Primitivo

This is an attractive place well situated for the Colmore crowd. The staff are friendly and helpful and the décor modern and clean.
I popped in for an early dinner, around 4.15pm, and it was already populated with a random sample of business types and others seeking somewhere to sit and sip. I was the only one in the restaurant area so got star attention.
I ordered a main of Lamb Rump with Dauphinoise spuds and a too sweet Jus, probably Rosemary and Red Berry at a guess. The Lamb was Ok and so were the spuds. The wine was tasty enough and at £4.05 for 125ml sort of par for the course. Dessert was also Ok, Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream.
The main plate looked a tad bare, but not in a ‘modern’ way, just in a ‘don’t I get veg with that for my £17.95 then’ way! You can order sides of veg, etc. for £4−5 or so, but to be honest, at that price, and at that quality for that price, it really shouldn’t be necessary. I felt short changed. With a portion of veg I’d be paying around £23 for a main. That’s Michelin pricing! It’s not Michelin cooking.
I came out £30 lighter, including decent tip, so value wise it just doesn’t cut it. I’d expect better. OK and nice enough isn’t good enough for the food at the kind of prices being charged so hence the 3*** review. I’d say my main was worth, comparative to similar places, around the £12 mark. So, at £17.95 Primitivo unfortunately fell rather short on the value side of things.

I have only been here twice, after work for drinks, both times on a Friday night, so I am uncertain if my experience was a true reflection of the place. Nevertheless, the venue which is well situated off colmore row for people in all the nearby offices, for lunches and quick drinks, seems vibrant and pleasant enough. It’s not particularly big and is roughly split into two halfs, one the bar area with a few high bar stools and the other with tables for approx 20 people prepared for food service.
On both occasions we have been pleasantly surprised by waitresses bringing out free food samples from the kitchen. Infact, all the staff seem friendly and helpful, especially when asked for advice on what to choose!
The bar quickly fills up however, so by 6pm I was already happy to leave to get some air!
I thought the tv at the back seemed a little out of place with the clientele/​ambiance of the place. Nevertheless I would go back again to perhaps try the food menu this time:)

it was a rainy tuesday night in Birmingham and after a bit of after work shopping i was in need of dinner. i tried a restaurant that was suggested but unfortunately it was totally packed and i wasn’t up for waiting for a table for an hour. so after getting back to my hotel to dry off a bit and a quick check of Unilocal i found Primitivo which was literally a two minute walk from my hotel. totally perfect for a solo meal on a rainy night.
the bar was busy with people enjoying after work drinks, but the restaurant part was very quiet with me being the only diner. since this place is in the middle of the business area, it’s clear that their main trading period is during lunchtime but this was fine for me as i just wanted a quiet dinner to catch up on my book for book group while enjoying a large glass of wine and some food.
i ordered the soup which was tomato and red pepper follow by crispy gnocchi with rocket, mushrooms, pesto, and cream. the soup was good, but lacked a bit on taste which i sorted with a bit of salt and pepper. however it was a good size and homemade so a nice way to get some veggies into my dinner. the crispy gnocchi was absolutely delicious! it was a good portion with loads of mushrooms mixed in with the gnocchi. something about the comfort of the dish just really hit the spot for me on that night. i finished off my glass of wine and asked for the bill.
the service throughout was friendly and prompt. the waitress was really sweet and chatty with not being overbearing which was nice as i was on my own so a bit of chat was appreciated. i felt the total bill was a bit expensive, but i think that’s just the normal price for dinner down in england and i may be more used to scottish prices. overall though, this is a real hidden gem in the middle of Birmingham’s business district. i’d totally recommend it for a quiet mid week dinner and also just a drink as the prices were quite reasonable for a glass of wine.