Trattoria di Primo

14, Lane 107, FuXing S Rd, Sec 1
(02) 2711-1726
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-11 pm
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
MRT: ZhongXiao/FuXing Station, Exit 4 or 5

The owners of Trattoria di Primo are specialized importers of foreign foods. Apart from the seafood and a portion of the vegetables sold at the shop, the rest of the items here are imported from Europe. Being the direct importers also means that their customers end up paying attractive prices and getting good value for the enjoyable meals here.

Walking through the restaurant's small outdoor courtyard and the first thing you'll notice by the entrance is a pizza oven and a partially-open style kitchen. Big French doors and the simple, classy decor reflect the cuisine they serve here. As the Deputy Manager Mr. Chuang Yu-wen says, "Let all things operate according to their most original fashion, and let cuisine be prepared with proper procedure." Primo offers great options in four areas--pizza, pasta, cheese and wine--while diners enjoy service and style traditional to local Italian eateries. --By Josie Wu, translated by Ann Lee

A. What exactly is in a Napoleon Pizza? Primo has created a version that is rarely seen in Taiwan. This thin pizza crust curls higher around the edges to contain the moist, rich toppings. These are also made with naturally-fermented bread dough that has not been frozen. The pizza is placed in the oven with 350 to 400 degrees of high heat, and rotated for no more than 90 seconds.

B & C. If you're simply browsing through the menu, you may miss a popular dish here, Caesar Salad (NT$200). Its made with Grana Padano Cheese, grated by the staff at your tableside, along with crunchy Romaine lettuce, anchovies, extra virgin olive oil and bread crumbs.

D. Fiorentina Pizza (10-inch, NT$360) comes with bacon bits, spinach, egg yolk juice and cheese, and is a favorite among regular diners here. However, a trip to Primo isn't complete until you try the Primo Cheese Platter, or the Selezino della Casa (NT$270), which includes a selection of cheeses, including Havarti from Denmark, Matured Edam from Holland, French Brie, and Gorgonzola Dolce from Italy. This platter comes with pine nuts and grapes. For a real treat, order up a glass of red wine (starts at NT$600/bottle; NT$70 corkage fee per person for bringing your own bottle) to go with the cheese.

E. Primo prepares their pasta dishes with quality Delverde pasta noodles, which are cooked with sea salt to ensure great flavors. The Linguine al Balasmico (MT$300) is mixed with a combination of Mascarpone and Balsamico, and has a rich, creamy, slightly sour flavor. It's a personal creation of Chef Jason Lin that patrons will enjoy.

F. Primo has a great display of cheeses in their cheese cabinet. Inside you'll find as many as 40 to 50 different kinds of cheese from all over the world. You can take your time to choose the one you want to try and they are priced according to weight.

G. Mas Dolce (NT$100) is a simple dish to make at home. You can buy the ingredients you need from Primo, and take a try at making it in your own kitchen!