Primavera is an Italian word for spring, but this modest café is a nice spot to visit at any time of the year. While other eateries in the Tha Phra Athit neighborhood draw in university students and young office workers with lovely and chic décor, this two-story bistro aims at foreigners and more mature customers. It oozes homey charm with dim lighting, dark wood panels, off-white curtains and an unobtrusive jazz soundtrack. There is plenty of legroom between tables, creating a conducive ambiance for both a quick confab or lingering conversation. In line with its name, the kitchen churns out straightforward recipes whipped up according to what is fresh. Specials of the Day, written on small blackboards scattered on the walls, change regularly. The compact menu offers a variety of Italian fare along with a small selection of standard Thai dishes. For starters, there are light items such as Parma ham and cantaloupe and Salad Primavera (Cheddar cheese, cashew nuts, raisins, apple and cantaloupe). If you are looking for a heartier kick-off, opt for the bruschetta. The good-value dish includes four thick slices of toast topped with diced tomatoes, sliced olives and dashes of cheese that should do the job of calming your rumbling stomach. Pastas and pizzas take center stage on the entrée section. Among the best sellers is the Pizza Rustica, with a large, thin-crust, Parma ham, feta cheese, olives and tomatoes. Best representing Primavera’s simple approach to cooking, however, is the Primavera Pizza, which appeals with its subtle garlicky aroma and perfect portion of cheese. The crisp dough is topped with slices of bell pepper, onion and tomato, while chopped parsley and fresh basil add to the flavor and fragrance, making it an apt choice for vegetarians. The café also boasts various meat and seafood dishes. The BBQ shrimp is a bit overpriced, considering that you get only three small prawns with some fries and veggies, but the dish still managed to tickle our tastebuds with the tanginess of lime in the accompanying sauce. A thin slat of sirloin steak wasn’t that succulent but arrived perfectly medium rare, as ordered. The most popular dessert is the Viennese apple strudel served with your choice of gelato. While Café Primavera’s food is pretty reliable, you have to take your chances with the service. Some waitresses are attentive and knowledgeable, while others tend to gather round and chat with one another instead of taking your order. Pick the right one and you’ll be full of the joys of spring.