Babbo

          With all of the buzz surrounding the Babbo opening in Boston, I did something rare and waited a few weeks hoping it would be less crazy. The fiance and I went in for dinner this Saturday around 5:15 thinking we'd have no trouble getting a seat at the bar...that was definitely not the case! There was a 45 minute wait at the bar, but we were able to grab a standing table just at the edge of the bar and enjoy some apps and wine while we waited (the full menu is not available at these tables, but they do offer limited apps).

          We started with the octopus with shishito peppers and citrus. The octopus was cooked perfectly and came chilled in a citrus dressing. This was a generous portion but still very light.

          Next we ordered a platter with all of the cured meats, and a selection of three cheeses. The meats included coppa di testa, pancetta, salami, prosciutto di parma, and doppio parma. The cheeses included pecorino, parmigiano, and a triple cream goat cheese. I enjoyed all of them, but my favorites were the coppa, salami, and the goat cheese. I also loved the accompaniments of truffle honey, candied cherries and oranges.

          Once we moved over to the bar, we asked whether they had any orange wines or natural / unfiltered wines. The staff was very knowledgeable and went over the wine list in detail with us. They had several orange wines by the bottle and recommended one by an Umbrian producer so small the wines weren't even available in the US until the past couple of years.

          Next was the quattro formaggi pizza, a white pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and grana. The pizzas at Babbo are Neapolitan style, and perfect as an entree for one or an app for two to share. The quattro formaggi was served with tons of gooey cheese, and I especially loved the flavor of the gorgonzola.

           Finally, we each had one of the house made pastas as a main course. I ordered the rigatoni with black pepper and pecorino, and the fiance had the gnocchi with tomato and oxtail. Both were delicious, but I was glad I chose the rigatoni!

          I enjoyed everything about my meal at Babbo and was also impressed by the incredible wine list and outstanding service. It's definitely elevated the Boston dining scene and already one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.