The Ultimate Meal is a series where we share how to best enjoy Boston’s best restaurants. Whether you have been to these restaurants a dozen times or are trying to check off as many as you can from our “best of” lists, The Ultimate Meal is here to help you decide what to order once you have sat down at the table. Did you catch our last one at Woods Hill Pier 4? This time around we are talking about how to have the ideal experience at Geppetto in Cambridge.
If you haven’t been yet, you need to book a table at Geppetto in East Cambridge. A member of Chef Will Gilson’s growing empire, Geppetto focuses on his love of Northern Italian cuisine. The space is fresh and vibrant, often filled with an eclectic mix of people that is so common in Cambridge. Professors, young professionals, Biotech CEOs, couples on dates, friends catching up, you never know who will be sitting next to you and that’s all part of the fun. And once you visit you will see why this is our favorite Italian restaurant in Boston outside of the North End!
When to go
Go for dinner during the week. This is the type of place that is excellent to have in your back pocket when you need a recommendation that is out of your normal bubble but that you know will delight anyone in your crowd.
Who to bring with you
Again, this is the type of place where you can really bring anyone. Kids, adults, your boss, you date, they are all sure to have a great time and enjoy almost anything on the menu. The space has a beautiful flow, so it always feels both buzzing and somehow intimate.
What to eat
Because Chef Gilson has taken his inspiration for Geppetto from Northern Italy, order as many pastas as you can. And do not skip the bread no matter what you do. There are usually a few bread options on the menu, and we recommend that you order at least two of them to start, followed by a crudo and then onto pasta. When it comes to pasta, the Bolognese is a true can’t miss. But don’t be afraid to venture out and try a few others as well. Besides, isn’t that what dining companions are really there for, an excuse to order the entire menu?
What to drink
When it comes to drinks, they have taken a unique approach. For cocktails, they are served from the bar upstairs, so to speed up service they are all from the tap, i.e., pre-mixed, so while the selection is limited, they are nice and predictable, so if you find one that you like, you know it will be consistent the entire night. And when it comes to wine the list is full of interesting bottles from Italy, so feel free to explore or ask for a recommendation.
