Review Giacomo's Restaurant - Boston

Great service. Parking is difficult but they have valet. Everything was pretty good. The salad was not over dressed and remained crisp. The calamari was also crispy and felt made to order. The pastas were good. we even got the squid ink special. The wines were reasonably priced. The 2 person special was worth it but there is a split fee for more than 2 if you don’t have other entrees

This restaurant was recommended by a parking attendant at our hotel and we are so glad that we tried it. Excellent food and fast service for such a busy place. We did wait outside for a bit but we were early for our reservation and felt we waited for a reasonable time. When seated, you may be practically sharing a table with other guests but everyone we encountered was friendly and even giving advice on what to order. Being a Mainer, I tried the lobster ravioli and (very unlike my usual meal) ate the entire plate in one sitting. I just couldn’t stop! My boyfriend tried the chicken and broccoli in garlic cream sauce and it was delicious too. Very enjoyable! And very reasonably priced too!

Mamma mia. Very good food and ambience. The service was very professional, helped us carefully from the beginning and provide good suggestions. First we were offered good bread and decent olive oil. Then we got fried calamari as appetizer which was good but there were better ones in Rhode Island. The home mode fussili pastas with aubergine as veggie option and with lobster & shrimp is delicious. The portion size is quite huge. And the tiramisu, one of the best in Boston. Words cannot define that.

Everything was absolutely delicious. We chose the south end over the north end location due to reservations for our large group. I don't order Italian much but this was absolutely worth it. I would recommend this to anyone who had a request for Italian in the area. The staff were friendly as can be.

Wow! What a Great Find! Homemade pasta, great sauce choices, amazing food, wines and Omg the Almond dessert !!! Mostly seafood choices but chicken and veal too! Awesome staff and incredible portions! Very good prices for being downtown Boston!

Was looking for a great Italian restaurant in Boston and a friend recommended this place. The other locations in Boston don’t take any reservations. So this location worked out perfectly. If you are driving and are not from Boston you will have to park a bit further away because the parking spots near the restaurant are for the local residents of that area that have a parking permits. Our reservation was at 9pm and we got in at 9:30pm, we’ll worth the wait. We got the specials for that night (shrimp/lobster pasta, chicken pasta and the veggie butter squash pasta). The sauce and spices were very flavourful and authentic. The Chile red wine was also a great compliment with all the dishes we had. Great Italian restaurant in Boston!

We had a fantastic experience here. We came here too early before it opened but the owner was super nice to welcome us to take seats on their patio. He even served warm bread and water for us during the wait. His warmth really lightened our day after a long walk in downtown. The bread came with fresh olive oil and cheese. It tasted really good but save some to dip your past sauce! We ordered the fried calamari, salmon & sundries tomatoes in Lobster based tomato cream sauce, and the daily special fusilli shrimp and lobster (you can select whichever sauce you like!) Our palate was amazed and the portion was quite large. This is definitely an authentic Italian restaurant you shouldn’t miss in Boston.

This place has excellent food. I always prefer going to this location in Columbus since they take reservations, the Hanover location which is a nicer area for a stroll takes walk ins only. Food, prices and portions are great. Service is average not exceptional but good enough. We got the pumpkin ravioli, gnocchi with goat cheese and chicken/veggies. We also got the lobster/shrimp pasta. All tasted very good. Wine bottles are also well priced.

DINNER REVIEW If you don’t want to wait in the long lines in the North End for some authentic Italian food, Giacomo’s is a great option in the heart of the amazing culinary neighborhood that is the South End. The restaurant is small but very homey...you will likely be nudged up next to diners at different tables. If you do have to wait, Anchovies next door is a great dive bar. We went on a Friday at 5:45 so we got seated immediately. We started with the Caesar Salad and Burrata (which was a special) both of which were fresh and tasty. I wouldn’t say these are “must gets” but they are good. What I would say is a must get is the pasta (as it should be no surprise, at an Italian restaurant). Per the recommendations of the waiter, I had the frutti di mare with fra diavola sauce. The pasta was chock full of beautiful mussels, clams, oysters, and more and the sauce was perfectly spicy. This sauce...WOW! Key things to know: It’s cash only and they take reservations, but otherwise the wait will be long.

** NOTE: CASH ONLY ** I'm fortunate that this place is down the street from me as the place can get really crazy come dinner time on the weekends. If you want to have a good shot at walking in to be seated then I would suggest the middle of a weekday! Service the night we came here was prompt (Tuesday night) and fortunately it wasn't crowded to a point where one would have to shout for the other to hear which can be the case if you come in on a weekend for dinner. I went for the lobster ravioli which was quite good. The sauce was rich and creamy and there was a decent amount of lobster in each ravioli. The price is also quite reasonable for what you get. My partner enjoyed her Frutti di Mare as well (though she was disappointed they didn't let her combine the red and white sauce that night). The Caesar salad and calamari were quite fresh and delicious. No complaints there! So far the service and food have been quite consistent for us so we'll keep coming back! Do note that unless you have a South End permit residential sticker, parking can be annoying if you don't come early in the evening!

Food was good, but not mind blowing good as you’d be led to believe. I will say the Burrata was fantastic. For the price, the service needs to be stepped up. We literally had to ask our server to remove empty dishes that had been sitting on our table for half the meal.

Hands down one of the best restaraunts in Boston. Their food is consistently fresh and amazing. The tenderloin dish is my favorite-tastes and cuts better than a $100 filet at the capital grill. It's a small seating layout but trust me it's worth it.

The best italian joint in boston!! No doubt!!! Order the burrata!

I travel alot and eat lots of great food and this was one of the best restaurants I've been to. We were only in boston for 4 nights and went there twice. Unheard of!!! It's quaint, friendly and authentic. Pricing is amazing but it's cash only. Go early or late to avoid lines. Sit at the bar and watch them prepare your food. It's quite fun. If youre travelling in boston, the staff is very friendly to give you some good tip on all things Boston. . . They work really hard there and seem to genuinely like their job. Wine is good and very affordable. Did I mention that the food was yummy?!?!?! Go.

Best eats on Hanover street. Sure they hustle you in and out but it's still the best. Calamari is always perfect Giacomo Sauce on Fruti De Mar the squash ravioli Zuppe De pesce Hungry just thinking about it See you Sunday Rose & Donna

We had to wait outside for a while but it was well worth the wait. Our service was impeccable and the food was amazing and very reasonably priced. I can't wait to dine at Giacomo's again. Highly recommend. Side note: Cash only.

Great Italian food and atmosphere at very reasonable prices! Small so it's best if you make reservations but very well worth it!

Amazing!!!! Authentic and delicious. Best Italian food I've ever had...and I've been to 🇮🇹 Italy. Food + Experience was worth a visit...my only regret is that I live in Texas and can't go back for seconds!!

Great variety of Italian food, great prices, along with excellent service. Would highly recommend this restaurant.

Great food, great service, and prices on point. Would definitely go back.

Waited so long for service. Other tables seated after my family were greeted before us. After waiting 12 'minutes for someone to just take our drink order or even acknowledge that we were sitting at a table in their establishment we left. Will never come back.

Food was amazing and the service outstanding. I highly recommend the chicken marsala

Butternut squash ravioli is my personal favorite. Service and atmosphere is great! Make reservations... always super busy!!

Amazing food! Well priced and legit �� cash only but who cares when the food is that good.

My first time here. Had the daily special and muscles. Both were amazing. The service is prompt and very friendly. I will definitely be returning on my next trip to Boston. Make sure you make reservations. We did last minute and it was good we did. The place was full by 5:30 on a Friday afternoon.

Make you wait forever if no reservation. They lie and tell you 15 min and it is 45 minutes never come if no reservations big liars. Nothing worth that wait!

Fantastic dinner we all had the specials of the night. The staff was wonderful and I can't wait to come back to boston and go again

Quite simply the best I've ever had. The Maryland blue crab ravioli special is divine! Smooth, fresh creamy - unbelievably delicious. Atmosphere is charming, classic Boston. Get here early, they really pack them in. This is a choice you would not regret!!

Poorly Managed: Clueless Valet and Waiter. Arrived at Giacomo's and decided to valet park since there is no parking available typically in the area. A guy holding an IPhone and sunglasses at the curb says: "I can take your keys." I ask him for a ticket for the car before I turn over the keys and he says: "sorry we don't do tickets." This guy is alone and not wearing any identification, not even a Giacomo's pin, shirt, or other way to identify that he is a valet.<br/><br/>I tell him I am going to step inside to check before I give him the keys and he says: "I'm not going to hurt you, sir." I step to the door and wait in line to get inside and then notice the gentleman has taken off with my car WITHOUT THE KEYS (it's a hybrid that can be driven keyless).<br/><br/>So now, I am a bit concerned and go outside to see where my car might be. A few minutes later, it appears parked down the street, so I lock it and go inside. I am a bit upset about the whole incident and mention it to our waiter who stands by while the valet asks me to pay him upfront. At this point the valet starts yelling at me in front of the whole restaurant, which I didn't appreciate. The waiter turns around and says to me: "I'll come back once you've had a chance to cool off."<br/><br/>At that point, needless to say, we left.<br/><br/><br/>Note to management:<br/><br/>You need to get a valet with a brain and at least give him some form of identification if he is going to be parking cars on the honor system without tickets.<br/><br/>Also would be nice to join the real world and start accepting credit cards.<br/><br/>Cash only and no valet tickets might work for you, but won't work for many customers.<br/><br/>I hear the food is good here, so this was a real shame for all involved.

Wow I had the veal scalping. Perfect sat at the bar. With a Chanti. Perfect

Horrific service, I had to wait over an hour after my reservation to be seated. All the while, a table was left unused for a future party arriving an hour later. I could have dined and left by the time that party arrived. The waitstaff was completely unapologetic about the delay

Never Again - Rude Service. I wish I had read the previous reviews. If I had, I would had know not to have even bothered even making a reservation.<br/><br/>We walked in promptly at 7:00 with a reservation for four people including our new next-door neighbors. After seeing walk-ins seated after we arrived, I finally got the attention of Jeff, the maître d’ for the evening. When I told him we had a 7 p.m. reservation, he told me it would be about a 10-15 minute wait. I explained that whenever I use Urbanspoon for reservations we are always seated on time. He said we don't use Urbanspoon. I said I know that, but I did have a reservation for 7:00 p.m. His response was, "You can either wait quietly, or go someplace else." I kept my cool and asked my neighbors what they wanted to do. After what they witnessed, they said they preferred to go someplace else. When I informed Jeff of this, his last response was, "Good."<br/><br/>Not only has Giacomo’s lost two returning customers, but also lost a chance to gain two new customers who were new to the neighborhood. Additionally, you can be sure we will share our experience with friends and family. This is how businesses start to erode. Good luck! There are plenty of good service Italian restaurants within walking distance.

Between this joint and their sister joint in the north end, this is better by far. The restaurant in north end is mainly for the tourists, smaller seating area, no reservations, and therefore the staff is ready to seat you and shoo you away. The food tastes more rushed. With that being said, south end giacomo's is far better - sauces are the right consistency (not watery like in the north end), terrific service, great fresh seafood, huge portions for a decent price. definitely one of my top italian joints to eat at.

Ladies please.... Happy Valentine's Day -- not !<br/><br/>With a reservation, we waited 45 minutes. Then the waiter made it seem like we were there to please HIM. Like, we were "lucky" to be there. And on top of all that, the waiter was only interested in listening to my boyfriend -- obviously not liking girls and trying to flirt with my cutie.

I joined just to share my awfuk experience!. 9:00pm reservation.. Behind 30 mins thats okay im fair.. well wait.. Oh go next door to a over packed gay bar next door.. Its okay well get you (lies) the host or hostess i should say cause he wasnt much a man... Was rude, a liar and has no right working as a host. He clearly lacks the appropriate skills needed to do his job. Long story short after and already awful experience at 9:55 we're still not sat in fact one they sat another party w/out reservations before us! At that point we left and had Abe and louies which is already a great meal. I love Giacomos food but the service and staff in SE location ARE AWFUL and i will never go there again for pure principal of how i was treated by that little gay miserable man who calls himself a host...ha you should be fired. Never spending $ there again because of you.

AMAZING food!!! Make reservation because it is small. No way you will get in without a reservation.

I went there for a joint birthday dinner for my mom and sister... Now my family tries a new restaurant 2-3 times a month... I have NEVER had a more RIDICULOUS experience at a restaurant. Let me start by saying I have a gluten allergy and I know it is difficult to cater to but we called ahead to make sure that they could make a meal for me. But we had a 630 reservation and they sent us to the bar next door (anchovies, great drinks and food smelled DELICIOUS) they came over and told us our table was ready AFTER 7:30!! Over an hr after our reservation. Then I let my waiter know about my allergy and asked which potato options I could eat... His response was, "None, this is an Italian restaurant NOT an Irish restaurant". After that we barely saw him our entire meal. He did not check on us one time after we received our meals. My steak was not cooked properly and was dry. My father was the only one to enjoy his meal (pumpkin ravioli). I am utterly disgusted and if you have a food allergy DO NOT GO HERE

Bad arrangement. We had reservations for 3 ppl. When we arrived they said our table wouldn't be ready for about 1/2 hr and directed us next door for a drink. We ordered a drink in the overly cramped bar. While standing and sipping our drinks, one of the wait staff walks up to us and says "MOVE". Totally impolite and inappropriate. We asked him if he could be a little more polite in his request. His response.... "No. You need to move!" We went back next door after 45 minutes in the bar.... told our table still wasn't available.... and left. Two thumbs down.

Terrific food and cozy ambiance!. From start to finish this place was cute, cozy and delicious. The tables are pretty close to one another but with the dim lights and wine you'll totally be in your own space. With some wines you order by the bottle but don't worry if you don't finish it as they will kindly doggie bag your wine for you. Dinner was great along with their selection of tasty desserts. I will definitely be coming back.

Delicious!!!!. Food is amazing!! my husband and i eat here all the time and i have no idea how anyone could say its pricey..ummmmmmmmmmmm have u eaten ANYWHERE else in boston! the prices are amazing, super cheap and the food is great. NEVER disappointed..restartraunt is small but thats what makes it cozy and charming..

Fantastic!!. What a wonderful restaurant! We were seated within 5 minutes without a reservation (Thurs night). The waiter was polite and friendly. The sweet potato ravioli was incredible, as was the chocolate truffle ball for dessert. It was all very reasonably priced. We were very pleased with our experience here and would definitely recommend it.

Food Good, Service Bad. My experience at Giacomo's in the South End seemed consistent with others...the food was tasty, good portions, reasonable prices, but the service was unfriendly. This takes away from the experience and makes me look elsewhere to spend my money next time.

Nasty experience. This place is a disgrace. It's noisy, hot and crowded. The manager, who I was informed was the owner's nephew, is rude and obnoxious. The food was fair to poor. The service was average at best. They don't take credit cards. I will never go there again and I suggest you save yourself the aggravation.

Blah.... I had an ok time when i went to Giacomo's. The food was good, I had a the lobster sauce on my pasta and the sauce was delicious. however, i feel like the food wasn't good enough to justify the price. Also, i was not a fan of the service, the waiters were there when we needed them but he seemed uninterested in our meal. I would not go back here.

Bad service. Food was o.k. but long wait and service sucked!!

Giacomos has the besttt pasta everrrr and my family owns it so back off if u don't like it

Great time, warm reception, great food= great night!

Poor service. Sub par food -- I ordered a cesear salad and the shrimp fra diavlo. Loud restaurant. They don't accept credit cards (cash only). Not much to like about Giacomo's. With all of the great restaurants in Boston, I will not dine at Giacomo's again.

HORRIBLE service. This is one of the worst restaurants I've ever been to, in terms of service. Food is okay. First time was too salty; second time we never got seated (with a reservation).<br/><br/>The first time I went with my boyfriend. It was crowded but I don't remember waiting too long before being seated. Our waiter seemed disinterested in serving us, acted as if it was a chore. The food wasn't bad but VERY salty and we thought that perhaps it was due to the fact that the place was busy so we decided to give it a try some other day. <br/><br/>The second time we went was a Friday, and as we had more people, I called and made a reservation for 5 at 8pm. Three of us got to the restaurant first, and I went in to check in with the hostess. I let her know that two more are coming but they're very close. Just walking over from a few blocks away. She told me that it'll only be a couple more minutes and will seat us when it's ready. Great, thanks! I told her and that we'd wait outside as there's really no waiting room inside. The other two friends arrived but they stood to the side for a cigarette (out of the view of the restaurant). We waited. we saw that our table was ready; then we saw a party of four walk in, and we saw the hostess giving our table away. I went in and asked when our table would be ready (this is about 20 minutes of waiting). she said that she had to give our table away since not everyone was here for our party. i asked her how she could have known that we weren't here when she never bothered coming out to check. she didn't care so we left. <br/><br/>funny thing was, the first time i went in there to check in with her, there was a table of two who had just paid and were ready to leave. i overheard the woman saying to the guy whether it really was okay to not leave a tip, and the guy was SO mad that he just said, let's get out of here...<br/><br/>We went to Chinatown and got awesome service, and awesome food

Classic, classic. I love good pasta -- but my husband is addicted to good pasta. He won't let me eat pasta anywhere else! Quick service -- excellent desserts!

Great. I love the Giacomo's in the North End. They move you through quickly, but the food is fantastic.

My Favorite Place in Boston. Pumpkin Tortellini is my favorite! Calamari is amazing.

...knew that I had to go with the Pumpkin Tortellini. It was absolutely delicious: probably the best dish I have ever ordered at an Italian restaurant! (Unfortunately the lighting was pretty dim,

THIS IS DEFINITELY A TOURIST PLACE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CHEAP ITALIAN FOOD, LONG WAITS IN THE COLD WEATHER, THE WORST SERVICE ON EARTH WITH THE RUDEST HOST, THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO. OTHERWISE YOU WILL REGRET EVERY SECOND AND EVERY PENNY YOU SPEND AT THIS PLACE. PLEASE AVOID THIS PLACE AND RUN AS FAR AS YOU CAN!

Giacomo's is worthy of a spot on your itinerary for the 2 dishes mentioned above alone. Enjoy a one of a kind meal in a wonderful city. There are so many fantastic things to do both before and after your meal. What better setting could you ask for? Round out your perfect day in this fantastic city with a fabulous meal at Giacomo's. .responsive1 { width: 320px; height: 50px; } @media(min-width: 500px) { .responsive1 { width: 468px; height: 60px; } } @media(min-width: 750px) { .responsive1 { width: 728px; height: 90px; } } Top Ten Travel List - top-ten-travel-list.com | Home | Copyright © 2012-14 top-ten-travel-list.com. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide.

This restaurant is regarded as one of the best Italian places in Boston, which is of course saying something. I checked out the menu online and saw that it's also one of the most reasonably priced, and so I slated it for a North End dining experience with my friend Matt who was coming into town from Orlando. When you talk to people about Giacomo's or read the reviews, you're warned that the wait for a table can be ridiculous, sometimes up to 2 hours as it's a pretty small room with great food and great prices. They're open for dinner form 5 PM - 11 PM, and so I planned that we should aim to arrive at about 4:45, just in case. After some walking and shopping along Newbury, checking out Copley Square and the library and such things, it was 5 o'clock already, and, after a brief survey of the reviews on my phone, I decided it would probably be fine to go ahead and do the Giacomo's in the South End, which was only a 10 minute walk away (as opposed to 35 or so for the South End). We were als

Giacomo's is a well known spot frequented by tourists and locals alike. The line can get really long and the average wait time is 50 minutes! We were in the vicinity a couple days back and found ourselves standing in line for a table. We were there at aro