Caffe Primavera

TL;DR: For me, it was a bit of the same old thing albeit done at a high quality all-round. Granted, I will eat some of my words seeing that it was at breakfast and the stars shine out more around lunch and dinner time - and the food does sound appealing then. Nevertheless, there are still several reasons to recommend Cafe Primavera to locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can waltz in here at any time they are open. It has a classy undertone with that casual air we all love so much.

When you are in this part of town, the average they got set up is a fair bit higher than in other suburbs. While the absolute standouts may or may not be there, the scores are closely hugging a nice, serviceable, and satisfying average that truly means you can get a good meal out without having to travel too far. Cafe Primavera is one such example, in which even during that quiet breakfast rush you get a good customer service experience.

It was time again to have breakfast on a Sunday. With the routine, I know pretty much how things go around here. The morning is a little later than the others for me, with the alarm not set for a little later. Alarm notwithstanding, what it all involves is him sneaking in with the air horn app ready at the prime - followed through by blasting it right at me. Then, in under ten minutes from that, we are in the car and off to the next dining experience.

The decor and design are fairly common for this part of the world. Cafe Primavera takes the big end of the shopping junction, which alone gives it a fair amount of space to utilise. The brunt of it is al fresco dining, with them putting up numerous tall umbrellas for some cool shade, along with a sail. This is at least during the hot summer period. About the only inside area is where you go up to pay

What is also a couple of marks better than average is the service. Instead of opting for the chummy, friendly approach, they keep an air of class in their delivery. They are relatively quick to spot you when you walk in, and before long they are leading you to a table. It might take a little longer at breakfast than otherwise, possibly from a bit of surprise on their part. What was refreshing in all honesty was how they took their time. Ample opportunity was given to peruse the menu, and they knew full well when we were ready to order. They have table service, which to me is always the preferred option. Once ordered, the process was fairly quick. Payment is done afterward at the counter and is a quick and painless affair.

It is not apparent from the breakfast menu, but this is downright an Italian restaurant. Not one that would advertise itself as such, yet if you are well versed enough it is apparent from a small scan of the options.

For the breakfast options, as far as I know, it is more or less the usual array you get at most cafes. From recollection, breakfast in Italy is not a big affair and usually just involves a coffee and maybe something to accompany it - which is possible here. The menu is one that changes around during the year and never gets too complicated.

When it comes to lunch and dinner, things start to spruce up a little. The major component on the menu is pizza, plus you have a range of meaty dishes that are wholly completed with selected sides. A few starters adorn the menu to satiate people's appetites. They additionally have some deals which operate on particular days of the week.

Additionally, they have that usual range of sweets and such (and then some) in the cabinet. These are often there to be paired with a good drink or two. Speaking of which, they got a good range of them going on. That starts with the norm of tea and coffee, which respectively are by the pot and have the beans sourced from Lavazza. After those two choices, the general range of cold options rear their head - this includes sodas (including the Mexican variety Jaritos, recommended), iced teas, juices, and milkshakes. After the morning rush, alcohol is then available. We have ourselves all kinds of wines, beers both in the bottle and on tap, plus liqueurs and spirits.

As can be seen, the food is possibly at a high quality though it is not anything that is changing the way the wheel works. The general audience is pleased, the general air is fairly casual though you can tell quality matters to them. It is Italian in the sense that Italian is somewhat ingrained with Australian food, mostly going for a middle ground to appease a general audience. Even if it appears a bit stock standard, that stock-standard is done fairly well.

Breakfast this time around was kept pretty simple, with no frills. The first order of business was getting the coffee, and as per usual that was a doppio. I can't quite remember the name of the meal, yet from scanning past photos what I can deduce is there were mushrooms on toast, which came with some semi-dried tomatoes, a sprinkling of rocket, and heaps of feta cheese on top. On the side were a couple of poached eggs - which I made sure I ordered soft. Finishing all of that was a swirl of balsamic vinegar. This is cafe food, that much can be said.

Credit where it is due with the breakfast, this was pretty good. Each component tasted good and indicated an adequate level of freshness. The mushrooms were cooked to just the right level of getting cooked via their texture, and both the semi-dried tomatoes and feta cheese contributed a distinct flavour that co-operated beautifully. Heck, as nice as balsamic vinegar is, the sprinkle might not have been necessary. The flavours were already pretty good. Finishing up that meal, the eggs were well done. Giving them a small prick, the yolk bled out like a sauce. This is not a meal breaking any new paradigms, and it more or less could be found anywhere. Still, when it is done well that has to be acknowledged.

As for what my housemate had, I distinctly remember nicking some fries from his plate. I might have also gotten a corner of his sandwich, that I can't quite remember. Those fries were pretty decent as far as they go. They weren't anything that stood out, though nothing that leads something to be desired.

When it comes to Lavazza, this is a fairly common kind of coffee which is a bit on the bland side. It is kind that coffee lovers and aficionados won't get too much from, as it requires an extra shot to get anything noticeable. A good barista would do well with it, but only to such an extent. It was the case here. The coffee was alright, it did its job, but it is not the place to veer off and get a coffee for when you have the hankering.

Caffe Primavera is probably at a really good level when it comes around to either lunch or dinner. It is several notches above serviceable at breakfast, that is the very least that can be said. They have a good environment set up and knowing the potential audience in their demographics has done a great job with the tiny aspects - namely some treats for the dogs. Over time, they've made an impression and continue to attract an audience. It's been here for a long time, so something is being done right.

Excellent place for coffee or a meal, kid friendly and good service. We would love to see more tomato based pasta options. Great place, we have been going for a long long time! Good work Bruno and Team! Shirley and Michael Gates

As regular patrons of Primavera we enjoy the consistently high standards of food.
Service is relaxed and helpful. Staff are flexible with the menu.

This is the BEST Caffe / Restaurant in the area by far.......... Bruno and his staff are very friendly
and the food is of a VERY high standard. Would recommend this venue to anyone who is in the Granville, Corinda, Oxley area. Wayne & Debbie Shooks (content-satisfied customers)

Absolutely fantastic. Service, menu options and the food was definitely one to remember. I had the Ravioli and was just the right size and very nice. Other party members ordered the squid as well as the special of the day - chilli prawn risotto and they were both great. Definitely will be coming back to this place.

Love coming here - we always get the menu specials. The coffees are beautiful and the flavours of the food amazing. I have ordered off the main menu once - it’s okay but the specials are personally my go to from great experience.

I took my wife here for her birthday dinner and it didn't dissapoint! From initial contact the staff were so friendly and accommodating and the place has a great ambience. We ordered the arancini balls for entree and these were mouth watering, we get these everytime we see them on a menu and these were the best we have had by far! My wife had the rump and I had the pork with crackling and as you can see the presentation was second to none, and the meals themselves were second to none. On a side note, the owners had two new employees this night who were learning the ropes, the way the owner was treating the girls and explaining how things work was amazing to see. They were understanding of the inexperience and in the future I could only hope our kids have employers like them in the future!!

Had a great dinner there last night. The pizza was awesome with a great thin base and flavoursome toppings. Caesar salad was also excellent. Good range of drinks and some lovely wines 🍷 Will definitely be back soon.

Such a lovely place! It smelled delicious as soon as we got within 15 metres. Satisfying and well cooked food in generous portions- wish I'd been a bit hungrier so I could finish my entire parmy! The chips were great too, and our servers were really nice.