Prima Pasta Cafe in Howard Beach, NYC, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, known for its delicious Italian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. This in-depth review explores the Prima Pasta Cafe menu, delves into customer reviews, and provides insights into what makes this establishment stand out.
The Prima Pasta Cafe Menu: A Taste of Italy in Howard Beach
Prima Pasta Cafe boasts a diverse menu featuring classic Italian dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their menu is extensive, offering something for everyone, from traditional pasta dishes to satisfying entrees and appetizers.
Appetizers: Starting Your Culinary Journey
The appetizer selection at Prima Pasta Cafe is impressive, featuring options like:
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. A classic Italian starter done right.
- Calamari: Tender calamari, lightly fried to perfection and served with marinara sauce.
- Arancini: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and ragu, a delicious and satisfying option.
Many reviewers praise the freshness and quality of the appetizer ingredients.
Pasta Perfection: The Heart of Prima Pasta Cafe
Prima Pasta Cafe's pasta dishes are the star of the show. They offer a wide variety of pasta shapes and sauces, including:
- Spaghetti Carbonara: A rich and creamy sauce made with eggs, pancetta, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Linguine alle Vongole: Linguine with fresh clams in a white wine garlic sauce. A classic seafood pasta dish.
- Ravioli: Several ravioli options are available, including cheese ravioli and meat ravioli, often served with a choice of sauces.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the generous portion sizes and the quality of the pasta itself. Many mention the sauces being flavorful and not overly heavy.
Entrees: Beyond the Pasta
Beyond their extensive pasta menu, Prima Pasta Cafe also offers several enticing entrees:
- Chicken Parmigiana: Breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti. A classic Italian-American comfort food.
- Veal Marsala: Tender veal cutlets sautéed in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. A sophisticated and flavorful choice.
- Seafood Dishes: Various seafood options are available, often featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Desserts: The Sweet Ending
No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Prima Pasta Cafe delivers with options like:
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert featuring layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.
- Cannoli: Crispy fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese.
- Gelato: A selection of artisanal gelato flavors is usually available.
Prima Pasta Cafe Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
Online reviews for Prima Pasta Cafe are overwhelmingly positive, with many customers praising the following:
- Delicious Food: The consistent theme across reviews is the quality and taste of the food. Customers rave about the freshness of ingredients and the authentic Italian flavors.
- Generous Portions: Many reviewers highlight the generous portion sizes, offering great value for the price.
- Friendly Service: The staff is frequently praised for their friendly and attentive service.
- Great Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as having a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal with family or friends.
While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews mention occasional wait times, especially during peak hours. This is a common occurrence for popular restaurants.
Prima Pasta Cafe: A Howard Beach Favorite
Prima Pasta Cafe provides a consistently high-quality dining experience, offering delicious Italian food in a welcoming atmosphere. Their extensive menu caters to a variety of tastes, and the positive customer reviews speak volumes about the establishment’s popularity and dedication to providing excellent service and food. The restaurant is a valuable addition to the Howard Beach culinary scene, offering a taste of Italy just a short trip away. Whether you're a local resident or visiting Howard Beach, Prima Pasta Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
