When you have a menu that works, stick with it. And that's exactly what Mia does. Oh she'll charm you with delectable, exquisitely created specials to keep us on our toes, but it's the steak and seafood that continue to excel. We dined on the filet and small so African lobster that we're done to perfection. And this was at the end of the evening, when everyone is tired and beat. The corn fritter app was good, although I think the shrimp could have been slightly larger and the tails kept on for texture, but that's just me (and it's not my restaurant). The bread, salad and dessert included were each individually sublime. No doggie bags needed from us. Never felt rushed, however, we didn't feel entirely embraced either. With such a special dining destination, I like to feel special. Because the food says it's so. The ambience is California chic. Soft. Romantic. A tad noisy, but certainly doable. Wonderful overall and I'd highly recommend! Looking forward to future visits.
Frank F.
First of all - the food is very good. its mostly a steak house. Service is very good and considerate. Ambiance....not impressed. This is the 3rd time we have dined at Primal. We always selected the ocean view seating. and for the 3rd (and last time ever) we were again seated at the table for two next to the grass wall. This is probably the worst table with the waiters squeezing past to get to the other tables. Primal has the lock since very few dining options are available at this time of the year. So for us this was the last time.
Carl F. Schmoyer III
Primal is comparable to a New York City traditional steakhouse, absolutely spectacular. Just when you do not think it would be any better, Mia takes it up another notch along with her marvelous staff.UPDATE from July 29th, 2023, I arranged for a group of close friends for dinner with Mia at Primal. Several of our group have not had the privilege of dining at Primal. All that accompanied us were impressed beyond belief from service to their respective meals. Primal by Mia is a true gem, not only in Cape May County however could very well be one of the best restaurants in the State of New Jersey.
Came in and ate at the bar. Food was absolutely FANTASTIC!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charlene Morrison
Best bread, apps, steak, lobster and dessert. Shamus is awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Filet, Yukon, Truffle Yukon
Reese S.
Best food i've ever had, beautiful location, service was amazing. I absolutely cannot wait to go back this summer. Definitely recommend trying
Tyree E.
Wanted to see what the hype was all about. Had reservations, arrived early. The staff was very friendly. Our waitress gave us the full rundown since we had never been here before. Now as far as seating, I was not a big fan of it. They sat us in between 2 other tables. There was absolutely no room for us to squeeze in on either side so we had to sit on the same side of the table. They charge enough not to have to squeeze people in and give more space. Do better! The only thing saving them from getting 3 stars is that the staff were very friendly. Now the portion sizes are good, steaks were cooked perfectly as ordered. They are cooked over a wood fire. I found that the seasoning was only on the top of the steak where the char was.
Terry M.
Visited again yesterday, third time at Primal by Mia. Each time we go, is better than the previous. We discover different tastes and new favorites. Attentive service and excellent dinner. Don't pass this up when in Cape May.
Christine Leone
Did not disappoint. From artichoke app to swordfish and filet. One of the best dining experiences in cape May!
Conner was polite, professional and informative regarding the meals. The food was amazing on so many levels perfectly cooked tomahawk and lobster tails, creamy truffle yukons were perfect and the salad legitimately hit above expectationsfor restaurant salad, and at the end a deliscious guiltless dessert. The atmosphere was inviting and we didn't want to leave. Thank you for a great dinner.Dietary restrictions: Offered gluten and dairy free options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomahawk Steak, House Salad, Truffle Yukon
lynn gabos
What a lovely restaurant ! Our first time here and the food, service and ambiance could not have been better. The appetizers of scallop, crab with ravioli and cream sauce was simply delicious. The shrimp cocktail was outstanding ! The surprise salad was also a nice treat. Our steaks were the best we’ve had. Cooked to perfection and the garlic peppercorn sauce mouthwatering. The lovely brownie offered and plated to perfection was another lovely surprise treat.We will definitely be back to Primal by Mia. A lovely dining experience all around! Cannot recommend enough!
Primal never disappoints! Service always on point. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation.
Kevin Stepanuk
We have been dining at Primal at least monthly during the off season and have thoroughly enjoyed our meals there. The meat and seafood entrees have been delicious as well as the variety of appetizers we have tried. It is much easier making reservations as Primal is available on the Resy system allow reservations only open 9 daysPrimal is BYOB so if you are like us, you save on wine costs. Not advertised is the fact that you get delicious bread, salad and dessert (served family style) as a part of your table’s order. Unlike most places, the bread and salad are excellent and very enjoyable. The dessert is always an array of items which are tasty and filling. The staff is friendly, attentive and professional as is the owner.Both the meats and fishes are accompanied by three sauce options. The entree is not accompanied by anything, but there are side dishes that can be ordered that are served family style. The potatoes are always delicious and, when it is on the menu, the rack of lamb is to die for.Primal is a very nice establishment with well-prepared dishes that is worth your visit. The only “downside” to us is the charge for using a credit card, but it’s a nuisance compared to the great dining experiences we have enjoyed. We highly recommend Primal.
When you have a menu that works, stick with it. And that's exactly what Mia does. Oh she'll charm you with delectable, exquisitely created specials to keep us on our toes, but it's the steak and seafood that continue to excel. We dined on the filet and small so African lobster that we're done to perfection. And this was at the end of the evening, when everyone is tired and beat. The corn fritter app was good, although I think the shrimp could have been slightly larger and the tails kept on for texture, but that's just me (and it's not my restaurant). The bread, salad and dessert included were each individually sublime. No doggie bags needed from us. Never felt rushed, however, we didn't feel entirely embraced either. With such a special dining destination, I like to feel special. Because the food says it's so. The ambience is California chic. Soft. Romantic. A tad noisy, but certainly doable. Wonderful overall and I'd highly recommend! Looking forward to future visits.
First of all - the food is very good. its mostly a steak house. Service is very good and considerate. Ambiance....not impressed. This is the 3rd time we have dined at Primal. We always selected the ocean view seating. and for the 3rd (and last time ever) we were again seated at the table for two next to the grass wall. This is probably the worst table with the waiters squeezing past to get to the other tables. Primal has the lock since very few dining options are available at this time of the year. So for us this was the last time.
Primal is comparable to a New York City traditional steakhouse, absolutely spectacular. Just when you do not think it would be any better, Mia takes it up another notch along with her marvelous staff.UPDATE from July 29th, 2023, I arranged for a group of close friends for dinner with Mia at Primal. Several of our group have not had the privilege of dining at Primal. All that accompanied us were impressed beyond belief from service to their respective meals. Primal by Mia is a true gem, not only in Cape May County however could very well be one of the best restaurants in the State of New Jersey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Salad, Aged Ribeye Charred to Perfection, Tomahawk Steak, Tomahawk, Filet, Yukon, Calamari, Shrimp Cocktail, South African Lobster Tail
Absolutely fantastic!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salads, Filet, Yukon, Garlic Peppercorn
Came in and ate at the bar. Food was absolutely FANTASTIC!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best bread, apps, steak, lobster and dessert. Shamus is awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Filet, Yukon, Truffle Yukon
Best food i've ever had, beautiful location, service was amazing. I absolutely cannot wait to go back this summer. Definitely recommend trying
Wanted to see what the hype was all about. Had reservations, arrived early. The staff was very friendly. Our waitress gave us the full rundown since we had never been here before. Now as far as seating, I was not a big fan of it. They sat us in between 2 other tables. There was absolutely no room for us to squeeze in on either side so we had to sit on the same side of the table. They charge enough not to have to squeeze people in and give more space. Do better! The only thing saving them from getting 3 stars is that the staff were very friendly. Now the portion sizes are good, steaks were cooked perfectly as ordered. They are cooked over a wood fire. I found that the seasoning was only on the top of the steak where the char was.
Visited again yesterday, third time at Primal by Mia. Each time we go, is better than the previous. We discover different tastes and new favorites. Attentive service and excellent dinner. Don't pass this up when in Cape May.
Did not disappoint. From artichoke app to swordfish and filet. One of the best dining experiences in cape May!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Conner was polite, professional and informative regarding the meals. The food was amazing on so many levels perfectly cooked tomahawk and lobster tails, creamy truffle yukons were perfect and the salad legitimately hit above expectationsfor restaurant salad, and at the end a deliscious guiltless dessert. The atmosphere was inviting and we didn't want to leave. Thank you for a great dinner.Dietary restrictions: Offered gluten and dairy free options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomahawk Steak, House Salad, Truffle Yukon
What a lovely restaurant ! Our first time here and the food, service and ambiance could not have been better. The appetizers of scallop, crab with ravioli and cream sauce was simply delicious. The shrimp cocktail was outstanding ! The surprise salad was also a nice treat. Our steaks were the best we’ve had. Cooked to perfection and the garlic peppercorn sauce mouthwatering. The lovely brownie offered and plated to perfection was another lovely surprise treat.We will definitely be back to Primal by Mia. A lovely dining experience all around! Cannot recommend enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Filet, Truffle Yukon, Shrimp Cocktail
Primal never disappoints! Service always on point. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation.
We have been dining at Primal at least monthly during the off season and have thoroughly enjoyed our meals there. The meat and seafood entrees have been delicious as well as the variety of appetizers we have tried. It is much easier making reservations as Primal is available on the Resy system allow reservations only open 9 daysPrimal is BYOB so if you are like us, you save on wine costs. Not advertised is the fact that you get delicious bread, salad and dessert (served family style) as a part of your table’s order. Unlike most places, the bread and salad are excellent and very enjoyable. The dessert is always an array of items which are tasty and filling. The staff is friendly, attentive and professional as is the owner.Both the meats and fishes are accompanied by three sauce options. The entree is not accompanied by anything, but there are side dishes that can be ordered that are served family style. The potatoes are always delicious and, when it is on the menu, the rack of lamb is to die for.Primal is a very nice establishment with well-prepared dishes that is worth your visit. The only “downside” to us is the charge for using a credit card, but it’s a nuisance compared to the great dining experiences we have enjoyed. We highly recommend Primal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Filet, Calamari, Truffle Yukon
Incredible food. I will drive 31/2 hoursagain and again. It was that great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomahawk Steak