Best Italian restaurant going, no competition! The entire menu is good, drinks are strong. Prices are reasonable. Can't go wrong here!! read more

My all time favorite Italian restaurant. For a place that is always jammed, my food has always come out piping hot. Best chicken parm I've ever had. Have only been disappointed once, but that's out of many many visits. Tips: always crowded, and because of that, staff usually appears in the weeds. But that's the nature of a popular restaurant! Melrose is so lucky have this as part of its already awesome Main Street! read more

Got takeout from here. Was decent. Would bet it's 5 stars if we had dined in! Good Italian

Okayyy Giacomo's comin thru yet again in your 3rd location! I came in for the 1st time on a rainy Monday night, just before 9pm. Says they close at 10p, but you know how places are, slow = close kitchen early. But they stayed open for me :) I got fettucine Bolognese wit melted mozzarella. Complimetary Iggy's sourdough. Portions were HUGE. The flavor was perfecto, spicy, savory, not too tomato-y, mirepoxe. Only wish there was a touch more sauce to sop up for my crusty bread. I only ate half the pasta and had much leftover, but checked out the dessert menu... The blueberry white chocolate cheese called my name. It was promo! Great flavor: not too sweet, great dairy taste. The fresh berries with it were just the right touch. I had a great time on a cold rainy May Monday, thank you Giacomo's Melrose! I'll be back. read more

Giacomo's - fettuccine bolognese wit mozzarella on top. - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

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I highly recommend this place. Food is amazing and it has a great atmosphere. Staff is super friendly. I would recommend making a reservation as the place is always packed. read more

No line on a Sun and the windows were opened on a gorgeous day so why not? Immediately served with delicious bread after we sat down. Our waitress informed us that they ran out of lobster, tuna and another type of seafood. Calamari dish was fried perfectly. Scallops were overcooked in the fettuccine entree. If you dont want to overeat, i suggest ordering one app and one pasta dish with your date. I took half of it home even though i shared the pasta with my daughter. Definitely generous portion and flavor was wonderful. My date had a bad mussel otherwise he enjoyed his spicy mussel linguine (warning, the spice level creeps up on you. And the pasta looked like spaghetti?). read more

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I have been itching to get into Giacomo's since it opened up this summer. My first thought was it would be just as good as the traditional Italian restaurant in Boston's North End. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. My expectations may have been too high, but I would expect more from any restaurant opening with the reputation of the original Giacomo's. I was not happy with the service or my meal which was not cooked enough. The wine list was less extensive than I expected. The tables are really close together and our waitress forgot about us a few times. My boyfriend very much enjoyed his squid ink pasta, but my noodles were still super hard (beyond al dente). The flavor was disappointing, but the scallops were delicious. The prices were much better than expected which was a pleasant surprise. Overall: not a big fan and will go back for a new experience. read more

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My favorite restaurant! Strong drinks, great food! Long wait on the weekends but you can do takeout if need be. My favorite food is the frutti de mare with a pesto cream sauce! So much seafood and pasta. Delicious! read more

My husband and I came for dinner, and just weren't impressed. The craft cocktails need serious improvement. My husband ordered the Bourbon Smash, described as bourbon with strawberry and basil, and our server warned him that it was bad. "It's all bourbon," she said. Well, he likes bourbon, so he ordered it anyways, and found it to have an odd bitterness that was pretty unpalatable. He was warned, at least. I ordered the blueberry sparkler (vodka, blueberry simple syrup, prosecco) and thought it was pretty heavy on the syrup and a little too sweet. I let my husband taste it and he described the flavor as "watered-down Dimetapp" which nailed it dead on. I like Dimetapp, but I don't want a martini glass of it. Bread basket and water glasses stayed full, so the service was fine, but the meal only slightly improved from there. The calamari was hot and crispy; we did enjoy that. The Antipasto was a good portion, but I wish it had more than one cheese; we should have just ordered the cheese plate. For our entrees we ordered the veal piccata and the gnocchi with meat ragu. The piccata sauce was flavorful, but the veal was steak-thickness. I prefer my veal as thinly-pounded cutlets, so I felt like it ate a bit like a different meal. The gnocchi were great - soft, not gummy, but we expected more meat in a bolognese honestly. I don't know what the dessert menu had because we weren't offered any, but based on cocktails and dinner, we would have declined anyhow. I guess I'm the outlier, but the drinks were terrible, the staff knows it, and the food I guess was ok for a suburb, but definitely not the 5-star hype that other reviews rave about. I'd rather make the trip into Boston. read more

We were a group of 5 this evening, had a reservation for my husband's birthday. They sat us at a tight table, my sister-in-law requested a larger table, was told by the hostess, "it's only for six or more." Then the hostess seated another group of five there. Four of our meals came out, and then we waited 10 minutes for the fifth meal (my sister-in-law's). We'd asked the hostess when she arrived for a piece of dessert for my husband for his birthday - they forgot and when we asked the hostess about it later, she shrugged it off. Food is ok and we've gone a few times since it opened, but the attitude and service tonight, especially from the hostess, are not in line with what they charge to eat there. I don't think we'll go back again - plenty of other Italian places that charge less and offer a better vibe. read more

It was decent, but our food was extremely undersalted and underseasoned. Other than that the food was fine.

Didn't get to even eat there. Made a reservation for 2 several hours before we went. Hostess confirmed that she had our info when we got there, but there were no tables available. "Open table lets us overbook." Interesting. I said "well we made a reservation because we have somewhere to be later.." The hostess stared at me until I got uncomfortable and walked away. Clearly the staff isn't interested in customer service...or even talking to customers. We went to Turner's. read more

People lined up to eat here and you'd think they have it together! Placed an order of Calamari and a chicken parm with ziti. Nothing huge. Waited an hour foe this, understand it was busy but really wanted that chicken parm and they gave me eggplant parm! Not to mention the calamari sat in the bag til the wrong parm dinner came out! Could of waited til the main dish was almost done then you could of cooked the calamari so it all came out hot! So disappointed that I sacrificed over an hour of my time, STANDING in the rain waiting for the wrong order to come out! You have such a big crowd waiting to get in there and eat and you can't your takeout together? Awful experience read more

Place is awesome. Haven't been to the north end location but this is the real deal great authentic Italian food fair priced great service. Ask for Kathleen she was awesome read more

I have never ever done this but here goes........ Drove 2 hours from Western Mass to finally eat at Giacomos for my birthday. It took us 10 mins just to get up to the host stand because of the large crowd. My party of 6 was told our 5:45 table reservation would have to wait. Even tho there were 2 empty tables behind the host stand. But they were reserved for other parties. " why not just put us there? we had to stand and wait in front of the bathroom and/ or in front of other diners which was very uncomfortable. We were told the people at "our table" in the other large dining room had paid but they just had not left yet. After 30 mins we got seated behind the host stand which is where we asked to sit initially. The host says " they just cancelled" WHAT? I asked to see a manager and no-one ever came. I would have to speak to someone in charge as I know we were treated unfairly. The food was ok, it is very loud and noisy. If it wasn't for Nick the server being so great I would have got up and left. He is the only reason for the 3 stars. read more

Place is addictive, killer meatballs and really amazing tenderloin. Pasta is not over cooked and Wine selection is reasonable. Hunt down Michelle at the bar and ask her for the grapefruit and nutmeg martini, your welcome in advance. You gotta try it. read more

Giacomo's - Before and after says it all - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

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It was a great experience the food was awesome very tasty I had the stuffed pork chop with prosciuto and spinach and vegetables. All the appetizers where delicious service was also very good even though the place was packed. I would recommend this place 100%. read more

Giacomo's - Calamari appetizer is awesome - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

First time at Giacomo's and my husband and I really enjoyed it. Food was excellent the service was great. This is one restaurant that's not ridiculously overpriced. Drinks were delicious and the atmosphere very cozy. We are definitely going back. read more

So excited to hear Giacomo's is open in Melrose. Dinner and service was excellent here. Got the small Caesar, chicken broccoli and penne, and the veal parm. Also got martinis and woodchuck cider. Best Italian in the area-thumbs up. read more

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A very well-executed affiliate of the original North End location... needless to say were were not disappointed. The drinks are strong... not excellent, but strong. The food was lovely. I highly recommend the gnocchi milanese. Prices were reasonable, giving it the 5-star nod. read more

Giacomo's - Gnocchi Milanese - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

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Cafeteria-type food. Tasteless. Poor presentation. Food dished out of a vat of leftovers? Poor atmosphere. Please don't go here. Such a disappointment. read more

I'm giving them 4 stars, though your mileage may vary (as mine has!). I loathe places that won't sit you till your full party has arrived, especially without an adequate sitting/waiting area (besides the bar). The other night, there was a party ahead of us waiting for a friend, and we were waiting for a couple to join us. We all were crammed in front of the door at 5pm, when a third of the tables were empty. So, poor start to the dining experience. Anyway, I'll move on. Cheap beer! And the food is very good. I have to admit that I've ordered the pumpkin ravioli with cream sauce almost every time I go there, as its my favorite. My wife has ordered the gnocchi and other pasta dishes, and has always enjoyed (and taken some home). And the prices are great! The acoustics in the place aren't great (i.e. it can get VERY loud); so if that bothers you, maybe ask to be seated at one of the tables in the bar area, as it seems to be a little less loud over there. It does have the "local" feel, should that be/not-be your thing. A local gem, especially if you can get there early, before it gets too busy. read more

Giacomo's was disappointingly a hit or miss for us. No doubt it's popular among the locals as evidenced by the 30 minute wait in a small town and the service is efficient enough and accommodating for our requests (no peppers on calamari, etc) Generous portions. Calamari Pretty good! Lightly battered, tender on the inside. Comes with breaded peppers. Butternut squash ravioli Just okay for me. I found the sweetness of the squash didn't go well with the sauce, or maybe it needed more seasoning. Or maybe it's just not for me. Lobster ravioli Brother said it was also just okay. It's lobster meat inside ravioli, the end. Meat ragu Gnocchi Pretty good! The meaty sauce definitely tasted like it was simmered with love. It was a perfect blend of tomatoes, meat and other flavors. Chicken pesto Just okay. The pesto sauce was a letdown, lacked flavor - maybe needed more herb? It was mostly just oily.. read more

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A rule at this restaurant is that the entire party needs to be present even if 1/2 the tables are empty. 5 of the 6 in the party present but since thg e last one was 10 min away. We could not sit. They did offer for us to spend money at the bar. read more

I have been here many times and I always enjoy it. Great martinis, delicious food, and good service. I got take out tonight and the take out lady that helped me was very nice and friendly. I got eggplant parm, arancini, meatball, and calamari and they were all delicious. Great job Giacomo's. I will be back soon. read more

I looked for another "new" place and decided to see if Giacomo's could duplicate their great job in January. They nailed it again! Had the Lobster Ravioli along with a shared Italian Chop salad, says it was for 2, but easily had plenty for 3. Anyways, the Lobster Ravioli was delicious! Lots of lobster crammed into those raviolis, and there was lots of them in a tasty garlic cream sauce. Service was awesome as well! Also enjoyed that they opened the front of the restaurant for letting in some summah air. Only issue? Parking!! But there are several parking lots nearby. I look forward to my next visit!! read more

We were skeptical about this location since it's not THE Giacomo's in the North End, but we are believers now! Came here on a Saturday evening at 4:30, and by 5:00 the entire place was full. Wow! Now this isn't the little crawlspace place on Hanover Street. This is a full restaurant with a full bar. Plenty of tables and elbow room. The menu is great! Something for everyone. I had the grilled beef tenderloin with the potato cake and broccoli rabe. What a deal! The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and so tasty. The potato cake and broccoli rabe were excellent. The red wine sauce was also really delicious. My husband had the fruitti di mare which came loaded with seafood on Giacomo sauce and pasta. Finished the whole plate! We had generous wine pours and finished our meal with the brownie sundae, which hit the spot. We'll be back again when the hankering for authentic Italian strikes again! read more

Had dinner last night at Giacomo's on Valentines Day! The food was 10/10 no surprise there as well as the drinks. Canolli Martini highly recommend , and the creamy garlic pasta with peas and prosciutto I added chicken cutlet and it was amazing. I'm writing this review more to highlight the incredible staff they had working. It is Valentine's Day and boy were they busy. The gentlemen at the front door was working so hard greeting everyone, checking them in, checking out takeout orders, placing orders, at one point he was even bringing people there food. At the same time he's continuing to sanitize and even clean the pens the customers were using. Our waitress Melissa this women did not stop!! She was busting tables left and right and her hard work didn't go unnoticed, she also had such a positive attitude the whole Night. It's easy to get frustrated on a busy night like it was but she was incredible. Along with the gentlemen who was helping her , as he brought us bread, silverware and water right when we sat down! Great experience thanks Giacomos for A wonderful night and a huge shoutout to your incredibly hard working staff!!!! read more

Giacomo's - Canolli martini - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

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Man, it kills me to give this place one star. However my experience and food were so bad I had to make it known. I've gone to the one in Boston a couple of times and never had an issue. I am from the area but live in California and the one thing I wanted to do was get some good fresh Italian food from my fave restaurant little did I know I would have the worst food. . To explain I had my first bite and was confused if the taste since I always order the same thing when I go( chicken Marsala) and I was trying to figure out what was wrong, I realized the prosciutto tasted OLDDDDD like it sat out all night for days and then was cooked up. I told my waitress and she didn't seem surprised ... took my plate and brought me another plate without the prosciutto when the plate came back I had almost no pasta on my plate so I got back less food.... not sure why that's a thing !! When I returned my plate shortly after receiving it. I thought my food was going to be perfect since we showed up 10 min after they opened. But I was surely wrong. I didn't complain to the waitress about this but I did find a small piece of a rock or a plate or something in my food that I but into and I didn't even say anything to them. The manager never came out to apologize about the ROTTTEN prosciutto in my plate. The waitress was nice but didn't really care about us it seemed like. I wish they had friendlier servers for a "fine dining Italian restaurant " people go for the food but they will come back for the service and I think they need to figure that out. I've read other reviews of the complaints and how this restaurant does not care or remove certain things from the bill or how the manager never comes to apologize or acknowledge the problem. I think that's bad leadership and that's probably why people won't come back. I myself would rather wait outside in the cold in a long line at the Giacomo's in the North End of Boston then come back here. I would love to here if anyone who had a problem that the manager took notice? ALSO, please notice the photos of my first chicken Marsala in comparison to the one that came out after. It's literally Empty. You can see the bottom of the plate and I hadn't even touched the plate yet !! read more

Giacomo's - Italian Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

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Came for a celebratory birthday dinner for my husband. It was later, a reservation around 8:30 PM. We heard rave reviews of this location, so we wanted to see what the fun was all about. First off, there was a group at a table near-by us that was absurdly loud. I'm talking like screaming laughing to the point that every single table looked over at them every time a joke was made. Not trying to be a buzz kill, but it literally stopped almost every conversation that anyone was trying to have. (I don't blame the restaurant, but at some point I would think someone would've said something subtle to this group). Second, the food was fast. We ordered and within 10 minutes we had our entrees. No complaints, but my husband was given the wrong food. They figured it out, but his actual dish was then cold by the time it came to us. The food overall was good, I would perhaps either order takeout or visit earlier in the evening. read more

Esther beat me to it. I was the one who drove in from Western Mass, which is way past Worcester by the way. My son's girlfriend was so excited we were coming in because she absolutely loves this restaurant. Both my son and her worked in the industry for years and pretty much agreed our waitress clearly didn't want to be there. And not for nothing but the one star review from a week ago having to do with that parties middle aged waitress is interestingly gone on this thread. So thanks for ruining a great evening. I stopped at Dunkin for a coffee to drive 2 hours home. Fortunately there are a lot more great restaurants in the area to give our business to and we will read more

Great food and very reasonable prices describes it for me. We (4) shared a large fried calamari appetizer which had some hot peppers mixed in. I enjoyed my linguine with clams (red). Other dishes enjoyed were a lemon fettuccine with shrimp, chicken piccata and veal piccata. We finished with one of the best tiramisu's for desert. Service was excellent (thank you Shiela). One problem with the restaurant layout in the winter is if you are seated at a table near the door and bar area there is a blast of cold air that hits you every time the door opens. read more

Great variety, and decently priced with big portions. The butternut squash raviolis are wonderful! read more

Have been living in Melrose for over a year, we chose here to invite our parents-in-law for a farewell dinner, but disappointed... Food: 1. Antipasto is very nice, and good to share as appetizer. 2. The pasta with grilled shrimp and scallop had far too much garlic, it made the dish bitter, and my father-in-law also didnt like his pasta. Service: it is Monday, the restaurant was not busy, the waitress lady spoke very loud and fast, looked impatient, made us feel unpleasant and even pressure. Overall we were disappointed. read more

Disappointing. Went on a Thursday night for my mother in laws birthday. Haven't really complained about a meal in 10 years, but it started off pretty mediocre. The two pieces of bread they served the three of us was stale. Two of us got veal Marsala, and the pasta for both of us was severely undercooked. Waitress never stopped by to ask how our meal was for 30 minutes so couldn't even catch her to politely ask about just replacing it. When she finally came and just took our plates without asking if we were done, I mentioned when she came back that the pasta was not fully cooked. Instead of any sort of understanding, she positioned herself strongly and said it was on us for "not catching anyone" to hear our complaint. Lol. Also was very loud so we couldn't even talk at our table. To reconcile, they removed cost of a dessert at end of the meal, but definitely wouldn't come back regardless. Much better alternatives in the area. read more

We were struggling to find a spot for my 21st birthday party dinner and from the start Giacomo's did an exceptional job at accommodating and welcoming us that night. Mind you, we were a group of over 20 people and throughout the whole night they didn't fail to provide excellent service. The manager Nick was especially helpful and was able to make this night happen, from getting us a last minute cake to serving our entire party amazing food and drinks all night he was enthusiastic and very kind to everyone. Overall, we had a great experience. The food was delicious authentic and fresh Italian dishes that were cooked to perfection for everyone and they had plenty of drink options that were amazing. I definitely recommend Giacomo's for any occasion. read more

Food is always great, We order take out once a week. When this covid thing subsides or if the have ourdoir next spring we are there!

Boston local is so fun but what is more fun? Free parking, not waiting outside for a table and Joseph aka the best server ever. This is the newest outpost of everyone's favorite North End joint. I brought with me two "only the north end" junkies. They drive from Cape Cod for dinner so getting them to drive to Melrose involved some arm twisting. It was perfect; Joseph made it better than ever even bringing over samples of the types of pasta to share with all of us. We had typical calamari appetizer made better by the sauce, the special pasta, veal and chicken dishes. We almost licked the plates. But don't forget dessert which I don't even eat! The molten chocolate cake and fried apple cheese cake can convert even those of us who order an appetizer for dessert. read more

Huge portions solid prices only gripe is I went for excellent veal instead of outside of the box with seafood pasta options next time !!

I like it food is excellent Places little bit small I always get my food to go cause you cannot park on Hanover Street Prices are reasonable for the area keep up the good job read more