Giacomo’s, Boston – Back Bay

Last night we were celebrating a birthday so I planned a *surprise* dinner at Giacomo’s in Boston’s Back Bay. I’ve been to Giacomo’s location in the North End on Hanover Street several times but wanted to check this other location out and was pleased to find out they take reservations unlike the North End spot.

We arrived at 8:30 and were seated immediately… the place was full and there were parties waiting outside, so the reservations were a great call. Immediately a basket of bread was plopped down on our table.

It was a loaf of delicious sourdough and there was olive oil on the table for dipping. The oil was SO tasty. It was the good stuff… it reminded me of the olive oil I had when living in Italy.

For starters we ordered the Antipasto plate and the caprese salad. The antipasto plate had smoked meats, cheeses, grilled squid, roasted red peppers and was fantastic. The cheese was so rich and the squid was unlike any other I’ve had before. The caprese was also good… the mozzarella was of very high quality and melted in my mouth. With our dinner we ordered a bottle of this…

A bottle of Farnese Montepulciano. Such a delicious complement. I visited the area in Tuscany where this wine comes from and when I saw it on the menu, I knew it’s what we needed to have. Plus, all of the bottles of wine at Giacomo’s are $16!

For our entrees we ordered: the mussels and clams over a bed of linguine with Giacomo’s sauce (it’s the house red sauce made with lobster essence and Bechamel) and the butternut squash ravioli with asparagus in a cream sauce.

I literally cleaned the plate. The ravioli was soft and fluffy and full of flavor. But the sauce… the sauce was OUT OF THIS WORLD. It was seriously one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. Yes, it really was that good. Even though I was super full, I dipped my bread in it. No drip of great sauce should go to waste IMO.

A slice of pumpkin cheesecake (one of the best I’ve had) and an espresso completed our night as did a nice walk to the Prudential Center after dinner.

Giacomo’s Back Bay is located at 431 Columbus Ave. It’s a short walk from the Pru. It’s cash only but this location takes reservations, so call ahead!