Primo Ristorante, 33 Years Serving Great Food & Drinks in Sarasota-Bradenton

As we all know, restaurants come and go. It is a rarity that a family owned restaurant can have the staying power to compete with new restaurants opening every day. Primo-Ristorante is an exception. Opened 33 years ago by Maurizio Colucci, “Primos” is an institution in our area.

Over the years, parents have brought their kids to this wonderful Italian Restaurant, their kids have brought their kids and so on. There isn’t a day that goes by when you don’t see families dining there- grandparents, parents, kids, friends; they all love Primos!

Maurizio is proud of the fact that he installed the first wood burning oven in the area. Primos is famous for their wonderful wood burning oven pizza that comes out of the oven hot with a crispy crust. And the selection is just so special. My favorite? The Criminale- Pepperoni, Sausage, Ham, Mozzarella! Want your own specialty pizza? They will make it for you. Check out their selection of pizza at: primo-ristorante.com/pizza .

From the website:

Chef-Owner, Maurizio Colucci, an Italian native brings to your table his long experience of working in the European food tradition of Grand Hotels and restaurants in Venice, Rome, Milan, Switzerland, France and Germany. Maurizio looks over every detail of Primos!

Maurizio, Afaf, and Minal have worked together for close to a combined 100 years. That is something really special. The team at Primo’s will treat you like family!

Over the years there have been some very special events held in the banquet room (La Pergola). On Veteran’s Day, 2016 (a sold out event) the ”Back To The USA” Billy Rice Band Video Release Party raised funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. More information about the Party on The Sarasota Post!

There is something on the menu for everyone. From their famous “Mamma Rosa” Spaghetti and Meatballs (Maurizio’s mamma’s recipe) to Sausage Tonino, Grilled Octopus, Lamb Marcaurelio, Chicken Marsala and so much more. Here is the complete menu. 

Their on-premise banquet room (La Pergola) is available for parties from 35 to 95 guests and is available for all of your special events. They have a marvelous take-out menu and they deliver via Bite Squad or Uber Eats. They have a fabulous bar with your favorite libations, awesome appetizers, and don’t forget to save room for some very special desserts.

Primo’s is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4pm-10pm and Sunday 4pm-9pm. They are closed on Monday during the summer months and open again on Monday in the Fall.

For more information, visit the website.

Primo-Ristorante
8076 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
941 359-3690

Photos from Sande Caplin & Associates