There's one or two restaurants on the Southbank strip that we've not tried and Sunday evening seemed a good time to use the good ole Entertainment Book voucher and try Il Primo Posto.
It was a bit too windy to sit outside so we were taken to a table for two inside that was up against the wall. We were then left to browse the menu and they brought the specials board for us to look at too.
We decided to share a portion of bruschetta to begin with. Food came out relatively quickly. Two pieces of bread topped with fresh tomato. It was a tasty combination and tomato tasted fresh and tangy. So far so acceptable.
It was a bit too windy to sit outside so we were taken to a table for two inside that was up against the wall. We were then left to browse the menu and they brought the specials board for us to look at too.
We decided to share a portion of bruschetta to begin with. Food came out relatively quickly. Two pieces of bread topped with fresh tomato. It was a tasty combination and tomato tasted fresh and tangy. So far so acceptable.
Main courses we both went for specials. I went for twice roasted duck with a raspberry glaze on mushroom risotto and Steve went for the chicken, feta and mushroom risotto.
The duck was a decent sized portion and enjoyable. It wasn't stand out and I know I can make to an even better standard but there was nothing remarkably wrong with it.
The chicken risotto hit similar standards. Not exceptional cuisine and we can make similar if not better at home but not a bad effort. Same goes for the rocket and parmesan salad.
All in all, the food was better than mediocre and better than the reviews suggest. Service was acceptable - a bit offhand and slapdash at times and not exactly personal or particularly friendly but there was nothing particularly wrong that happened to us. Although the waitress who delivered bruschetta said "here's your garlic bread" so ten out of ten for attention to detail!
There was a large table that seemed to struggle with their dessert orders. I think Il Primo Posto definitely relies on passing trade rather than repeat business. Certainly the wait staff don't build enough of a relationship with customers to make us want to return. The food is ok but in Melbourne where there are so many other restaurants, ok isn't good enough to warrant a second visit.
The duck was a decent sized portion and enjoyable. It wasn't stand out and I know I can make to an even better standard but there was nothing remarkably wrong with it.
The chicken risotto hit similar standards. Not exceptional cuisine and we can make similar if not better at home but not a bad effort. Same goes for the rocket and parmesan salad.
All in all, the food was better than mediocre and better than the reviews suggest. Service was acceptable - a bit offhand and slapdash at times and not exactly personal or particularly friendly but there was nothing particularly wrong that happened to us. Although the waitress who delivered bruschetta said "here's your garlic bread" so ten out of ten for attention to detail!
There was a large table that seemed to struggle with their dessert orders. I think Il Primo Posto definitely relies on passing trade rather than repeat business. Certainly the wait staff don't build enough of a relationship with customers to make us want to return. The food is ok but in Melbourne where there are so many other restaurants, ok isn't good enough to warrant a second visit.
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