NEPA Pizza Review

Primaveras Feels Like Home

Primaveras Pizza is an unassuming little place in a bright orange building that I’ve received a couple of recommendations to try the food over the years.  Those who have been there swear by it, I just haven’t had the chance to get there until today.  I was in the Green Ridge area running errands and decided to stop in and order a pizza.  The first thing I noticed wasn’t the small stature of the dining room or the amazing way that they maximized every inch.  The first thing I noticed was a sense of warmth that filled the restaurant starting with the waitress who greeted me, to the nice man who came out of the kitchen to say hello, to the customers who quickly filled the dining room with quiet conversation as they enjoyed their own bottle of wine.  All of these things gave a sense of comfort and home.

I placed an order for a large pizza to go and was told 15 minutes even though it was a packed house and very busy.  I took a 12 minute stroll and stopped back in to see how things were coming along and the pizza was ready.  I was again greeted by at least 3 different friendly people and handed my pizza with a smile.  Regardless of how this pizza review went, I already had this place marked to return to because a small business like this that can create such a welcoming atmosphere is worth a visit.  I will say if you want to try this place out, I would recommend calling ahead to make a reservation because it fills up quickly!

I quickly returned to the pizza mobile to try the pizza.  As I walked, I noted that the pizza felt quite heavy so it was likely they didn’t skimp on anything!  I opened the box for the reveal and noticed that the cheese was generously applied, looked great, and had a little sprinkle of oregano on top – a garnish my grandmother used to apply when she would cook pizza in her oven back when I was a wee little pizza dork!  This was a unique and interesting pizza because it didn’t resonate as a pizza I would find prepared and cooked in most commercial pizza ovens – it tasted like it was made at home.  That is neither a positive or negative assessment, but I’ll tell you what I mean.  The dough was a bit soft and slightly undercooked as if it was cooked in an oven with a lower temperature like a home range.  It reminded me of the pizzas that my gram would make and it took me back to the good old days – soft, a little chewy, plenty of cheese and a slightly sweet and satisfying sauce.

Overall, this pizza was quite hearty and filling.  For $11 Primaveras really loads the pie up with a generous amount of cheese and sauce so you are getting really good value here.  You’re also getting an incredibly intimate customer experience from a staff who is eager to welcome and serve you.  The dinner entrees that I saw in my brief visit looked tremendous and I plan on going back for dinner sometime soon.  I’d also like to try their square pizza next time.  The business model reminds me a bit of Abiocco in Clarks Summit – limited seating and hyper-focused on customer service and homemade quality food.  Basically, they fill the house because they know how to treat customers and create a sense of home.  This is a hidden gem in Scranton and I would encourage you to give it a try.  If you have been to Primaveras Pizza, I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!

Restaurant: The Dough Company