Here's a sneak peek at Prime, Rockford's newest Italian steakhouse

ROCKFORD — A new restaurant is coming to Rockford's east side that hopes to be exactly what people are looking for in a steakhouse.

Prime, located at 6565 Lexus Drive, the former site of Five Forks Market, is an Italian restaurant specializing in steaks, seafood and pasta.

They will open their doors for the first time on Friday.

"I miss some of our old Italian steakhouses, and I felt like there was just a need in the market on the east side to have a really small intimate, great dining place," said owner Matt Idzikowski.

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When customers enter Prime, they'll be greeted by chandeliers, a marble-like finish to the floors, elegant black chairs and wooden tables throughout.

The decor features exposed ventilation that has been painted black, a partially exposed kitchen and a large bar.

It's an aesthetic Idzikowski considers "industrial chic," which helps create a premium dining experience.

Tables are set on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Prime in Rockford.
Tables are set on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Prime in Rockford.

Prime's Italian dishes will feature house-made noodles and fresh seafood.

"When you talk about traditional Italian, you're talking about a lot of garlic, a lot of butter, all of those things make my stomach happy," Idzikowski said.

The restaurant will offer outdoor dining and will be available for private parties and events for groups of up to about 60 people.

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Idzikowski is Rockford native. He is a graduate of Lutheran High School. He opened Vintage 501, 501 E. State St., in 2012 and Omakase, 223 E. State St., in 2018.

Prime will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Friday and Saturday.

After this weekend, normal hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford steakhouse: Prime looks to bring fine dining to east side