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Capone Foods
Categories: Food Specialty Food Restaurants Italian Specialty Food, Italian [Edit]
14 Bow StSomerville, MA 02143
(617) 629-2296
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bow St @ Warren Ave (85, 87)
Somerville Ave @ Union Square (85, 87)
45 Bow St (85, 87)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
A wonderfully crafted 3-course menu for only $39! A wide & delicious selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts from the regular menu.
42 reviews for Capone Foods
Review Highlights
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"i believe they make some fresh pasta to order, too." In 9 reviews -
"...have to try Al's own blend of olive oil - it's unbelievable." In 9 reviews -
"I dig their pasta, esp the pumpkin ravioli." In 4 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Peter F.
Cambridge, MA
1/27/2012
World Class.
The unassuming facade hides a temple of gourmet paradise equal to the trendiest, priciest and douchiest deli-type shops in other neighborhoods and cities. Olive oils, cured meats, cheeses, pre-portioned pasta sauces, handmade ravioli, expensive delicious things in little jars. It has it all. And I like that it doesn't suffer from Americanportionitis - the saner, smaller portions just make you appreciate them even more. Simply awesome. -
Review from Dan C.
12/7/2011
I just had my ass mercilessly handed to me by one of the many house recommended ravioli combinations.
Chicken and prosciutto ravioli with sun dried tomato pesto sauce.
*lost in thought and drooling*
My only regret as a long time Somerville resident is NOT having been here every week since forever ago.
I fully plan on exploiting the hell out of this pasta paradise to impress family/friends/etc for as long as this place will allow. I've been to fresh pasta vendors before but this hands down was one of the best pasta dishes I can remember AND priced comfortably enough for me to be able to come back again and again.
For anyone interested you can also get a fair selection of imported meats and cheeses. A bit of jamon Serrano, and some manchego cheese, on lightly toasted fresh bread (all available here)? Goes a loooooong way in feeding party guests with a taste for fine foods. -
Review from Kathleen F.
Somerville, MA
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
So happy to have discovered this little hidden gem! I love that they have my favorite olives and cheeses, incredibly homemade sauces, and pre-made delicious meals with instructions on how to cook them (got the sausage and peppers for the BF for a night that I was going out to dinner and leaving him behind). They also have a great selection of meats and sausages and provide great cooking guidance and instruction. Amazing gem and so happy it is in Somerville!!!
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Review from Calli C.
10/11/2011
So your parents/grandparents/future in-laws/boss/LARP group is coming over for dinner and you don't know what you serve them? Capone Foods is there to rescue you, in which they sell pretty much everything you need for a gourmet meal in a minute. Tasty cheeses and cured meats and olives for an antipasti plate? Done. House-made pasta in as many different flavors as you can think (pumpkin ravioli with sundried tomato pesto!!!)? Done. Cream sauce, or pesto, or ragu? Done. Happy stomachs who think you're a genius in the kitchen? DONE.
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Review from Cara P.
Cambridge, MA
2/20/2011
Homemade pasta, bread, meatballs, sauces...cheese, raviolis, cold cuts, olive oil, cannolis and anything else you can imagine an Italian Specialty store would have.
How can one place that is so amazing, be so bad....for my ass. ;/ -
Review from Lauren E.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
3/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love their ravioli! You can buy a tub of ravioli that's a good 3 adult dinner servings, more if you're not a big eater--for $6. And it's fresh. And creative, and tasty! The grocery store ravioli tastes nothing like this, and isn't any cheaper once you factor in the size of the portion! They have a chart on the wall to help you mix and match sauces and pastas.
A sample of their ravioli types: spinach, cheese, lobster&crab, smoked salmon, butternut squash, shrimp, vegan.
In addition to fresh pastas, they also have a nice selection of cheeses, and imported Italian products. I bought a gourmet balsamic vinegar (pricey, but fantastic) that has become a staple in my kitchen.
You can look through the doorway to the back and see them working in the kitchen. Helps make everything seem much more fresh! -
Review from Janice T.
Somerville, MA
2/22/2011
LIke Italian food? Like to cook? Like owners of gourmet grocery stores who are passionate about what they do and spend the time to teach you about about what's delicious, as well as provide samples of some of their delectable goods?
Capone Foods provides just that. Everything from the Italian meats, cheeses, breads, pastas and cannoli are amazing. Everything is fresh and super high quality. And the pricing is fair. The cooking classes are phenomenal too. Al Capone is clearly passionate about food and they sure do keep the wine a'flowin' during the classes.
If you are not sure of what to eat tonight, stop by Capone's and grab any one of their already made entrees OR ask Al himself what he recommends to make a homemade pizza. You may never go back to delivery again. -
Review from Dawn E.
Somerville, MA
4/14/2009
If you are not familiar with my stance on carbs, here's a refresher: I adore them. Fresh pasta is my valentine. I don't like to think of this as a weakness, but rather a testament to my fine character. And I like to stop by Capone's now and again to keep my moral fiber in check.
With an array of house-made shapes, sizes and flavors of pasta alone--not to mention the cheeses and meats and oils and all manner of imported fixings for a killer antipasto--it's as if the North End was picked up by a cyclone and dropped right into humble Union Square. If I dreamed it, don't wake me.
Anyway, the hours are challenging for me (I really have to plan ahead as they close by 6 on weeknights) but the black pepper tagliatelle is as nourishing for the soul as a good old fashioned revival (amen, brothers and sisters) so it's well worth the effort.Listed in: 'round the way
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Review from Jasmine E.
Eureka, MO
4/2/2007
This place is so neat. The pasta and sauce selections are extensive and I gotta say the white clam sauce and pesto is the best i've had so far. I thought it was neat that they make their pasta fresh..did i mention the pasta was also yummy?
I highly recommend these crispy almond cookies they sell. Its on the last row of shelves by the register, on top, if your facing the register turn around and look to your left and up (unless they moved it it should still be there) i forget the name but its a big box, you can't miss it. It tastes great with tea or coffee. I don't drink wine but the owner said it also tastes good with certain sweet wines.
I think the man I usually see when I'm there is the owner and he's this really soft spoken, super nice man and he'll give you suggestions on any of the products like what to try with what.
I was really happy to find this place. Love it -
Review from Billie M.
Boston, MA
3/29/2007
This is the place I go to when I'm just not sure what to make for dinner.
Pretty much anything related to the Italian food spectrum lives here. They have a long list of homemade pastas, all of which have brought a smile to my face. They taste fresh, which is always a nice addition to a pasta dish (or actually any dish for that matter).
They have a freezer full of your italian norms, as well as some empanadas that are much, much better than they should be, coming from an Italian specialty store.
My true love is the rack o' imports, that is stocked high with olive oils, marinated mushrooms, jarred and seasoned eggplant, and some delish anchovies. You can make a dream pizza from this stuff.
Top all that off with a hunk of cheese and a selection of their meats, and you've got yourself a serious party.Listed in: Who moved my cheese?!?
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Review from Susie C.
Cambridge, MA
3/25/2009
Capone's is a quaint, gourmet Italian grocery/deli in Union Square. I live just around the corner, making it easy to pop in for their home made ravioli, fresh bread, and cannolis. They have a decent selection of Italian specialties (cheese, olive oils, pastas). I think of this place as an upscale Sessa's.
Went in yesterday to buy: 1 lb of homemade cheese ravioli, 1 lb of homemade eggplant ravioli, 1 small loaf of fresh baked sourdough bread, and 2 large (filled while you wait) cannolis. Total: $17
Their cannoli shell underwhelms me -it tasted slightly stale- but I also compare all cannolis to Modern and Mike's, which are tough to beat.
They have a large freezer filled with homemade meals that you can prepare at home. I am looking forward to trying their gnocchi and sauces. If I am at home and need a loaf of fresh bread, this place is so easy to get to and I know their food is fresh, so I can count on them.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Whitney W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/17/2009
Let me explain to you why Capone's is of such value to you if you have never heard of it before.
It is easy to make mediocre Italian food. A lot of things can go wrong when your ingredients are few but need balance. This is why lots of people like to go to restaurants (probably for most food in general). And this is where Capone's saves you.
Suppose you do not know anything about different types of pasta and sauces. Capone's has a lovely chart for you that will pair every type of homemade sauce and pasta (and it is ALL homemade pasta and sauce here, and the recipes are superb) so that you do not fuck things up. This is especially helpful if you are cooking for someone else but do not cook often. Because technically, heating sauce and boiling water counts as cooking to untrained eyes.
Now, the other thing that is so important about Capone's is that you can buy genuine delicious Italian products (like olive oil, which must be of a high quality if you hope to achieve any sort of deliciousness, it is the cornerstone of your cooking!). BUT. Unlike shops in the North End (sorry, North End), these are not tourist prices. These are go to the market prices. Which is fantastic for products that are actually A LOT better than many expensive bougie fake Italian restaurants in the Boston area.
A final star because there is even dessert! -
Review from Casey F.
Salem, MA
1/24/2010
I'm not sure what I can add that hasn't already been said. Capone's is great. Go.
I especially like the fresh pasta (I usually get fettucini), the "quick tomato' marinara sauce, and the prepared frozen turkey meatballs.
It's also a great place to pick up Clear Flour Bread (so good!) and cheeses.
Also - I don't know the name of the gentleman behind the counter but don't let any brusqueness fool you. He is very nice and full of tips. If you have questions about any of the food or about how to prepare your own - just ask.Listed in: Favorite places in Union…
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Review from Sam M.
West Newton, MA
4/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I held off reviewing Capone's for forever, because I felt I might be a little biased toward it. It was the first Italian gourmet store I went into when I moved to the area -- even before shopping in the North End. And I spent way too much time shopping at Capone's, stopping in at least 3 times a week. It didn't help that I lived a half-block away.
Now that I've moved away from Union Square, and after a few years of trying Italian delis from the North End to Waltham, I can conclusively say that Capone Foods is the best specialty shop in the Boston metro area, bar none.
This isn't to knock other stores -- most are really good, too. But a lot of love and dedication goes into everything Capone produces -- from the homemade ricotta, to the pasta, to the fantastic frozen entrees.
And yes, you can get great cooking tips from the owner. It depends, of course, on how busy the place is. On Saturdays, everyone behind the counter is scrambling to fill orders. But if you come in at a quieter time, Al will happily suggest ingredients and ways to prepare just about anything you ask about.
Al used to host an annual tasting dinner -- featuring Capone's ingredients -- at the still-mourned Eat and later at the Independent. I'm not sure if that still happens, but he is now occasionally leading a cooking class at the store. I've taken more than one class -- it's an enlightening and fun time with recipes I'm able to easily reproduce at home. He lists the classes on his website, or you can just ask him the next time you visit.
Even if you aren't interested in a class, or recipes -- just go. There's lots of good food in there.Listed in: My Old Neighborhood
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Review from Arik C.
Arlington, MA
7/28/2005
Gourmet food stores are defined byt the people that work there. Al Capone welcomes you with a friendly smile, a passion for what his store offers and an incredible wealth of knowledge that makes you want to lock the doors and just talk recipes all day with him.
The store offers a great selection of cheeses and cured meats. The real treat is their selection of HOME MADE pasta and sauces to pair with. Try his duck sausages or if you are even more daring, the lobster sausages. A truly unqiue experience. Sample other take home dinners like the eggplant dinner, veggie lasagna or the fantastic golden potatoes! -
Review from Beth F.
Beverly, MA
8/14/2005 2 photos
The best place for homemade pasta. Their assortments - frozen with sauces on the side...are great. Choose from lobster, crab, veggie, squash, meat, chicken. The cheese selection and the meats are good too.
Looking for the perfect house warming gift, or a gift for a sick friend? Give them a few selections from Capone's. It's a gift they will use and appreciate! -
Review from Kate W.
Somerville, MA
2/6/2008
I sometimes go by the snobbish motto of "I will only eat and drink the finest". You might find me a few weeks after living by that motto eating ramen and stealing outta the employee fridge...
But this place is great for fresh pasta and I like getting a bunch for foodie get togethers to pretend like I made it from scratch. Of course it's more expensive than getting dried pasta from the Market Basket, but it's REAL- and that seems to make me totally override the carb factor.
Yes, I'm rambling.
BUT, I def recommend shopping here for all your Italian needs. And it's conveniently right across the street from everyone's favorite really long brunch line to The Neighborhood restaurant.
So this Saturday, get eat your brunch and pick up some dinner! -
Review from Brady B.
Dorchester, MA
11/29/2010
Honestly, this store stands alone. This is the kind of store that makes an old Italian woman smile. Don't believe me? When I was in there yesterday I witnessed just that.
It's a small store chock filled with amazing fresh and frozen made on the premises food. Everything from sauces to countless varieties of pasta. They also have a wide selection of Italian meats and cheeses...not to mention homemade ricotta that whom I believe was the owner of the store was passing out free samples of. To die for!
On top of that they also sell top-notch olive oil that they encourage refills on for a few dollars off. They also do something similar with lemonade, bring back the bottle for a dollar refund. Glad to see that they are big on recycling.
They also offer cooking classes that you can bet your sweet ass I'm going to take advantage of at some point.
This store is an Italian's/pasta lover's dream! I don't live anywhere near here but my friend does....guess he'll be getting regular visits from me from now on ;) -
Review from Cody S.
Peabody, MA
12/21/2011
Great fresh pasta and Italian products. The atmosphere is relaxed and simple with friendly service. Prices are affordable . This shop is more authentic than the other pasta shop in town. Parking can be tight just watch the meters!
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Review from amy s.
Somerville, MA
2/22/2010
Capone's homemade ricotta tastes like butter - and i mean that in a good way. yum yum yum
Speaking of butter. Go get a stick and drown their homemade pumpkin ravioli in it. Add fresh sage and pine nuts. Cooking for friends was never easier!
Why are you never open by the time I get off work? -
Review from Jo-Ann K.
Somerville, MA
6/28/2008
You will find fresh pasta, home made sauces, prepared meals, desser,t cheese.
I recommemded the cured meats with olive oil and resh bread.
In the back kitchen they are making fresh pasta. they have over twenty specialty pastas available, squid ink, and rosemary ad garlic. Pari any one of these pastas with their homemade sauces (ask for the pairing chart, which recommends delicious combos). Most of the recipes at Capone's are handed down from Al Capone's mother, Nina, or developed by Al himself. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Woburn, MA
4/4/2009
I think that between Capone's and the Neighborhood being on the same street it is a damn good thing that I moved out of Somerville! I would be broke but terrifically satisfied!
Capone's is an Italian speciality store with all the good stuff - cheese, meat, pasta, cheese, cannolis, olives, cheese...
Capone's has a good selection of different filled pastas and lots of Italian meals in the freezer section. They also have lots of delish sauces, everything from pesto to plum tomato w/ porcini (one of my faves). They are great at helping you pair your pasta with a sauce that will wow dinner guests (or tempt you to eat the whole pound if you are dining alone!).
Last time I was in Capone's I saw that they even had Lobster Mac and Cheese in the freezer - next time, I will be splurging for some of that! -
Review from Virginia Su B.
Boston, MA
11/24/2009
so going on the assumption that you're all morons like i am (your welcome), capone provides help for special-needs dim-wit cooks such as myself.
let's face it, you can pick all the fine ingredients in the world and still make a vomit-inducing pile of horrible. well, fellow ding-dongs, capones has a CHART.
that's right. one column lists the pastas you love, and a corresponding column lists the sauces that go best with that beloved pasta (or vice versa, obvi).
so you know you want a ziti- the chart tells you what compliments it best. the chart is enormous. the selections are vast.
if you're REALLY a ding-dong and can't even do that, capone will make fresh-to-order pastas for you to pick up.
they have imported cheeses to die/kill for, delectable olives, sausages that deprive you of all self-control (duck sausage with cheese oh. my. gosh.), beautifully roasted coffee beans... mmm.... so much more.
and the owner is so friendly and knowledgeable and i wish i were his niece/cousin/step mizzle so he could cook for me on holidays.Listed in: grocery face
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Review from Laura A.
10/4/2006
this place is incredible. i'm only sorry that in the 2+ years i've lived in somerville, i only went here for the first time last month. lots of olive oils, fresh pastas, even some fresh empanadas, some italian sundries like canned tomatoes and dry pasta..etc. i believe they make some fresh pasta to order, too. the prices are great. the storefront is totally unassuming - but you should be sure to hit it up between breakfast at the neighborhood and a trip to the farmer's market.
ETA 3/08 OK..i've tried many a variety of their frozen pastas and i've decided that they all kind of suck. the mushroom ravioli is like pulverized mushrooms with a shit ton of ricotta..it's kind of gross. and the cheese tortellini, i overcooked the hell out of it because i kept waiting for it to plump up but it totally didn't. stick to the pizza dough. oh, and if you buy their frozen pizza sauce, be aware you have to reduce the hell out of it because otherwise it gets super watery.Listed in: champagne tastes and a beer…
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Review from Devon M.
9/12/2007
I am in some deep, deep trouble now that I know that this place is right around the corner from my house. I walked in there today because I really just needed some olive oil and some mozzarella to finish my pizza and was in awe.....it's a fantastic gourmet Italian market. They make fresh pastas, sauces (and the owner took the time to walk me through the chart of what goes with what), cheeses and meats galore, a wide array of olive oils, vinegars, and microwaveable dinners that are all homemade. I talked with the owner for a while as he was kind of walking me through a couple of items, and I loaded up with some oil, fresh balls of mozzarella, some pre-grated cheese mixed for pizza, sauce, and ravioli, and he was so kind as to give me a free pizza dough to try at a later date. How cool is that?? It total it ended up being about $30, which wasn't bad, becuase $13 of it was for the oil. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of the products.
All around a great experience. I didn't feel pressured, and they allowed me to look and peruse the store, and then pointed me in the right direction and gave me some information about various things when I was ready. I love this place! -
Review from Lynette M.
Arlington, MA
1/31/2011
Was able to get Squid ink from the owner Al Capone, great pasta good prices, excellent service.
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Review from Barney B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/11/2009
Some of the best damn gnocchi I have had in a long while
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2009
Sometimes when you make a sauce from scratch (mine rocks, btw) it feels more legit when you buy your… Read more »
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Review from ells w.
Boston, MA
11/8/2010
Did someone just say Capone's, Clear Flour Bread and cheeses in one sentence? What are you doing reading this - GO NOW. The pasta that Al - yes, his name really is Al Capone - makes is served in most of the high end and North End eateries. Here you can take it home frozen with any number of to die for sauces, throw in some garlickly shrimp, add that bread, wine to match, a candle and company. uuummh...you'll be loved and lovin it. GO.....read no more GO.
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Review from Melissa B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/10/2005
Capone Foods makes wonderful fresh pastas, plus a variety of sauces. Take them home fresh or frozen. I love the garlic and parsley linguine when I prepare my grandmother's linguine and clam sauce recipe. Huge variety of imported products here, too. They even will go through an olive oil tasting with you to find just the right one. Small, but on target cheese and meat selection with fantastic prices that beat Formaggio Kitchen and the Wine and Cheese Cask. GREAT source for buffalo mozzarella. Also a variety of cured olives in bulk. Wonderful service here, too.
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Review from Jeannie C.
Gloucester, MA
8/24/2005 2 photos
This place is warm and welcoming and has the best homemade pasta and sauces. With raviolli choices ranging from lobster, crab, veggie, squash, mushroom, cheese and chicken and a great variety of red sauces and white. Be sure to pick up some fresh bread and cheese. With so many choices you'll end up going back as often as you can.
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Review from Cait S.
6/30/2010
I walk through the door at Capone's and it smells so good, that I get hungry as I stand in front of the cooler selecting my pasta and sauce. If your not sure what to get, they have a chart on their website or a paper copy at the store where you can look at recommended pairings. I got Pumpkin Ravioli and thought it was exceptional. They have larger servings available for big groups. If it was not trespassing I would live here, I love the smell of fresh pasta in the morning.
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Review from Cate K.
Cambridge, MA
12/27/2008
They have a nice selection of gourmet foods, and the prices are acceptable. However, I bought some red pepper gnocchi there, and was disappointed. It tasted like whole wheat, even though there was no indication on the package.
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Review from R T.
Somerville, MA
4/9/2008
The BEST Italian gourmet market, bar none. The fresh pastas, sauces, and entrees are amazing if you don't cook. If you do cook, you can't beat the ingredients they provide, from cheeses to oil to dough to condiments. Well worth the trip!
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Review from Erik M.
Somerville, MA
3/26/2007
I've never been in here but my girlfriend has been here many times. I dig their pasta, esp the pumpkin ravioli. My only complaint is that they aren't open late enough during the week.
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Review from Roberto C.
Somerville, MA
4/13/2007
We absolutely love this place - the family who owns it & the food are simply terrific! Fresh pasta, the frozen meals & 101 types of cheese. You have to try Al's own blend of olive oil - it's unbelievable!
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Review from giorgie g.
Somerville, MA
3/8/2008
ooooooooooh capone's is so so so good. the artichoke ravioli is my favorite, and the pesto sauce is some of the best i've ever had. al capone is super nice, and i'm in love with his huge chart of pasta and sauce pairings. if you go, make sure to grab a copy! he graphs every type of pasta and every type of sauce (and there are a LOT of each!) and rates every combination so you know what goes best with what.
yum! -
Review from Andrew P.
Middlesex, MA
6/2/2011
I moved to Union Square about a year ago and walked by this place a 100 times before reading the reviews on Yelp and finally stopping by. Wow, I didn't realize what I was missing! This place is simply amazing, very clean and everything there is top quality. I would highly recommend stopping by and giving the place a try, but get there early as they close by 6.
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Review from buckminster f.
Somerville, MA
10/20/2009
so far i have had their fresh baked baguette, parmigiano regiano, and olive oil, all of which were delicious. i'll admit i wasn't too happy initially about the $20 price tag on the shampoo bottle sized EVOO but every drop has been absolutely pleasureful. next time i'll try their meatballs and cannoli.
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Review from Denise K.
MA
6/10/2007
This place is wonderful. Very unassuming storefront, easy to miss but inside, oh boy! Lots of great stuff - fresh bulk olives, olive oils (also open for tasting), vinegars, fresh pastas (stuffed or noodles cut to order), sauces (pesto, white clam, sugo tomato, many more), cured meats, cheeses, cannoli shells, dried mushrooms. Basically its like having access to North End right there in Somerville!
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Review from Jessie H.
Somerville, MA
9/12/2009
Please go to Capones. It is soooo good. Have a delicious gourmet pasta meal for a fraction of a North End dinner price tag. GNOCCHI. The sauces are scrumptious. Barrels full of marinating olives. Bread and many cheeses. I recently tried the empanadas - yum. Great neighborhood feel and family owned and operated. Check it out. Looking foir the perfect olive oil or balsamic vinegar? The owner will guide through their selection, offer taste tests, and find you the product perfect for your preference. Capones adds to Union Square's charm.
