Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

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Giacomo’s Boston, North End. I was anxious to try this several friends recommended. Long lines, but they move quickly. While in line you can chat with other customers or check the menu and try to decide what you’ll choose. After 15 minutes, a staff member ushered us to the second floor. The second floor is cramped. And if you sit next to the drafty windows you may want to keep your jacket on. Service is attentive and polite. Appetizers: Fried Mozzarella, Meatballs & Garlic bread. Delicious. Meatballs were warm definitely not hot. Garlic bread, fresh and warm. Mozzarella freshly cooked. Main course: Lobster Ravioli, Fusilli Siciliana. All of these were delicious. Albeit all the dishes were warm but not hot. Portions are generous. Fresh flavors. Again the wait staff is attentive. No one is rushed and dining here is a nice experience. Menu pricing is more than reasonable. I’ll try again, but I hope I don’t have to sit upstairs next to the drafty window! That definitely takes away from the pleasant experience here.

Kevin Weng

Looking for authentic Italian pasta without the hefty price tag? Giacomo’s in the North End delivers big. I’ve been twice, and each time, the chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The sauces are what set this place apart. The lobster-based tomato sauce, packed with real lobster bits, tasted rich and fresh. The garlic cream sauce was light but forgettable for me. But the pesto cream sauce? Incredible. Thick, flavorful, and perfectly clinging to the pasta—an absolute winner. The cozy, two-floor setup adds to the charm. The first floor is lively and homey, while the second floor is quieter for a more laid-back experience. For unbeatable pasta at a great price, Giacomo’s is a must. Join me in tracking down the best bites!

Lauren Talley

Our experience at this restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in an authentic and cozy atmosphere that felt truly special. While they don’t take reservations and there’s often a line outside, arriving early is well worth it. The restaurant stays true to its roots—there are no cocktails, just an impressive selection of beer and wine, which perfectly complements the meal. While a few dishes, like the lobster roll and seafood pasta, seem catered to tourists, the rest of the menu is undeniably authentic. Service was outstanding. We visited on a Thursday at 5 PM and were seated immediately. Our meal included mussels, veal parm, lobster ravioli in a cream sauce, and a Caesar salad—all of which exceeded expectations. The veal parm was a standout, with a red sauce that ranks among the best I’ve ever had. The lobster ravioli was delicate and rich, with a perfectly balanced cream sauce that wasn’t too heavy. Even the bread was exceptional, setting the tone for a fantastic meal. What truly made the experience memorable was the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Despite the restaurant’s high demand, we never felt rushed and ended up lingering for over two hours, simply enjoying the food and ambiance. The pricing is also remarkable—our entire meal, including two bottles of wine, came to just $160, making it an incredible value for the quality. If you appreciate old-school Italian cuisine and don’t mind a short wait, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

Jam Baldivino

Had the calamari appetizer and the linguine with calamari, and both were absolutely incredible—some of the best I’ve ever had. Super fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The place is small with limited seating, so definitely try to get there early, but it’s 100% worth the wait. Highly recommend!

Jillian Saulsbury

The loveliest staff ever. Such a warm, cozy atmosphere and just the best authentic food. So many amazing flavors and quick service! No wait to sit on a Tuesday evening. We got the butternut squash ravioli and the eggplant fusilli. Both divine, but the ravioli was definitely outstanding. Love and will be back