Capo is another addition to the Lincoln and Loco family, which opened a month or so ago. Located on West Broadway just two doors away from Lincoln, Capo greets its customers into a cavernous, welcoming, yet cozy Italian restaurant.
This was my third visit to Capo and the first time I have actually managed to get a table right away. The last time we were told a 2+ hour wait so ended up standing at the bar enjoying pizza. It was actually a really fun night. The reason we got a seat this time was that we were the first people to arrive at the restaurant precisely at opening time of 5pm. Apparently, this is the way to do it if you do not have a reservation!
Capo dining area
We got the pick of all of the tables from high top banquet bar seating to booth restaurant seating to a table near the warming fireplace at the back of the restaurant. We picked one of the round tables right in front of the floor to ceiling windows, which can open up in the warmer months.
The décor is dark and light wood mixed together with warm lighting and high wooden ceilings. They have a huge open kitchen at the back where you can watch the chef’s at work led by Chef, Tony Susi.
Our waiter was an extremely happy man who spent time with us while we considered cocktails at 5pm. This was just a tactic of which cocktail not if we were going to have one at all. Rosé it was to be for me and my friend Natalie and the “life changing event” Espresso Martini with Tito’s Vodka, Capo’s Cold Brew Coffee, cacao and cream for Erika. While she said it was very good, life changing perhaps not.
As I had been to Capo’s before, I had a few recommendations for us. Firstly, we had to check on a gluten allergy for one of my friends and I have to say our happy waiter was very patient and gracious with helping us think through some good options.
We decided on items to share. First up was a small bowl of mixed olives. I was a bit obsessed with the green olives, which were fabulously meaty and briny. Give me a glass of wine, bowl of olives and bread any time and I am a happy person.
Assorted Marinated Olives – $5
We followed the olives with a rich creamy, super fresh burrata with a nutty pesto and tomatoes. This is an excellent appetizer to share.
Burrata, Basil Pesto, Dried Tomatoes – $11
A mealy bowl of arancini with chunks of lobster, just the right amount of cheese and a wonderful kick of spicy aioli followed. Sadly, not gluten free for my friend but more for me.
Lobster Arancini, Maine Lobster, Spicy Aioli – $10
A different turn and a recommendation from the waiter brought us to the roasted lamb skewers, which I have to say, are really and simply good. Juicy pieces of lamb fall off the skewer, wrap a piece into the salsa verde and you have a fantastic bite of food.
Roasted Lamb Skewers, Agrodolce Peppers, Salsa Verde – $9
Our final plate was the roasted mushroom pizza and a dish I had pushed a little for as I love the fontina cheese and truffle vinaigrette.
Roasted Mushroom Pizza, Fontina, Truffle Vinaigrette – $12
Throughout the two hours we were there, the gigantic restaurant had filled up to standing room only, which is quite a sight to be seen. Southie certainly is the place to be.
Capo caters to every crowd and they do it well. Families for the early evening, friend’s wanting a bite and cocktails at 5pm and the ability to have a conversation and the 20-somethings who want to hang out at the bar to enjoy cocktails and beer with a pizza on a budget.
If there was a constructive comment I had to make it would be that food comes out far too quickly and if you order a lot of appetizer food like we did, your small table is overflowing and it also leads to some of your dishes going cold as you cant get to them fast enough. That said, it was all still great and of course I will be back, which I may do when my sister and my 7-year old niece visit next month. I would like to try out some of their pasta creations.
