Dinner at Babbo

When it comes to dining out, we’ve gone from being the people who want to try a new restaurant the night it opens to having a handful of old favorites that we tend to migrate to more often than not. There’s a whole lot happening in the Boston restaurant scene though, and hopefully the fall with bring with it some interest in branching out again. I finally made my way to Mario Batali’s Boston outpost of Babbo last week with a bunch of friends, and I really enjoyed it.

I kicked things off with a delicious Summer in the City cocktail made with a raspberry rye. The cocktails and wine list at Babbo were really spot on, with plenty of options.

Babbo is the perfect spot to dine out with a group, as many of the dishes are designed for sharing. And share we did! Our table was full of food the entire time, and we didn’t stop until we made it through dessert. My plate had little tastes on it at all times; it’s my favorite way to eat.

Some of the highlights of the meal included Peas with Mint and Prosciutto, Tuna Sott’olio, Grappa Cured Salmon, Calamari, and Cauliflower Siciliana.

Fiore Di Zucca brought to the table one of my seasonal favorites, Local Squash Blossoms, Coach Farm Goat Cheese & Lemon Aioli.

Pizzas were on-point, with fresh, fun ingredients like zucchini, straciatella, and wild boar salami. The one below was topped with a perfectly runny egg. I love egg on a pizza!

Even though we’d eaten our fair share of dinner, we couldn’t pass up desserts, including the Sweet Corn Coppetta and the Olive Oil Coppetta.

The olive oil gelato with fresh fruit was my favorite, light but rich and just so yummy.

Babbo surprised me not only by how good it was but also with the great value. I expected it to be a little overhyped, being a celebrity chef owned restaurant and all. What we got was great food, lovely service, and a check that didn’t break the bank.

For another post on a Mario Batali restaurant experience, check out my visit to Tarry Lodge.