Dining at Prime 88 isn’t just a meal; it’s an exquisite rendezvous with flavor, where every dish arrives with the confidence of royalty and the charm of a poet. Here’s a taste (pun absolutely intended) of my evening there—a journey so elegant that even my taste buds wore black tie.
The festivities began with a crabcake that could only be described as “legendary.” Golden-crisp, yet impossibly delicate, this creation practically floated onto my plate. It was the kind of crabcake that makes other crabcakes question their purpose. I swear, it almost winked at me before I took the first bite, as if to say, “You’re welcome.”
The French onion soup arrived somewhere in between, a warm, aromatic symphony of caramelized onions and melted cheese that draped over the bowl in gooey layers, each more luxurious than the last. The croutons held firm, adding a delightful crunch that seemed impossible given the cheese’s determination to envelop everything. This soup didn’t just hug you; it embraced you, bought you flowers, and then offered to hold your hand on a rainy day.
Then came the true surprise of the evening: the potato. But not just any potato—this was a two-pound behemoth with the bravado of a prizefighter and the finesse of a fine sculpture. Baked to a pillow-soft fluff inside with a skin so crispy it was practically couture, this potato arrived topped with a bounty of butter, sour cream, and chives that would make a lesser potato weep. I considered asking for its autograph. This spud knew it was a star and expected nothing less than my complete adoration.
And then, just when I thought I’d reached the zenith of this culinary mountain, the Porterhouse steak arrived—thirty glorious ounces, proudly medium rare, and with a sear so perfect I suspect the chef has a doctorate in the Maillard reaction. This steak didn’t just sit on the plate; it reclined, with all the poise of a seasoned runway model. Juicy, tender, and seasoned to a level that felt almost otherworldly, it practically dared me to finish it. I half-expected a standing ovation from the surrounding tables as I took the first bite.
Finally, we must speak of the staff, who moved with a level of elegance and timing usually reserved for ballet. They anticipated needs with the subtlety of mind-readers, filling water glasses and folding napkins with a grace that seemed choreographed. By the end, I half-expected them to carry me to my car on a gilded chaise.
Yes, Prime 88 is high-end dining. Yes, it’s an indulgence. But it’s also a masterclass in how every detail of a meal can be elevated to an art form. If you seek an experience where every bite feels like it has a pedigree, where potatoes have personalities, and where steak could launch a thousand ships—Prime 88 awaits. Just bring your appetite and a healthy dose of admiration, because this is a meal you’ll be reminiscing about for...
   Read moreI would start off saying walking in was magical the nice sofa in front while you’re being waited to be seated to take pictures for your experience was great. I sat down waiter was very nice offered us regular water or sparkling. Very nice touch when my husband drinks sparkling and I do not. I then looked at the menu for cocktails. I ask for the high end tequilas they told me they have don julio reposado they told me they had it. I first asked for casamigos which they did not have. I got my margarita there was no way it was reposado I could not drink. They did take the drink back and I resorted to a beer. We ordered shrimp cocktail and cheese platter which both things on menu did not show for shrimp how many we got or in cheese what was your selection you received. The shrimp tasted off and why on a cheese platter you get blue cheese as a selection to snack on. Next we received our entrees I order filet medium rare. When the food came out they have a runner not a server when every other high end restaurant the server is there for you to cut open your meat in front of them to see if it cooked to your liking. My filet was medium. I decided to not say anything and to just accept it. The reason why I am writing this review and and the only reason was I sat there talking to my mother at the table. I’m not sure if the owner overheard my conversation but I was not loud. He came over to the table and asked how everything was saw the left steak on my plate asked me was everything good I then I was honest and said I ordered this medium rare and got it medium. He said that is definitely not medium rare would you like another one. Now that our dinner is finished I declined. He said we’ve been opened for 8 weeks please give me feedback. I mentioned the tequila. He then proceeded to have me try the tequilas he had which are ones I’ve never heard of. They were all the most disgusting things I’ve ever tasted. I was honest that your cocktails are just as important as the food. I think received my check and the filet was still on my tab which to me is not customer recovery when you approached me. I told the server to tell the owner word of advice do not go up to a guest ask how everything is and not take action. I then paid and walked straight out. I’m sorry but hernando county might now ever get it like any other major city for fine dining. If I had to choose a steakhouse in hernando county it would be longhorn to the service...
   Read moreIt has been a long time coming to finally get a quality fine dining restaurant in Spring Hill. The Prime 88 team has done a great job of providing the kind of high end fine dining experience you would expect in Tampa. The decor is a nice blend of traditional steak house with modern fixtures and a prominently displayed wine room. The hostess staff were polite and efficient. They were even able to accomodate our last minute request to switch from our patio reservation to indoor main dining. Our server Kaylynn was very attentive and had a great personality as did the manager Brian. The food was all well prepared, beautifully presented, and had well developed flavors.
As an an appetizer we ordered the Oysters Rockefeller. The spinach was finely chopped (no stringy pieces), it was creamy, the oysters were tender, and the hollandaise added a luscious creaminess with a hint of lemon. Next my wife ordered the Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes. The cheese and tomatoes were fresh and perfectly dressed with arugula and a balsamic drizzle. I chose the Lobster Bisque. It was deliciously rich and smooth, with a few substantial pieces of tender knuckle meat.
For the main course we shared the Chateaubriand which is brought out and cut tableside to ensure the correct temperature and then individually portioned and plated. The steak was expertly aged, well seasoned, cooked perfectly to the temperature of our liking, and absolutely succulent, especially when lightly drizzled with the provided Bordelaise sauce (other sauce and toppings are available). The 20oz portion was more than enough to share. To accompany the steak we ordered the brussel sprouts and cauliflower au gratin. The brussels were well prepared, lightly charred, topped with bacon and a light drizzle of balsamic. The cauliflower au gratin was luscious and creamy with well seasoned and smooth Béchamel sauce. Both sides were excellent accompaniments to the steak.
In sum, the complete experience including the friendly staff, beautiful decor, and delicious well presented food, rivaled what you would expect from a comparable restaurant in Tampa or any major city. It is certainly a welcome addition to our town, and we look forward to...
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