A Serendipitous Experience

"Staff Meeting"

Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca

Located in the Seaport District of Boston, Babbo, is nestled on a quiet side street, this has all the feel of a neighborhood restaurant. Although there are no direct views of the water, there are both inside and outside dining options. The main dining room is open but not too noisy. There are three “bars” to eat at or choose one of the many table groupings. Many long tables provide great options if you have a large party. Upon entry, you can smell the amazing aromas from the kitchen and are greeted immediately by the friendly staff.

The menu has plentiful options. The menu is divided interestingly starting with smaller portions (tapas) such as salads, vegetables, meats, fried, and cheese. Then the main courses including fish, pizza, grilled and pasta. Of course, there is a great desert menu. And Babbo won’t disappoint the wine enthusiasts with an extensive wine list. A full bar, they offer my favorite drink, the Negroni!

On my recent visit, I chose to sit outside as it was a beautiful August evening. There was a nice breeze from the ocean and I could smell the blend of aromas from the kitchen with a hint of salt air from the harbor. A nice combination.

I began my dining with a Negroni which was made perfectly. The waitress was very nice, both attentive and friendly. The wait staff work as a team attending to my water glass, ensuring I had a full drink, bread, and removal of dishes/silverware between courses.

I enjoyed an order of the fried calamari. It was served with a side of marinara sauce – I could have eaten the sauce alone with a spoon – simply awesome! The waitress tells me Babbo gets their tomatoes directly from Italy! The calamari served in a light batter and fried perfectly. Everything so fresh! Served atop a paper placemat, the ringed calamari were topped with the “miniature” full bodied calamari. A very nice presentation.

A serendipitous experience I had as Babbo accidentally served me the Grilled Eggplant and my pizza to the two ladies opposite me. After I bit into my first slice, it was realized by all the mistake. My waitress immediately offered to correct the situation but I decided to continue with the Eggplant. The pizza is baked in a brick oven and the pizza arrived perfect, with a crispy crust yet soft, the eggplant was covered with fresh smoked mozzarella cheese and strips of Italian pancetta. A little on the salty side for my liking but not overpowering - I ate every slice!

My gracious dining neighbors offered me a slice of “my” pizza. I had ordered the sausage. It was good, but the eggplant so much better. Turns out, we enjoyed a very nice conversation for the remainder of our dining and swapped travel stories. A serendipitous experience indeed. My neighbors opted to have a fresh eggplant pizza made for them - it was worth the few minute wait.

I plan to return and enjoy a meal inside to experience the restaurant’s other atmosphere.