We eat on Abbot Kinney whenever we can which is pretty often and consider Primitivo to be one of our favorite haunts. I love the cozy feel of the indoor bar/dining room. Be sure to check the blackboard
for daily wine specials available in 2/5 oz glasses. We enjoy getting the smaller glass and tasting more incredible wines at this lovely Mediterranean bistro. Service is mellow and laid back, yet very attentive. I have to give a shout out to bus boys too,
as these guys work really hard and do an awesome job! Check out the extensive wine list yourself or check with your very knowledgable server for wonderful suggestions. We enjoy the La Cana Albarino ($6/$11/$43) from Spain and the Ferrington
Vineyard Gewurztraminer ($47/bottle). For a fragrant glass of Spanish Red order the Cuatro Pasos Bierzo ($14/glass). We love the enticing scent of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and vanilla. International wines include those from Germany, France,
Israel, Austria, Portugal, Australia, Lebanon, Greece, and a plethora of other countries. If you're a wine lover, this is paradise! Plan to try a few glasses because there is an extensive selection. Soft, fresh bread and olive butter is a heavenly treat
while you pore over the menu. And you will, because everything looks divine. The Primitivo Caesar ($12) is made with anchovy dressing, cherry tomato confit, grated pecorino-romano, and housemade croutons. This salad is outstanding. Be sure
to ask for extra dressing to dip the bread. Anchovy lovers will go crazy for this! The Truffle Lobster Crab Tower ($13) is beautifully presented with tons of Dungeoness crab, Maine lobster, hass avocado, tomatoes, a balsamic reduction, micro salad, and
truffle essence. This is one of the most delicious dishes I have ever had. I love it! Soup specials ($8) change daily but we really like the slightly spicy Potato-Leek. Bloomsdale spinach ($8) with garlic and pepppers is a fresh, flavorful side dish.
One of our favorite hot plates is the Marinated Moorish Rack of Lamb ($25). Three tender juicy lambchops are marinated in a Moroccan spice blend, served wit three-cheese scalloped potatoes and black cherry chutney. For dessert, the vanilla
creme brulee ($8) is perfect. The top is crisp and cruchy. When you break through, creamy softness awaits. You will finish every last drop, and you will unbutton your pants (hopefully you will wait until you get into the car). And you will
wait for your car. The valet is shared by Willie Jane (see review), Joe's (review coming), and Primitivo. People watch while you're waiting; or just digest, either way; have fun! Primitivo Wine Bistro 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (310) 396-5353. M-F
12 pm- 2:30 pm M-Sa 5:30 pm- 12 am Sa/Su 11 am- 11pm
Recommended Dishes: Lobster Crab Seafood Tower, Caesar Salad, Lamb, Creme Brulee.