Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Nothing is better than a delicious plate of Italian food, and if you are heading to New York City, you won’t have any problem finding one. During my previous visit, I wanted to try something new, a place without thousands of reviews.

So when I stumbled upon Bar Primi in the Penn District, I knew I had to go. They served some of the best Italian Food I have ever had, which says a lot. Each menu item was appealing, especially compared to other New York City Restaurants.

Bar Primi In Penn District

Bar Primi is conveniently located near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. I was surprised it had barely any reviews since it opened only a few weeks before I dined there.

All of their Pasta is handmade! They use a variety of non-GMO semolina and specialty ‘00’ flours, organic eggs, and family recipes to create their shareable menu of traditional and seasonal primi piatti.

The restaurant was hidden down a small alley, and I knew we had arrived when I saw the small sign lit up in the distance.

We opted to sit outside in an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by soft lighting, lit candles, and greenery.

Also, I should add that there were no bugs outside, even on a hot New York City Day evening, just a few mosquitos here and there.

An Evening At Bar Primi

Now that you know the ambiance, here is a glimpse into my evening at Bar Primi

Starters

We started our meal with a Hot Knots Italian Chili Crisp! It was only $3, so we had to try it.

Then we ordered the Burrata Pockets, dressed with Calabrian honey. They did not taste overly fried; instead, they were light and airy, highlighting the delicious Burrata cheese.

Homemade Pasta

In order to properly judge if a restaurant serves authentic Italian Food, I have to try the most basic dish: spaghetti. This allows me to really taste whether the pasta is handmade and if the sauce has its own flare.

I ordered the Spaghetti Pomodoro Parmigiano-Reggiano, and it exceeded my expectations. The sauce was unique but classic at the same time, while the noodles twisted around my fork easily and melted in my mouth.

The other entree we had was the Linguine, served with four cloves of garlic and toasted crumbs. It was light and flavorful, with an explosion of garlic with every bite, which accompanied the crispy crumbs.

Mouthwatering Desserts

We were full by the time we reached dessert, but we knew we still had to try one to complete our Italian meal.

We took our waiter’s recommendation and ordered the Pistachio-Pistachio, which featured pistachio gelato and sauce.

We devoured every bite before officially calling our evening a success.

Cocktails At Bar Primi

They also offer an extensive list of creative cocktails. I was in a martini mood, so I ordered the Primi tini, which featured olive oil-washed vodka, thyme, and salt pinch.

We also paired a glass of wine with our pasta dishes, taking the recommendation from our friendly waiter.

Pro Tip: Head downstairs towards the bathroom to take advantage of the small photo booth. It was only $5, and we could capture our memories from the evening. A little slice of New York City to take home with you!

Do I Need Reservations?

We made reservations to ensure we had a table after a long day of exploring NYC. I recommend making one; the restaurant was busy when we visited. Depending on your preference, you can sit inside or outside.

Here is the link to put in your Reservation Request.

Where Is Bar Primi Located?

This guide highlights their location in the Penn District, next to Madison Square Garden.

Bar Primi does have another location in Bowery, which is highly rated on google.

From the moment we walked into Bar Primi, we were greeted with kindness, a rare find these days. The food was amazing, the decor was enjoyable, and the team went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing meal.

From the affordable prices to the handmade pasta, a visit to Bar Primi in Penn District should be on your list of things to do in NYC!

Want more to do in the area? Here 8 Amazing Things To Do In Chelsea NYC This Year.

Continue your night out: Best Speakeasies In NYC: 4 To Check Out This Summer.

I recommend trying NYC’s Chinatown Ice Cream Shop: Soft Swerve.Then head over to Little Italy: Which Is Home To This Famous Cannoli, and its delicious!

Want some New York Pizza? Grab A Slice At The Pie Guy Pizza In NYC

Going to Brooklyn? Here is My Honest Review Of The Hot Dog Cocktail In Brooklyn

You can also check out my guide on: Mamma Maria: Is It The Best Italian In Boston? for more reviews on Italian Restaurants.