Giacomo's - South End

Giacomo's Ristorante
431 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5723 (use this number to make a reservation, which you should do -- or else)
www.giacomosblog-boston.blogspot.com

I'm not sure what can be more gem-tastic than delicious, affordable, seafood-based Italian food, in a cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen. Ahhhhhhh.

The North End location is much more known than this one; however, I have avoided it due to the wrap-around-the-block lines and the reputation for having very tight seating and rushing customers out. I'll take this version any day: a neighborhood restaurant that remembers the regulars, takes reservations, and serves out consistently delicious and unique food.

I must reiterate the last point -- it is seldom one finds a restaurant that always serves good food. There are times that are better than others, but I know I can come here and always get a good meal. And for a city that raves about its seafood, I haven't found many "gems" in the typical Legal-McCormick offerings. The seafood here is fantastic, and the dishes are unique. Take, for example, lemon fettuccine with grilled shrimp and scallops, squid ink pappardelle with swordfish and tuna, and a variety of mix and match pastas with choice of seafood and sauce.

And to add to this, the fish and meat entrees are wonderful -- cooked and seasoned perfectly. The tuna is sushi grade and can be served raw on the inside with a red wine truffle sauce. For $19, this is a steal. I'm sure the restaurant is filled to the brim with maniacal laughter when no patrons are present, basking in the glory of serving wonderful things for low prices and getting away with it.

Calamari: perfect. Tiramisu: best I've had in Boston.

Two important things: 1) This place can get noisy, especially on weekend nights, so if the noise bothers you, give it a miss. 2) Boys, the waiters may wink at you. Just remember you're in the South End. Get used to it.

Why it's a gem:

Affordable, great atmosphere, fresh seafood
Decent bottles of wine for under $20.
Remembers the regulars
Consistently good food

Tips:

Great for a date on a week night when it's not as noisy
The Giacomo's sauce (lobster-based red with a pinch of bechamel) can be combined with the fra diavolo (too spicy on its own). Order the Fracomo's sauce. Awesome and not on the menu.
Calamari is the best app (order well done), and the tiramisu is the best dessert (you'll thank me)
Great coffee