with a relaxed vibe. We ordered the fried mozzarella ravioli and the brushetta? to start, which was great. I liked the fried ravioli the best- it came with a spicy tomato sauce that was to die for! The bread was good- came with roasted garlic, but in the end I've had better Italian food. For the meal, I had the chicken with lemon and my boyfriend had the shrimp scampi. The shrimp was good but the chicken was dry. The service was great, the drinks were great, and the food was A-ok. I think it's great for a date, or bringing your parents to when you visit! You definitely pay for the view.
(3)
John B.
Primavista is one of those places that survives, even thrives due to an older generation of regular customers and it's amazing view. The food is pretty good, service is also top notch. Like other "fancy" Italian restaurants, prices tend to be on the higher side, so save this place for the special occasions or just go and split an entree, they are large enough for 2 normal appetites. The wine glass price ranges from reasonable to holy cow, but you almost have to have a nice glass or two with Italian, heck with all food ;) The view is of course great and I recommend placing a reservation that enables you to view the city pre and post sunset. Check online to see what time sunset occurs. Parking in the lot across the street is ample and free. The surrounding neighborhood isn't the greatest, so keep all valuables out of sight inside your car. There are some new apartments next to Queen's Tower that had a sign mentioning a new beer garden or something like that... Could be a cool new place with a nice patio for dining and drinking.
(4)
Pam O.
Being 100% Italian this place is definitely decent [by my picky standards]. My husband and I come here about 1x monthly and enjoy the atmosphere. Great wine selection . I do recommend trying the lamb - it is out of this world. We are happy to have this place on our list of frequented places and bring other family members with us often as well :)
(3)
Cindy G.
This is just a short review as we only had an app and a glass of wine after visiting the Incline Public House, but man-o-man I can't wait to go back for an entire dining experience! We sat at the bar and it was late on a week night. The woman behind the bar welcomed us like family. I don't think she was used to such chatty customers but she filled us in on the history of the restaurant and what the chef was all about. I really appreciated that. Since we there we had to have a taste!! So we ordered up the side of Potato Gnocchi with sage, brown butter and crispy pancetta. Oh my word. It was the fluffiest, most delicious gnocchi ever and the crunch from the crispy pancetta added the perfect contrast of texture. Not to mention there were fireworks in my head going off from the flavor! POW POW POW! Delish!! Fantastic wine at a great value, traditional northern Italy cuisine and fantastic service. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Tiffany H.
My husband and I had a perfect date here last night! It's rare that you receive perfect service, perfect ambiance, and great food. You can't beat the gorgeous view but our service from Andrew was spectacular as well! He was very knowledgable and attentive without being annoying. My dirty martini was perfectly composed and we started with the mussels, which were very fresh and delicious. My husband had the spaghetti and I had the shrimp scampi. Both were great and reminded me of my grandmother's cooking. We finished the night with tiramisu & espresso. Perfecto! You have to take this restaurant for what it is.... A gorgeous view with a little old-school soul. It's not a hip molecular gastronomy place. Just enjoy it
When making reservations at Primavista, I always request window seating. The view is expansive. It can be romantic as the sunsets. I usually park in the lot across the street. When you enter the building, the door to Primavista is on the right. It inot intuitve, but you won't get lost. The host/hostess has always been very welcoming. Service has been steady. The food is a little on the pricey side for what it is, but the view makes up for that gap. I haven't had anything here that I didn't enjoy. I do rather enjoy the seafood dishes.
A hidden gem on the hill. Primavista has the fancy hub bub of a high class establishment complimented with warming staff and a modern menu. Known for their Italian cuisine, the Filet Mignon is out of site.
(5)
Nicole H.
We had high hopes for this restaurant with the high star rating on yelp. The view is gorgeous! The bruschetta ( we had two of the three) was the best we ever had, and we get it whenever it's on the menu. However, $6, for two pieces is ridiculous! It should be double the amount. The brownie dessert was also yummy. However, the pasta was mediocre. It was very oily and not very flavorful or fresh tasting. Also, the decor and carpet is extremely dated. This restaurant could be beautiful but it feels old and sad.
(2)
Katie B.
The view was AMAZING but so was the food! I had goat cheese bruschetta for an appetizer. Best bruschetta I've ever had! My boyfriend got the filet mignon and I got a penne pasta dish with veal meatballs. It was fantastic. I will most definitely come here again. This place needs more publicity. I wouldn't have even known it existed if I haven't seen someone post pictures of the view from their table on Facebook. I love the old school vibe and the wait staff was on their game. They're very nice too. I highly recommend this place for anniversaries, birthdays etc.
This place is 100% fantastic. We went for a friend's birthday on a Thursday night with a group of 8. The place is a bit dressy and we were by far the youngest group there (late 20s - mid 30s) Just put the address in your phone/GPS and follow the directions. You have to go up this hill that seems like it will never end and the whole time you are wondering if you are going the right way. You will be disappointed when you pull up and if you told anyone in your party how nice this dinner was going to be this is the part where you start to feel both worried and embarrassed. You see the sign so that is it you are committed and in you go. It feels like a cheap hotel or some kind of a strange lodge. There is someone to take your coat and the place is lit the right way but you are still going to be worried. Someone will walk you around to the restaurant and this is when you can take your sigh of relief. The view is great (try to get there after dark or close too it as it isn't as dramatic when it is still light out) and you will be happy and excited for dinner at this point. I don't think you will be disappointed. Be prepared for the prices. Appetizer are $10 and up. Entrees go from $16 to $40 with most in the 20s to low 30s range. Well worth the money in my opinion. Take the time to dress up a little you will be glad you did.
(4)
Gene K.
This is the best Italian restaurant in Cincinnati, and for my money, one of the top 3 restaurants in the city, overall. I lived in Rome for 2 years, and the authenticity and quality of the food approaches the restaurants there. You must try the appetizers, they are sublime (no sense telling you which to get, because I've never had one I didn't like). The view is gorgeous - it helps to reserve in advance, and ask for a table next to the window. I prefer going in the evening, when the city is lit up. This jewel can be hard to find, but it is amazing!
(5)
Chuck E.
One word........ AWESOME. One of my favorites.
(5)
Sean B.
Having lived in San Diego for a couple of years, I am used to restaurants charging a premium for an oceanview when their food was subpar, but Primavista's food certainly matches the view, (which, with apologies to the Celestial, may be the best in town).
(4)
emily e.
love, love their cheese ravioli. salads are perfection. the view is stunning. what more could you want?
(5)
Sean M.
An excellent choice for an evening out! I took my wife here for our one year anniversary, and was very satisfied by everything about Primavista. Excellent food, excellent service, and the fantastic view that the restaurant is known for. We started off with wine and the Burrata appetizer, which was very good. We both followed with exceptional Cesar salads. For the entrees, I enjoyed the very tender and flavorful roasted lamb with my wife trying the ravioli and having nothing but great things to say. We finished the evening off with a shared piece of the decadent Tuscan Brownie. The final ticket came to around $100, which we both felt was very reasonable and well worth the great experience. If you haven't been to Primavista, you need to go!
(5)
Katie B.
I was super excited when my mom chose Primavista for her birthday dinner, because I had been hearing about it (and the view) for years. I was surprised to see that it was actually located inside an apartment complex, but don't let that stop you from checking it out. The dining room has floor to ceiling windows showcasing THE most spectacular view of the city. They aren't kidding when they say it's the perfect date spot -- I did a quick survey of the other diners, and I would guess nearly 90% of the tables were couples. I can't say I blame them though, the view is breathtaking and the food is equally as delightful. For starters, our waitress brought out some warm bread and a small plate of a garlic paste and several softened cloves of garlic. She suggested mushing the garlic cloves in a plate of olive oil, and using it as a dip for the bread. I quickly obliged, while my parents decided to eat the garlic by the clove. Terrible idea for your breath, but delicious idea for your tastebuds. We started off with the gnocci with pancetta and peas (which my mom said was "good for gnocci," which is saying a lot considering she's not usually gnocci fan), as well as the buratta special. The buratta came with a thin slice of toast and it was so creamy and flavorful, that we could've ordered another. Basing our first impressions on the quality of the apps, we knew we were in for a real treat for the rest of the night. We all had different entrees, including the penne with artichokes and pancetta, penne cionni, and veal saltimbocca. The pasta dishes were simple and super light, and reminded me of the meals I had while studying abroad in Tuscany. My dad really enjoyed the veal, and even said he'd have it again. Which, if you knew my dad, you'd know he doesn't throw that compliment around often. I already can't wait to come back to Primavista. Maybe next time it'll be on an actual date.
The view here is the best thing about the place. It has one of the best views of the city. The food was okay. To be honest, if it was on my list of places to revisit, it wouldn't be because of the food. They do have a great wine selection with all price ranges. We started off dinner with a bottle of red wine and the gnocchi with pancetta and peas. After tasting this, I wish we would have tried the gnocchi with rock shrimp. We are big gnocchi fans and this one missed the mark. We also tried the goat cheese with honey bruschetta. This was tasty and a must try. Our main courses were the cioppino and the salmon. I did not like the cioppino. The mussels did not taste fresh and the fish was very bland. The salmon was good, mainly due to the truffle oil flavor-rarely can go wrong there. We chose the Tuscan brownie for dessert. This was very good. The reason to try primavista would be the view. It's amazing.
(3)
Patty C.
I think the best thing that Primavista has going for it is the view. Was it the best Italian food that I've had? No. It was pretty average. Service was awesome but the restaurant is a smidgen out-dated. My cioppino was average - the seafood was pretty tough. Also - HATED the garlic paste that came with the bread. I probably wouldn't choose to come here again.
(3)
Steve D.
Location, location, location. Primavista provides a breathtaking view of Cincinnati, from a setting you might need a Sherpa to find and that's near some rough inner city territory--kind of an oasis perched on a cliff. It's definitely not the best Italian restaurant in the city (that would be Nicola's or Boca), and it's not cutting edge. The menu is upscale Italian circa 1982, and the food is more up to date than the decor. But the service is friendly and efficient, the conservative food is solidly prepared, the wine list is small but well chosen, and the view is extraordinary. Other reasons to choose Primavista: You won't need to raid your kid's college accounts to afford to come here, as you may for Nicola's or Boca. And unlike Sotto, a comparably priced and infinitely hipper place, you'll be able to get a table in less time than it would take you to re-wallpaper your kitchen.
The food was good, veal meatballs were very good. You could tell the server was very busy, seemed frazzled. She had 4 tables and a serving assistant. Not sure she should be so busy. The view is what you go for.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Jesus O.
I have been here twice and i would give a 4 stars for my first visit. But for my second visit, I took my wife for dinner for her birthday. Exceptional atmosphere with a view of downtown Cincinnati. Great service, good wines, (cocktails are average). My suggestion is white wines or a pinot and ask for pastas.
(5)Kelly R.
Primavista offered a great atmosphere and terrific menu for celebrating our anniversary. My husband and I took some much needed quiet time after the holidays to celebrate and we loved it! The food was amazing and I highly recommend the bruschetta and my husband loved loved loved the lamb. The staff was attentive, but not overbearing and took special care of us for our special occasion celebration. Beautiful views, wonderful food, and a great location. We will be returning.
(5)Bobby C.
We went here for our five year anniversary. It was the first time we had been there and we were looking for a nice restaurant with a great view, we found it. The service was the best I've had in years. The food was the same. I had the lamb rack and it was so good I didn't want to let my girl even taste it but I had too. We got a bottle of champagne and we never got to pour it ourselves the waitress was there to do it every time. We were the last ones in the place but never felt rushed. They even brought out a little ice cream with a candle since it was a special night for us. Yes it was pricey but we went on a night where price didn't matter we wanted the best and they delivered.
(5)Eira T.
My dude and I ended up here at two failed attempts to find other restaurants (including next door's Price Hill Incline pizza place) with less than a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night. I get really cranky about waiting more than 20 minutes for anything, so we decided to pop next door to Primavista, which I haven't been to in probably about.... 15, 20 years? Imagine our surprise when we walked in to see if they had a table, and we were seated within about 30 seconds. Awesome! Primavista is REALLY old-school. It reminds me of a kind of place that early 1960s business men took their wives on a nice date when they could get a babysitter to watch the kids. I'm sure the decor has never been changed (they even have an old school phone booth, though the actual phone has since been removed). The best thing about this place is the view from the top of Price Hill. Oh my lord, just an incredible view of the city skyline. There is a whole wall of booths where people sit together facing out towards the windows, which is a little weird at first, but you get used to it very quickly. Everyone who works at Primavista is almost disturbingly nice. And being on the west side, it seems as if mini high school reunions happen every time a new group of people walks in. If the occasional vaguely smug hipster service in OTR is giving you grief (not saying this is true everywhere, but you know what I'm talking about), Primavista is a total and complete 180 from that. These folks are pretty much a case study in hospitality at its best. I got pasta fagioli and a small pizza. The pizza was decent, though not fancy. The soup was incredible. My sauvignon blanc tasted suspiciously like a chardonnay, but that's my only complaint. Primavista would make for a fantastic date night, especially if you don't want to deal with insane prices or insane waits. Highly recommended!
(5)Jay H.
VIEW!!! In caps, breathtaking for the city view of Cincinnati skyline and the ambience on the 5 star service. My sister Mishell had a 42 birthday party on Sunday. I took my girlfriend Toey and her pastor and his wife also Steve and John for dinner here at Prima-vista. I ordered the thinly slice raw beef and buchetta for appetizer...that started out, with a bang. I ordered a Cabernet wine, was so good I ordered 2 more glasses. Onto main course. I ordered rack of Lamb...sensational. With green beans. I ordered for Toey fillet medium, I tasted it that was good. Mishell ordered the salmon pasta. I shared a spinach salad with Toey. Over all I really enjoyed everything. ANDY, Our waiter was the Best. The only issue I had was, it was a little pricy $$$$, so I'm glad, I don't do it all the time, just special occasion.
(5)Adam M.
I brought my wife here on Valentine's Day this year and we were not disappointed, regardless of the location. The drive to the restaurant is nothing to get excited about, however, once you sit down and take a look at the city from a far, you realize it was worth it. I was happy with the food quality and the wine we had. The service was great, as well. It made for a really nice date night.
(5)K J.
What a wonderful view of the City!! The staff and service was also wonderful. (I'd give the staff and the view a "5-star" rating.) The food was pretty good as well. I was here with a large group of 16 people and the staff and kitchen handled everything just fine. AND, there was a large group of 12 or so next to us and they all seemed very happy too. I'll go out of my way to dine there again one evening if I get back to Cincinnati on business again.
(4)Al D.
This beautiful west side Italian eatery gets two stars, one for each word: Over. Priced. Our waiter was a pillar of professionalism and knowledge. He held himself together with true grace when a member of our party didn't know how to pronounce parmigiano, and then admitted that he didn't know what it even was. I, on the other hand, was not as graceful in my reaction to this admission: "Dude. It's Parmesan cheese. HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The bread they serve is fantastic, and the roasted garlic spread they serve with it is something I need to make every attempt to duplicate. I would then put it on everything I eat, and subsequently invest in a massive case of breath mints. Who am I kidding? I'd even put it on the mints. In glancing over the menu, I started to realize that I had a few options. I could pay $16 for spaghetti (or more for other kinds of pasta), about $10 for a pizza, or over $20 for a dish that had meat or fish of some kind. What really struck me was the price for spaghetti and tomato sauce. $16? Were the tomatoes grown in the garden of Eden? I opted for a pizza to play it safe, with the knowledge that others in my party would be ordering pasta. We're a sharing kind of bunch. My wife ordered the Penne con i Carciofi Arugula e Pangrattato, described as "Penne with artichokes, arugula, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic and seasoned bread crumbs". Given how it actually tasted, they could have saved some menu space and just listed the ingredients as "Garlic olive oil with penne". So much garlic, you guys. The pasta had more garlic than the garlic spread they serve with the bread. I don't even know how that's possible. My pizza was good, though the artichokes I requested were a bit tough and unusually chewy. Otherwise, it was a pizza not unlike any other pizza I've had. Tasty, but not exactly life changing, and I can get a comparable pizza in other places that is the same price but twice the size. This was pretty much the consensus of everyone at the table. The food is good, but the flavors did not justify the price tag. What I will say is that their view of downtown Cincinnati is beyond stunning, and I'm a sucker for a view as gorgeous as this one. But for me, if I want a great view with pizza on the side I'll grab a couple slices of Goodfellas and head to Devou park instead of Primavista.
(2)Cassie S.
The husband and I celebrated our one-year anniversary here back in March. I wish I could remember our server's name, but she was fantastic. Very attentive and even served us free dessert for our celebration. I called ahead and requested a seat by the window. It's not guaranteed, but calling ahead can't hurt. Anyway, the restaurant wasn't very crowded (it was Easter Sunday, actually), so our request was met. Yes, the skyline view is great! You can't stop staring out the window. And you're still on the first level of a building, just very high up on a hill (wasn't expecting that, but, duh, it's Cincinnati). As for the food - whoa. I might not have as high of standards as some people, but I was very impressed. We got a bruschetta appetizer, and it came with various types of bruchetta -- all very good! The meal also comes with bread with, get this, fresh roasted garlic spread! As well as finely grated garlic to put into your dipping oil. It was great. We also ordered a bottle of wine to go with all of this, obviously. Good selection, from what I can tell. So, I decided to get adventurous. I tried lamb, which I've never done before. It took little while for our entrées, but it was worth it! The sun had just set, and the skyline was ablaze as the delicious-smelling food was placed before us. My plate had four lamb chops on it, and they were crusted. There was an amazing mustard sauce to go with them. Perfectly cooked... it melted in your mouth, I'm not kidding. Here's the menu's description: "New Zealand lamb chops in a garlic rosemary crust with creamy mustard sauce." It was served with fried mushroom risotto (yum!) and I believe I got asparagus. Both sides were fantastic. My husband got a chicken dish; I can't remember which one. But I took a bite, and I liked it. He really liked it. I know he got the brussel sprouts, and they were great. The portions were good. I couldn't finish my lamb, so it made for great leftovers later. I know it sounds like someone paid me to write this, but it's all true. Cozy, romantic atmosphere, great service, way above average food. You may think you're driving out of the way to get there, but it's all worth it. Make sure to call ahead and make a reservation. But, whatever you do, just try it!
(5)Denny C.
It saddens me to write this review, but it is an honest evaluation from someone who knows food, has owned two restaurants, and has traveled the world dining at Michelin starred restaurants. I mention this criteria not to boast, but to provide validation for my review. Primavista served the worst Italian food I have eaten at any restaurant. My ravioli appetizer was "swimming" in butter and garlic, and the pasta was lost in a sea of seasonings. The Gorgonzola on top was so overpowering that it was almost as if the chef wanted the pasta to run away and hide. My veal piccata was mushy and had a precooked and frozen flavor. This was not Strauss or Provimi veal! Primavista's decor was so dated, that other than that marvelous view, I felt like I was dining in a nursing home. The service, while well-meaning, was contrived, patronizing, and phony, as the waitress "took on" a false voice that made me feel like I was being patted on the head and called a "good boy." What a waste of a fabulous view! With a refurbishment and an updated, maybe Mexican or Latin menu, Primavista could be an iconic piece of Cincinnati's restaurant revival. Imagine if David Falk or Jose Salazar had this restaurant...........WOW!
(1)Kelly Y.
Contrary to popular opinion, I like the food at Primavista waaaay better than its view. I was an Eastsider, the view on Mt. Adams beats Primavista's anytime. Those glowing orange street lamps under the hill is just not that primo. But now let's talk about the food! It is old fashioned northern Italian. But they do it really well and very consistently. If it ain't broke, why fix it?? Hubby and I have dined there at least 3-4 times and we have been happy each time. The hubby's favorite is the Veal Saltimbocca. That was the first time(ever) he veered away from beef and chicken and he loved it and has ordered it every other time. The Risotto ai Funghi has become my favorite dish. The rice is perfectly al dente, the mushroom mix is always more exotic than crimini. Yes, do order it as soon as you sit down; then you can relax and the server will time it just right for you. Also, the service has always been perfect at Primavista. Professional, attentive, yet not snooty or overly friendly like Olive Garden. Sure, the prices are higher than your Olive Garden, but you get what you pay for. I know for a fact OG does not cook their risotto fresh to order just by tasting it. The portions are also much much larger at Primavista. And that Osso Bucco dish?? It is worth every penny.
(4)Whit R.
We had a great time at Primavista. It's a little hard to find. Rather, it's easy to find but the route takes you through a somewhat disconcerting part of town, through a neighborhood and just about the time you start to wonder if you took a wrong turn, there it is. We started with gamberetti con gnocchi - very tasty. We also had a bottle of wine, Lot 96. It was a shiraz and decently priced at, if I remember correctly, about $30. For dinner, I had the Saltimbucco, an old favorite that did not disappoint at all. Really really good flavor and just the right amount, too. My wife had the Pesce de aragosta which was red flounder with lobster. Whew! That was super delicious as well. The best part was the pasta, which sat soaking in lobster butter goodness until the very end (because she/we ate all the other good stuff and ignored the pasta 'til last). The view here is indeed amazing. Cincy never looked so good. We had an app, a bottle of wine, and two dinners for about $130 (including tip). Certainly not cheap but we thought it was worth it and would recommend Primavista to anyone looking for a fancy (but not fine dining) dinner. Why not five stars? Our waitress was pretty slow. Not the slowest I've seen, but no real sense of urgency, which is a quality I want to see when I'm paying north of $30/plate. Call me high maintenance if you must!
(4)Robert H.
Primavista offers great food, especially the desserts, in a beautiful atmosphere. The restaurant itself is very romantic and it has a great view of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. The service was fantastic and we were never for want of anything. The tiramisu was the best I have ever have. The one downside is that Primavista is a bit pricey for what you get. If you have a special occasion, though, it is definitely worth a visit.
(3)Naveen K.
They tricked us into believing that they had options by displaying a large menu outside. In reality They had only half a page of entrees, of which 3/5 were essentially the same food with different garnishes. Their online menu has many pages of entrees, all of which don't exist. Their food was also very average. At best it was as good as Olive Garden. The only good part of my experience was the dessert, which was tasty enough for me to leave without the bitter taste from the food. The decor is horrid. The chairs are made of hard wood and you will simultaneously slip and feel like you're sitting on a slab of unforgiving concrete. The tables themselves are embarrassing. They place ceramic plates on glass surfaces, which slip very easily. If your table is tilted like mine was, expect to have your plates slide down on your lap.
(2)Alex S.
It was date night! My gal was heading out of town for a few days, so I wanted to take her somewhere nice, somewhere with a view ... somewhere that was open on a Sunday night. I typed all of those things into Yelp here and I found Primavista. I'd heard of this spot before, but never actually been there ... or even seen it. To get there, drive up - seriously. You'll go up hill after hill followed by a giant hill to make it all the way up to ... a hotel? Apartments? What the hell is this run-down looking giant white building next to boarded up buildings overlooking the city. Are you in the right place? You are indeed! As you get closer you see a sign for Primavista. Walk through the crappy glass doors to the building and a thick black wooden door is to your right - the entrance to the restaurant. This is kind of the theme of the place - like a lodge cabin out of the '80s, as my date pointed out. Everything is mood lit and dark, but not in a bad way. No, more in a romantic intimate way. This of course is exemplified about a million present when you're walked into the main room and see the view. What. A. View! A wall of glass windows stretching from the ceiling to the floor looking out to the city skyline. We can at night, so everything was lit up and beautiful. It was really wonderful to just sit there and stare out. Your menu is upscale Italian. Dishes are anywhere from $20 to $40 and tasty. It wasn't the best vodka cream sauce I ever had, but delicious all the same. Plus it came with a nice house salad, which is a nice touch. The staff though really blew me away. They were attentive, friendly and really on the ball. Whenever I needed our waitress, she seemed to already be there. I'm not sure if that's because it was a Sunday night and there were only a few patrons or if it's just their normal routine, but it was impressive. I was very pleased with this date night selection...even if my girlfriend probably thought I was taking her to be murdered when we first got to the spot.
(4)Opal K.
Came here for dinner after hearing some great reviews from friends. The view is absolutely phenomenal and definitely one of the best in Cincinnati I've seen. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at this place is a little stuffy. I was with a bunch of 25-27 year olds but felt like most everyone there was much older. I loved that there was a vegetarian menu but I found the food to be average and kind of bland.
(3)Reem B.
My husband and I went there for our first year anniversary, we made a reservation through open table and made a comment about where we wanna be seated and apparently they care about their customers requests. anyway as they mention in their website most of the tables have nice views...and what an amazing view they have!! about the food, we had the Mozzarella con Pomodoro as an appetizer which was really good. for the main meal my husband took the Costolette di Agnello which was fine and I took the Pollo Gorgonzola which was a little bit spicier than you would expect on an italian meal! over all the food is just ok while everything else is very good like the atmosphere, the view and the service the best part is that they knew it was our anniversary so they served us a complimentary ice cream... I recommend this place for a romantic, calm dinner.
(4)Alex V.
Sixteen years in Cincinnati and I'd never been to Primavista. We had not been specifically avoiding it but also not specifically trying to go. A friend's birthday and their enthusiasm to visit at least once a year provided the occasion. Why did we wait so long? This is definitely a place I'll be visiting once a year. The view and atmosphere are 5 stars all the way. I very much enjoyed the classic West Side elegance. People were happy to be there and you felt like you were somewhere unique. There are a lot more interesting restaurants in the city these days but there are a very high percentage that are effectively the same restaurant just with a different concept. Primavista is wholly unique. We love Italian and can make it well ourselves and have also eaten at many great Italian restaurants and toured Italy. I had discounted Primavista as an upscale Buca di Beppo for food. Wrong again. The menu is straight ahead Italian. I can't see any James Beard nominations coming the chef's way. That said, the preparation was impeccable. We took advantage of sharing many bites and every single thing I had was exquisitely prepared. It made me appreciate the value of execution over invention. Can't wait to get back.
(5)Chad S.
Great Food, excellent service and magnificent views. I had the Scampi and my wife had the veal -both were great. The side of brussel sprouts was wonderful.
(5)Steve P.
Primavista delivers! They claim that there isn't a bad seat in the house and that is the Truth. This my favorite restaurant view in the city. As proof, my lady is drop dead stunningly gorgeous and I am head over heals in love with her. In addition we went to Primavista on New Year's Eve and she looked especially amazing. But while there, the view was so awesome that I was actually able to take my eyes off of hers for a few moments. Seriously, it's that special! The prices are moderately expensive but the food is very delicious, and the service sets the standard being prompt, attentive and friendly. After all, you should come for the view. You will be glad you did.
(5)Beth F.
This area was very run down in the past, I'll agree with the posts I've read on that, but what you may not know is that East Price Hill is up and coming! There is a serious preservation project going on up there, and the big empty space to the right is no more. There will be a beer garden next door with a view that is just as amazing as Primavista, although the ambiance will differ slightly I'm sure. Many of the homes that border the Queen's Tower building are being demolished or given a face lift. The boarded up apartment building now has a much cleaner appearance and residents to occupy the freshly redone building. It's still no Hyde Park, but I can appreciate the changes being made and I think Primavista will be right at home soon. However I also believe that this place is a diamond in the rough, and sometimes the best surprises come from the unexpected. Primavista is awesome for romance as everyone has said. The view is phenomenal, the staff are amazing and they know you by name once you've gone a few times. There is also a menu with side portions of pasta that I often get when I'm not in the mood for their 4 star portions and it fills my tummy just fine. My only complaints are that they don't have an updated decor. It's pretty old worldly and it sorta works for them, but perhaps some upgrades would still do them some good. I know I'm going to sound like some high class white trash too most likely, but I wish they would offer draft beer. Imported and something I can't pronounce would be preferred. They can even put it in a fancy glass to make it look pretty! They have bottled beer, but it's just not the same. Overall I love Primavista and frequent the place quite often & I don't see that changing anytime soon!
(4)Zack F.
While many people have commented about the area being a little on the dangerous side, I didn't really have that experience. It should be easy to park close by. Give them a call and make a reservation for a time they suggest based on the time of year in order to watch the full sunset and then the city lights. It adds greatly to the overall experience. This is definitely a date night type of place. The seating all faces towards the wall of windows, but some tables/chairs aren't the absolute best if you want to be able to face the view at all times. If possible, request the upper seating which is comprised of small booths that allow you to sit side by side with your date, looking forward over the heads of the people in front as you are in an elevated seating location. They have a nice, slow meal timing that adds to the experience. The food is quite good and they do have options for vegetarians as well. Granted, while you will want to grab a bottle of wine for your evening of conversation and gazing, the total bill will end up being rather pricey for the food itself. While the food is certainly good, the price reflects the view and experience more than the food itself. It's on the upscale side, so dress nicely.
(4)Sable B.
I am an Italian food fanatic- completely obsessed. (It doesn't hurt that both my dad's and step-dad's side of the family are Italian.) That said, Primavista does a great job. I've never had anything that has left me feeling disappointed or that I wasted my money. I think what makes the restaurant so great is the experience of it all. It's a cozy restaurant, with great staff and an outrageous view of the city. It's certainly a great place to go on a date or celebrate an anniversary. If you live in the area, I recommend that you go at least once!
(4)Andrew N.
Meh. That about sums it up. Pedestrian? Perhaps thats a bit too harsh. When I heard that Prima Vista had the best and most authentic Italian in Cincinnati I had pretty high hopes. I'm glad to report I didn't find a chicken parmesan or pasta with "red sauce" on the menu, so at least it wasn't Italian of the Olive Garden variety. But then white wine marsala and veal saltimobocca weren't anything exciting or new, either. We went with a large party for a friend's birthday, so we had a decent sized and varied sampling of their menu, and nothing stood out. Nothing terrible, nothing great. But then when I consider the premium price tag, I guess that makes it kinda sorta terrible. Or well, just not great value, really. In the end I feel like this place was big in the early 90's and hasn't adapted much with the times. I was hoping for a more contemporary menu- things like pigeon ravioli and pappardelle with braised ox tail- so sure, maybe I was asking for too much. All things considered, if you like taking a trip back in time and sharing a dining room with a mostly 60 to 70 year-old crowd with admittedly, a great view of the city, you have found the place. Otherwise, head somewhere else.
(3)Stacey L.
My family used to live in this building and so we often stopped in for dinner. I always loved it.... but didn't love it, love it, cut off my right arm for it. I think my biggest complaint is about the decor. This restaurant has not been updated since the 80s. Admittedly, you should be spending all your time look out the window, but for the prices they are charging its time for the decorator. Also, the surrounding neighborhood leaves a lot to be desired... Though they do have door security, I always worried about my car in the lot. The view and the food is fantastic. Definitely go after dark, because honestly the foreground outside the restaurant window is pretty ugly. I recommend the spaghetti with veal meatballs! Take a date or go for a birthday- definitely a place for a special occasion!
(4)Richard L.
OK, got a question. What is mozzarella com pomodoro? Traditionally: fresh mozzarella and tomato with olive oil and fresh basil. Usually served with substantial servings of fresh cheese, sliced tomato on top of each, basil as garnish on top, with olive oil splashed over and onto the plate. Primavista mozzarella com pomodoro: "fresh cheese stuffed with pesto and mushrooms, with roasted tomatoes and balsamic glaze." Served as two roll-ups with a small portion of tomatoe thrown on top. Really? I ordered without reading the menu since I have ordered this in many fine restaurants here and in Italy. Pesto? Sorry, chef. This dish is not mozzarella com pomodoro. When it arrived in front of me, I asked the waitress what this dish was. She walked away, brought over a menu, and pointed to 'fresh cheese stuffed with pesto and mushrooms, with roasted tomatoes and balsamic glaze." I was aghast. I asked her to take it away. I know the chef has the option of preparing an item any way he/she wishes. But . . . mozzarella con pomodoro should only be served one way. Am I wrong here?
(3)Mark C.
Anniversary dinner ... great view, casual dining with REAL good food!
(4)Ryan C.
I wish i could give this place 3.5 stars. It's just a bit better than ok but I can't really say that I'm a fan. The journey there, well, let's just say it was interesting. There is another review that says their girlfriend thought he went out there to kill her. Yeah, I can totally see it and my wife thought the exact same thing. Upon arriving in the parking lot, it looks like we arrived at a bad Holiday Inn. Luckily they had signs in the parking lot saying the lot is constantly being monitored by a security camera. Says a lot about the neighborhood. Walking in didn't get much better. The door for Primavista is hidden on the right once you walk in the first set of doors. The door is pretty wicked, it's a very large, dark wooden door, almost Viking looking. I hate to say this but the decor of Primavista is bad hotel restaurant/lounge. Everything about it seemed rather tacky. The faux wine vines did not help things out. With all of that out of the way. Once you walk into the dining area, the first thing you notice is the view. What. A. View. It is absolutely gorgeous to see downtown Cincinnati this way, especially when the sun sets and the lights of downtown are aglow. If you are in the main dining area, there is honestly not a seat with a bad view. Once you sit, take in the view, order your food, you get to the great part. Eating. I don't mean to make this sound bad but the food is a very pleasant surprise. I was honestly expecting bad hotel food but the food is quite the opposite. The main course & appetizers were just simply amazing. I've definitely had better desserts at other Italian restaurants. Although, we did get free gelato because it was our wedding anniversary. So in the end, I would definitely try this place again, despite all of the downfalls, the food is that good. Unfortunately, a restaurant can't just simply rely on it's food if they want to be the best of the best. The view is just a nice little trick up it's sleeve to help bring people in. The ambiance however has a lot to be desired. But 2/3 ain't bad.
(3)Allison J.
You look through the menu of $20 and $30+ entrees, you see pictures of the view, and you book a table for dinner. When you walk up to the address where your GPS brought you, you think, "I have to be at the wrong place." Nope. The neon sign in the window tells you otherwise. So you walk in and find a dark, cozy Italian restaurant perched on a hillside in a highrise apartment building. The decor is one part late 80's steakhouse, one part antique shop. It's impeccably clean, there's a candle at every table and the hostess brought us to an ideal table next to the sky-high window. Our server was wonderful. Warm, approachable, knowledgeable. She even volunteered to wrap up the bread left at our table with our leftovers. That's a nice gesture. The menu is straightforward Italian, leaning toward American Italian, with no re-inventions or fuss. I had a nice Caesar salad, with anchovy in the dressing and whole anchovies on top - yes! My ravioli was served with sausage, a thick tomato sauce and a sprinkling of fresh basil. The server brought a chunk of parmiggiano around and grated it fresh over our entrees (with our permission, of course). I was pleasantly surprised by Primavista. The prices are quite high, but it's not beyond acceptable. The service matches those prices, and the view is practically priceless.
(4)Josh O.
Could you find a less expected location for an upscale dinner than on the ground floor of a highrise next door to a vacant and boarded apartment building? If so, I've never eaten at one. I have to admit I was very, very skeptical going into the meal, but I was happily surprised with the entire experience. As pretty much anyone who ventures out to Primavista knows, the main draw of this restaurant is the view. It is a spectacular showing of the city's western skyscape. It is extremely picturesque at night. Luckily, the windows are ceiling to floor and stretch the full length of the dining room. We got there a little after 8:00 and ordered drinks. They have a decent collection; nothing too crazy, but solid. I ordered a glass of wine, and around the table a beer and two martinis were ordered. Everyone seemed happy with them. We were also served a bread basket and some delicious roasted garlic spread. It was some good stuff. For our appetizers we ordered the mushroom risotto. It takes a half hour to make, but oh man is it ever worth it. The creaminess of it coupled with the earthiness of the mushrooms was spectacular. I would easily order this every time I visited. We ordered a bottle of wine to split and put in our entree orders. We all got veal dishes, myself getting the veal scallopini. It was served with a pretty average mixed green salad, though the gorganzola cheese I have them add give it a little boost. The veal dish was great. It was tender as veal should be, and topped with bubbly, cheesy goodness. The Polenta cake that it was served with was waaaaay to salty, but the green beans were tasty, if a little overcooked. I got an espresso martini for dessert and tried some of my table mates' chocolate martini and bread pudding. All of them were delicious. Great food with a great view. Don't be scared to head over there; you won't regret it.
(4)Stephanie C.
First time at Primavista last night for my husband's birthday. We were SO excited as we managed to obtain a babysitter and this, my friends, never happens! Anyway, it's almost cliche at this point to say what a beautiful view we had, but we really did. It had a wonderful date night ambiance and we were there before and after the sunset, which I highly recommend. As you can imagine, this being the red-letter day that it was, we could have been served some Mickey D's there and still have been happy, which we were. Happy, that is! However, I think I should still review the food, so here goes. Everything was solid, nothing spectacular in my opinion. When you first arrive you are given some bread and a garlic paste which reminds me of this garlic confit recipe I have but it's not quite as good and the bread was only ok. This isn't exactly the end of the world, but isn't it SO great when you go somewhere and they have the most amazing homemade bread? There's just something special about that. At an italian place, I guess I was sort of expecting it. Anyhow, I had the saltimbocca which had a layer of cheese that was as thick as the veal and a little too much for me, it tasted fine but wasn't something that I would order again. It was served with green beans and red onions that were actually perfectly cooked and REALLY delicious, but you don't exactly go out to a restaurant for their green beans. My husband had the filet with a lobster claw and I have to say, his filet was perfectly cooked as was the lobster claw and both were good. They also brought out a dish of spumoni for my husband for his birthday, and that was really nice. By the way, I wouldn't want to forget to mention that our service was excellent. All in all, definitely a place everyone should experience, but with so many wonderful dining choices in Cincinnati, probably not a place we'll be returning to.
(3)Trenny S.
Best view in the city, not to mention the amazing food. If you are lucky you will get Theresa for a waitress.
(4)Rich G.
Incredible food with an incredible view! I had the Lolli Gorgonzola and it was phenomenal! Service was great! Very very pleased all-around! If you are looking for a perfect, quiet setting to have a nice romantic dinner or celebrate with style, this is the place to go!
(5)Sarah A.
This is the restaurant my husband and I took our parents to in September 2010 for the first meeting and it did not disappoint! Beautiful view at night, good wine and delicious food. A 5 star night for sure! Love the old school vibe. This is an older crowd and when I say older I am talking the average age is about 85. Depending on where you live in the city and if you are not familiar with Price Hill you might be thinking "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Hyde Park anymore.". Trust me, you won't be disappointed and your night will definitely be interesting. Well worth the trip over the the West Side.
(4)Emma N.
The view was breathtaking... almost, and this, along with very nice service were the only things I liked about this place... I picked it for a romantic date night, after I checked out the reviews here on Yelp, with so many people raving about quality of the food ... I figured, if they operate such fancy Italian words, they should know good from bad. Big mistake!!! My date had a bad feeling about this place ever as we drove up that hill everyone's talking about, and he proved to be right. Good thing we ordered only appetizers (let me show off my "stolen-from-the-menu" Italian here): Calamari Fritti and Ravioli con Pesto, both of the good old a-la freezer kind... The bread looked and tasted like it had seen better, much better days:( The ravioli dish was not bad, but still, nothing special -- anyone can whip it up with a bag of nice grocery store ravioli and a pot of boiling water. Calamari Fritti didn't even deserve to be called calamari -- there was next to nothing left of the extravagant squid flesh flavour in it. This very wicked fritti upset my date's stomach to such an extent, that he had to spend the rest of the night in the bathroom(((((((
(1)M. G.
This was the best Italian meal I've ever had. Everything was delicious. I can still remember the gnocchi (if you're a gnocchi fan, ask for a larger portion!). The staff was wonderful--friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was casual yet elegant; sophisticated without being stuffy. The view was stunning! Tip: Make reservations in the evening, around sunset. It's so romantic!
(5)nancy d.
Definitely one of our favorites! We have spent many a night at the bar with primarily as and appetizers ( the bartenders are superb!!) as well as having full meals overlooking the city. I happen to love the "dated" decor. The food is outstanding (I adore the veal meatballs and carpaccio!) as is the service.
(5)Steve K.
I found the food to be sub-par and dated, the decor dated and wine selection lacking. If I'm going to trek to the ghetto of Price Hill, I need a better reason, this place needs more than just a view of the rail yard.
(2)Chester L.
One of the best restaraunts in the city of Cincinnati, not just for the view (which is beautiful) or the service (which is excellent) but especially for the food. If you love classic italian, this is place to go. I love the bread with warm garlic spread they give you when you first sit down, and thier pastas are amazing. While the location is less than ideal (the restaraunt is located at the bottom of an apartment building, with nothing else nearby) it is really worth the short trip over the bridge. Highly recommended, and where we bring visitors from out of town so they can see the city and enjoy a great meal.
(5)Terry S.
This restaurant made me wonder why there aren't other, cooler places to eat with such nice views. The view of the city (& the bats flying by the window!) are worth the visit all by themselves. Primavista is "fancy" not "chic," and compares unfavorably in many ways to Honey, Slims, Nectar, Chalk Food & probably a host of restaurants I don't know about. It costs as much, but the food is much more predictable. (I recommend getting only appetizers, and no fish.) The other clientele are former execs & older couples on their anniversary celebrations. They all dress up, but the dress clothes seem pointless and obligatory, since they don't improve the way their wearers look. But here again, the view comes to the rescue: because the room was designed to feature the skyline and not the other patrons, you can easily ignore everybody else. Our table only had chairs on one side -- the side that faced the view. One perk to add to the view of city & flying mammals: the servers. I suspect they may have been hired for their adorable congeniality & patience with septagenarians, but whatever the reason, they are discreet if ignored and instantly turn into your confidants if questioned. PrimaVista is not exciting. You are not going to see Natalie Portman here. On the other hand, there are no hipsters to annoy you, and it's a good destination if you want a quiet, romantic date at a place where you can focus on your sweetheart.
(3)Sanjeet G.
This place isn't bad by any means but completely did not live up to my expectations of a great italian dinner with nice views. Pros: 1) The bread pudding 2) The views of the city 3) The service was very professional and friendly Cons: 1) The food honestly just wasn't that great It was a cool place to try out, but probably not a repeat place for me.
(3)Kristina S.
Went here with some friends for dinner after hearing good things about the food and view. The view was fantastic and it was fun to see the city from the west side. Most of us ordered a chicken dish as the seafood or red meat dishes were very expensive at more than $25. Each dish had a nice presentation but they were standard, lacked creativity, and didn't have the best flavors. I expect to get stellar quality if I am shelling out $20 for an entree. My friend had a less expensive pasta dish and was very satisfied. The service was great and the wine list was fairly good. The atmosphere is a little pretentious for my taste but overall was a positive experience.
(3)William D.
One of my favorites in the Cincy area. I'm not going to regurgitate what everyone else has said about the decor and it's setting making you feel like you're driving out to whack somebody but the food is pretty damn solid. We both had penne alla vodka and it was a monstrous portion. The leftovers the next day actually tasted better than when I originally got it. The service was great and it's nice to spend a couple of hours in there sipping wine and taking in the view. I would avoid their bruschetta. Surprisingly, not very good. Overall If you're considering taking a new girlfriend here, do it. It will definitely help your odds in getting laid. Going here tomorrow night to celebrate a work promotion. Definitely worth the two hour round trip drive.
(4)Robert M.
My wife and I have visited Prima Vista several times over the recent past years. Past experiences have been mostly excellent, but last night's dining experience broke the positive string. As usual, service and ambience were outstanding. My wife's meal (Pistachio Crusted Mahi-Mahi) was very good, but my meal, one of the Chef's Specials...Sauteed Veal Scallopine, was mediocre...at best. The veal was so tough much of had to be discarded. No bacon in the sauce. No hint of sage. The green beans were blanched for perhaps 30 seconds, and in effect were essentially raw (but warm). I literally could not cut the beans using a knife and extreme pressure. btw, my wife's asparagas was in the same raw category. I seldom complain about food, and usually relish virtually anything, but this meal was truly poor. At $29 per entree, my wife's meal represented a fair value, my meal was a downright poor value. One last thought...my wife and I grow all of our vegetables,and pride ourselves on properly cooking vegetables. Overcooked vegetables are not a goal...but correct minimal cooking is necessary. I sense many higher end restaurants seek to please those detesting mushy, overcooked veggies, but come on....raw vegetables flown in from some distant source does not constitute fine dining. Like many dining males, I consider value as the paramount parameter. I don't mind dropping $100 or more for fine dining for two...but REALLY mind when I receive a $10 meal for one which I paid several times over. I give each high end restaurant a remedial visit or two before I wholly drop them from our dining list. Prima Vista will get that one remedial visit, but if their performance does not improve, we shall not return.
(3)Brad B.
If you're looking for a delicious Italian dinner with a priceless view then this is your place.
(4)Joshua B.
Amazing and spectacular, I can't say enough great things about this restaurant! The ambiance was wonderfully romantic and was very fitting for the occasion (anniversary). From Sinatra's "The way you look tonight" softly playing in the background to the breathtaking view, overlooking a vibrant and sparklingly lit downtown Cincinnati. Prima Vista absolutely delivered that perfect romantic night we were looking for.
(5)Blair A.
My mother recommended this place for my 21st birthday. It was amazing. I was put-off at first because let's face it... the location is GHETTO. But the restaurant is anything but. The decor is very chic and elegant. The dishes are pretty expensive but it's just a classier place. Our waitress however was VERY SLOW, didn't smile, and wasn't very helpful or knowledgeable about the food or drink menu. It's not that she was slow because it was crowded - because it wasn't. The AMAZING view of downtown Cincinnati was definitely what makes this place so awesome. The food was delicious, if I may add. Too bad our waitress was PMSing or something, I would have given it 5 stars.
(4)Jackie S.
I would not recommend this place to other Yelpers! While the food the food is decent, the wait staff is less refined. I'm still telling horror stories about our experience here and I definitively will not go back. I think the type of people who are in the yelp crowd would rather not trek all the way out to the middle of nowhere on the West End to sit down to an overpriced, lackluster meal with 1950's doo-wap music playing in the background. If you're looking for a place to take your date, or celebrate an event, there are much better options in Cincinnati, Covington, or Newport. All Primavista has to offer is a good view, and you can get that in Eden Park or Devou Park. One tip though is that they are listed on opentable.com and you can make reservations through the site.
(1)Jonathan S.
My recent visit to Primavista convinced me that this long-standing gem, only a couple minutes outside the city center, should firmly hold a top 5 spot in anyone's list of best dining opportunities in Cincinnati. The food is exceptional, best salmon in Cincy... a shock for a menu leaning Italian. While the decor is not exactly chic... it's traditional... the food quality, food presentation, and remarkable view of the skyline all justify the higher prices you'll find on the menu. While the service has not always impressed me as much as the food and view, the service has never been bad; only needs polishing up based on the prices patrons pay. If you are smart like me, you'll request a window table with your reservation. Uber romantic!
(5)Charlie T.
I'm giving it three stars because it was disappointing for a fine dining experience. The flavors were nice. The sauces and breads were excellent. However, all of the meat and seafood we had were overcooked and rubbery (ALL of it: scallops, lobster, red snapper, AND chicken).The scallop appetizer also had the smallest scallops I have ever seen. Also, every course was very slow to come out. This was strange because it was a Sunday might and there weren't a ton of people there. (Also, the portions were not very big--I do recommend having an appetizer.)
(3)Loupe H.
Prima Vista can be a challenge to find, but once you do, oh what a view! Get a seat by the windows in this high rise and take in the Cincy city lights. Love, LOVE the mushroom risotto. I have dreams about it. The atmosphere is a bit dated; but also dark and romantic too. Take kids early for a make-your-own pizza.
(3)Kathryn W.
Took my relatives from Germany here. They were, of course, blown away by the view , but the service is what impressed me. With guests who are diabetic, vegetarian ( and autistic) and allergic to various things, the waitperson was charming , flexible and made it all very easy for us to have a perfect dinner. We had a great time and wonderful food. Go here is you have special food prefences or just want a very special meal with no problems. You will have a wonderful time.
(5)Gerry O.
Was in the Queen City for the Ohio Association of Realtors 100th year Convention. Friends from the area invited us to Primavista, they ARE good Friends as this place was great! 60's Bat-tastic building in questionable area, but the food and service is topnotch! I can not describe the view-but it is worth paying for, I envy the condo owners above the restaurant. 10 min cab ride from the convention center. i could describe what I ate-but everything that arrived at our table looked, smelled, and tasted better than we anticipated! EAT HERE!~
(4)Peter B.
Probably the best part of the dining experience at Primavista is the view of downtown Cincinnati. Set in the lobby of an apartment building on a western cliff, Primavista is well known for the panorama. The food is something entirely different, as is the atmosphere. The patrons were decidely older than some of Cincinnati's best resturants. At 43, I felt like a was one of the younger diners. The food was overhyped in my opinion. It was good, but nothing stood out from the table. We each ordered different entrees and got the same set of side dishes. I could have gone to my grandparents' country club for this experience! If you want to enjoy a romantic evening overing the city, then give Primavista a try, but if you want impressive food, keep looking....
(3)Sara Leah P.
Vegan friendly with an amazing view! It was the perfect place to have an anniversary dinner. The staff was very kind and attentive. Make sure that if you go with vegan or vegetarian fare in mind, you ask specifically for the vegetarian menu.
(4)Bree P.
The perfect date night! So, what other Yelpers said, the journey there is...weird. But the view in this place is spectacular and the food is equally so. My husband and I are vegetarian and they have a separate menu for veg/vegan people. I only dabble in veganry, and everything looked so delicious that we ordered much more food than was necessary.We started with the bruschetta, and for our main course I had the cheese ravioli and Brussels sprouts, and my husband had the penne with artichokes and polenta. Do.Not.Skip.Polenta. Everything was fantastic and we had plenty for leftovers. I had the Tirimisu for dessert which was lovely and anointed with a fluffy lemon cream and two chocolate shavings that reminded me of angel wings; and my husband had the vanilla custard with caramel sauce, equally divine tasting and beautifully presented. Our server was named Andrew and he was pleasant, knowledgeable, and his service was on point. Get dressed up, take someone special, and enjoy the gorgeous view, you can't go wrong.
(5)Christoffer M.
This west side bastion for special events is the best view in town for a meal, possibly excepting a picnic at Mt Echo. But no matter how skilled you are at packing a basket, it won't match the elegance of Primavista (even if it is nestled atop the dinginess of Price Hill). Oddly situated beneath an apartment complex, the full broad side of the dining room is windows, with the tables terraced so every seat has a prime view (hence the name). If you can tear your eyes away from the window, you'll be delighted by the traditional Italian decadence on the menu. Now, as a pastaholic, I wanted to order some noodles, but I had heard that the osso buco was phenomenal. So, I went against my grain (pardon the pun) and my morals (cruelty of veal) and got that braised veal shank. And I have no regrets. It was huge and tender and delicious, the accompanying risotto milanese was gorgeously golden, and suddenly I was more entranced by the view on my plate than the panorama of the Cincinnati skyline. The taste matched both views. This should be an obligatory visit for all Cincinnatians, regardless of whether you have a special event or not.
(4)Brian M.
How much would you pay for a fantastic view and a romantic evening with your loved one? Odds are it is far more than Primavista will be charging. My wife and I enjoyed a lovely evening here with remarkable views and unparalleled views of the Cincinnati skyline. As one should expect from a classy establishment, the service was impeccable.
(4)Kayla C.
Really wonderful. Menu had a lot of options, all fantastic, the wait staff was incredible both knowledgable, friendly and diligent (my water glass never got below half full), beautiful views of the city. Recommend.
(5)Angela C.
This place is all about the killer view of the city. It's pretty awesome. Food was good but I can't say it was my favorite Italian for the city if you factor in the dinner price tag. Portions were a good size, though, and there is a good drink list with affordable options. It took quite a while for the bread to come out for our rather large group, but I did enjoy the garlic puree spread that it came with! The restaurant is very cozy (though at dinner it felt pretty dark but I'm just a light-sensitive person and tend to get sleepy), and I love the big fancy black entrance door (right inside the tower doors). The servers were very friendly and responsive. Overall, nice dining experience, though I'd just save it for a special occasion or maybe drinks and an appetizer (and remember, it's about the atmosphere, not quite blow-you-away food).
(4)Craig M.
Tried to eat there by the owner's own account it was an hour and we almost served the meal. Yet my expectations were too high. Had to go the play. Will not be back
(1)Devika A.
This restaurant is a restaurant with a view. I enjoyed the environment- it's a bit of a drive up Price Hill but it's worth it when you get to the top. The restaurant is dark and old-fashioned on the inside, with a relaxed vibe. We ordered the fried mozzarella ravioli and the brushetta? to start, which was great. I liked the fried ravioli the best- it came with a spicy tomato sauce that was to die for! The bread was good- came with roasted garlic, but in the end I've had better Italian food. For the meal, I had the chicken with lemon and my boyfriend had the shrimp scampi. The shrimp was good but the chicken was dry. The service was great, the drinks were great, and the food was A-ok. I think it's great for a date, or bringing your parents to when you visit! You definitely pay for the view.
(3)John B.
Primavista is one of those places that survives, even thrives due to an older generation of regular customers and it's amazing view. The food is pretty good, service is also top notch. Like other "fancy" Italian restaurants, prices tend to be on the higher side, so save this place for the special occasions or just go and split an entree, they are large enough for 2 normal appetites. The wine glass price ranges from reasonable to holy cow, but you almost have to have a nice glass or two with Italian, heck with all food ;) The view is of course great and I recommend placing a reservation that enables you to view the city pre and post sunset. Check online to see what time sunset occurs. Parking in the lot across the street is ample and free. The surrounding neighborhood isn't the greatest, so keep all valuables out of sight inside your car. There are some new apartments next to Queen's Tower that had a sign mentioning a new beer garden or something like that... Could be a cool new place with a nice patio for dining and drinking.
(4)Pam O.
Being 100% Italian this place is definitely decent [by my picky standards]. My husband and I come here about 1x monthly and enjoy the atmosphere. Great wine selection . I do recommend trying the lamb - it is out of this world. We are happy to have this place on our list of frequented places and bring other family members with us often as well :)
(3)Cindy G.
This is just a short review as we only had an app and a glass of wine after visiting the Incline Public House, but man-o-man I can't wait to go back for an entire dining experience! We sat at the bar and it was late on a week night. The woman behind the bar welcomed us like family. I don't think she was used to such chatty customers but she filled us in on the history of the restaurant and what the chef was all about. I really appreciated that. Since we there we had to have a taste!! So we ordered up the side of Potato Gnocchi with sage, brown butter and crispy pancetta. Oh my word. It was the fluffiest, most delicious gnocchi ever and the crunch from the crispy pancetta added the perfect contrast of texture. Not to mention there were fireworks in my head going off from the flavor! POW POW POW! Delish!! Fantastic wine at a great value, traditional northern Italy cuisine and fantastic service. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Tiffany H.
My husband and I had a perfect date here last night! It's rare that you receive perfect service, perfect ambiance, and great food. You can't beat the gorgeous view but our service from Andrew was spectacular as well! He was very knowledgable and attentive without being annoying. My dirty martini was perfectly composed and we started with the mussels, which were very fresh and delicious. My husband had the spaghetti and I had the shrimp scampi. Both were great and reminded me of my grandmother's cooking. We finished the night with tiramisu & espresso. Perfecto! You have to take this restaurant for what it is.... A gorgeous view with a little old-school soul. It's not a hip molecular gastronomy place. Just enjoy it
(5)Shauna C.
Primavista translates to "at first sight" -Go to Primavista for the gorgeous view- it really is spectacular, quite possibly the best I saw during my entire visit. The food in my opinion is wayyy overpriced for the quality and amount you receive. The bread was awesome - a great rosemary focaccia with oil and roasted pureed garlic, delicious. By far, the highlight of my meal. We split the fried mushroom risotto as an appetizer which was good enough though I probably would not order it again - reminiscent of bar food. I ordered the Pollo con Carciofi e Pancetta (Sautéed chicken breast with artichokes, pancetta and garlic scallion butter over angel hair pasta). I added sundried tomatoes which I found out when I received my bill they charged me $3.50 for - outrageous...that's less than it costs to add calamari to a salad! I really felt that for that price our server should have made us aware of the upcharge...a dollar or two is one thing but $3.50 for tomatoes seemed exorbitant. There was one very small breast and a fairly small amount of angel-hair pasta - considering the price I felt it was small. It was also lacking flavor, so I added some lemon juice and just shut up since I was with a group and didn't feel comfortable complaining. Our meal was served at a very leisurely pace- well over 2 hours, but honestly it was a very relaxing environment so I enjoyed that part. Our server was friendly but again her omission of the up charge irked me. I will say the bussers did a great job keeping our water filled. Overall go for the view, but I'd go elsewhere if you're looking for a great Italian dinner.
(3)a m.
The 70s called and they want their interior back. We'll get back to the décor later. Getting to Primavera was an adventure and I wouldn't try it in the winter. Luckily, I had a navigator to tell me where to turn; otherwise I probably wouldn't have reached the top. The restaurant is housed in an apartment building that reminded me of a worn out 60s hotel with a worn out pool and worn out landscaping. Don't get me wrong, the view of Cincinnati was amazing. The locale has so much potential but it looks like it was left in a time warp. We had reservations on a very busy evening and were surrounded by prom-goers and elderly regulars. The décor was dated and dark and made me think this would be the place you would bring your mistress. There is a little bar/lounge in the corner, equally in need of updating that has probably seen its share of leisure suits and overgrown 70s mustaches. The server brought delicious bread to the table, which was very good. Garlic butter/paste was pretty over-powering and nasty. It was also served with roasted garlic, which was not very well roasted. Roasted garlic should be easily smashable (ok, just made up that word) but it was too solid for my liking. The server was great. All I had to drink was champagne, which can't be messed up. We had different bruschettas that were crispy and flavorful. Our party had a variety of entrees; three of us, including myself, ordered Cioppino. Whenever Cioppino is on the menu, I order it. I've had it all around the country. In saying that, the Cioppino was ok but I've never had Cioppino with maybe a Tex-Mex twist. It was spicy rather than the robustly flavorful broth that I've come to endear. It was not what I was expecting and would not order it again if I returned. The two others who had the same dish loved it, but it was their first go at Cioppino. I was surprised to hear you were Cincinnati's best Italian restaurant which made me wonder how bad the runners-up were. I definitely live in a city that is truly a foodie town. Maybe I should have visited a Cincy Chili restaurant to understand the gastronomic specialties of the Queen City. Recommendations to the owners: if you want to be a fantastic restaurant update the interior, get a recipe on how to prepare Cioppino the way the Italian fishermen did in San Francisco and talk to the building owner about freshening up the exterior. There is so much potential but Primavista fell short. For the price of the entrees, the restaurant is not a good value.
(2)Bea D.
When making reservations at Primavista, I always request window seating. The view is expansive. It can be romantic as the sunsets. I usually park in the lot across the street. When you enter the building, the door to Primavista is on the right. It inot intuitve, but you won't get lost. The host/hostess has always been very welcoming. Service has been steady. The food is a little on the pricey side for what it is, but the view makes up for that gap. I haven't had anything here that I didn't enjoy. I do rather enjoy the seafood dishes.
(4)Laura T.
I had 8:30 reservations to take some out of town guests to Primavista. As they got into town much later than expected, I called the restaurant a few minutes after 9 to see what time they closed. Although I was told they closed at 9:30 and the last seating was at 9, the manager gave us the ok to come in, anyways. We walked in at 9:27, and were greeted with a smile and promptly seated. The waitress was extremely courteous as she greeted us, and gave us amazing service throughout our dining experience. Other staff stayed late to assist with our table- and we were amazed at the friendliness bestowed upon us, especially as it was so late. The view is unsurpassed, and my visitors were ecstatic at seeing the Cincinnati skyline lit up at night. To begin with- they brought us bread with garlic spread- and I don't mean butter with some garlic in it... I mean roasted whole garlic cloves and garlic pureed in olive oil. As a garlic lover- I was in heaven! The table shared the calamari appetizer, and it was generally agreed upon by the biggest foodies that it was among the best calamari they had ever had. Everyone had salads to begin- and one visitor was thrilled with the option to add anchovies to his Caesar salad. Everyone ordered a different entrée: fish special of the day, ravioli, chicken, shrimp, and veal- and no one was disappointed with their choice! Every bite was delicious! I ended with the bread pudding- which was phenomenal! The dessert was sitting on small caramel crunches and covered in drunken raisins with a dollop of whip cream on the side. Two others at my table had the sorbet, which they said was great, too. Overall- VERY happy customers who can't wait to go back :)
(5)Mike W.
A hidden gem on the hill. Primavista has the fancy hub bub of a high class establishment complimented with warming staff and a modern menu. Known for their Italian cuisine, the Filet Mignon is out of site.
(5)Nicole H.
We had high hopes for this restaurant with the high star rating on yelp. The view is gorgeous! The bruschetta ( we had two of the three) was the best we ever had, and we get it whenever it's on the menu. However, $6, for two pieces is ridiculous! It should be double the amount. The brownie dessert was also yummy. However, the pasta was mediocre. It was very oily and not very flavorful or fresh tasting. Also, the decor and carpet is extremely dated. This restaurant could be beautiful but it feels old and sad.
(2)Katie B.
The view was AMAZING but so was the food! I had goat cheese bruschetta for an appetizer. Best bruschetta I've ever had! My boyfriend got the filet mignon and I got a penne pasta dish with veal meatballs. It was fantastic. I will most definitely come here again. This place needs more publicity. I wouldn't have even known it existed if I haven't seen someone post pictures of the view from their table on Facebook. I love the old school vibe and the wait staff was on their game. They're very nice too. I highly recommend this place for anniversaries, birthdays etc.
(5)Treva L.
The view is the reason to visit. We have eaten here in the past, but it has been 20 years since our last visit. We ordered the Salmon, the Veal Saltimbocca, and the Veal with lemon and capers. The entrées were delicious, however all 3 of our side pasta dishes were overcooked, which is inexcusable for an Italian restaurant. Their signature roasted garlic spread for the bread has seen better days and should be retired. That was trendy 20 years ago, but a nice herb butter would be more appealing. For dessert we had the bread pudding, delicious! Service was just ok. For a fine dining restaurant, I expexted more polished professionals. The hostess was a quirky odd person dressed like she came out if the 70's. The busser clearly had not been trained in the proper way to clear a table, or refill water as his arm was in my face many times that night. Our server was ok at the beginning, but inattentive as the night progressed. This restaurant hasn't changed in 20+ years and I think it needs a fresh approach. I'd visit for the view. But at these prices, the food and service needs to be much better.
(3)Marie E.
This place is 100% fantastic. We went for a friend's birthday on a Thursday night with a group of 8. The place is a bit dressy and we were by far the youngest group there (late 20s - mid 30s) Just put the address in your phone/GPS and follow the directions. You have to go up this hill that seems like it will never end and the whole time you are wondering if you are going the right way. You will be disappointed when you pull up and if you told anyone in your party how nice this dinner was going to be this is the part where you start to feel both worried and embarrassed. You see the sign so that is it you are committed and in you go. It feels like a cheap hotel or some kind of a strange lodge. There is someone to take your coat and the place is lit the right way but you are still going to be worried. Someone will walk you around to the restaurant and this is when you can take your sigh of relief. The view is great (try to get there after dark or close too it as it isn't as dramatic when it is still light out) and you will be happy and excited for dinner at this point. I don't think you will be disappointed. Be prepared for the prices. Appetizer are $10 and up. Entrees go from $16 to $40 with most in the 20s to low 30s range. Well worth the money in my opinion. Take the time to dress up a little you will be glad you did.
(4)Gene K.
This is the best Italian restaurant in Cincinnati, and for my money, one of the top 3 restaurants in the city, overall. I lived in Rome for 2 years, and the authenticity and quality of the food approaches the restaurants there. You must try the appetizers, they are sublime (no sense telling you which to get, because I've never had one I didn't like). The view is gorgeous - it helps to reserve in advance, and ask for a table next to the window. I prefer going in the evening, when the city is lit up. This jewel can be hard to find, but it is amazing!
(5)Chuck E.
One word........ AWESOME. One of my favorites.
(5)Sean B.
Having lived in San Diego for a couple of years, I am used to restaurants charging a premium for an oceanview when their food was subpar, but Primavista's food certainly matches the view, (which, with apologies to the Celestial, may be the best in town).
(4)emily e.
love, love their cheese ravioli. salads are perfection. the view is stunning. what more could you want?
(5)Sean M.
An excellent choice for an evening out! I took my wife here for our one year anniversary, and was very satisfied by everything about Primavista. Excellent food, excellent service, and the fantastic view that the restaurant is known for. We started off with wine and the Burrata appetizer, which was very good. We both followed with exceptional Cesar salads. For the entrees, I enjoyed the very tender and flavorful roasted lamb with my wife trying the ravioli and having nothing but great things to say. We finished the evening off with a shared piece of the decadent Tuscan Brownie. The final ticket came to around $100, which we both felt was very reasonable and well worth the great experience. If you haven't been to Primavista, you need to go!
(5)Katie B.
I was super excited when my mom chose Primavista for her birthday dinner, because I had been hearing about it (and the view) for years. I was surprised to see that it was actually located inside an apartment complex, but don't let that stop you from checking it out. The dining room has floor to ceiling windows showcasing THE most spectacular view of the city. They aren't kidding when they say it's the perfect date spot -- I did a quick survey of the other diners, and I would guess nearly 90% of the tables were couples. I can't say I blame them though, the view is breathtaking and the food is equally as delightful. For starters, our waitress brought out some warm bread and a small plate of a garlic paste and several softened cloves of garlic. She suggested mushing the garlic cloves in a plate of olive oil, and using it as a dip for the bread. I quickly obliged, while my parents decided to eat the garlic by the clove. Terrible idea for your breath, but delicious idea for your tastebuds. We started off with the gnocci with pancetta and peas (which my mom said was "good for gnocci," which is saying a lot considering she's not usually gnocci fan), as well as the buratta special. The buratta came with a thin slice of toast and it was so creamy and flavorful, that we could've ordered another. Basing our first impressions on the quality of the apps, we knew we were in for a real treat for the rest of the night. We all had different entrees, including the penne with artichokes and pancetta, penne cionni, and veal saltimbocca. The pasta dishes were simple and super light, and reminded me of the meals I had while studying abroad in Tuscany. My dad really enjoyed the veal, and even said he'd have it again. Which, if you knew my dad, you'd know he doesn't throw that compliment around often. I already can't wait to come back to Primavista. Maybe next time it'll be on an actual date.
(5)Cara D.
We went to Primavista when my parents visited me last month. It was the first time my bf meeting my parents so I wanted to take them to somewhere nice. A friend suggested this place and wouldn't shut up about how beautiful the view was. Was he exaggerating? No. The view was breathtaking. The dinner lasted a while so we got to see the entire city from day to night. It was amazing. Our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. She joked around with my dad and was pleasant to have around. I did request a window table on my reservation on Yelp, but we were seated in the middle of the restaurant. Not really disappointed, just a little sad. We got there at 7:30 and they seated us immediately. My dad ordered a bottle of wine and we skipped appetizers. They give decent amount of food so if you aren't a big eater, an entrée should be enough with a little bit of room left for dessert. My parents and I all had sautéed seasonal fish with crab. The fish was sea bass. Our all-time favorite fish and it did not disappointed us. The crab came in very creamy and the asparagus was just salty enough as well. My bf ordered Veal Saltimboca. It had ridiculously amount of cheese on top. Maybe that's how it supposed to be we got really confused. It doesn't look like a $29 dollars dish. I wasn't a huge fan. We had a little bit room left for dessert so we shared two. My tiramisu was good and mom's brownie was very rich and creamy. I liked the gelato on top more tho. Overall, it is a great place for special occasion. We enjoyed the food, the length of dinner was perfect so we got to talk, the view was amazing. One thing, don't forget to make an reservation at least two days in advance. I did a week ahead. lol
(4)Leif H.
The view here is the best thing about the place. It has one of the best views of the city. The food was okay. To be honest, if it was on my list of places to revisit, it wouldn't be because of the food. They do have a great wine selection with all price ranges. We started off dinner with a bottle of red wine and the gnocchi with pancetta and peas. After tasting this, I wish we would have tried the gnocchi with rock shrimp. We are big gnocchi fans and this one missed the mark. We also tried the goat cheese with honey bruschetta. This was tasty and a must try. Our main courses were the cioppino and the salmon. I did not like the cioppino. The mussels did not taste fresh and the fish was very bland. The salmon was good, mainly due to the truffle oil flavor-rarely can go wrong there. We chose the Tuscan brownie for dessert. This was very good. The reason to try primavista would be the view. It's amazing.
(3)Patty C.
I think the best thing that Primavista has going for it is the view. Was it the best Italian food that I've had? No. It was pretty average. Service was awesome but the restaurant is a smidgen out-dated. My cioppino was average - the seafood was pretty tough. Also - HATED the garlic paste that came with the bread. I probably wouldn't choose to come here again.
(3)Steve D.
Location, location, location. Primavista provides a breathtaking view of Cincinnati, from a setting you might need a Sherpa to find and that's near some rough inner city territory--kind of an oasis perched on a cliff. It's definitely not the best Italian restaurant in the city (that would be Nicola's or Boca), and it's not cutting edge. The menu is upscale Italian circa 1982, and the food is more up to date than the decor. But the service is friendly and efficient, the conservative food is solidly prepared, the wine list is small but well chosen, and the view is extraordinary. Other reasons to choose Primavista: You won't need to raid your kid's college accounts to afford to come here, as you may for Nicola's or Boca. And unlike Sotto, a comparably priced and infinitely hipper place, you'll be able to get a table in less time than it would take you to re-wallpaper your kitchen.
(4)Tiffany D.
It was date night ! I LOVE the view that I was able to experience from Primavista. I really like the food and it has become a favorite for my fiancé and I. We love Italian food so for us this is definitely a must try.
(4)Denis K.
The food was good, veal meatballs were very good. You could tell the server was very busy, seemed frazzled. She had 4 tables and a serving assistant. Not sure she should be so busy. The view is what you go for.
(3)