Giacomo's Ristorante

Giacomo's Ristorante is a small Italian restaurant at 355 Hanover Street in Boston's North End, in Massachusetts, United States. It is known for generous portions of Southern Italian-American cooking served in a tight, high-energy dining room with an open kitchen. Signature dishes include the lobster ravioli in a rich sauce, the shrimp fra diavolo with its spicy tomato base, and fried calamari, along with pasta, seafood and chicken dishes. Portions are large and meant to be shared, and the menu is priced in the moderate range, with entrees commonly in the twenties to thirties of dollars. The atmosphere is lively, noisy and crowded, with tables placed close together and a steady buzz from the kitchen. Dress is casual. The restaurant has historically not taken reservations, so diners queue on the sidewalk, and waits can run an hour or more on weekend evenings. Payment practices have historically favoured cash or check, so visitors should confirm accepted payment methods before going. Wine is available by the glass and bottle, with a straightforward list of Italian and American choices that suits the menu. Dinner is the main service. Hanover Street is the North End's principal restaurant strip, and Giacomo's draws both locals and tourists, so arriving early tends to help. The restaurant is within walking distance of the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and the waterfront, making it a convenient dinner after a day on the Freedom Trail.