Grotto
37 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA, 02114
Grotto Menu
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Primi
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Secondi
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Dolce
Healthy Meal suggestions for Grotto
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Primi
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Secondi
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Dolce
Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
37 Bowdoin St
Boston, MA, 02114 - Phone (617) 227-3434
- Website https://www.grottorestaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate, Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Daryl S.
Good food. Little expensive and other options being close to north end. But a recommend nonetheless
(4)David R.
This has been my favorite restaurant for the last four years. Every time I go the meal is delicious. I tell my friends about it and then it becomes THEIR favorite place. I highly recommend it.
(5)Robert C.
Tucked away in Beacon Hill, Grotto is a small, intimate, garden-level Italian restaurant that welcomes people who spot this hidden gem. The wine list is admirable. The Short Rib Gnocchi is delicious. The servers are incredibly attentive. The atmosphere is perfect. I'll definitely be returning to Grotto soon.
(5)Gina V.
Went for restaurant week for the first time with my fiancé and we loved Grotto! Got the fonduta and cavatelle appetizers which were both amazing. I got the short rib gnocchi which was fantastic. Surprisingly not too heavy, and very flavorful! My fiancé got the tenderloin and basically licked his plate clean. Desserts were also great although we barely had room! Cute, cozy, and romantic setting, excellent wine selection! Barely waited for our reservation, and the staff was very accommodating and friendly. Loved the whole experience!! Will definitely go back.
(5)Mike D.
Went here the other night for the first time and it was very good. The place has great atmosphere and is very unique. The food was great and the service couldn't have been better. I had the duck for my entrée and it was amazing. For an appetizer we shared the cheese fondue with beef. This was also very good, even though it could have used more then 3 pieces of beef. That really is the only thing keeping my experience from 5 stars. The prices I thought were very reasonable and they have a great deal on a prefix $35 for app, entrée, desert with no restrictions on what, just pick 3 from the menu. Overall this is an excellent place and I would highly recommended
(4)Marcus D.
A friend and I stopped in here after a few pints at the 21st and enjoyed ourselves immensely (last time I ate here it was the Cafe Istanbul). Walking down Bowdoin Street, we literally stumbled down into the Grotto. We drank a bottle of red wine and ate a nice dinner. It's a small restaurant, full of people, but it wasn't uncomfortable - it still managed to deliver intimacy - I hate when you go into these places and you are in everyone elses conversation (not so here). I would definitely suggest this as a nice "date" destination.
(4)Debra B.
Stopped in yesterday for lunch and was impressed given the places simplicity. It's VERY casual chic decor made me expect less than I should? Very competent table service - a kind waiter trying to just be a good man is always a pleasure. The garlic soup was delightful, the arugula salad was generous but the lobster ravioli was a revelation. Competent and delicious risotto completed our two meals. Serving sizes were very big. 10/10 would dine again.
(5)Chance X.
It is in a basement in beacon hill and they serve minced veal pasta. Why would anyone mince veal? Then, u can't tell the difference from regular beef....and that is the hardest pasta I ate in a restaurant. Will not go back....although, the waitress who served me was very very nice.
(2)Brian M.
Had lunch here last week. Food was very good, especially for the price. Thoroughly enjoyed my Ricotta Cavatelli - sauce was scrumptious. Almost walked right past the restaurant - the entrance is a few steps below street level. Like the exposed brick interior. Service was efficient but lacked personality.
(4)Ann C.
this place is a treaure. tucked away quietly on bowdoin lies a quaint, romantic place. i thought the service was professional without the attitude. servers were pleasant and always smiling in one way or the other. the menu varies as well as your prixe fixe menus. i had the lobster pasta which i thought was good and my sig o had a the trout which i thought was better. big selection of wine as well! place kind of resembles ten tables.
(4)Katie R.
Went there for a birthday dinner. Appetizers were amazing as was the wine -- they knew their wine menu very well! My entree was listed as "bolognese" -- when it came it was in a blush sauce. I don't do cream and when I asked about it, the waitress looked at me like I was stupid and said "all bolognese sauces have cream in them". When I looked it up later, I saw that they regularly have "a touch" of cream. Regardless -- in descriptions of entrees, foods that people may be avoiding (dairy, nuts, meat, etc.) should ALWAYS be mentioned. And her response was unprofessional even if I was wrong. Husband's dish tasted too much like liquid smoke. Won't return.
(2)Patrick K.
This was a great little place. Comfortable and inviting and a perfect date spot. The lighting and ambiance is romantic and the waitstaff was great. The tempo of the meal was very well done. Some places I have been have either been brutally slow or too fast. When I go out on a date it's as much about the time without the food as it is with it. I was very impressed with Grotto's tempo as it took about an hour for the entire dinner service. A must date spot!
(4)JeNnIfEr S.
Fontina cheese fondue with beef tenderloin, and aged balsamic, truffle oil, portobello Mushrooms. This is just one appetizer on their tasty menu.... need I say more?
(5)SR M.
I rarely give 5 stars for a restaurant but Grotto really deserves it. Went here a few weeks back during RW and am so glad we did. BF and I enjoyed a nice dinner here. Food was good and they delivered on quality and portions. I don't remember what the BF got but I did have the mushrooms and steak fondue for apps and then the lobster pasta. I just have to say the mushroom and steak fondue totally won me over. I will be going back here soon for "date" night. Or at least make up some special occasion just so I can go back.
(5)Cindy C.
The food is probably one of the best in town especially their Primi pasta and mussels. We also ordered their scallops for Secondi which were very fresh!! The overall ambience in this little boutique restaurant is awesome and would be good for a date. The servers were all very kind and friendly as well!! LOVE IT!
(5)Sarah S.
Underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high, given the ratings and the reputation. The mussels were just OK The calamari was grilled, not fried, and came in thick, long chewy strips. It wasn't bad, it just wan't for me. The Fra Diavlo was just OK. The Beef Tenderloin was very good. The banana bread pudding was a major disappointment. It wasn't like bread pudding at all -- more like banana bread. The service was slow - I noticed the time that passed between courses, which is usually not the case for me. Overall not a great experience.
(2)Andrew T.
All the food I saw looked awesome, and the setting looks really cozy and nice, but I never got seated even though there were 4 employees milling around. Granted, the servers seemed in the weeds due to 2 huge tables, but considering that: a.) they had time to clear plates and get a peppermill and other acoutremonts for a table b.) there was a table right in front of us that was clean c.) a server actually walked right by us to close the front door without acknoledging us or bein like "oh hay really busy plz wait a sec"! super cheappppppppp maybe scott herritt should move some of his waitrons from marliave or something
(1)Smooth O.
Great food at a great price. Get the prix fixe. Nice ambience -- small quarters and cozy though. Service is good as well.
(5)Mandy M.
Grotto is my favorite restaurant in Boston! The atmosphere is quaint but cute and the food is delicious. I highly recommend the gnocchi with spare ribs. The price is well worth it especially since you get generous portions of both salads and entrees. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jane K.
actual rating would be 4.5. the -0.5 star would be for originality. The menu is pretty much the same everytime I've been. I've been there 3 times, different years. My most memorable courses: appetizer: cheese fondue entree:sweet savory duck! It was very succulent duck wrapped in something sweet and salty. The mix of flavors was just amazing. desser:not quite sure... Definitely worth going back especially during restaurant week because you get a taste of what that restaurant has to offer. But I would come back at other times too for a special occasion.
(5)Scott B.
A hidden gem. It's one of the coziest restaurant's I've ever been and the food was cooked to perfection. I've suggested it to many people. It's hard to find if you aren't looking but when you do find it you'll never forget it.
(4)sean h.
Excellent fixed price meal. The lobster diavolo had a healthy portion of lobster and the sauce was excellent. Great atmosphere in a brick cellar with close tables. The melting chocolate cake is massive and decadent chocolate, definitely for sharing.
(4)Jessica M.
Another lovely dining experience at Grotto. This time, I tried the duck served two ways: one roasted bone-in breast in a dried cherry glaze, and another stuffed with apples and wrapped with prosciutto. WOW what a combo! I was happy I veered off course from my usual gorgonzola gnocchi with short ribs. We enjoyed the wine list as well, favoring the Cabernet by the glass over the Chianti. Service wise, our server was friendly and not overly attentive. Thanks to Grotto once again for a wonderful meal.
(5)Adrian F.
My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here and we thought this was the perfect setting. It was very romantic and intimate, and both the food and service were spot on. I highly recommend Grotto for a special date night.
(5)anu y.
I love this place!!!! Not just because I live in the neighborhood and its super-close and convenient. Comfort food, cozy red interior, and I am very taken with the painting of the woman. You can't go wrong with the spaghetti and meatballs, bread pudding, and half bottles of wine. And not pricey at all. Only caveat-very uneven service experiences. I must admit, I take it for granted that there will be a table available and I have been disappointed on several occasions (not too many tables, so you can be out of luck pretty quickly here). Make a reservation!
(5)Josh B.
Speaking as a visitor from San Francisco, I quite liked Grotto. Good food, quirky atmosphere (it's in a basement), good wine list. Nice staff. Doesn't quite make 5 stars because it's a tad crowded in that basement, and my lobster was overcooked. Everything else was excellent though. They make all their own pasta.
(4)Erin C.
Great seafood. Scallops perfectly seared. Mussels al diablo perfectly seasoned and not overcooked. Pasta bolognese is orgasmic. Everything is really buttery and rich so I like this place when I'm in the mood for super carbilicious heavy food. Service is also always friendly and professional.
(5)Jonathan W.
Cosy and quaint. It's tucked in downstairs in a little basement. The prefixe menu for 36 bucks is a solid deal. Mista starter salad was a bit in the plain side of flavor. The lobster linguini was slightly more al dente and the lobster was a bit tough on the overdone side. Dessert was a great finish. Molten chocolate cake with delicious ice cream. Overall extra star for value and ambiance. Great low key place for a casual meal.
(4)J B.
Beginning to end greatness. Service, food, ambiance are all top notch.
(5)Clarisa Y.
Small, dark, romantic restaurant. They have a limited bar license so their drink menu is limited in terms of liquor, but they have a decent amount of wine. We tried 2 of their cocktails on the menu, but would recommend to stick to their wine list. For entrees, I got the spaghetti and meatballs and my boyfriend got the Pettini (Scallops). The spaghetti was delicious - they had the obvious taste of being fresh and homemade (the waiter warns that it takes 25 min to make) and the meatballs were also good and have a little bit of a spicy kick to them. I highly recommend the seemingly simple dish. The scallops were also very tasty and perfectly cooked.
(5)Erika P.
Mixed experience at Grotto last Sunday night: Food: my calamari app was good. My husband's ravioli was so undercooked it was practically crunchy. My dinner of ravioli with spinach and mushrooms was wonderful as was my husband's duck entree. Deserts were also good - bread pudding and molten chocolate cake Other: they were out of many items even soft drinks. Said it was due to the preceding restaurant week. That may be the reason but they were open for business and I would hope still want to offer an excellent dinning experience. The most negative issue was that they were understaffed. One server for the whole place! Our dinner took three hours because of this. They forgot our desert, never checked on how we were doing, and there were very long waits between each course. The server was very kind but clearly one person for the entire restaurant is not adequate. Bottom line, great entrees but the rest of the experience wasn't great so we are not planning to return.
(3)Ryan P.
I really wanted to like Grotto: comfy room with good ambiance, great deal on prixe fixe menu and a friendly staff. However, the flavors of the food we're a bit bland and the wines by the glass were too. My advice is to keep going down the street to the North End where the Italian masters reside - and any mediocre meal can by saved by cannoli...
(3)Kristin W.
You really can't go wrong with dinner at Grotto. I've been here a couple times now, always for a special occasion, and it's a win every time. In the past year, the owners have renovated a bit to make room for booths and additional tables. The only downside to this change is that the restaurant feels even more crowded than before and is very loud. The food is outstanding though so you'll totally understand why people are pushing and shoving to get in. Favorite dishes include: -Insalata (arugula, prosciutto, pears, parmesan) -Gnudi (new dish this fall - the pasta literally melts in your mouth) -Gnocchi (the short ribs are to die for) -Spaghetti (classically delicious) -Cioccolato (chocolate heaven) -Panna Cotta (it's like I'm traveling back to my study abroad semester in Rome) We've tried a few different bottles of red wine at Grotto and I always enjoy the different Italian varietals. They feature a couple reasonably priced bottles from Umbria that are excellent - full bodied, dry, bursting with flavor. My only complaint from my last visit is that our waiter was clueless about making wine recommendations to us and kept going back & forth to his manager. He seemed very nervous and was largely unhelpful. Perhaps they need a staff tasting night? Nevertheless, I love this place. Make sure you take a field trip to the bathroom and sneak a peak of the cooks with their pasta maker. I'm still impressed.
(4)Joelle K.
I really enjoyed dinner at Grotto. The restaurant is very small with a nice intimate setting. I went with my husband and another couple and we each opted to have the 3 course fixed price dinner. I started with the carroza for an appetizer and pettini for an entree. I would highly recommend both. The chocolate cake dessert was just ok. I would absolutely recommend!
(4)Chloe S.
This place was really subpar. I got the garlic soup, which was probably 4 stars. Good, nothing amazing. Everyone else got good but boring dishes that were not spectacular or memorable. The reason though for the low rating is that I got the spaghetti and meatballs and it was a crime against Italian food. The sauce was incredibly over seasoned (did the lid fall off the oregano?) and not even as good as canned spaghetti sauce. The pasta was overdone and chewy. The worst offenders were the meatballs though. No one wants raw meat, but these were so overcooked I could barely chew them. Maybe the dish was simply left under a heating lamp too long? But it was just inedible. The service was good, the atmosphere was nice (if a bit hot inside even though it was freezing outside), but that spaghetti and meatball dish was awful.
(2)Ramon T.
This place is great! It is fancy even though it is kind of like a hole in the wall. This is certainly a place you save for special occasions. Great service, great food and a pretty nice wine selection. Not big on their desert which is why it is not a 5 star to me. Other than that, it's excellent!
(4)Sam O.
Decent food. However, it was too dark to even see what was on the plate. It was also unbearably hot inside. the amount of light and temperature depend on the spot you get, since the shape and size of the room force them to utilize every little corner. Very crowded. Pretty long wait despite reservation. Service was very slow (empty plates sat there for over a half an hour after the meal). Overall, a decent experience. Nothing special however.
(3)Lana D.
This place is pretty small but if you get seated towards the back, you won't feel so crowded. I felt bad for those sitting right by the door. Groups of people waiting to be seated were just standing over these poor people eating. The cold wind coming from the door opening every few minutes must also have been pretty annoying. But it is a small restaurant so there's really not much that can be done about that. The food itself started out really great. The waitress recommended a bottle of red wine that we absolutely loved. We actually now buy this wine for ourselves at home! The appetizers we got were garlic soup and some sort of fondue. Both were delicious! The entrees were less impressive. Although the entrees were still fairly good, they were not at all what we expected after the great appetizers. From where we were sitting, I would give this place a 5 for the atmosphere. It would be a great place to take someone on a date. The food would get a 4 at most and the service would get a 5. Overall, a 4 is fair.
(4)Jessica M.
This is hands the best meal I've had in a while, and my boyfriend said the same thing. We tried the grilled calamari, streak, scallops, brownie sundae, and bread pudding. Everything was extremely delicious, and I would go back to grotto in a heartbeat. The wine list is pretty pricey, but the food was so good that it didn't really matter. It's a very small space, so make sure to make a reservation before you go.
(5)Maryan P.
It's very Boston inside the restaurant. Very small because its in Beacon Hill in the bottom floor but very quaint. They just added booths in there so that's really nice. Super helpful and nice waitstaff and the risotto my co-workers can't stay away from it. They actually have ordered it to go 2x in the last 3 days. They are too busy at work to go out to eat, so they order it to go. Ya, it's that good.
(4)Megan P.
Cavatelle, Beef Tenderloin with Risotto, and Bread Pudding. Just do it.
(5)Zohaib M.
I've been here a couple of times. $38 for a 3 course meal. Excellent food with a good selection of wines. Intimate and romantic ambiance, ideal for a first date.
(4)Marissa Y.
I was given a gift certificate here and was extremely excited after reading most of the reviews on here. It was this quaint little restaurant in beacon hill and if it wasn't for the lights around the sign we would've missed it. It was definitely a romantic setting but I could see myself coming here with a few of my close girlfriends. The food was amazing - I got the muscles, scollops, and the chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was surprisingly warm and just melted in your mouth. I will definitely come back again!
(4)Megan M.
Went last night for dinner with a friend. I love the dark, intimate setting, would be a lovely date spot. The food was great. I started with the mussels which came in a delicious broth and had the crab ravioli. It was probably the lightest crab ravioli's I've had which was great. It is in a light saffron sauce with asparagus and tomatoes, much more preferable than most restaurants who usually layer on some thick creamy sauce. We ended up skipping dessert because we were too full, next time!
(4)Madeleine Q.
Who ever knew a hole in the wall, tiny underground hideaway in Beacon Hill would end up being my all-time favorite Italian restaurants in Boston!! I cannot say enough great things about Grotto. The first time I dined here, I could not believe how good everything tasted. I was embarrassed for thinking that the best Italian cuisine cannot be experienced outside of North End. I was completely wrong. The pasta I ordered at Grotto is comparable to some of the best pastas I have had in Italy. In terms of ambiance, this place is romantic and charming. The service was ok for us but I can see from reading other reviews how the wait staff could seem unfriendly, curt, and cold. I definitely did not feel welcomed or cannot recall anything I appreciate about those who seated us and served at our table. The only thing that hinders me from frequenting Grotto as much as I want is the horrible parking situation in the area. This is a place I will definitely take my family and friends to share the goodness Grotto offers.
(5)Ralph O.
Excellent food! One of my favorites from the same group of Kitchen. The atmosphere is really unique and they have professional staff. Perfect value for price. Wine selection could improve.
(5)Steven S.
Amazing little place - best pasta in Boston IMO. The bolognese might be my favorite dish in Boston. Im not kidding. Chicken parm towers too!
(5)Sharon H.
The restaurant is a few steps below street level in a dimly lit space. While it has a romantic feel to it, it also gets quite loud and you're seated pretty close to your neighbors. I felt like I was shouting with my friend that I was hoping to catch up with. As for the food, the goat cheese and beet salad was refreshing The cavatelle was such a large portion for an appetizer that I almost didn't think I could get to the entrée. The sauce was delicious, the sausage had perfect consistency, and the vegetables a tasty combination. The Bolognese was delicious. I love tagliatelle pasta, and all the meats were well cooked and the flavors went well together. For dessert we had the lemon panna cotta... I thought the sauce would be raspberry-lemon, but it has a raspberry drizzle, and the panna cotta itself has a deep lemon flavor, which I am in general not a fan of, and not as creamy of a consistency that I enjoy with panna cotta. There is a small discount if you order an appetizer/meal/desert trio, but they are sticklers about the no sharing rule if you do that.
(4)Dan O.
We stumbled upon this restaurant while searching Google. It's a small little place in the Beacon Hill area. The food was excellent! Everything from the appetizer to the dessert was fantastic. I had the short rib gnocchi (Awesome), and my wife had the duck (also fantastic). They had a prefix option for $37 which includes the entire menu. Great choice if your looking for a nice cozy, quiet, and romantic atmosphere. Note: the place is very small so be sure to make reservations.
(4)Lynne K.
One of my new favorites. Best Italian food I've ever had (Never take Gnudi off the menu!). Service was nice but nothing exceptional; that isn't the focus of the restaurant - rather the good food and cozy atmosphere
(5)Rudi W.
WOW! OVER AND OVER! LIARS and disinterested staff!!! After multiple CONFIRMED rservations, calls to managers by phone, and table's confirrmed given away I thought I had seeen it ALL from the inexperienced 'doing YOU a favor staff this is the second HORRID experience in a row, do NOT tell them this is a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or birthday..but here it is in my husbands details..I am too angry to say more...read on for your own protection: We agreed this was one of the worst experiences EVER barring the inclusion of any food issues. Made reservations online by Open Table and had conversations with" management" via phone in the two weeks leading up to this night( a special birthday dinner) regarding a request for a specific table. Upon arrival promised table was occupied and then manager proceeded to inform us that our reservation didn't exist!!! After following"manager" Rachel to Grotto's reservation terminal ("Rachel" was scrolling as quickly as possible at this point....I saw our name fly by) and after being caught in her lie she informed us that it was for 5:30 NOT for 7:00 as originally made. It had been magically changed from 7 to 5:30 !!! What followed was the most unprofessional conduct I have ever been subjected to as a customer anywhere. Surly, nasty, entitled attitude. Made to feel like it was OUR fault. This is the second disaster in two months at Grotto as we tried to come before and was awarded the worst table right next to the kitchen for our efforts. Guess we should have taken the hint. IF YOU LOVE HEAVY, GREASY FOOD SERVED BY UNFRIENDLY ENTITLED CHILDREN WHO ACT LIKE THEY ARE DOING YOU A HUGE FAVOR THEN GO AHEAD AND WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE. Owner/Chef Scott Herritt who created his rep. here years ago never sets a foot past the front door anymore (was informed of this by manager Rachel) has chosen to maintain a vanity plate..... completely lost touch with this place. Too busy with his other two restaurants Marliave and "Kitchen" ( how cute) to give a damn about this place anymore. Train your staff or better yet fire them all and rehire replacements who give a damn. Get a real manager, not a child, to rein in the chaos. Better yet sell it off to someone who cares. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
(1)Elisabeth F.
Great date spot! The lighting is low, the setting is very intimate (there's only about 10-15 tables in the whole place), and the wine is delish. I had the stuffed duck with potatoes au-gratin which was 4-star worthy. Boyfriend had the short rib pasta dish which he also rated pretty good but not great. We did the pre-fixe dinner so we each had a dessert as well. The banana bread pudding my man got was ok, but my melting chocolate cake was to DIE for!! Mmm it's making my mouth water just thinking about it. Very romantic place to go with your special someone, but if you're a food snob you might not be blown away by the meal.
(4)Donna F.
Used to be good; now not so good. Waiters and waitresses seemed like they wanted to be anywhere else. Food was meh and overpriced. Screwed up my friend's bill and no apology. I'll go around the corner to Tip Tap Room; nicer wait staff and nicer food.
(1)Kelly C.
Solid 4 star review! We ordered salads to start & me, a giant bowl of spaghetti which was delicious, my hubby had the gnocchi that they dolled up especially for a vegetarian. Our server was an attentive, sweet guy who truly cared about his customers. We're new to the Boston area & will definitely come back.
(4)Sharon O.
One Friday afternoon I called up my companion and said: "Let's go someplace near the Park St Red line stop in a few hours for dinner." Enter Grotto. Why? Perhaps it was initially an unconscious child-like desire to be the Little Mermaid, but beyond the cute name- their three course prix fixe ($36 for three courses- every night!) and nice Italian menu caught my attention. The decor sets this up to be a classy joint, with all the black and red there's a dark sophistication that implicitly tells me to imbibe more wine. As for the food, if I had just had the mussels and bread pudding, I'd be teetering between 4 to 5 stars. Unfortunately, the Italian is me is disappointed to report that both my and my companion's entrees-both pasta dishes (gnocchi and squash ravioli)- were incredibly oily and undercooked. But, as I was saying, the piccata mussels were exquisite, and I was ecstatic to receive more bread so I could sop up ever last drop of the wine sauce. The banana bread pudding...with caramel ice cream and spiced walnuts... was a taste bud party. Really. Mmmm... definitely worth it. One of the waitstaff spoke very fast and as a result we couldn't understand him (which was slightly awkward), but service was very attentive and nice. There seemed to be quite a few people (3-4) helping us instead of one waitperson, which of course is not typically the norm, but they worked well together. Overall I have to give it a good, not great due to the pasta- which really shouldn't be happening at an Italian place. But ah, the moments of greatness!
(3)Rose C.
I know it's been a while but I just saw my previous review and was angered by it all over again. I wanted to follow up from the last time I dined here. After my credit card finalized this payment, I notice that the total amount wasn't quite right. Turned out the people at Grotto thought we didn't tip enough and added additional $ to our total. THIS IS NOT OKAY. After checking back with our receipt, we definitely gave a generous tip and I was very unhappy with this. I called the owners and they agreed to return the amount back to the credit card. This never happened. I had called multiple times and eventually returned to the store to ask in person. It is not about the money, it is about the way this place makes customers feel. Way to ruin a great impression of this place.
(1)Tina X.
Love this place. The food is delicious. The decor is unique. It does get a little loud so it's not great if you want a place where you can look lovingly into each other's eyes and whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears. But don't hate a girl just cause she is popular. This is an awesome place for a night out with friends or a blind date. If you don't like the other person and don't want to listen to what they are saying you can totally get away with nodding and smiling and blaming the rest on the noise. The garlic soup and fondue are awesome. The steak and confit would make pavlov's dogs drool even without a little bell. Even the vegetarian options are D E Licious. Everyone should try this place.... Everyone!!
(5)Clover M.
This really feels like you have found a wonderful secret. It's dark and romantic and teeny-tiny. I loved it! I thought it was interesting how they set up their menu so every first course costs the same, every main dish costs the same, and every dessert costs the same. You can get one of each for $33. I had the grilled calamari followed by the duck, and had to tap out before dessert. The calamari was good. I loved how that smokey grilled flavor came through. That being said, it was not the most tender grilled calamari I've ever had. The duck was phenomenal and I was sad that we didn't have a fridge in our hotel room because I had leftovers that I regretfully left behind. My husband had the salad with pears which was great and the carne (I think it was sirloin with cheesy risotto) was great too. I would just highly recommend this place to anyone! It was wonderful!
(5)Genny C.
Our first meal at Boston, and I've read up many review before visiting this place. Many reviewers said that the place is romantic and cosy - coming here with my family after an international flight, we found it difficult to read the menu in the dim lighting, and having to yell to be heard amidst the loud conversations surrounding us. We ordered the restaurant week menu, which was approximately $38 for three courses. I had mussels for appetizer, gnocchi for main and chocolate fondue cake as dessert. Mussels: fresh, generous portions. Gnocchi: too much cheese! The beef tenderloin served along with it was moist. Chocolate fondue cake: was too sweet, disappointed when the center was solid instead of molting chocolate. Perhaps the experience would be a lot better if it was a couple dining instead of a jetlagged family, but having dined at better restaurants, there are better options elsewhere.
(3)Eve R.
I was not sure how many stars to give Grotto, because while the food is excellent, I have now been twice and both time the staff was pretttty rude. It is a nicer place and my boyfriend and I are in our 20s so perhaps they think we'll be bad tippers or something, but I just find the staff behavior to be bazaar for an otherwise lovely restaurant. While there have only been 2 - 3 other parties both times I was there, the staff hardly pays attention to the tables and seems in a hurry to get away from you as soon as they do take your order etc. I will stress though - the food is amazing, it is just hard to decide whether or not we'll be back when we know we will be treated as though the staff wishes we would leave.
(3)David D.
We made an 8pm reservation, but we're not seated until 8:30pm. There were so many other reservations also delayed that some people had to wait outside in the cold. There was no apology for the delay at all. The staff acted as if it was okay. The food was generally good, but hopefully the front of the service will improve to earn back my business.
(2)Laura P.
Had a wonderful meal and experience at Grotto. We made the mistake of going for restaurant week - I say that only because they have a 3 course meal special all the time. Regardless, the food was delicious. The restaurant is tiny and intimate. Great for a date night!
(4)Eric F.
An awesome hidden Italian gem in Beacon Hill with a romantic yet relaxed atmosphere and just the right level of coziness. My friend and I came by after some wine tasting in the North End and we were impressed not only by the great food, but the warm and attentive service as well throughout the meal. To echo Cassy H.'s comments on the grilled calamari appetizer, it's indeed very tasty with smoky notes from the char elevated nicely by the lemon. We enjoyed the garlicky mussels with refreshing citrus notes as well and appreciated Grotto's personal tweaks on it that allow it to stand out from other great executions like Picco's and Pomodoro's. For entrees, we shared some exceptionally well-made apple stuffed duck breast and duck leg confit. The confit was still piping hot and just broke apart with my fork to let all the fatty goodness drizzle out. A deliciously hearty dish that comes at a seriously good price point to boot.
(4)Mary S.
Three friends and I spent the day touring historic houses...walking up and down 3 or 4 floors on narrow staircases, going from house to house, trudging up and down Beacon Hill. We're ladies of a certain age, and were EXHAUSTED by dinner time. I'd made our dinner reservation online from the Yelp site; and got both a call and email from Grotto to confirm. When we arrived, they immediately tucked us into a comfy booth, and made us feel very welcome. Our server was great...friendly, helpful. As was the rest of the staff. All our meals were excellent. The prices reasonable (for Boston). Even tho the small restaurant was full, we lingered a little over coffee and dessert, and we're not pressured by anyone to leave. It was the perfect ending for our hectic day. I'll definitely recommend grotto to friends, and will add it to my list of Boston favorites.
(4)Jeremy G.
Absolutely fantastic place!!! New favorite restaurant!
(5)Lindsay M.
Wow. This restaurant is unbelievable. Not only does it feel like you're in Italy when you enter, (it's cozy, quaint, gives you a homey feeling), but the food is out of this world. I had the Fra Diavolo and let me tell you. The lobster was poached perfectly, the pasta was homemade and the sauce wasn't too hot nor too mild. You NEED to try this place out. You don't really have to dress up that much either. I wore a dress and sandals and I felt over-dressed! The host was extremely nice and the waitresses were friendly and very genuine. If you're looking to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend here, this is the place!!
(5)Ribblet N.
Small menu choices and it's a small place. Food is made well and everything was good. Would be good for a date or small group, not the eight of us even though they can accommodate.
(4)Derrick C.
This restaurant was so close to being perfect. First off, awesome freshly baked bread that came very handy when mopping up the sauce from our mussels. The mussels itself were mediocre but the broth of white wine, garlic, lemon, capers was phenomenal. I went w/ the short ribs & gnocchi which was awesome aside from one thing. The texture of my gnocchi was too doughy and got kinda gross after eating a few. But the short ribs were excellent and the sauce was also very good. Others had the butter poached lobster over linguini and the apple stuffed duck breast and everyone enjoyed their meal.
(4)Cassy H.
My friend and I came here for dinner during restaurant week; however, I realize that we probably could have came during non-restaurant week and paid around the same price for a $35 three course prix mixe menu. Anyway, I'm still very happy about my dining experience there, so no major complaints. This place is underground, super tiny, dimly lit, and intimately romantic.. it just makes you want to reach over to the person you are sitting across, hold his/her hands, and stare deeply into his/her eyes. Well, for me, that wasn't the case, but for other tables around us, it was. Anyway, what I got: 1) appetizer: Grilled calamari tasted great! It's a nice change from the traditional fried calamari; I appreciated the slightly smokey flavor and how I was able to really taste the chewy texture of calamari. Yum. I realize some people may not like that, but I love seafood. 2) entree: Butter poached lobster linguine with spicy tomato sauce.. definitely fresh lobster and cooked to perfection.. a bit on the spicy side, but that's what the wine is for or water, whichever is the beverage of choice for you. 3) dessert: Banana bread pudding with caramel sauce, caramel ice cream, and spice nuts was amazing! I love the warm and cold contrast.. warm bread pudding and sweet, cold ice-cream. A great way to finish off my meal! Overall, I LOVED the place; it's a nice romantic place, but not super pretentious where you have to dress up. Relaxed atmosphere, great service, and delicious food = WIN.
(5)Gonzalo B.
Well, yeah it's tight down there - it's a Beacon Hill Basement, but it has a nice vibe and feels right on the right night. Bread and olive oil is nice, and our waiter was good, attentive. The fixed-price menu is the way to go. Had the crab-stuffed ravs which had a flavorful sauce accompaniment good for dredging. Furthering the carb-load followed with a very delish lobster fra-diavolo. I overdo the heat/garlic/anchovy/caper/red pepper thing at home, so am used to a kick. This sauce was thich and delectible and not too over-the-top spicy-wise-guy. House made linguini cooked a perfecto al dente and a decent topping of lobster. Mmmm. I'd get both again. My wife started with the caprese which is small but she found very nice, followed by the short-rib gnocchi which she pronounced very fine indeed. Not big dessert takers, we did and glad to. The caramel bread-puddin' with ice cream hit da spot. A fine hole-in-the-wall lil' spot. Good vino selection, dark ambiance if you don't mind neighbors too tight or too loud...
(4)Bill W.
Just finished a bowl of t garlic zuppa, awesome!!! Just waiting on dinner. Just finished the bolognese, very good!!
(4)Suyog S.
Me and my wife went there to celebrate our first anniversary. The place is quite small and, when crowded, can get really noisy. The food was okay, nothing great. The desserts were good but weren't able to compensate for the not so great food. If I'd not gone there with high expectations, I may have considered giving them a four star but the restaurant definitely doesn't deserve to hold the top spot in the list of most romantic restaurants in Boston.
(3)Kelsey C.
When I first walked into Grotto, I instantly loved the almost-medieval décor of a garden-level room illuminated by petite chandeliers. It wasn't hard to instantly fall for a quaint ambiance with a classic touch. Unfortunately, my bright-eyed love ended pretty quickly. I found that Grotto, like its sister restaurants Marliave and Kitchen, falls short in one way or another. Almost every dish has the potential to be great, but is always marred by a glaring error. The Fonduta is a tasty app with filling chunks of tenderloin to dip into a gooey Fontina, but it's really just two high-end ingredients put together. I loved the Piccata for the fresh mussels finished by a kick of the white wine. Not sure why I was so charmed by it - I imagine many others may disagree, but to each his own. The Antra duck leg was great, but the stuffed duck breast was awful. The breast was about as dry and flavorless as unseasoned jerky, and the apple stuffing contained a punch-in-the-jaw of black pepper. I loved the Zucca, with yummy sweet potato ravioli and a sprinkling of savory saffron but the parmesan topper was so over-the-top, it buried the other flavors underneath. When it came to the dessert, it seemed that I loved Grotto after all. I loved the texture-perfect Panna Cotta with zesty bites of lemon and tangy tongues of raspberry. There were no buts to this - this one ends like the fairy tales...before the dreadful Disney sequels. Sadly, I really want to love Grotto. The restaurant itself is so well done, but everything treads close to the line between ok and good. Sadly, it seems the majority of dishes aren't crossing. But I'd still go back. There's something undeniably cute about a place that tries so hard...like Disney...
(3)Lauren W.
This may be one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. It's cozy and intimate with exposed brick walls, and the ambiance was just perfect. They offer a $38 Prix-fixe menu nightly, and the food is just delightful. From the service, to the presentation, to the quality of the good- the entire experience was really just delightful. If you're looking for a perfect date restaurant, this is a really, really good choice.
(5)Abir H.
It's a small place but it sure is worth going to. We went during restaurant week so we went through the appetizer, main dish AND dessert....worth the calories for sure! The cheese fondue appetizer is amazing! The arugula salad was full of flavor and the grilled calamari were really good. For the main dish i had the tenderloin steak and loved it! The fra diavlo was excellent as well! For dessert definitely try the banana bread pudding and the chocolate cake, both were perfect!
(5)Gloria C.
Hidden gem! Great Italian. $37 for 3 course dinner. Cheese fondue & banana bread pudding were unreal!!!!! Perfect portion size. Great attention to detail. I will be back! I also had their special--monkfish with pumpkin risotto and chestnut sauce. *foodgasm!!!! This place is especially great for those who love seafood!
(5)Amy M.
A hidden gem! Warm, cozy atmosphere that's perfect for date night. Our server was lovely and attentive, but didn't hover. Wine was great, if overpriced - nice little selection. The bolognese was honestly the best I've ever had - rich, warm, comforting...if there's one dish to get, that's it. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Tom G.
First things first: No air conditioning. I assumed it just broke but it seems that due to the structure of the building (the restaurant being in the basement of an old property), there is no ability to run duct work. So, when it's 90 degrees out, expect it to be nearly 90 in the restaurant. Not a single tightly packed patron around us was silent about this. Literally, servers were dripping sweat. Next, on to the wine. The wine is stored at room temp vertically along the walls. I had hoped that the wine was simply for show, but my girlfriend pointed out that it's unlikely they'd have 3-4 deep racks of bottles if it was just show. She was right and our bottle, a moderately priced Chianti Riserva, came right off the wall. Now, I'm a huge wine snob. I collect wine. I am passionate about it, so at times I tend to be overcritical of a restaurant's wine service but this time it's totally warranted. Wine needs to be properly stored. To steal a line from the Simpsons, you need to keep wine south of 70 degrees in proper storage "or, failing that, a cool wet sack." Seriously, you can't let your $100+ bottles cook on your shelves in 90 degree heat and you really, really shouldn't keep them in warm weather vertically for fear of cork drying. Come up with some way of storing your wine and never serve wine at 80 degrees. It kills all varietal character, highlights the alcohol, and just isn't really all that pleasant to drink. The food was mostly mixed, and leaning on the bad side of things. Grotto's "Spring/Summer" menu is more of a winter style menu. Heavy entrees abound. The gnocchi came in a highly reduced demi glace that was over salted, served with short ribs and mushrooms. Sauce aside, the gnocchi were undercooked and unevenly cooked, with some being nearly raw. Medium steak served rare, really rare. I eat rare steak so my girlfriend and I just switched plates but this was quite a poor effort. The risotto was decent, however. Appetizers were mixed. The cavatelli were pretty good - peppery sausage highlights the dish backed by homemade pasta. The mussels were fine, if you don't mind the crunch of sand in your mouth as you eat them. Desserts were wholly forgettable and should not have been ordered. The panna cotta was saccharine in flavor. I took one bite and left about 95% of the panna cotta untouched. The waiter said nothing. I'm not sure what the deal with this place is. It gets love on Yelp but I think it's more due to the cost/portion ratio and the perceived romantic atmosphere. There was no culinary expertise going on the night we visited.
(2)Stephen L.
Excellent! Some tasty original plates and intimate atmosphere make this an awesome date place. Compared to the rest of little Italy, it was relatively uncrowded for a Saturday night as well. Try the chocolate dessert....it'll blow ya away! The pros 1 the food is great 2 well trained staff 3 dark and intimate The cons 1 Tiny restaurant. 2 No parking FYI- GET A RESERVATION FOR SURE!
(5)Jeff M.
Grotto may be the best bang for your buck in town. Three course meals featuring big plates of food are $36. The atmosphere is intimate and is perfect for a date. Dishes lacked complexity that would have pushed my rating to four stars. Grilled calamari was bit plain. Cavatelli was a stand out. Duck was on the dryer side, but, not to the point it had to be returned. The lobster fra diavlo was good but lacked a depth of flavor. Banana bread pudding was excellent. Chocolate cake was not the most moist cake I've ever had. Grotto will most likely blow away your average diner but your foodie friend who can identify individual components in a dish may not be as impressed.
(3)Saige B.
Tucked down in the basement of a Bowdoin street brownstone, Grotto will please all the senses. You'll need to book a reservation if you want to get in during most days' peak hours but I promise you it is worth it. When walking in to the dimly lit Italiano ristorante, you'll soon notice that there are very few tables. I like this - it doesn't "give off" a romantic feel...it simply is romantic. The staff immediately sees that you are comfy at your table and are aware of their prix-fix menu. All of the food I had and picked off other people's plates was delicious! The caprese salad to start was crisp and fresh. The Lobster Fra Diavolo supplied a lot of lobster with a lot of flavor. Finally, the piece de resistance... the warm chocolate cake with Vanilla ice cream. Wow. We went for restaurant week, so the meal was at a deal but their prix-fix menu is a great option. I suggest making a night of it, ordering a bottle of wine and trying out every course.
(5)Tatiana K.
Such a romantic spot to enjoy a wonderful meal. Absolutely would recommend going to grotto. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. I am 100% adding Grotto to my list of favorite resturants in Boston.
(4)Matt C.
I'd love to review the food but we never made it that far....we made a reservation for Mother's Day back on 4/18 for 6 people. On the day of the reservation, we received a confirmation phone call and CONFIRMED that we had a 7:00 reservation for 6. We arrived at about 6:55 and quickly learned that the reservation had been screwed up somehow. The hostess said we made a reservation for 4 on opentable.com . We never used the website and tried explaining this to her. We explained that the confirmation earlier in the day was for 6...The staff seemed indifferent to our situation and turned us away in the pouring rain. There was a weak attempt to tell us that we could go to their sister restaurant. We were given WALKING directions (in a monsoon). I hate to complain about things like this but feel the staff should have called us a cab to make up for their mistake but they did not. We ended up soaked to the bone at a restaurant down the street. We will never return to Grotto due the the abysmal service. This would not have been a huge deal if our family did not drive 2 hours for a nice dinner in the city...Our Mother's Day was ruined by Grotto.
(1)Shelly T.
We loved our dinner! Our server was great. Wonderful grilled calamari with arugula. I could taste the lemon, white bean purée , salt and calamari equally well. Great balance and not over cooked. I don't eat gluten so I was somewhat limited, BUT I had the fillet with risotto and grilled asparagus. One of the best steaks, risotto and red wine sauce ever! My husbands meatballs with spaghetti were equally good. Like the underground vibe. Good wine selection nicely decanted. Yum on everything.
(5)Sophie W.
I love this place. The service is ok (I've only been for dinner) and it is super cramped, but holy hell the food is phenomenal and worth it. Everyone raves about the short rib gnocchi and for good reason -- it's a knockout. The carne (beef tenderloin on a bed of risotto with grilled asparagus) is also amazing -- I got mine medium rare and it was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The fondue appetizer comes with the tastiest morsels of steak and portebello mushrooms and is divine. I seriously could have eaten it as my main meal. The crab ravioli appetizer on the other hand was less impressive and a bit too fishy tasting. Overall, it's the pastas that win (my boyfriend got the bolognese and it was delicious). Large portions, good sauces, and you can't beat the texture of melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi. The dessert selections were so-so -- the bread pudding was a bit dry and had a weird cinnamon/nutmeg flavor that was too much, the chocolate cake is dense and good, but not crazy good, and the panna cotta was above average but still not phenomenal. The one note I'll make on service is that the waitresses I've had were terrible with helping to pick out a wine for dinner. I have pretty much no knowledge of Italian wines except that I know that I hate chiantis, and they were not very knowledgeable about most of the wines on the list. We ended up with one bottle that worked great, but mostly because I Googled it on my phone for reviews before deciding on it.
(4)Pete B.
We loved it. Small and cozy. Great service. Wine severed to us while we waited for our seat. Food was just perfect. We both had the $38 price fixe... Can't go wrong with that. To be honest, not clear as to what I had. Can't recall Bc it was our dinner before I proposed to my girlfriend. So my mind wasn't all there, but it was the ideal Beacon Hill experience. Romantic Just recalled my entree...Spaghetti and Meatballs and grotto's insanely fabulous sauce
(5)Katie L.
Wonderful gem of a restaurant! Came here for my anniversary and left full and satisfied! I ordered a short rib gnocchi and my husband had diver's scallops. Both were excellent! We were also pleasantly surprised that they offered Dave Matthews' Crush wine and ordered a bottle since "Crash Into Me" was our first dance song at our wedding. Awww. Thanks for a memorable night in Boston!
(5)Meng C.
Love the laid back ambiance and that it feels a world away from the cold and uninviting Bowdoin street. The gnocchi was delicious.
(5)Brian P.
Its a decent place with a small atmosphere. Food is average, nothing to rave about. We enjoyed our evening there and had a bottle of wine in which our server never kept the pour going for us. The soup ...zuppa was amazing and the bolognese was great too. Not so much for the caprese or the raviolis. Air Conditioning(wall unit) was directed right at my table....freezing!
(3)Donna J.
OMG. Went here last night, it's a little dungeon pretty much lit by candlelight. We had a reservation, but we still had to wait for ~10 minutes for a seat to open. Started off with the fonduta which is portabello mushrooms and steak with a cheese dipping sauce. OMG... probably the best thing I've EVER had. We also had the mussels which were cooked perfectly. Some of them were stuffed with what tasted like olives, but the flavor was delicious. I ordered the carne which is steak on a bed of risotto with asparagus and sauce. My boyfriend ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. HUGE meatballs btw. I didn't try his, but he said it was good. My only complaint with my dish was the risotto was really buttery. Otherwise my steak was cooked to perfection. DELICIOUS meal, GREAT service. Plan to come again!!!
(5)Seb G.
Went there for the restaurant week as it was one the most recommended place to try. Food was good, not excellent, and service decent. I guess I was oversold on it. It's a good place, you can have an intimate moment with someone, but not the best restaurant in town.
(3)Bangie D.
I went here for a lunch date with my friend and we really enjoyed ourselves. It's a really small restaurant, there's no host stand, you kind of just walk into the dining room. I got the mussels in a caper-butter- lemon sauce to start and the gnocchi with short rib for my main dish, they were both delicious. I got the mixed berries for my dessert but I didn't really enjoy them as much. I looked around and everyone else's mixed berries have some sauce on the top, but mine were swimming in the sauce. This kind of defeats the purpose of getting the mixed berries, I probably won't get that again. The service is really lacking. They come and take your order and clear your plates, thats about it. Over all though, I will probably come back, i enjoyed the food and the restaurants ambiance.
(4)Jen J.
Stopped here last week for Restaurant week with the BF. The food was pretty good, but the only thing that knocked my socks off was my entree, the crab ravioli with roasted tomatoes. Super delicious. But, if I had know they offer a $38 pre-fixe menu every night, (which is the same price as the RW menu), I'd have tried a different place. This place is tiny and got pretty stuffy towards the end of our meal as other reviewers had said. Portions are also on the small side, as are the wine pours, which are kind of a ripoff in my opinion ($9 for a few sips of wine? Um, no.) Still, it was a nice experience, so I'd come here again before a show or next time I'm in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
(4)Joe J.
This restaurant is a gem in Beacon Hill. The portions are excellent, the prices are fair, and the taste and service is out of this world. Came here for a birthday dinner, and we had the Caprese, Fonduta, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and the Bolognese. No complaints whatsoever. Give this place a try if you can, you won't be disappointed!
(5)J B.
You can walk by this place and not know its there. Space is quite tight, but the place itself was very cozy/dark/romantic (if you are lucky enough to not be sitting on top of another table). As far as value goes, the prix fix here is a steal. Service here isn't that great at all, so if you are that type of needy annoying a-hole, this place probably isn't for you. I got the apple stuffed duck, which was amazing. They could charge a lot more for this dish alone. Everything on the plate paired well together; food really doesn't get much better than this dish. My wife had the butter poached lobster fra diavolo, which I had a bite of. Lobster was cooked to perfection and the sauce was nice and spicy. PS - I think their banana bread pudding is a misnomer. This is not your typical bread pudding that you are used to; its more like a gingerbread/molasses cake type item. I am more of a traditionalist, but maybe that's just me.
(4)Karen D.
Amazing Restaurant Week find. I was surprised to find this was such a tiny place, literally 15 small tables or so crowded together in a garden level room. The food was spectacular though. I was disappointed that every item on their appetizer menu contained some form of peppers (I'm allergic), but they were able to modify one for me. I think it was the Cavatelli. It was rich and creamy and so delicious. I ordered the ricotta dumplings for a main course, which were lighter, but equally tasty. My one complaint was that even though I'd told the waiter I'd probably like to order dessert after the main course, he brought the check without asking about dessert! Seeing what was brought out for some of the other patrons, dessert at least *looked* amazing too!
(5)Kourosh D.
These folks may have good food. But in my experience they have not heard of the concept "Customer Service". Visiting Boston from San Francisco. Went in for good food and service. They were so rude I excused myself and left, didn't want to tolerate LACK OF hospitality to try their food. So if you choose to go be prepared to serve them.
(1)Steven S.
Grotto was close to our hotel in downtown Boston. We made a 6:30pm reservation via OpenTable. We were seated promptly. My wife and I both ordered the 3 course meal. Both salads were very tasty. She had the linguini with lobster which was very good. I had the scallops that were great. Both desserts were delicious. Grotto is a great place for a quiet dinner.
(5)Kevin G.
Great food and great atmosphere. Very small almost subterranean room with no bar. They had us wait at the bar down the street and called when a table opened up. They had some of the best food I've had in a while. The prosciutto wrapped duck was awesome as was the wine and salad. I'm not sure what people mean when they say a restaurant is "romantic" but this would probably be it. Lots of candles and wine in a small place. Just delightful.
(5)C A.
Wow, so good! Went here for my first time last night and the food was amazing! Very good prices, great selection of wines, and the chocolate molten dessert...was the best I've ever had. The service was wonderful too. I want to get married in here. Then I want to sell my house in Weymouth and buy a 100 square ft shoe box on beacon hill so I can eat every meal here.
(5)J. P.
Cozy room, kind service, nice menu... if only the food were better. Things started well enough with the ricotta cavatelle with sausage, peas, mushrooms, pancetta and cream: this was nicely prepared. My main -- apple-stuffed duck breast, crispy leg, prosciutto, dried cherries, potato gratin, black truffle aioli, madeira -- was a disaster. The breasts were hopelessly dry, rolled around mushy apple and enclosed in a leathery shell of desiccated prosciutto; the leg was also stringily overcooked; the gratin was bland and devoid of creaminess; three dried cherries lay in a tiny, sweet puddle with no discernible hint of madeira. For dessert, the cioccolato ("melting chocolate cake") was cooked through with no molten interior, and the accompanying vanilla ice cream tasted supermarket-ordinary. Maybe it was an off night, but for me this was a definite miss foodwise.
(2)Pat M.
I love grotto, it's my favorite Boston restaurant. The dim ambiance makes this little hole in the wall extremely romantic - bring your special someone. Quarters are a bit tight and it can get loud, but for whatever reason it doesn't take away from the romantic-ness. I've always had great service here, I can't say enough about the waitstaff. Now, let's talk about the food. Their chicken parm should be famous, cuz it's so damn unique and delicious, I promise you that there's nothing like it. The first time I saw it I thought to myself "what the hell is this? I can literally count the pieces of pasta on two hands - this won't fill me up" - I was dead wrong! The thickly crusted chicken and various cheeses make it very satisfying. The gnocchi and short rib dish is also out of this world. I have tried most of their pasta dishes and only had one bad experience with the meatball dish. Let's just say it tasted good going down but essentially acted as a laxative about an hour later - and just to clarify, I don't think this was cuz of anything they did, it just did not agree with me....it happens First time I went here it was restaurant week. Funny thing about grotto is that every day is restaurant week for them. You can do 3 courses year round for $38....that's pretty sweet cuz the apps and deserts are excellent as well. 5 stars
(5)Ryan O.
I had walked by this restaurant several times and been wanting to try it. A friend recommended that we meet there for lunch a few weeks back and now I am definitely a fan. As mentioned before, it is very small place. For those people seated near the door, it might be uncomfortable and the groups waiting for a table are basically standing over you. The service was very friendly and efficient - although not in a hurried way. The food was excellent - very fresh and simply prepared. We shared the calamari appetizer and then I had the chicken parmesan sandwich for lunch. My friend had the fillet sandwich with fries - both of which she raved about. We shared some dessert - but I have no recollection what it was - so either not outstanding or the food and wine coma had taken over. Speaking of wine...they also have a nice selection - not overdone like so many places - just a few nice selections to meet any taste. Overall, I can say that I will definitely be back...
(4)Danny N.
If you like pasta, this a good place to go. I prefer it to be on the chewier side and Grotto does that well. We were a group of 6 and made sure to make a reservation a couple weeks in advance. This place is SMALL. It's a ground/garden level restaurant and I almost missed it. Went here on a cold Saturday night in Boston and was relieved that it was nice and warm inside... then it got almost uncomfortably hot once we started eating and a had glasses of wine in us. It was mind-boggling to see other people with fleece vests or pullovers on while I was dying in a button-down shirt... maybe my group was just a sweaty bunch? Aside from this, the food was great. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. I thought the spaghetti was perfectly chewy and al dente. The meatballs were delicious and flavorful. Other dishes we enjoyed were the Fra Diavolo, the Bolognese, and the Gnocchi. There is a prix-fixe option that will save you about $5, so might as well :) So be wary that this small place could get very warm when it's busy, otherwise this is definitely a place worth trying.
(4)Aisling M.
Absolutely fabulous find on our trip to Boston! Went for dinner there with my husband, just the two of us. So romantic and quaint. Excellent service. Food was to die for! Will definitely go back if we are ever visiting Boston again.
(5)Kitty C.
I wanted a nice dinner to celebrate some good things going on, and decided to check out Grotto. I made reservations for a Sunday evening, just to be sure, though I felt a little silly -- but its a good thing I did because it was totally full all night. We both had the prix-fixe. I had the spinach salad, the gnocchi with short ribs, and the banana bread pudding. The portions were huge, but I really wanted that dessert, so I asked for half the gnocchi to-go. It was so, so good. The spinach salad was light, but I would have been happy with half the portion they serve. The gnocchi was probably in the top 10 best meals of my life. The next day, I had the leftovers for breakfast with a fried egg and said out loud, OH CRAP THIS IS GOOD, totally alone in my house. (Except for the dog, who was sitting attentively at my feet, hoping for a taste.) The banana bread pudding was also amazing, with crunchy walnuts. I was really glad I saved room. My husband had the fonduta, and it was the first time he's had portobello mushrooms, normally being grossed out by them. I think he only ate them really because its so extremely dark in the restaurant, that it was nearly impossible to tell what was on your fork. I wouldn't have minded an extra tea light. He had the stuffed duck breast and leg, and really enjoyed it. His dessert was the panna cotta, which was light and refreshing, though the banana bread really blew it out of the water. It could have been a little more lemony and maybe would have impressed more. We should have brushed up a bit on our italian wines, but since we didn't, we went with what we know and ordered the house Cabernet. It was a Sycamore Lane cab, and it was just ok. This was a really mild cab, not in-your-face at all. Drinkable, a little fruity, but not robust like I've come to think of Cabernets. The service was polite, not intrusive, and accommodated our requests without fuss. I was extremely pleased. I'm not someone that likes to make a big fuss for celebrations, but I had a great time and the food was amazing. We'll keep an eye on the menu, and we'll definitely be back.
(5)Pat C.
It was a good thing that we arrived at Grotto at 5:20 pm, as it got continually more crowded as the night progressed. Because we did not make a reservation, we were seated at the table by the door (which many reviews have mentioned) and were greeted with frequent blasts of cold air. The food exceeded expectations. The Fonduta appetizer was unique and delicious. It was an excellent combination of flavors, so good that we ended up asking for extra bread to finish off the cheese fondue. The steak and mushrooms provided for dipping were also perfect. As for the main dish, the Gnudi consisted of delicate ricotta pillows atop a bed of spinach. The wine sauce and variety of mushrooms made the dish simply perfect. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. This restaurant is a great alternative to the North End if you're looking for Italian food. It is hidden and cozy, and I loved the ambiance. Also, the wait staff was very pleasant and attentive. I will definitely be returning to Grotto, hopefully next time sampling some desserts as well!
(5)Angy N.
We didn't know what to expect upon arrival. A friend made reservation for us. They babysat so we could get in a much needed date night. Perfect place for a nice romantic date with the hubby!! A little dark and very cozy. The hostess and waiter were very polite and professional. Decent wine selection and several great menu items for a vegetarian. I had the Fra Diavolo. What better place to have lobster and pasta than in Boston! I was not disappointed... satisfied my hungry and my lobster fix. For dessert we had the panna cotta. Not the best panna cotta I've ever had but it was still tasty. I definitely recommend Grotto if you are in Boston for a romantic date night!!
(4)Jodi K.
Delicious!! Well priced! Plenty to choose from!! They always have a 3 course price fixe that gives large, regular sized portions for $38.... Choose a deliciously paired wine and you'll have a meal that you won't soon forget!! Call for reservations though, the quaint, small, romantic restaurant fills up quickly!!
(5)Joey C.
This place is a hole in the wall but the food is impeccable. The calamri was fresh and seasoned lightly. The sweet potato ravioli with the brown sugar sauce was tasty, yet the natural sweetness of the sweet potato was still present. As for desert, the banana bread pudding with toffee ice cream was just the right mixture of natural sweetness and sugary delight. The wine selection was also great!
(4)Sara W.
Booked a reservation on a whim for a late Sunday evening after reading Yelp reviews and narrowing options based on what was open. I was pleasantly surprised with my meal. My boyfriend and I both enjoyed the food, the service, and the location. The place had quite a charming ambience and the Bolognese wasn't too shabby, either.
(4)Kelli S.
I LOVE this restaurant. It feels like a hidden gem in Beacon Hill. It's super small, and has exposed brick and pipes - it almost feels like you're in a basement, yet it's so cute and romantic. Definitely try the apple stuffed duck breast - I think it is the best duck I have ever tried.
(5)Amanda Q.
Originally came here tonight for just dessert, but ending up sharing an app because we decided we were a little hungrier. As an overall review: will definitely go back and try some of the entrees, but will stay away from the desserts we had tonight. Started by sharing the garlic soup with black truffle, parmesan, and toasted bread crumbs. Really, REALLY very good, though we both agreed that if we had that as a starter by ourselves, we would probably think it was too much. Very, very bold flavors. Each bite was absolutely delicious, but half a serving was definitely enough. For dessert we split the panna cotta and the banana bread pudding. The panna cotta was thicker than expected (was more like a flan than a panna cotta -- felt it should've been slightly gelatinous), and we really didn't like the balsamic drizzle. The bread pudding was decadent and an enormous portion. Denser than expected though. Not bad, would put on my list of "good" banana bread pudding, but not what I would go back there for. Overall: flavorful soup, good but not great dessert, will go back to try more savory options (and probably the chocolate cake).
(3)Michelle N.
Absolutely love the place. It's as "old Boston" as restaurants can get. Love the ambiance, the exposed brick, the tiny size, the neighborhood. Try to walk around Beacon Hill before dinner if you're not familiar with the area. It's really really beautiful. We had the Carne (filet mignon + risotto + asparagus), which was A WINNER. Must-try. Amazingly good and very rich. The scallops + ravioli was okay. The digestif (not sure what it was called, comes with the biscotti but more worth it by itself for $9) was really good too. Will definitely be back to try more things.
(4)Angela P.
Such a great place to spend a cold afternoon ,, the atmosphere was was swag but kept thinking Hugh Hefner was going come visit the table ? And on to the great experience ,, We started with wine was so cool and our waiter was so fun he made it seem as if we were wine tasting, that I loved that he Was very informed on tasting and suggested a perfect bottle , we totally enjoyed it ! Then we ordered what a way to start dipping oil's three was so delicious , and was excellent with wine and mussles , yum I'm big on salad so when it had everything from goat cheese , walnuts it made us feel like a lot of places should come see how it's done !! Didn't think it was to pricey so gotta ask your self if some place even care !! I did try the Sweet potato raviolis , I must say best idea Eva !! The quality was very satisfying ! The flavour of the sweet potato perfect now a fAvOrItE you just have to try it foryouself every bite was better than the next ,, I must say I will come back to try a desert we were so stuffed from bread, salad and dinner you couldn't eat another bite but I did see some of those desserts and I love to come back just to sample Tiramisu ,, overall the service was excellent we didn't mind the wait was wort it !! If you thinking of trying it put on list of 2013 must try !! The restaurant is small but great on service and food quality it was all about you at least that's my experience I'm all about good food and excellent service so you jugde for yourself !!!
(5)Kamryn C.
I really wanted to have a nice dinner out my last night in Boston, so my boyfriend and I headed in the cold to Grotto. Grotto has a cozy, romantic atmosphere with dim lighting, exposed brick walls and walls filled with wine bottles. Our waiter was attentive, and had a sense of humor, giving us truthful advice on what to order. We started with glasses of wine, and while the "by the glass" list was small, the wines were quality. I was in the mood for a lighter meal, so I stuck to two primis, while my boyfriend had the Winter Grotto special, 3 courses for $38. We started with two salads, the spinaci, and the carroza. The spinaci salad was filled with beets (a personal favorite), goat cheese, and spiced walnuts. I really appreciated that they didn't skimp on the salad fillings, a pet peeve at restaurants. The carroza was a unique dish, a breaded, fried disk of mozzarella over warmed spinach, peppers, and tomatoes. The flavors were addictive, and the entire dish was an exciting restaurant salad. Next up, the "main courses." I had the soup for my dish, a rich, garlic soup topped with truffle oil. The soup was so complex, that I never regretted forgoing pasta. My boyfriend's gnocchi was filled with tender, falling off the bone short ribs, and he literally groaned in pleasure after he took his first bite. The gnocchi was definitely home made and it was so good. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake and our fantastic waiter gave us an extra scoop of chocolate ice cream along with it! The center of the cake was molten, and gosh, this dessert just can't be summed up in words. I am so glad that I got to eat such a phenomenal dinner during my time in Boston.
(5)Barry G.
I will start by saying, make sure to make a reservation... It is small, or cozy, depending on your point of view. We went on a Monday after work, with reservations at 5:30... we got there and there was only one table filled, all empty. I was surprised, and said " hey, guess we didnt need the reservation" well guess what, we did. by 6:30 - the place was PACKED. I like the 'cozy' atmosphere, but not everyone might. you are close to the next table, you can overhear conversations, and they can hear you. So if you are looking for the quiet, intimate place to tell your significant other something for the first time... or the last time. ha... then it may not be the best But it is a nice date spot,and the food is great! It is off the beaten 'Italian' Path (meaning, it is in beacon Hill, not the north end), but could fit in to ANY neighborhood! It is a 'garden level', which lets face it , means a basement. which is fine. it is warm and intimate, a little dark. The staff is very helpful and great - helping with all the italian red wines we had no clue about. We split a fresh arugla salad (they had no problem splitting it, we did not do the pri fix menu, which is a good deal but we werent gonna do two apps and two desserts). Fresh greens, fresh cheese, very tasty! She had the duck, which she enjoyed - or at least I assume so since it was devoured and gone before I asked how it was! (ok, maybe not THAt fast) I had the beef tenderloin, with risotto and asparagus - and SO yummy... Chocolate lava cake for dessert - simply decedent... The whole meal was great... And the kicker? You are probably thinking, hmm, North End quality, Beacon Hill Location - must mean $$$ Well NO! very reasonably priced. The PriFix if you get it is $37. All Entrees (lobster, beef, duck, crab, yes, ALL0 are $22. desserts cheap. Apps cheap. We got the salad, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine for under $100 (before a very deserving tip for the excellent waiter). Definitely worth checking out. Make a reservation, set a date, go, enjoy, and sit in the corner if you can. it is cozy!
(5)Marissa P.
Honestly, not sure why this place has stellar reviews. Came here the other night. We encountered several issues with service/food: We walked in and were waiting awkwardly for several minutes before anybody approached us. There were several waiters and waitresses on the floor who had seen us. They were busy and I appreciate that, but it was still odd. Several open tables. And the most awkward part is we were waiting directly next to all these people eating at teeny tiny little tables squeezed into a teeny tiny little space. Finally, a waitress approaches (I don't think there was a host or hostess) and she asked us "what can I do for you?" We said "we'd like dinner" and she said to us, "let me see if I have a table.." She walked away for a while and poured some other people water, served some food. Finally, somebody came back and said they were getting a table ready. About 10 minutes had gone by. We were finally seated, very close to another party. All of the tables were on top of each other. Service got better, but the food became the issue. We started with fondue. It was the best thing all night. Pasta, which they are famous for, was totally sub-par. My gnocchi, that everybody on here said was amazing, was flavorless! I needed to add salt and pepper! Lots of it! The quality of the gnocchi was OK. My friend totally agreed that it was just ehhhh. He ordered this spaghetti and lobster dish with a spicy sauce. It was MUCH better, but still we didn't LOVE it. For dessert, we had the banana bread "pudding". Yuck! Honestly, it was just a piece of banana bread. Perhaps they don't understand what a real bread PUDDING is? It didn't even arrive warm. Wine list was brief and blah. The decor was cozy and quaint. It was enjoyable to dine here for that alone. Overall, I would not recommend this spot to a friend.
(3)Shane G.
The menu at this small (some would say cramped) garden-level eatery caters more towards the prix-fix style menu. You can order a la carte or a three course meal, but all the prices are fixed so all entrees are the same price as are all desserts. Ordering the three course saves you a few bucks but not much. The food was really good, though not traditional in the least. Some of the menu items could have been clearer as well, but nothing caused any real disturbances in the meal. The pasta was rolled out a little thick for my liking, but some people prefer thick pasta. The duck was delicious, especially the breast wrapped in proscuitto. The prices were reasonable for upper scale dining; three courses was about $40 a person.
(4)Chewie L.
It's cute and quiet with great ambience. Excellent for a date-night. The prix-fixe option is a great deal. The bread is served warm. Scallops are plentiful and tasty. Flavors in general are rich and creamy. Service is fantastic. Once they somehow messed up the scallops order (we didn't even notice) and they brought out another order for us, compliments. Would definitely return. And do, often.
(4)Alice L.
My boyfriend and I were visiting Boston and decided to have dinner at Grotto for our 3-yr anniversary. We often dine out at all types and levels of restaurants from small seafood shacks to fine dining... And in cities all over the country... And we both were beyond impressed by this hidden gem. The atmosphere was simple and cozy and inviting, which was nice. However, it was the amazing food that thoroughly impressed us, and especially for the reasonable prices. The dumplings were perfectly made, and my boyfriend raved about the chicken parm. We both would absolutely go back!
(5)Jeremy K.
Took my lovely girlfriend there on Valentine's day for a nice, romantic dinner before heading to the TD Garden for the Beanpot championship game. I had a slight mishap with my reservation on OpenTable, accidentally selecting the wrong date but the staff at Grotto was terrific about letting me reschedule it to Valentine's Day despite them being so busy. We had an early evening reservation and were one of the first couples to arrive at their first seating for dinner service. We walked down the stairs and into the restaurant and the staff greeted us almost immediately despite the lack of a hostess. We were seated and brought menus. Our waiter arrived almost instantly and we placed our orders and also ordered up a bottle of wine, something that our waiter was very helpful with (he answered multiple questions and paired it according to our meal and budget) I decided to try their Fontina cheese fondue with comes with some beef tenderloin, some aged balsamic vinegar, some truffle oil and some Portobello mushrooms. It comes serves on a contraption enabling it to stay warm while one dips the pieces of tender beef and mushroom into the cheese. It was rather tasty and the portion was pretty generous. I kind of regretted not trying their garlic soup which comes served with black truffle, parmesan and toasted bread crumbs but I decided to spare my significant other from any possible bad breathe as we'de be sitting next to one another at the game later on. As an entree I decided to try their sweet potato ravioli which came plated with some Amaretti, Brown butter and some sage. The raviolis were perfectly cooked and each was very tasty - I was actually surprised by the depth of flavor that the dish had and it was filling. Both dishes were pretty rich and we we already almost full at that point but decided to share a dessert anyways: the molton chocolate cake with comes with vanilla ice cream. Again, nothing out of the ordinary with the dish, it was pretty standard, and decadent; perfect for sharing really. The service was good and the atmosphere of the place was good. The food was pretty good but far from great. They do have a daily prix fixe, 3 course menu available for $35 which is good. The place is affordable and again, a great romantic spot to take a date.
(4)Elise C.
I really enjoyed Grotto. I found the atmosphere to be warm, cozy and romantic with dim lighting and lots of candles. I asked for a corner table and we were surrounded by candles and wine bottles, which worked for me! The food was incredible. I had the shortrib gnocchi and insalata (with pears and proscuitto) - yum. My date had the salad with toasted buffalo mozzarella (OK I admit I was a little jealous of his) and the beef tenderloin with risotto. I didn't try the tenderloin, but his risotto was really delicious. I wasn't blown away by the melting chocolate cake, but it was good. I kind of wished that the waitress was a little more attentive, but she was very nice. All in all, I'll be back :)
(4)Lauren M.
What a perfect example of a neighborhood gem! We were able to get a reservation the same day. Dinner was fabulous! The pasta was cooked perfectly. Will definitely go back.
(5)Bohan L.
Came here for dinner for restaurant week with two other friends. We made a 5:30 reservation and were seated once we arrived. By around 6-6:30, the restaurant started filling up. Overall, the food and service was great! For starters, we had Zuppa (soup), Cavatelle (pasta), and Picata (mussels). The Picata was extremely tender and delicious (the wine sauce was also superb); overall, it was fantastic and definitely our top choice for appetizers. For entrées, we had Zafferano (crab ravioli), Spaghetti, and Carne (grilled beef). The presentation of each dish was impeccable and the portions for each were definitely filling. The Carne was very tender, but lacked some flavor (extra salt/ a separate sauce would have made it perfect). Nonetheless, the risotto that came with the Carne was very rich and delicious. The Spaghetti was served with three huge meatballs and tons of pasta, while the Zafferano was ~8-10 raviolis. For desserts, we all ended up getting the Budino (banana bread pudding). Out of the four options, this definitely seemed like the best choice. The warmth of the bread pudding perfectly complemented the cold ice cream and the spiced walnuts. Definitely a hidden gem in the Beacon Hill area. Would come again!
(5)Molly K.
Working in Beacon Hill makes it easy to pop into one of my favorite little spots for a quick lunch or dinner. Grotto is located on Bowdoin Street, near North Station, Bowdoin, Government Center, MGH, and Park Street T stops. Two blocks from the Commons, this little gem is nestled underground. The dinners are beyond reasonable, as a 3-course dinner is $36, and the lunch is a steal, with a large lunch pasta portion running at $14 max (check out the menu here). Head down the steps, through the red velvet curtain, to an intimate dining area with mood lighting and a wall of wine bottles amidst walls of brick. For dinner I go here for one reason, and one reason only...the lobster fra diavolo. With homemade linguine, this tasty dish is what dinner-dreams are made of. Buttery lobster tucked into spicy twists of heavenly-light pasta with a bit of a kick. Absolute perfection. I finish my portion without a doubt every single time. Pictures and more on -- ----
(4)Bill B.
Cozy little spot in the basement of downtown that you might pass by a couple times before you notice it. While it was one of the smallest restaurants I think I have ever been in, the atmosphere was perfect. Maybe a little tight for some people, but I thought it was a great experience. Have to say that we had reservations for 11:30 and were seated by 11:35. The staff was a little overbearing, we had four different staff members come by to ask us how our meal was and give us various dishes. I wouldn't have minded a little more space instead of the constant interruptions. They also left a giant bottle of chilled water on the table which, if you get as thirsty as I do and are always looking for a refill, is fantastic. The best thing I ate was the Garlic Parmesan soup. I highly recommend it. So flavorful and I can't think of any two ingredients I would rather eat more of on a daily basis. My friend got the calamari which was a little rubbery, but had a good sauce. For my meal I had the crab ravioli. Can't say it was the best ravioli I have ever had, but it by far wasn't the worst. The saffron sauce it was made with was the best part of the dish. My friend got the Chicken Parmigiana. It was huge. If you plan on getting it, I wouldn't suggest eating several hours beforehand. It was moist and crispy and very well made.Dessert was two panna cottas. Very good in a delicious raspberry and balsamic sauce. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Shane M.
Fantastic date night. We walked in for our 6:30 reservation and promptly got a table. After making the difficult decision on our prix fixe choices, we were off. I started with the Cavatelle followed by the Antra. The cavatelle was perfect mix of spicy sausage and sweat cream. I could almost make a meal of it alone; it was so rich. The duck was just as fantastic. The crispy leg wasn't anything fantastic for me, but the Apple stuffed breast was a delight. And just in case I wasn't full, the potatoes were there to finish me off. My girlfriend had caprese salad of sorts for a starter. As I generally like caprese, it was very solid. She followed it up with the Zafferano crab ravioli. Maybe I don't know what makes good ravioli, but it was too al dente for my taste. Beyond that, it was rather tasty. For dessert, we ordered some solid dishes. We finished the night off with a Molten Chocolate Cake and Panna Cotta. The chocolate cake, topped with vanilla ice cream was solid, but I feel these are hard to ruin. The panna cotta was light and tart, so quite exceptional. In the end, this place gets 4 stars for mixing some quite exceptional food with other solid options while providing friendly service and a nice subterranean vibe.
(4)Melissa F.
Grotto was an excellent place to have dinner when I zipped into Boston to see my friend and her brother. The restaurant itself is small and a bit cramped, but there isn't much they can do about it. I was comfortable enough and it wasn't so cramped and/or loud where I could hear others' conversations, which is frequently a problem of small restaurants. The prices are a bit steep, and they didn't list the menu prices, showing that they strongly wanted the customers to get the prixe fixe option! The prixe fixe option is $33 for three courses. I forgot how much the appetizers and desserts are, but the main courses a la carte are $21 (all of them), so know that going in, I suppose. Of course, the positive is that you "save" money by getting three courses. Guess which we just had to do, then...:) I started with a salad with arugula, parmesan, and prosciutto. There wasn't much prosciutto, but the salad itself was very light and balanced. The main course that was recommended was the fra diavolo with lobster. It was good, and I liked how spicy the sauce was. I would've preferred the seafood part to come without a shell and be better distributed, but it was still a good dish. I kind of wish I got the bolognese, but I guess this means I have to go back? My friend enjoyed her chocolate cake for dessert, whereas her brother and I had the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream. I think we made the right choice because it was amaaaazing. And the riesling her brother selected was delicious, though I'm sure marked up a bit. Grotto is a bit expensive, but it's at least friendly and down-to-earth, as evidenced by the simple-yet-fabulous ingredients and attentive service. I would go here again! (PS: They describe the sauce for their spaghetti and meatballs as "insanely fabulous" on the menu. Love it.)
(4)Wendy G.
Found all of the food my husband and I ordered to have a heavy smoked flavor - including the salad and the tomato sauce. All spices are done with a heavy hand. Service was nice but will not go back until there is a new chef.
(2)Andrew P.
Summary: Grotto is a solid 4-star Boston Italian food. Very good, better than most other similarly priced Italian restaurants in the city. That said, it wasn't the best Italian food I've ever had, the waitress kind of sucked, and there were no specials. What kind of Italian restaurant doesn't have specials? Let's start with the location and decor. Pretty cool. Basically in the shadow of the state house. Inside, typical cramped Boston Italian restaurant. No corny music or decorations. Might not be a bad date spot. Moving on to the menu. Kinda weird. There is a single price for all appetizers, a single price for the entrees, and a single price for the desserts. They bill their menu (see what I did there?) as a three-course "prix fixe," but you can order everything a la carte. If you were to order all three course a la carte, you'd pay 4 bucks more than the "prix fixe" price. I ended up doing appetizer and entree. Appetizer: I went for the Caprese salad. (Don't think I got this because I'm an amateur, I got it for a reason. Unadultered mozzarella and balsamic vinegar provide a standard metric for comparing Italian restaurants anywhere: Basically every Italian restaurant serves a Caprese salad or some variation thereupon.) Anyway, the mozzarella was excellent. Real good buffalo mozzarella. Sorta delicate sorta firm skin gave way to a creamy-but-nicely-textured cool core of mozzarella goodness. Perfect faint musky buffalo milk taste. Excellent stuff. The problem? Not enough balsamic (merely a few drops atop each slice of mozzarella). It was used only as a garnish to make the dish look a little nicer. That ain't gonna cut it. Good balsamic vinegar is expensive for a reason: it's tasty bro. Entree: Crab meat ravioli. Pretty good. Homemade pasta was cooked perfectly (as is, and should be, expected), and the crab was fresh and tasty. The sauce was also very nice: subtle ocean flavor in a light red sauce. Issues? Sauce was thinner than it should have been. The ravioli was boring -- yo chef let's get some cheese and herbs in the pasta pocket, aight? Let me tell you about the entrees that everyone else got... Mommy had the fra diavolo with lobster. Pretty good, not the best. It wasn't spicy enough and the "butter poached" lobster could've been poached better. This is Boston, learn to cook your lobster. Father had the spaghetti and meatballs. I ate at least one of the meatballs. It was excellent. Delicious and complex flavor of pork (or was it boar!?) and cheese and herbs and sauce. Very good. Brother got the chicken parm. He didn't offer me any so I didn't try it. Looked good; "fancy" presentation. However, it only came with like 15 ziti (is ziti the plural of ziti?) and chicken parm needs more ziti than that, amirite? (I could see that my brother really wanted a giant f'ing slab of chicken "pahm" covered in fatty marinara sauce that you can only really eat with a steak knife, but too bad, man, I chose the restaurant tonight). The portions were good. A lot of "nice" Italian places in Boston screw you on portions, these guys don't. That said, we aren't talking Big Gulp Chipotle Cheesecake Factory portions either. What about the drinks? Terrible beer menu (three beers). Terrible beer pouring. Might be the only restaurant in the world where the waitress will serve two glasses of the same beer where one is 2 inches under-filled and the other is overflowing with foam. I remember the first time I poured a beer... no I don't. My mom and I got glasses of wine. Mediocre pours, but there was no foam problem. The service was forgettable. The two things that I will remember are that the waitress was inattentive and didn't know how to serve drinks. My review might come off harsher than my 4-star rating, but I stand by it. I'll probably go back.
(4)julie t.
Restaurant week review. Overall: just good. The entrance is weird in that when you walk in, you're amongst the dining tables. You just kind of stand there. So I stood there a couple minutes before anyone even acknowledged I was there. I understand they were full but a waiter made eye contact with me and looked away! It was another couple minutes before I was seated. Person who sat me then apologized about the wait. Grotto is small and in a basement of sorts. It's dark and pretty cramped. I also waited considerably for my order to be taken. My server was Angela. I finally ordered the calamari to start. It was fantastic!I had the potato gnocchi with mushrooms and I was really excited and hoped it would be amazing. It was good, but room temp when it arrived at my table. Parts of the dish were really salty, as if it hadn't been mixed properly or something. It was almost really good. The dessert was spectacular! I had the panna cotta which was simply heaven! I would go back to Grotto on a day that is not super busy, if there is such a thing. Oh and they are doing restaurant "week" all through the Month of March!
(3)Alyssa J.
Dear Diary, Went on a first date at Grotto the other night....I am in love! With the duck! The duck two ways is easily one of the most delicious meals that I have had in the fair city of Boston. Crispy duck leg with a black cherry sauce paired with a duck confit stuffed with apples and wrapped in proscuitto? Yes please. The parmesan potato au gratin loaf thing was also totally dreamy. The date got the gnocchi which was, like, soooo amazing. We washed it all down with a bottle of pinot noir which lead to fun statements being made like, "Let's get the same girl pregnant tonight!" (this is a teeny restaurant and everyone can hear you when you say obnoxious things like that...fyi) Anywayyy, I'll write more later diary. Smooches, AJ
(4)Ashley B.
This place is AMAZING. Three course price fixed menu in Beacon Hill in a small, romantic place. It's dimly lit but somehow warm and cozy. The one negative thing was that we had to wait a few minutes for our table and it was very awkward. There's not really a place to wait. However, the service was excellent and our table was cleared quickly. The food is so, so good. We had the garlic soup, fondue, sausage and ricotta, apple stuffed duck breast, and the chocolate cake. Everything we ate was awesome. My sausage was a little on the heavy side but it was exactly what I was in the mood for. Our waitress recommended a great wine and we were very happy. This was my second time in Boston and my second time here. I will come back every time I'm in Boston!
(5)Cole S.
Went here for a birthday dinner because I remembered how wonderful it was like 3 years ago. Amazing food, great service, and an intimate setting. I recommend getting the buffalo mozzarella spinach salad.
(5)Alexandra S.
This place is an adorable subterrannean gem tucked away on Bowdoin St. on Beacon Hill. From the sidewalk, down two steps we went and entered a dimly lit (in a romantic sort of way) red-walled "grotto" indeed. We went right after work at 5:30 and were the first and only customers for the next half hour. Service was therefore quite attentive but not intrusive. As others have noted you can order items singly from the interesting menu or the better deal is getting the 3-course prix fixe for $34. We each chose the 3-course option. I started with a bowl of mussels in a butter wine broth that had a hint of orange flavor. It was quite good although I would have preferred the use of less butter and more wine in the broth. Second course for me was the Lobster Fra Diavolo with Linguine. It was nicely executed although the pasta was kept in the water a tiny bit too long. For me, the pasta could have been more al dente. The sauce however was delicious and the flavors spot on. It was a sizeable portion of spicy, delicious pasta with a lobster tail in its shell perched atop. There was the perfect amount of Fra Diavolo spicy heat to make me happy. Places frequently use too little red pepper in the Fra Diavolo options. However, I would only order this dish if you like hot pepper. For dessert I had the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream and sauce. This was the weakest course. I have made bread pudding many times and what I can tell you is that this was a dense cake and not a traditional bread pudding. The taste of banana was overshadowed by the spices. To me it tasted like a piece of spice cake. The entire dessert, was as expected, quite rich. It mostly went unfinished much to the glee of my waist-line. My friend had a mixed green salad to start, followed by the crab ravioli and the lemon panna cotta with raspberry sauce for dessert. All were hits in her book. i wished I had gotten the panna cotta for dessert too. I like that the menu gives you wine options by the glass, or the "quartino" which is essentially a two glass carafe, or by the bottle. All seemed fairly priced. I had a quartino of prosecco which was perfectly dry and bubbly as I like it. They have after dinner drink options as well. My friend ordered an icy good limoncello. So to sum it all up, I found this place to be a good bet for dinner. It was a perfect setting for an autumn night and I can imagine it being a cozy and inviting winter dinner venue. The overall menu is interesting with a variety imaginative options. The waitstaff was friendly, warm, attentive and professional. Based on the 3 course meals my friend and I had, I've already made a date to return with another friend.
(4)Dessa R.
Grotto wasn't as hard to find as everyone said. I had the famous gnocchi. He had the tenderloin and risotto. Both were good. Really really good? No. Just very good. Perhaps my perception of the quality of our meal was affected by the service. Our waiter was really bad. Even my super-easy going companion was annoyed about it. Mike, you are really in the wrong line of work. We had actually intended to order dessert after our dinner, but after we failed to catch his eye several times over a bizarrely lengthy period of time, we opted to simply ask another server for our check. We went elsewhere for our sweets. The space was awesome. Sub-level, deep red, shabby chic chandeliers, pipes geometrically formed above us. Very cool.
(3)C D.
This was our second trip to Grotto. Hasn't changed at all. Which is a very good thing. We were served the winter menu of which I chose the Fonduta consisting of Fontina cheese fondue, Beef tenderloin tips, Portobello mushrooms, Aged balsamic, Truffle oil. For my entrée I went with the Carne consisting of Grilled beef tenderloin, Reggiano risotto, Asparagus and a Red wine sauce. The risotto was divine. My girlfriend went with the pasta and sausage appetizer and butter poached lobster with linguine and a spicy tomato sauce for her main course. We both went with the chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream for desert. Needless to say there were no leftovers. Would recommend this restaurant over and over again. If you haven't been yet it is a must go. Once you do go you'll keep going back for more. I guarantee it.
(5)Jeff F.
Came in here a while back. Saw the solid reviews, it was in the neighborhood and I liked that they only did prix fixe. It's a pretty cool atmosphere in the basement of a classic rowhouse. I was also impressed with the service. The food however was a mixed bag: - (A) Bread - prerequisite for any good Italisan spot - (B) Mussels - suprisingly the sauce was excellent, but the mussels themselves had no flavor - odd - (C) Ravioli - (undercooked pasta is different than al dente) - (C+) Chicken Parm - meh - (A-) Molten cake was awesome Really wanted this to be a 4 or 5 star review, but Grotto will have to settle for 3 stars on this visit (return trip in order).
(3)Kiki P.
Grotto Restaurant has a cute authentic Italian ambiance. The restaurant is extremely small, probably holds about 40 guests or so. The food is average, but the service is lacking. They have a three course pre-fix for only $36 everyday. Even if the food is average, this is an excellent deal and great value! First and foremost, the restaurant is completely understaffed. They do not have a hostess. Therefore whenever new customers arrive, they stand awkwardly staring at everyone eating. It is actually quite comical to watch. If you end up eating here, take notice to this. The restaurant claims that since it is so tiny, they do not need to have a designated hostess. Unfortunately, this is no excuse. A simple solution would be to at least have a hostess stand to create a barrier between the waiting area and the dining area. There is only 1 server for the whole restaurant with 1-2 assistants. This server was clearly being overworked as he was dripping of sweat all night long. Apart from the above mentioned, the service is pretty good. For example, I told the server I was lactose intolerant and went through the entire menu with me listing what options I still had remaining. Therefore, if the restaurant had more staff members, the service would be much better. For starters, I have tried the arugula and prosciutto salad with lemon vinegarette and the grilled calamari salad with arugula and white beans. Both of these were pretty bland and nothing special. For dinner, I have tried the sweet potato ravioli with armaretti, sage and brown butter. This dish is tasty however drenched in butter and oil. Or course a dish is going to taste good when you use that much butter. I have also tried the lobster linguine. The tomato sauce in this dish is spicy and full of flavor. Dessert was my favorite part of the meal. The melting chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream is absolutely delicious. It tastes like a brownie fudge delight. Rich and satisfying indeed! I would recommend trying out grotto at least once, especially since the $36 pre-fix is an excellent deal!
(3)Josephine L.
Blink and you'll miss this wonderful, subterranean hole-in-the-wall restaurant with its cozy yet minimalist decor that makes you want to sit and chat with a bottle of wine for hours on end. My friend had the Chicken Parmigiana and I did the 3-course prix fixe for $35, starting with the Fra Diavolo. Both were insanely delicious. Huge portions, wonderfully cooked. Her chicken was meaty and juicy. My Fra Diavolo came with a generous helping of perfectly-buttered lobster, thick, fabulous spicy tomato sauce and chewy noodles. It's one of my favorite types of pasta (how can you go wrong with seafood and spicy sauce?) and Grotto's was fantastic! Also treated myself to a Bellini, the only cocktail they serve. It had all the peach puree-y goodness one expects from the classic cocktail, though at $10, it was a tad pricey for the amount. Service was consistently great, from the beginning where we were the first customers, to the end, when it got packed (on a Monday night!). This is the perfect date spot, friend spot, family spot....any spot! And the 3-course prix fixe, which allows you to choose from anything on their menu, is one of the best prix fixe deals around.
(4)Marci A.
Excellent food but unwelcoming service. Especially notable was the crab ravioli and the scallops. I will always return but hope for a different and less surly server.
(3)Bobby C.
It's nice that they have a nightly $35 prix fixe menu. Place is pretty small. Place gets really busy after seven. I was able to make reservations Saturday morning for dinner at 6:30PM. Service was above average. Appetizer: House prepared ricotta, Sausage, Peas, Mushrooms, Pancetta, Cream. It was good. I liked it better than my entree. Entree: House cut tagliatelle pasta, San Marzano tomatoes, Lamb, Pork, Beef. There were a variety of meats so it is a bit on the salty side. Portion was pretty decently sized. Dessert: Melting chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. It was good...a basic dessert. I wasn't crazy impressed by Grotto. Overall it was a good meal and ok value at best. Bonus points that they put a candle on my buddy's dessert since it was his birthday! A nice touch.
(3)Catherine D.
We started with the calamari, which was fine (maybe chewier than what I would have liked). I had the gnocci with slow-cooked short ribs and my manfriend had the duck. Both very good! The mood is both romantic and casual--great for friends and dates.
(4)Paloma M.
Best italian food I've ever experienced in my whole life. The pasta is perfectly homemade and the chicken was also amazing. It is pricey though! it's a perfect place to go when you're celebrating an anniversary or something like that cause it's very cozy and romantic. Worth your money! Totally loved it!!!
(5)Heather R.
Let me first tell you that our waitress, Miracelle was the best. She was always there when we needed her. All the staff were spot on. But Miracelle brought our desserts to the table with candles. (It was our anniversary.) the food was just as I remember. I had the mussels in lemon,wine,caper sauce , piccata style. I licked the bowl clean! Next the beef tender loin, cooked perfectly on a bed of creamy risotto and red wine sauce. So rich and filling, I had no room for dessert the warm chocolate molten cake w/ ice cream. All of this for $38, on there price fixe menu. I made reservations a week in advance with no problem. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Kristen M.
I have read through a few reviews on this site for Grotto. Anyone that gave this place less then 5 stars must be delusional. I was very weary of this restaurant because of the few bad reviews and it turns out they couldn't have been any more wrong! I ordered the crab ravioli for the first course it was perfectly delicious. My boyfriend had the cavatelle which was even better. For our secondi I ordered the gnocchi with short rib and he got the fra diavolo (lobster linguini). They were both tasty well portioned meals. We were so full we brought about half of each home. The dolci (desert) was simply TO DIE FOR. I would actually like to personally slap in the face the person who said the banana cake was like banana bread and "nothing special" it was UNREAL. Served warm topped with a huge scoop of caramel ice cream. We also had the chocolate cake which was melt in your mouth amazing ! so rich and so good I nearly jumped for joy after my first bite WOW. Our reservation was at 930 some would consider this late but It seemed the restaurant was beginning to clear out at this point which worked out. It is a very small close quartered restaurant but it is worth squishing next to a random to enjoy its incredible fare.
(5)Rath K.
There is not much more to add to what's already been said. You will have a great dinner here. For the price, it's a very nice value. Some Pros: -three course meal is a superb value for this level of food quality in Boston. - lobster dish (my go-to, amazing on all levels. There is just right amount of sauce and flavor and the lobster portion is generous) - steak and cheese fondue (nice tender flanks, and rich cheese flavor) - short rib gnocchi - flavorful meat and the gnocchi is not too pasty like in some places. It has the right amount of sauce. -One of the better Restaurant week restaurants, as they put their normal regular day dishes up for grabs. Most places limit their RW menu to a poor selection of items that they are not known for (cough..Evoo in Cambridge..cough) -Service is attentive enough that you don't have to ask for anything, but not to the point of being intrusive (IMO it's how service should be) Cons: Limited menu options(not really a con to regular patrons of this establishment), terrible parking options (street), limited seating, you have to play a game of hip maneuvering through the tight spaces around tables to get to the restroom. Try this restaurant at least once; you will not be disapppointed.
(5)Katie V.
This is an extremely romantic little spot in Beacon Hill. Great service, nice wine list. The decor and ambiance is spot-on; cozy, exposed brick, and only a handful of tables. The food was perhaps a little heavy for my taste, but for an indulgent evening out, it was worth it. The main course that I remember was a gnocchi dish that had duck in it....incredibly addictive but very rich. I would definitely come back here for another special occasion!
(4)Matt S.
Awkwardly small and can get crowded. Food was good, but didn't blow us away. Don't have much bad to say, but there's better Italian places out there. The service, for whole small it was, wasn't great.
(3)Daipan L.
Ambiance - Dimly lit, romantic. The space is cramped if you're seated in the middle, so try to sit near the walls. On busy nights, the noise level can be a bit loud. Food - The food was mostly excellent. I went with my girlfriend, and we both had the prix fixe meal. The mussels were nicely cooked in a delicious white sauce. I would say there is nothing special about the arugula salad...rather plain, with very little prosciutto and cheese thrown in. The gnocchi and short ribs my girlfriend got were unbelievably tasty. The meat was very forkable and well spiced. I had the risotto and beef tenderloin, which was fair. I think it would have been an excellent dish, but the meat came out well done (vs the medium rare that I ordered). The risotto was cooked al dente and nice and cheesy. Both of our desserts (bread pudding and chocolate cake) were top notch but very rich dishes, and we couldn't finish our portions. Value - The prix fixe meal was well worth the price, and came with an app, an entree, and a dessert. Portions were quite large and we didn't make it through the desserts. They had a fair wine menu, and we each got one with our meal. If you don't go with a large appetite, I suggest doing one prix fixe, an app and entree, and share the dessert. Service - The service we got here blew us away. I got a medium-well done steak when I ordered a medium-rare. The waitress immediately saw there was something wrong, and asked if they could make another one for me. After I initially declined, a second server came by and checked again, insisting he find out how long it would take to make a new one in the kitchen. I ultimately declined again because I didn't want to make my date wait to eat. Without asking, the waiter removed the entree and the wine from our check, which I appreciated. Overall, despite the snafu with the steak, I was very pleased by my experience, and would go again to give them another shot. My girlfriend's entire meal was excellent from start-to-finish, and they didn't miss by much on my meal. Its a great value, very cute space, and exceptional service.
(4)Garen A.
I have been here a couple of times. The first time was good, the second time was excellent. We loved the atmosphere, the dining room is great. The food was fantastic...very well prepared. We had Bolognese and Scallops...WOW, so good. A comment for patrons, I know it is a casual place, but shorts, flip flops, please put on a pair of big boy pants and some shoes. A comment for Grotto, please extend the wine list by a few bottles, and don't let the guy in who is wearing shorts and flip flops. Send him back to put some big boy pants on.
(4)Cheryl M.
Excellent food, but not really deserving of the 5 stars many people gave it. Certainly can't say it was the best meal I've ever eaten. The service is definitely slow, which is fine if you want to relax anyway. The garlic soup appetizer was excellent. I had asked if instead of desert I could get a salad and the girl just said NO. ok. But in the long run it was fine- the banana bread pudding is really really good. My crab ravioli was good but certainly not one of the most memorable meals I've had. I think it's just overrated a bit on yelp. I'd try other Italian places again before rushing back here.
(3)Amanda G.
Um... so good. I think I've been here twice - eh, three - times? Went for the magnificent (dreaded) Valentine's Day and really thankful we made a reservation so far in advance. It's a small place, it was full of couples and each table's designated about 1 1/12 hours for dinner. Leisurely, lovely, love. They have one of the best prix fixe options in Boston (I'd also put Ten Tables in this category). Any app, entree and dessert for $36 pp. Given there's lots of options, the food is stellar, and the servings are generous, that's a deal! We had the: -Garlic Soup -Grilled Calamari -Lobster Fra Diavolo -Beef Tenderloin -Banana Bread Pudding -Molten Chocolate Cake It's like everything gets better as you go along... having stalked Top Chefs I know that "specials" are sometimes the worst food on the menu. Grotto doesn't do specials - just consistent work on a variety of delicious, Italian inspired dishes. Highlights were definitely the garlic soup, lobster fra diavolo and desserts. I'm a dessert snob and these both were delicious (the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream was like french toast melting in your mouth). The garlic soup is yummy and not as "garlicky" as one might think. I also love that they bring you warm bread and olive oil to start. Why can't every restaurant bring out warm bread? Our waitress was great and made good recommendations, was attentive without being annoying. Bravo Grotto and thank you for a wonderful meal that didn't break the bank!
(5)Mike S.
This place has really great food. I don't usually like to pay top dollar for Italian food (Io sonno cucinano cibo Italiana), but this place is totally worth it. Come eary and expect to wait thought - it's small. It has a real nice NYC village feel though. Bon appetito!
(4)Susan G.
Food was awful. I thought I was going to get traditional Italian pasta and meatballs but I got pasta over-seasoned with thyme and rosemary. It tasted horrible. I couldn't eat my dish. My hubby got the bolognese and that wasn't much better. We also had the caprese salad which okay and the fonduta was excellent, actually. Dessert was pretty good too but we will never go back.
(1)South E.
I am a fan of Grotto, I like their food. Our favorites are their Meatball, Gnocchi, and Cavatelli. I would say it is a good place for a date or for take out. If you are looking for a group setting, Grotto is probably not your best choice. Also the lay is a bit nontraditional, be patient, they will come around and seat you.
(4)J B.
This may just be Boston's best kept secret...though after my dinner here last night I am beginning to think the secret's out. There's a reason this place is called "Grotto" --it's a tiny basement level restaurant, located in a somewhat off-the-beaten path area --cozy and 100% authentic Italian food --mostly Northern influenced but there's even a spaghetti and meatball dish for those who aren't quite as adventurous. The food is absolutely sublime --every dish is better than the next. Atmoshere is intimate and cozy --it's a great first date place or a perfect spot to bring your foodie pal..whatever the occasion, you'll probably always be assured of a great meal at this perfect spot.
(5)Shalynn H.
Came here after my cousin raved about it as her favorite restaurant in Boston. Pretty unique and cute place. Painted red ceilings/walls, chandelier, brick walls, little votive candles, hung up canvas paintings, all underground (which is probably where they got the name Grotto, meaning "cave"). A little too dark inside in my opinion, but adds to the mystery and romance of the place. FONDUTA - This was a good appetizer, but it wasn't too special and memorable as the fondue I've had were in the past elsewhere. TENDERLOIN - Well-prepared as steak should be, but again, nothing outstanding. The sauce and the risotto were tasty though. MELTING CHOCOLATE CAKE(?) - This was DELICIOUS. Warm chocolate gooey goodness inside a small chocolate cake, AND vanilla bean ice cream on the side. YUM YUM YUM. So...all in all, this place was decent, and unfortunately the dessert surpassed the entree in taste factor. It may be that my choices were off? Perhaps I should have ordered the pasta selections, as the rest of my party did? Anyway, I'd like to try this place again someday. Overall is was nice experience. Just the food wasn't as good as I expected.
(4)Lisa C.
YUM. everything we had was delicious and reasonable and the restaurant is absolutely adorable. between the three of us, we had the fondue, the spinach salad, the toasted buffalo mozzarella, the fra diavolo, and the short rib gnocchi and then the molten chocolate cake for dessert. everything was seriously SO good and a good value. service was friendly and the atmosphere was great for a dinner with friends.
(4)Nicole V.
Dined here for Restaurant Week and loved it! They had an extensive menu with many choices. For appetizers we ordered the Mare and Fonduta and enjoyed both. The Mare was grilled perfectly, which was pleasantly unexpected because it wasn't fried. The Fonduta cheese was to die for. Our main courses consisted of Fra Diovolo and Gnudi, both were delicious. The Fra Diovolo melted in my mouth and I loved the homemade linguini. Our desserts were Cioccolato and panna cotta. The winner was, hands down, the cioccolato. I could have used triple servings, not because we didn't receive enough, but because I didn't want it to end. The service was friendly and it was a warm atmosphere. Will absolutely eat here again.
(4)Theresa P.
This place is very cozy and kinda dark, but the food is amazing!!! They make great cocktails too!! I highly recommend doing the 3-course meal, it's a fantastic deal. You definitely need to make a reservation; otherwise, you may not get a seat. Going to the bathroom is kinda awkward because it's back between the kitchen and a back room where staff and supplies are, but with such a small space, I'm glad they even had one. :-)
(4)Lauren P.
A super-cute date spot with out of this world Italian! I love love the decor and ambiance with the exposed brick walls and intimate settings. Everything we ordered was fantastic - from the crab ravioli and hearty spaghetti and meatballs main to the chocolate cake dessert. Also my date loved the fact that every appetizer is $10 and every main $23 - not sure how feel about that but it sure makes the math easy :)
(4)Roseann C.
The boy and I ventured out on a nasty night for a romantic Valentine's eve dinner here. I have been wanting to try this place for some time; I was intrigued by the garlic soup and the $38 prix fixe 3-course menu. One minor hiccup was that they only have a beer/wine/cordials license (which, what else can you really expect in what is essentially a brownstone's basement). My sweetie is a finicky drinker (as well as eater), and he generally likes martinis on our nights out (usually lemon drops - don't judge - he butches it up by skipping the sugared rim). Anyhow, they do have a cocktail list including some spirits, and he planned to adapt by ordering a vanilla vodka and diet coke, but alas, they were out of the vanilla vodka. Which would also mean no espresso martinis. Oh, well. I got a prosecco with a splash of Campari to start and then a pinot noir with dinner. So, now to the food - they bring out the most amazing focaccia bread with very high quality olive oil with a few olives scattered in it. Yum! We both ordered the garlic soup which was kickier than I thought, but so very tasty, and last night was a perfect soup night. I need to figure out how to make this stuff! It was that good. I got the ricotta gnudi with mushrooms and spinach which literally melted in my mouth. As did the boyfriend's short ribs which came with very nicely prepared gnocchi. The portions were a good size - I was only able to eat half of each of my courses, including dessert, which for me was the mixed berries with zabaglione. The zabaglione was quite light and the dessert, tasty overall. It paired well with my tawny port. My sweetie enjoyed the biscotti and finally, some booze! Frangelico, neat. We left there full and satisfied and pleased with the quality of the food. The atmosphere is dimly lit with eclectic chandeliers, red-tinged, and romantic, with Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday playing, which I loved. It's small, so the tables are tight, and I could see that there are some tables better/worse than others. I thank the Lord no one was seated at the table on one side of us because I'm pretty sure I would have had to literally put my ass on their table to get out of my seat, and I'm not exactly huge. I don't think I'd enjoy it in there as much if every table were filled, but found it cozy. When we return, I will definitely request the table in the inner corner, and I hope to try the fonduta and maybe the spaghetti, which looked amazing. I was checking out the other diner's dishes and had food envy, they all looked so wonderful. We loved it, and felt as though we found a secret hideaway, with wonderful food and service. We will go back.
(4)Dan R.
My wife and I ate here last night for our anniversary.....we started with the mussels and fonduta...we got extra bread to sop up the cheese and broth from both dishes...then onto the entrées- short ribs gnocchi and tenderloin and risotto, followed with the lemon panacotta and chocolate cake....everything was delicious and the waitstaff were very attentative....this was our second time here and we will most certainly be back!
(5)Edith K.
I went for lunch and the place overwhelmed me. It is definitely small and "intimate" but a little too intimate, I felt as though the next table over was a part of the group I was dining with. It was dimly lit and loud (but only because everyone wassitting so closely, not loud music or kitchen noises by any means). It is also in a basement so you could easily walk past it. The food was good, no complaints, it was not really memorable but I was still content with what I had.
(3)Alyssa T.
Grotto was everything I hoped it would be, and my expectations were pretty high. We had 8:30 reservations on a Friday night and were seated immediately when we arrived. There isn't really any space to wait in, so I'd suggest not getting here more than a couple of minutes early if you can swing it. I passed off all wine-choosing responsibilities to my dining companion, so I can't speak to the quality of the list as a whole, but we ordered a very nice Pinot Noir and the servers seemed to know exactly when to come back and refill our glasses and when to let us handle it ourselves. The service overall was a continuation of this, very attentive but not intrusive at all, and although we ended up being the last two in the restaurant as the staff tried to close down we never felt rushed and decided to make our exit before wearing out our welcome entirely. We started with the Pan Toasted Buffalo Mozzarella and the Arugula & Prosciutto salad. Both came in surprisingly large portions which we put a serious effort into, but were unable to finish. We both commented that they may have had a bit too much vinaigrette, but stopped short of being seriously over-dressed and were very enjoyable. We didn't end up touching the complimentary bread, but it was brought out fairly quickly and looked fresh! For our entrees we went with the Gnocchi with Short Ribs and the Diver Scallops with "Ravioli". Both of these dishes were absolutely amazing! I can count on one hand the number of times in the past year that I've eaten red meat, but I'm happy to have made an exception to try a few bites of the short ribs - it actually seemed to melt in your mouth. The scallops were also perfectly cooked and came with a delicious assortment of leeks, greens, and wild mushrooms between two sheets of homemade pasta to form a "ravioli" (the use of quotes around the word on the menu makes more sense once you actually see it). While we were pretty stuffed at this point, we decided to order a couple of desserts to try anyway - especially after seeing an entire table of four order the banana bread pudding. A few short minutes later the Lemon Panna Cotta and Banana Bread Pudding came out and we dove in. I'd have to say that this was my least favorite course, but I think it comes down more to my personal preference than any actual difference in quality. The panna cotta was very good, and we agreed that while the bread pudding itself was very tasty the caramel ice cream could have used a dash of salt as it came across slightly bitter when eaten alone. I would absolutely recommend Grotto to anyone looking for a romantic and cozy date restaurant. While the space is small and jam-packed with tables, it didn't feel crowded, and until the couple next to us bumped into their table while leaving we didn't even really notice the other diners right next to us. I wouldn't suggest coming here with a larger group, as it seems that anything beyond 4 might be difficult to accommodate.
(5)Lala I.
this restaurant is pretty small and cramped, but somewhat comfortable. very dark that i had to use my cellphone light to read the menu. pretty good and speedy service that i dont usually experience at small restaurants like this. we had mussels, ricotta with sausage, potato gnocchi with short ribs, lobster fra diavolo, melting chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, and trio of ice creams.
(4)Yvonne Y.
This place is seriously a hidden germ. I almost wanted to give this review a 1-star solely because selfishly I want them to stay hidden from everyone else! I'll admit - I have some high maintenance taste buds. And never ever in my entire life I've ever been to a restaurant where I want to try EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM on the menu. Not kidding. Everything they offer on their menu, I want it to be in my belly at some point in my life. The fonduta was in-credible!! The perfectly cooked steak tips and the nicely roasted balsamic portobello mushrooms go (dip) perfectly into the cheese. (did I say perfect again?) The garlic soup was surprisingly good - definitely not garlic-y like it sounds. The beef tenderloin risotto was cooked just right - soft and tender, just melt in your mouth. One thing that I did not like was the duck. It seems like everyone rave about it, but I think it's overrated and executed poorly. The prosciutto wrapped duck breast with apples, the crispy leg with cherries and the potato au gratin all came together in one dish - nothing ties the 3 things together, all 3 very distinct separate flavors. Crispy leg was phenomenal while the prosciutto wrapped breast was overly salty. Potato was okay - I'm not a potato fan, so I can't really judge on that one. Although I didn't like the duck, I still think this place deserves a 5-star with everything else! I really like that they "streamline" the price of their dishes - easy and simple. All Primi are $10 each, all Secondi are $21 each, and all Dolce are $9 each. Mix and match whatever you like, and if you're in the mood for all three courses, then it's $36. Prix fixe is offered every single night. They have a solid wine list and they offer quartinos. The server was very knowledgeable and gave us very good recommendations. This place is cozy, intimate, and has a hole in the wall feel that makes it very special. I can't wait to come back to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Kelly O.
4.5 stars. The best Italian outside of the North End. Maybe even including the North End. I've been here a handful of times, mostly during RW, and it's all been stellar; the crab ravioli is one of my favorites, and the brownie sundae is also ridiculously good. Prices are fantastic; you can get a 3 course meal every night for $32 (note: portions are very large and you will be ridiculously stuffed), and their lunch offers a lot of their dinner menu so you can check them out that way and save $. I dig the grotto-eqsue atmosphere, but that also means it's tiny and if you don't make a reservation you may wait a looooong time (and there's nowhere to wait really, except on the street maybe). These owners also own the Marliave, and if you get on their mailing list you'll get all kinds of deal announcements and such (highly recommended). Definitely a hidden jewel in the bowels of the state house/MGH area.
(4)Stephanie H.
Went here for Mother's Day Brunch and plan on going back for dinner at some point. Food was great, service was awesome and attentive and prices were reasonable. It's kind of dark being in the basement of the building and tight on space. One bathroom for everyone- where you have to go what feels like through the kitchen to get there. Overall a great experience.
(5)Jennifer N.
We went to Grotto for birthday dinner.. literally in the basement of a brownstone, but super cool atmosphere once you make it in. I loved all the maintained brick, and they gave us a nice table in the corner. First of all - Grotto ALWAYS has a $34/price fixe. Amazing. Started with the Mista Salad and the Fonduta. Loved the salad, and the fonduta was good- and very filling! When is beef dipped in cheese not good? Main courses- Spaghetti and Meatballs and the Bolognese. Spaghetti was good- sauce is a bit surprising as it has a little spice. Delicious meatballs- I could have eaten more than the four they gave! Bolognese was okay, a little too creamy for us. I had the three ice creams for dessert (chocolate, vanilla, and caramel). The caramel portion was much larger than the other two.. but they were all good. Also had the chocolate lava cake, and loved it! Definitely a good place, and for the price, it's a great night out.
(4)Christina F.
I hosted a dinner before my cousin's bachelorette party here recently for 13 women. As small as this restaurant is, it was the perfect place for a large group. The manager and staff couldn't have been more accomodating, and the food was great. I couldn't have asked for a better all around experience, and everyone had a great time. Thank you to Grotto for making the evening so special!
(5)Alyson C.
I had a decent meal here, but it wasn't good enough to make me come running back soon to this dark, cramped, basement restaurant. We sat down after waiting a few minutes for a table to be cleared, then waited a good while for the server to come over to take our drink order. By that time, we had already picked out our three courses, and had witnessed a nearby table freak out because a large bug dropped from the ceiling onto their table. (I have bugs in my basement too, but seriously?) First course consisted of grilled calamari and the Cavatelli. The Cavatelli was delicious, calamari was so-so. Second course was the Bolognese and the filet. Bolognese was the winner, although the filet itself was delicious. I was hoping for more flavor in the risotto, which tasted bland and flavorless. For dessert we ordered the melting chocolate cake and the banana bread pudding. The melting chocolate cake was just that; nothing spectacular, even for a chocolate lover like me. The banana bread pudding was very good, but the walnuts were raw and lacking spice, and the caramel ice cream tasted like the caramel in the base had burned before it was churned and was lacking salt. The waitstaff was extremely polite and very on top of things once we placed our order. Food came out of the kitchen at a really good pace. I was very impressed with the amount of care and attention the waitstaff paid to the diners. Whenever a customer was trying to navigate the very cramped dining room, they immediately cleared a path and stopped what they were doing to let them pass. It was obvious that their focus was on hospitality, and I appreciate that greatly these days, as it's lacking in so many businesses. Three stars based on the care of the waitstaff. I understand that reviewing restaurants during Restaurant Week isn't entirely fair, which is why I'm going to give it another chance... in the distant future. Otherwise, I wouldn't come running back any time soon, but I haven't totally blacklisted Grotto.
(3)Nino P.
Had an enjoyable dinner here. My girlfriend started with the calamari appetizer which she found to be a bit on the chewy side, but still tasty. I enjoyed the fontina cheese fondue, Beef tenderloin, Aged balsamic, Truffle oil, portobello mushrooms. The fontina cheese was so good that I started breaking up pieces of the Italian bread and chucking them in the fondue pot when no one was looking, shhhh. The bread became these yummy little morsels of bread covered in this delicious, gooey, warm fontina cheese. The tenderloin tips were very good as was the portobello. For dinner my lady-friend went wild and was in heaven eating her apple-stuffed duck (l'anatra) breast, crispy leg, prosciutto, Dried cherries, Parmesan potatoes, Black truffle, Madeira. I tasted the duck breast and I have to say it was a bit on the salty side for me, but was still enjoyable. I never usually order pasta out, but I like pasta Alla Bolognese and decided to order the homemade tagliatelle pasta with lamb, pork and beef. I really enjoyed the homemade pasta which I haven't had in years. The best part of the whole trip was the next day when we saw the Yanks beat the Sawcks in a 15-9 comeback victory!
(3)Calissa T.
Everything was delicious, and servings were generous! Love the cozy atmosphere here. Perfect for a date!
(5)Graceypoo M.
My new roommate recommended this place to me. Came here on a Sunday night for Restaurant Week with a friend. The server was very accommodating and sweet since half of our party flaked. Oh well, their loss. You pretty much go down to this brick basement (ohh! that's why it's called "grotto"), with just enough atmosphere lighting... the wall my friend and I sat next to was lined with all types of bottled wine. Ahh to try them all. The food was amazing. Caprese salad was so fresh! The fondutta (fontina cheese fondue with truffle oil... and cuts of ever-so-tender beef that yields no resistance to bite and portobello mushrooms) was ridiculous. My friend had the crab ravioli. When she was done, it looked like she licked the plate. I had the "Antra" which was the "Apple stuffed duck breast, Crispy leg, Prosciutto, Dried cherries, Potato gratin, Black truffle aioli, Madeira" I had to stop at times to look at my food in disbelief... the flavors were just deliciously miraculous. Every bite was perfection. For dessert, my friend had the chocolate cake---that was excellent chocolate cake! I had the panna cotta, which was light and refreshing. Everything was just on point--service and food were impeccable. UPDATE: Went here on 11.11.11 with some friends from California... I had the scallop "ravioli" with wild mushrooms (delicious!!!!) and was able to snag some potato gnocchi with the braised short ribs and mushroom dish that my friend had---phenomenal! Check out the website---they now have the $35 three-course prix fixe deal that they typically offer during Restaurant Week during any other day of the year! =8)
(5)Lori H.
Not a huge menu but somethig tells me everything on it would be excellent, everything I got certainly was. Great wait staff and my waitress was ready with gluten free options for me without too much fuss, which is what I usually get when I ask for gf options. It was a really cold night so I found it a bit chilly near the window but our waitress promptly moved us to a seat away from the breezy brick wall/ basement window. I would definitely return as it was a great romantic spot and close to home.
(4)Sean M.
Grotto is one of the most sure fire great time restaurants in Boston. The three course for $33 deal that they have year round, beats almost every Restaurant Week menu around. I have recommended this place to buddies for a date night to impress, and have gone there with my family for nice dinner together, and it always exceeds expectations. Last Friday we went as a group of six, and ran a few minutes late. They accommodated us even though they were busy, right away. The appetizers at are table ranged from salad and bruchetta to grilled calamari and steak tips fondue. The forks passed around the table as everyone was sure they had the best plate on the table. Entrees: I personally had duck wrapped in pancetta, and recommend this highly. I also got to try the short ribs and gnochi which was great, and the risotto was amazing. desert: MOLTEN CAKE, every review mentions it, don't skip it. Wine and beer are very reasonable, the service is fantastic, and the ambiance is great. MAKE SURE TO CHECK IT OUT.
(5)Meg B.
My lady friends and I decided to carpe diem with Restaurant week at Grotto. I had never really gone to restaurants ini this area so I had fun exploring on my walk there. Grotto is absolutely adorable and a very romantic environment with beautiful decor. Since I had already gone past my limit with eating pancakes for brunch and still felt full I passed on the pasta. I got a lovely salad that had the goat cheese stuffed figs with prosciutto wrapped around them. I've fallen in love with goat cheese so it was hard for me to resist. When it came to dessert I got the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream. Delish! And since my friends did invest in the beautiful pasta dishes they were too full for dessert. I took a bite of one of their molten chocolate lava cake...and let's just say she didn't get it back. Probobly the best I have ever had. And I usually don't like cake.
(4)Lindsay D.
Delicious, affordable, and romantic! This is a wonderful spot for a cozy night out. The prix fixe menu has to be one of the best deals in Boston. Try the cavatelle! You also can't go wrong with the garlic soup but you might want to skip that if you're on a hot date...
(5)Tom D.
Came in for lunch: sweet potato ravioli appetizer - 3 large ravioli for the appetizer order, very tasty, wish there was more filling in the ravioli though the gnocchi with sirloin- WOW fantastic. I highly recommend that if you stop in! service was prompt and friendly, all around a good experience and I'll be back.
(5)Di B.
The service was excellent..especially it being resturant week. - Everything was done in a timely, courteous manner. The multitasking young man who sat us, constantly refilled our water, gave us more bread, packaged up our leftovers.. was awesome I highly, highly recommend the Fontina. Beef Tenderloin, Portabello Fondue for an appetizer. It was excellent! My friend and I split it, along with the calamari. The scallops were excellent as well. A great portion size. For clarification the "ravioli" in the menu description is two large flat ravioli-esque pieces of pasta that lie above and below the scallops. We split the chocolate cake, which was so yummy and decadent (a must to get)..and the panna cotta. The two of us had never had panna cotta before so we did not know what to expect/were so infatuated with the chocolate cake that we didn't really care for it. All in all.. Wonderful place! Deserving of 5 stars! I will be back.
(5)Huong P.
I usually don't like to dish out the five stars unless it was the most divine gastronomical experience I have ever had, but looking at the face of a beloved, and dear old friend of mine who I had the pleasure to dine with spoke more words to me than I could have imagined. As an Italian woman who was brought up by her mother's fabulous cooking, my friend knew when something was sublime, and that garlic soup she ordered simply was. Although she doesn't like to share, for the sake of my birthday meal, she allowed me a sip. Savoring that bit of soup was a truly enjoyable experience. The complexity of the flavor left me wanting more, though that was the end of my whirling experience. Check it out if you're not worried about garlic breath. As a petite person, I can only eat so much, but when the plate of potato gnocchi with short ribs and mushrooms came into view, I knew nothing else but the food that kept disappearing in front of my eyes. The gnocchi pillowy, the ribs melt-in-your-mouth, and the mushrooms as you would have it, I loved every bite of it. Would I eat it again? Sure. Would I order it again? No, but that is only because I want to try every other dish out there! The fiver, however, was seeing my special old lady pal grinning like there is no tomorrow and raving how the soup was something she once had at a Four Seasons long ago that she could never forget. We were left with a business card so she can call and get a take out one day. I left full and moreover pleased that she was pleased.
(5)Laura C.
I really liked this place. I came here for my birthday dinner because I was looking to try a place I hadn't been before. They were accommodating with my reservation and table request. I enjoyed the ambiance- I really liked the dark basement setting and I thought the chandeliers were cute. We of course ordered from the prix fixe menu, which turned out to be a perfect amount of food for all of us. Between the four people in my party, we tried the following: Fondue with tenderloin tips and portabella: Delicious! The fondue had a nice rustic, creamy taste to it. The tips were well cooked and very tender. The mushrooms were fantastic. Zuppa (garlic soup): Delicious... couldn't get enough of it. Nice flavor. Calamari: Also delicious- I personally do not like calamari but my friend really enjoyed it. He said the flavors were great and the texture was good. Spaghetti: Delicious! The sauce had a nice flavor and the meatballs were fluffy and tasted kind of smoky. I of course cleaned my plate. Carne (tenderloin with risotto and asparagus) I was told the meat was tender and cooked perfectly, and the risotto was creamy with nice flavors. Fra Diavolo: Lobster poached in butter? Yum. My boyfriend cleaned his plate. I wanted to steal some. Sweet potato ravioli: Delicious, I hear! Unfortunately I did not try it. Panna Cotta: To die for. This was creamy and just slightly tart. I could have eaten 5 of them! The food was awesome. I think my party thought that they would leave hungry, because the portions are smaller than the giant portions restaurants normally serve, but we were all stuffed when we left. The price was very reasonable considering the quality of food that we received. Our waitress was helpful but not intrusive. The service was quick, and we didn't sit around waiting for our check (my personal pet peeve). Overall I really enjoyed my birthday dinner here, and I hope to return soon!
(4)Myha N.
Orgasmic. That's my one word to describe the incredible flavors I tasted when I first tried Grotto. I went for Restaurant Week and typically you have to understand that it's a promo event and service/food may not always be up to par depending on how busy they are. I was lucky to have read that their Restaurant Week menu ran the whole month of August versus the two weeks most restaurants have it for. So happy I made the reservation! My favorite restaurant now! It's a very cute small place. Reminded me of Wine Cellar if you've been. Seats about 40 people and the ambiance is very romantic. They take reservations online if you plan on trying it out during a busy weekend or time. Loved the atmosphere. Ok. I read reviews before coming and I'm estatic I did. Thanks Yelpers for making me a lover of this restaurant. The bf and I decided to go with the following: Apps -Grotto's garlic soup, Black truffle, Parmesan, Toasted bread crumbs -Fontina cheese fondue, Beef tenderloin, Aged balsamic, Truffle oil, Portobello mushrooms (meat cooked medium rare and cooked to perfection!) Entree -Butter poached Lobster,Linguine, Spicy Tomato sauce -Grilled beef tenderloin, Reggiano risotto, Asparagus, Red wine (meat cooked medium rare and cooked to perfection!) Dessert -Melting chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream -Banana bread pudding, Caramel sauce, Caramel ice cream, Spice nuts I remember reading a review where a yelper said she wanted to lick the bowl. I didn't believe it until I had it. I'm hoping to come back this week to just get the soup! Delicious! Portions were quite large. Surprisingly the bf was full off of his meal and that's rare. The cheese fondue wasn't overwhelming which was something we were worried about. I love cheese but it didn't sound that great in the description. Definitely delicious and worth getting! The entrees were great. The lobster was sweet and perfect. I thought the portion of pasta to lobster was fine but someone else mentioned it wasn't enough. We're not at Maggianos so don't expect it to be overflowing. I didn't taste the spice but then again I eat thai chili peppers like people eat ketchup. lol. The beef tenderloin was perfectly cooked and soft. Risotto was cooked well and I normally don't like red wine sauce but it paired up together very well. For the dessert, the portion was really for 2 on the chocolate cake. It was a large piece and we were only able to finish half. They both were yummy so it really depends on what you're into. I love chocolate but I do love cinnamon and the bread pudding definitely was my favorite of the two. Parking in the area is difficult. We were able to park by Government Center and walk over which wasn't far. It's residential parking by the restaurant so I'd park on the main road. You don't have to dress up but it's such a nice place that I'm glad I was a bit dressed up.
(5)L B.
Loved Grotto. Five stars! I'm a foodie in that, a) I like food, and b) I like to try new places. I don't always "know all" about food, but I like to experiment. My fiance and I went to Grotto last Friday for a special occasion. Around 4pm he was able to score a 6:30pm reservation - I think we got lucky on that one. It is small, very small, and I'm guessing reservations are the way to go for this place. Food was pretty amazing. Beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad was delicious. The scallops, for me, were just the slightest littlest bit undercooked (supposed to be that way, I think) but the over dish was great, and the panna cotta - OMG - best desert I've ever had. I rarely order desert and I was pleasantly surprised. Service was fun, staff seemed very knowledgeable about their menu, and they were very pleasant. The bottle of wine we had was pretty amazing, too. Overall it was the perfect night out for a nice dinner. I highly highly recommend to all...
(5)Megan L.
Dinner here with the illustrious Katie D! I had been dying to try Grotto for a very long while, and finally, the day came. Grotto is tiny and dark with the friendliest staff ever. Our server was on the ball, took our drink orders quickly and made a perfect wine recommendation. We got the prixe fixe menu and I ordered the garlic soup, gnocchi with mushrooms and shortrib, and the chocolate cake. Katie D. ordered the same except she got the lemon panna cotta, with the idea that we'd share dessert. I would crawl over broken glass for this soup. It was glorious and we practically licked our bowls. The gnocchi was nice too, light and airy with a great sauce. Something about the flavor of the shortribs put me off so I skipped that and just concentrated on the gnocchi. We both started getting full pretty fast after this dish arrived. Both desserts were just okay, but really, you're not going to Grotto for dessert. Service was overall good. We sat waiting for our plates to be cleared for a long time, and when our waitress came back it turned out she had hurt herself and was getting her finger splinted. So we went from annoyed to awwww. The only drawback here is the location, and that's only if you have a car. Parking is a huge pain in the ass and I ended up having to valet my car in the garage on Somerset St. I arrived windblown, freezing and with a red runny nose, while my dining companion looked fresh as a daisy, having just gotten out of a cab. So if you live and/or work in the city, A+. If you don't, get ready for a huge ordeal. Overall, this was a great experience, and I'll definitely be back, especially for the soup!
(4)Jessica S.
Atmosphere and staff are nice. My friend and I both agreed the food was just ok and kinda wish we had gone somewhere else. Too pricey to not love the food
(3)Benoit T.
Went for lunch with 4 people. We were nearly the only people in the restaurant which was nice. The jazzy music was at a good level and enjoyable. The description of the lunch dishes sounded good but the actual dishes were a little bit disappointing. I had the manzo which is a sandwich with tenderloin, greens and horseraddish mayo. The greens (arugula) were sad looking and I did not taste the horseraddish. Other dishes were similarly average. The service was poor as we had to deal with the clumsiness of our sick waiter. Having a waiter sniff around you is not the most pleasant environment to enjoy a meal. I barely avoided the spilled ketchup on the table. The lunch menu is reasonably priced and I would go back if I was in the area.
(3)Brian D.
Been here a couple times, both decent experiences. Make a reservation, as the place is cramped and tight as others have mentioned. Like so tight that you might as well introduce yourself to the table next to you as you will soon be able to make conversation with them. Gnocchi short ribs are crazy good. These possibly are one of the better dishes I've had here in the city. Love them. Only given it a 3 star review as last time I went, the dining room filled with smoke from the kitchen. It was literally as if the place turned into a smoking lounge. I remember asking our waiter to check things out, but she was clueless. We were able to ask them to crack the door to alleviate some of the smoke, so that helped. Overall, good place to take a date, as it is cozy and the food is good. You'll impress your date by taking care of the bill at the end of the night too.
(3)Christina G.
I went to Grotto a little while back, and it was fantastic. It's definitely a hidden gem since it's location is easy to miss. The website photos that make the place look like some scary cave do not do the place justice. Its small, but actually quite romantic and nice. Service was nothing special, but the food was. We had the nightly fixe, which was a pretty good deal for everything we got, though still a little pricey considering we didn't even have wine. Here were some of the more memorable items we ordered: Fontina Cheese Fondue Pan toasted buffalo mozzarella Grilled Pork Chop Banana Bread Pudding ( dessert ) Also, the bread they give you when you sit down,was delicious, and as usual they always get me with the olive oil and assorted olives, delish. We left really happy and extremely stuffed. Will definitely return.
(4)Jeff G.
The meal was simply bliss...I dont know how else to put it. Best meal of 2011 thus far. Lets start from the beginning. Bread: Interesting alternative to put out a cornbread type bread with olive oil that i found delicious and unique for an italian place Water: Comes by the bottle, and they put it on your table, nice touch Apps: I ordered the pan seared buff mozzarella and it was such a great mix of flavors and textures. The mozzarella was like a soft cheese pancake and had fluffy texture, mixed with the saltyness from the mixed greens and olive oil. Deff fan favorite Main Course: Gnocchi with short ribs was delightful even though not a huge fan of Gorgonzola. The ribs were perfectly tender and delicious, the gnocchi was light and fluffy but not much potato to them, Dessert- Chocolate cake heaven, rich flavor from the ganache and the ice cream seemed handmade and fresh. Very hott, fudgy gooey goodness. Best part is that the price fixe is only 2$ more than restaurant week HA
(5)Molly J.
The food was good. But since the place is in the basement, the air was full of smoke. We went out with smell all over our clothes and we didn't like that. They are famous for their prix fix menu for $37 including starter, main, and desert.
(3)Jasyn L.
Went to grotto for New Year's Eve. It was small and intimate, cozy and chic- understated elegance with a tad of 90's. The food was delicious and for a 38.00 prixe fixe -if you chose to do so-the portions are large! The food was amazing but not very selective for gluten free or vegetarians. Mostly pasta dishes. Chocolate cake dessert was amazing, melts in your mouth. Definitely worth going to!
(4)C F.
food was italian and good!
(3)Nancy K.
Cozy spot with excellent service and food. You will need a reservation. it is off the beaten path, but centrally located with parking close by.
(4)Stephen G.
We were lucky enough to get a last-minute reservation on a Saturday evening... and boy was it worth the effort! On vacation we happened to walk past Grotto's unassuming storefront during our first day of exploration. It looked interesting so we read up on the place when we got back to our hotel. Pretty positive reviews all round so we felt as though it was serendipity to chance across it. It's everything everybody else has said, and more besides. Fantastic value for money at 3 courses for less than $35 a head on a wonderfully eclectic prix fixe menu. It's a "foodie's delight" without being too pompous or up itself and the food is terrific with professional service to match. One complaint: It really is a 'grotto-esque' environment in the small basement of a row house and as such - and because the dining area shares the space with the kitchen - it is FAR too uncomfortably hot down there. Fix the air con somehow and this would easily represent '5 star with honors' status from every Yelper.
(4)Tucker C.
Fantastic. Great cozy atmosphere, very good food. Had dinner with a client, perfect atmosphere reasonable prices. Staff was very good and provided great reccomedstions.
(5)Gabby T.
When my boyfriend and I want to go into Boston for a nice but not over expensive dinner, this is where we go. The 35 dollar prix fixe menu is definitely a bang for your buck. Compared to the places you have to pay 50 dollars for the same, I believe it's just as good. My boyfriend is a huge fan on their steak and risotto and has ordered every time we have gone. It's also delicious as ever. I have tried a few of the entrees. My favorite is the gnocchi. This is a cozy, romantic place to go to in Boston.
(4)B H.
Like eating in a grotto, this small family type restaurant has really good food, a great wine list and terrific servers. A little off the beaten path from the financial district, but worth a short walk or ride.
(4)Joanna F.
I popped into Grotto for restaurant week with my boyfriend last night. Descending into the basement, I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the wall lined with wine bottles. A perfect date atmosphere. I was ravenous. The bread with olive oil that came out before was soft and sweet... absolutely wonderful. I ordered the fonduta for the first course and it was mouth watering. A hearty portion of fontina fondue with beef tenderloin and portabello for dipping. I thought I didn't like portabello mushrooms, but I guess everythign is succulent dipped in cheese. My boyfriend got the pasta choice, and I took a nibble... Amazing! And it was basically a full plate of pasta! The second course, however, was more disappointing. I got the crab ravioli with asparagus and almonds... it was really bland. The crabmeat was good and bountiful, but the flavor just wasn't there. I actually had to add salt, which I never do to any dish. My boyfriend got the short ribs with gnocchi. I guess I don't like short ribs, because it kind of tasted like dog food to me... but he liked it. The third course was the melting chocolate cake. This was absolutely rich and delicious with vanilla ice cream on the side. It was so chocolatey which may be overwhelming to someone that is not a huge chocolate fan. I am so I thought it was amazing. I will definitely be back to try a different entree. Great experience!
(4)Joseph D.
Ok, seriously... GET OFF YOUR ASS and go eat here. No seriously, now, finish reading the review later. First impression... this place is in a basement, I'm a tall guy and walking down the exterior steps to the front door, had to duck to make it in. Very small intimate dining room, lots of exposed pipes on the ceiling.. very much like a basement, but it's cool, it works... its divey/chic. Got a table and our server was over in no time to take our drink orders. Ordered a delicious beer that I cannot remember the name of, but it doesn't matter. Another server brought over some bread with olive oil... very tasty, has a nice buttery seasoning on top. Ordered the cavatelli appetizer.. cream sauce, crumbled sausage, mushrooms, peas, pancetta.... fresh made pasta... amazing. It was simple, and rich, and unxious and delicious. Used every scrap of bread to savor every drop of sauce. ORDER THIS. For dinner got the braised short rib with gnocchi, mushrooms and gorgonzola... again... perfection. House made gnocchi that were light as clouds, rich demi glace sauce, earthy and sharp chunks of gorgonzola and chunks of short rib that fell apart apon contact with my fork. Amazing. Did not get desert, too full... but will return again soon. All in all, what great Italian should be. Simple dishes with few ingredients done to perfection. The Chef allowed each part of each dish to shine through, perfectly balanced. Matched with super friendly servers and a great vibe, this place did a Great job.
(5)Karen F.
I'm a high-maintenance health nut who doesn't eat dairy, so Italian restaurants are always an adventure. BF's birthday was a couple days ago so we came here for dinner. Went at around 7pm and it wasn't crowded (well, it was a Tuesday), and the server was incredibly helpful with helping me figure out something dairy-free to eat. Ended up getting the salad with grilled calamari and beef tenderloin (medium rare) w/ sauteed spinach instead of risotto. Food was good; I can't say it's the most amazing food ever but the restaurant is really cute. Definitely a good location for a date. (:
(4)John B.
About 9 months ago I fell upon Grotto. What caught my eye was the tenderloin. I had to order spinach along with the dish instead of the risotto due to my milk allergy. But my meal was cooked to perfection. The service was amazing. My server Duston was very attentive. After my first visit I started comming in more frequently. The entire staff started treating me as a regular. They predicted which kind of wine and which dish I'm going to order. And the general manager, Matt is very attentive to his guests aswell. As of now, I come to Grotto every friday. But on this Christmas Eve i came for the feast of seven fishes. One of the staff, marisel notices the candel on my table was out. She has been my server quite a fer times in the past, but i never expected this kind of service, no matter how many times i have dined here. She came back to my table with a lit, floating candle, which took my breath away. I guess what i'm trying to say is I highly recommend stopping by grotto any chance you visit boston. Hands down I HIGHLY recommend it.
(5)Shari J.
Came here for restaurant week with the little bro. Kinda silly to come here during restaurant week, as their normal fixed price dinner is basically the same price, but lil bro needed his gnocchi, so I happily obliged. I started with the mixed greens salad, which was average, and eyed my dining partner's mozzarella. My sad faces finally got me a taste, and while it was delicious, I don't think I could have eaten any more than one bite--so rich! Got the chicken parm entree. I liked that the cheese was inside the chicken, just bubbly awesomeness. The ziti was one strand of ziti around the chicken. Fancy schmancy? Nah, kinda lame actually. I just wanted some legit pasta, not a cute little plating trick. At the server's recommendation, we both went with the melting chocolate cake. Jackpot! 100% nom delight!! All in all, a damned good meal and great value.
(4)Amber G.
Oh, yeah....this place never fails to deliver, which is impressive when you've been to the same restaurant as many times as we've been to Grotto. Usually my husband and I joke about the 3rd time NOT being a charm when we visit restaurants, but Grotto has upheld beyond the 3rd visit. The restaurant is very unassuming from the outside, and when driving to it for the first time, if you blink you might miss it! It is in a subterranean location in the basement of a brownstone right in the shadow of the State House on a street with no other restaurants (at least that I can ascertain). Parking can be a bit of a bear, and there is no valet, so don't if you are wearing your "Valet Heals" make sure your date drops you off at the door. The interior is so romantical, teeny tiny and painted red. I'm not sure how many actual tables they have, but it's not a lot, which helps add to the intimate vibe. It's also a cozy atmosphere, which lends to great conversation amongst friends, and helps with my favorite part of the meal - sharing of the food!! The food is Italian and is incredible. This isn't red checkered tablecloth Italian, it is rich, sophisticated, decadent Italian that those red checked tablecloth places can only dream of being. For starters, the steak and mushroom fondue is something that you dream about long after your visit, and the house prepared ricotta makes you wonder why you ever buy the stuff at the store. And as for entrees, although I have yet to have a bad meal there, but there are definite highlights that we revisit time and again. Topping the list is the gnocchi with the short rib, usually the OMG moment of the night. The crab ravioli is more delicate, but no less delicious that the hearty gnocchi dish. The tagliatelle dish is everything you would expect from homemade pasta with an out of this world meat sauce. And if you want meat with your sauce, not in it, then the meatballs are the way to go. They are delicious, but a bit more special than when you make them at home, plus the fact that you don't have to take the time to make them assists in the specialness of the dish. And to top off the meal, the melting chocolate cake is IT. I know that molten cakes are passe now and have been overused and abused in the restaurant scene, but this mouthful of heaven reminds you of how good it can be, AND that it's worth it to save room for dessert!
(5)Eleanor C.
This place is amazing! All of the food was perfect and the service was excellent! It's the perfect date spot. My only complaint would be that they didnt serve non-alcoholic beer. Most places these days have at least one option on their menu. But thats not really a complaint and definitely not a deal breaker. I will be back for sure!
(5)Ina C.
As Best of Boston's most romantic restaurant (affordable) in 2008, the fiance and I were listing the things that could have earned Grotto that title. Start with the steep steps that lead down to the main entrance where you're greeted with a black and deep red interior, candlelight and chandeliers -- You feel like you're entering a kind of secret love lair. Very hot. We decided to forgo the $36 prix-fixe menu (a $4 value) and decided to get separate entrees and an appetizer and dessert to share. The ricotta pasta appetizer with peas, mushrooms, pancetta and cream was plenty for the both of us. Seriously, I can't imagine how overwhelming this appetizer would be if we hadn't split it! The peas were firm and fresh, the sausage was flavorful, and the whole thing was just right. My crab ravioli entree was pretty good, but the texture of the ravioli shell was a bit strange. I know that my pasta is supposed to be al dente, but this ravioli took a little extra effort to chew through. The sauce was phenomenal, though, and the red peppers, asparagus and almonds were a fantastic, crunchy complement to the ravioli. His diver scallops entree looked impressive, even from 10 feet away. A pumpkin the size of your fist houses the creamy pumpkin risotto, and the scallop was tender and well-seasoned. The different sauces on the plate gave you a nice mixture of sweet and savory, and it was fantastic! I wish I'd read Tina C.'s review before ordering the "melting" chocolate cake... The cake itself was way too rich, and there was not much about it that was melting. It wasn't even really warm. The vanilla ice cream was delicious, though. Service was fantastic. I love how our servers didn't ask, "Are you still working on that?" Instead, it was "Are you still enjoying that?" Nice touch. :) The value was also good - including two glasses of wine, our meal came out to $87. Without the wine, around $70. Extra kudos for being open on a Monday, too!
(4)Rebecca W.
A pleasant surprise tucked into this otherwise unimpressive stretch of Bowdoin Street. A cozy setting, great service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and congenial atmosphere. But, most important, the food (I'd call it nouveau Italian) is great. I've had 4 dishes here now and each one was better than the other. The friends I went with also enjoyed their dishes. Some favorites were their take on spaghetti and meatballs (more interesting and more delicious than it sounds) and some fantastic crab ravioli. The only downside would be that the desserts are all a bit on the heavy side, and after eating a substantial Italian meal the last thing I want is a heavy dessert. Some lighter choices would be great. But that's a minor quibble -- Grotto is excellent.
(4)Ken E.
All is forgiven, I was wrong. My wife & I went there on a Friday evening recently and the whole experience was great. Even the loud guy at the party table next to us was quite endearing for a while. The food was wonderful, the wine and service excellent and I feel bad for only giving them 3 stars last time. I had the calamari to start and she had the baby spinach with roasted beets and Goat cheese, both were phenomenal. Our entrees were the apple stuffed duck breast with crispy leg and black truffles and she had the goat cheese ravioli and again both were fantastic. although the stuffed Duck's breasts were a little phallic & my wife kept making fun of them, bless her heart! For dessert we had the banana bread pudding and the melting chocolate cake........enough said! The waiting staff were attentive and funny and, although very busy, they were extremely fast. I will never doubt you again Grotto!
(4)Stephen Y.
WoW !!!! Wow wow wow !!! And for the past three years I lived 5 minutes from the restaurant w/o going in... until tonight ! Amazing appie - grilled calamari w arugula... the crab ravioli was awesome ! so crabby ! so delicious yet so subtle. In fact, all the entrees looked so good that I wish I could 1) either transform into a ruminant or 2) let gordie and george starved for couple more days I tried both the choco cake and the banana bread pudding for desert- both were awesome but I really prefer the latter - lightly sweetened and not too filling. Pretty cool location - up the hill to the State House... subterranean... I love the decor... service was great... accommodating and flexible Quite reasonably priced especially considering the quality of the dishes and their execution My only regret is not coming here earlier and trying all the dishes in the menu
(5)Jenn S.
Grotto is very easy to get to from either Park Street or Government Center on the Green Line and is very close to the Bowdoin stop on the Blue Line (which closes at 6:30 p.m., so don't go that way at night!). The place is halfway down a residential street; it's very small and not ultra cozy. I didn't really get to look around - as soon as I walked in, I saw 2 people in my group and sat down, facing the wall. I THINK there are maybe 10 tables? We took up 3-4 though (there were 8 of us). Reservations are most likely required and that doesn't mean you'll be sat immediately. Partly because I don't think there's a host/ess. Two complaints before I get to the food: 1) The service was not great. The waitress spilled water on our table a few times - big puddles - and didn't even clean it up one time. My friend had to use his napkin and then ask for another. Plus, everything took FOREVER. My friends ordered bottles of wine, which didn't come for about 20+ minutes; the bread didn't come until about 2 minutes before our appetizers; one friend got the wrong dessert (but ate it, as it took forever to come and he was exhausted); we were sitting there for a half hour before anyone asked if we were ready to order; and the food itself took a very long time to come, as did the check. I normally wouldn't care how long it takes, but for an 8 p.m. reservation on a Thursday night, when you have to work the next day, being there until 10:30 is a long time! My friends who had been there before said this was not standard - good to know. 2) It was LOUD. There was no music that I can remember; I think it has bad acoustics. Considering the small number of tables, I was surprised at how loud the conversations got. If there are just 2 of you for a romantic meal, it's probably fine - you can sort of hole up and have a conversation - but when we left I was like "aaah, silence!" Now, the food. Apparently they do a $35 price fix menu year-round, and many (if not all) of these items are on it, so you don't even need to go for Restaurant Week. But just in case, here is the Restaurant Week menu: bostonusa.com/rw08/menus… The bread was nothing to write home about... Long pieces of plain bread, which was rather soft, served with plain olive oil. I expected something much more amazing. My friends got the cheapest Chianti on the menu (3 bottles). I'm not a fan of red, but I actually didn't mind the 2 tastes I had of this. It was still drier than I like, but not nearly as dry as some other wines I've had. Appetizer: I got the Spinaci Salad with no beets, dressing on the side. It was very tasty. Instead of crumbled goat cheese - which I prefer on salads - it had a small ball of smooth goat cheese. Don't get me wrong, I like smooth goat cheese, but on bread or crackers - crumbled works better with salads and smooth is hard to spread on lettuce. The walnuts were candied (YUM) and although I'm not sure if the raspberry vinaigrette was, in fact, raspberry, it was very good! It's hard to mess up this type of salad, but I really enjoyed it. Some friends got the Caprese salad - pretty standard but apparently good - and others got the Mussels. I don't eat seafood, so I have no idea how it was. But all there mussles (and it looked like a good amount) were gone. So probably pretty good, no? Entree: My fiance got the Chicken Parmigiana (his staple) and I was very excited to try this! It was a HUGE piece (at least 2-3 inches thick and 6-7 inches long) and pretty good. Not the best we've tried, but good. It came with a piece of manicotti, which was interesting - we thought linguine or some other sort of plain pasta, plus more tomato sauce - would have been a better idea. But the manicotti was tasty. I got the Carne (Beef tenderloin) and OH. MY. GOD. This was amazing. A-MAZING. The beef was a good size and had NO fat that I could see - it was perfectly tender and PERFECTLY cooked (I ordered medium). It was served on creamy risotto that was sooooooo good. My mouth is watering just typing this!! The 3 stalks of grilled asparagus were very nice (more couldn't have hurt, but hey - still nice!) and it was all served on a red wine sauce that was a perfect complement to the entire meal. Apparently this is usually an extra $7 for their $35 price fix, so I definitely got a bargain! And my friend who goes here often said this is what she ALWAYS gets. I can see why. She said the fondue beef appetizer is great too, FYI. Dessert: My fiance got the melting chocolate cake (typical for a melting chocolate cake) and I got the banana bread with caramel ice cream. The ice cream was tasty, not as not as amazing as I expected - and the entire portion was a very good size (I ate about half and couldn't go any further). I would recommend Grotto if you like Italian but not necessarily pasta. Other than the manicotti, there was not 1 bit of pasta. It was rather heavy, but Italian generally is.
(3)Ben S.
Great ambiance, fast and friendly service, phenomenal wine list, and not too pretentious
(5)Marwan A.
if you have room for dessert try the banana pudding
(4)Stephanie K.
My boyfriend and I had something to celebrate and we chose Grotto, hearing about how it had recently been rated the "Best Romantic Affordable Restaurant" in Boston. With the dim lighting, downstairs setting and exposed brick walls, it was a romantic atmosphere indeed, but the only things that spoiled it for me were the generally loud noise level (there were a couple of large parties in there) and the fact that since the restaurant is so small, kitchen smells overwhelm the place. I left with my dress and hair smelling like meat. The food, however, was delicious. Also, I wasn't sure what sort of portions to expect for a $35 prix fixe, but they were perfect (not small, not too big). Between the two of us, here is what we ordered: Appetizers: fontina fonduta and calamari - both excellent Mains: lobster fra diavolo and scallops - both excellent Dessert: lemon raspberry panna cotta and the banana bread pudding Now, when I ordered the banana bread pudding I expected a bread pudding with bananas. Instead, I got an individualized serving of banana bread with some caramel sauce. It was good, but not what I was expecting and I would have ordered something else had I known (I wanted something a little less dense after the fra diavolo). Also, we had delicious wine and I appreciated that you could order wine in a 1/2 bottle portion. I'm sure we'll be back to Grotto.
(4)Joanne C.
3.5 stars Great Italian restaurant. They do a $35 for 3 course prix fiix til May. But even without the prix fix, the pastas are very affordable. The lobster pasta and the scallop pasta were deliciousss! and so many more things on the menu I want to try. Service was great. Very crowded for a Wednesday night, actually it was full house. Make sure you book.
(3)Beth M.
Had a little 'girls night out' with my mom here this weekend, and was super impressed! We went for the restaurant week 3 course menu and everything we tried was fantastic. First off, the dining room is the epitome of cozy - we had a small table for two next to one of the walls of wine and it was perfect! Our awesome waiter helped us choose the perfect wines from said wall to match our courses. I don't say this often, but the food was beyond perfect...some of the best Italian I've had in a city that is VERY good at Italian. I started off with toasted buffalo mozz over greens with olive tapenade and roasted red pepper...soooo good....the mozz was the size of a hockey puck. Intimidating but delicious. For my main course I had a deconstructed seared sea scallop 'ravioli' with leeks and mushrooms. The scallops were melt-in-your-mouth perfect. My mom got a simple salad with prosciutto and poached pears, and the roasted tenderloin with risotto, which she was super pleased with. Dessert was banana bread pudding and raspberry lemon pana cotta... Hungry? Thought so. Definitely check out Grotto - I don't usually give 5 stars on the first date (what kind of girl do you think I am!?) but it was well-deserved in this case. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Nick R.
Excellent dining experience. Gnocchi was delicious and service was very good. Cozy atmosphere. Will be returning soon.
(5)Scott R.
"Grotto" is an appropriate name. "Urban cave" also comes to mind. Simply take away the red paint, candles and wine racks and replace them with some beer signs and big speakers ... and you'd have an underground punk club instead of a "romantic escape." I was here solo, on a business trip - so maybe I'd have gotten the whole "romantic" thing (in a kitsch sort of way), if I'd have been here on a date night with wifey. As it was, it just struck me as a bit ... um, something. I'm not sure quite how to describe it. Room vibe aside, there was nothing awkward about the food. It was beautiful. I had the prix fixe pick-your-favorite 3 course meal: a warm salad of pan roasted buffalo mozzarella on baby spinach, dried tomatoes and capers in some balsamic reduction; a seasonal pumpkin, wild mushroom and sage risotto with pan seared diver scallops; and the biscotti with some Italian dessert wine. It was all very good, but the main course was over the top, served in (and overflowing) a hollowed out baby pumpkin. Service was attentive and pleasant. It's a Monday night, so the place was only about 20% full, but I didn't experience any of the service issues a few previous reviewers encountered. I'd definitely come back here again.
(4)Chase B.
Grotto was a delightful dining experience. The food was spectacular, I would highly recommend the gnocchi with short ribs dish. We also tried the fondue for an appetizer which was also delicious. Though the fondue is served with far more cheese then needed for the amount of food given. The service was friendly but busy. Its was hard to tell if the restaurant was understaffed or they just give the patrons privacy with minimal check ups. Some people prefer this approach. The only issue I had was when we showed up instead of bringing us to our seat the host just pointed to a selection of tables and told us to choose. The option was nice but would prefer to be seated. Other than that I would highly recommend Grotto to friends and family.
(4)Danielle F.
What a great meal. Came here for restaurant week and had a fantastic experience. The ambiance was incredible - a small intimate venue that seated about 10-15 small tables, with lots of dark red painted wells, velvet draping, etc. The food was fantastic overall. The ricotta cavatelle was the highlight of the meal - I cannot recommend this dish strongly enough. I am usually not a fan of ricotta, but this was divine. The sausage, bacon, and cream accompanying it could have been too heavy but wasn't at all. The garlic soup was creamy and with a nice earthy, truffle flavor to it. The spaghetti and meatballs was great, including the "insanely fabulous tomato sauce," but the meatballs tasted like they had been basted in barbecue sauce before being tossed in the pasta and sauce. The gnocchi with short ribs was delicious if a bit of a heavy pairing. The crab ravioli was decidedly mediocre - the crab had a very fish taste to it (though I'm beginning to question whether crab on the East coast will just never compare to NW crab). But the star of the meal, surprisingly, was the chicken parm sandwich. The perfect mix of tender, crispy chicken, yummy, melty cheese, and delicious marinara sauce. Nothing unordinary, but just really good basics. The chocolate brownie sunday was fabulous, the lemon panacotta was pretty good, as was the caramel ice cream. I'd definitely come back.
(4)Hannah F.
Absolutely delicious. Four of us packed into the small restaurant for a Restaurant Week treat. When we arrived, it was still pretty empty but as the dinner progressed, the restaurant filled up like crazy. It was actually difficult to maneuver out of the restaurant by the end of the evening. It's a very small space, so I'm not surprised, but the noise did get a bit overwhelming by the end. Not necessarily a bad thing...but I wouldn't recommend it for a cozy, quiet, romantic date unless you can make an early dinner (5:30ish). Here's an incomplete list of what we ordered: --Fonduta: came with beef and mushrooms to dip in cheese...absolutely delicious. I think I actually preferred the beef to the mushrooms, which is weird for me since I normally worship mushrooms --Mussels: Very, very good. Just about licked the plate clean. --Cavatelle: I only had a bite but Barbara S. seemed to adore it. Great flavors. Super delicious. --Calamari: Not your normal calamari, but not necessarily in a bad way. It was cut really thick, not in the usual smaller pieces. Not my preference but it was still very good. --Apple stuffed duck: Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. --Beef tenderloin: Melted in your mouth. Amazing flavor. --Gnocchi with short ribs: I'm a gnocchi snob. This gnocchi was good but not mind blowing. The gnocchi were a bit dense for my taste...but the overall dish was very good and the short ribs were amazing. --Chocolate cake: Delicious. --Bread pudding: YUM --Panna cotta: Just meh. Had a weird flavor and texture. Maybe it's a different type of panna cotta than what I've had before? Portions were huge. I honestly couldn't finish my gnocci, which is awesome considering the fact that it was a RW deal. Normally the portions are so small! But major props to Grotto for actually feeding us for RW!! Our waitress was super nice and gave a great wine recommendation. Service was great, each course was timed well and we were given enough time to digest before the next round was brought out. Thanks, Grotto!
(4)Jennifer K.
I have been a little bit easy with my stars lately, so decided to take a real look at what I'm doing and step back a bit. 4 stars does it for me. Beware typing this address into a GPS, as there are about 6 Bowdoin St's in Boston.. make sure you know which zip code you're looking for.. Went on a weeknight, but it is restaurant week, so the place was packed. i have no idea if it is always like this. The location is adorable. I don't tend to like garden level anything, but this was charming and cozy. The service was prompt, but not rushed. Food: Sweet Potato Ravioli- it smelled foul, but it tasted delicious. Perfect blend of sweet potato and sauce. Not overdone, pasta al dente. mm mm. The salad I had isn't on the online menu, so I don't remember what it was called, but it had walnuts and goat cheese with a raspberry vinaigrette. I didn't love the dressing, but I usually don't use dressing, so that is not their fault. There could have been a touch more goat cheese, but it was good. Fontina Cheese Fondue- perfect little single serving mug of delish melted cheese and a good amount of steak for dipping. Grilled Beef Tenderloin- the risotto was cheesy and delicious, the asparagus was a little overcooked but nicely seasoned, the meat was PERFECTLY rare, and I even liked the red wine sauce, which I normally avoid ordering on purpose. Melting Chocolate Cake: Came with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and sprinkled with confectioners sugar. So chocolate and delicious. It is also importnat to say that the courses were a perfect size. Nothing was oversized to cheapen the experience, and even after 3 courses, I left satisfied, but NOT overstuffed. Loved it!
(4)Megan S.
It's like eating at a fancy Italian restaurant in the North End--minus the tourists, cheesiness, uninspiring menu and high prices. Ok, actually it's way, way better Italian than the North End. I second the excellent restaurant week menu. Gnocci were like little pillows, the crab ravioli divine, the truffle soup--ah! I recommend making reservations. We got there at opening at 11:30am and by noon the place was full--and for good reason.
(4)James T.
Great food, we were there on the early side, so it was EMPTY, but it made the food and wine come out all the faster!
(4)Ryan H.
A little tucked away but maybe the best italian in boston. My wife and i found this place and went for restaurant week. We returned one night at 8:000 without a reservation. We were seated within 15 minutes even though there was a party of 20(!!!!) that had just been seated. We had a fantastic meal. The wait staff are attentive and surpass all expectations. The atmosphere is cozy. Not in a bad way. Yes some say it is small, but i would argue it is cozy and romantic, maybe the most romantic in boston. You can hear your dinner partner and carry on a conversation.... How can that be bad? I love grotto and will return many many times.
(5)James S.
Don't come here if someone in your party is claustrophobic! Otherwise Grotto is a fine choice for a romantic Italian meal with a loved one, avoiding all the craziness in the North End. The ambiance is quiet, dark and intimate, though due to the cramped dining area, you are basically elbow to elbow with other diners. Servers and waiters have to deftly avoid each other with choreographed precision it seems to avoid culinary calamities! As for the food, for the price you can do much, much worse. I started off with the grilled calamari salad, while my girlfriend opted for the beet and spinach salad. Both were well-portioned, well seasoned and tasty. In particular, the grilled calimari was tender and not the slightest bit rubbery. The Tuscan white bean puree it came with was a bit flat but overall a nice start. For the second course we got the bolognese and the sweet potato ravioli. The handmade tagliatelle in the bolognese was the star of the meal and the sauce was not far behind, though I do think it was a bit underseasoned. The ravioli did not disappoint either, but I am a bit of a carnivore so my loyalties lie with heartier fare like the bolognese. For dessert, the panna cotta was delicious - a teensy bit heavy but the lemony taste helped cut through that. And who doesn't love pizelles? I mean cmon! I liked that the wine offerings came in flexible sizings, from a wide variety of wines by the bottle, to half-bottles, quartinos and by the glass. My chianti was a perfect match with the tagliatelle. For $35, this place does not disappoint in any of the three courses! Now, just find a bigger space to show off the talent in the kitchen!!
(4)Angela A.
I still can taste the fondue... (Not in the oh-gross-I-can-still-taste-it way). We walked here in a rainstorm one Sunday night. My feet were soaked, I was chilled to the bone. We ran down the steps into this cozy oasis, and I forgot all about the weather. We had a glass of prosecco while we decided on what to eat. I, of course, had the fondue. When the tenderloin was gone but there was still some cheese remaining, I dipped bread chunks into the cheese - that was when I got the true flavor of the cheese. It may have been better than with the tenderloin. No matter, I will have that again, and soon. My husband had order-envy (it happens often) - he had the pan-toasted buffalo mozzarella starter. For dinner I had the pan roasted diver scallops with pumpkin risotto. The risotto was served in a tiny little pumpkin. Cute, but not my favorite. my husband had the grilled beef tenderloin (and the remains of my dinner), and he liked his better. (See, the balance.) It's an adorable little space, and perfect for a chilly night!
(4)Robert B.
A co-worker and I decided to check this place out for lunch. It's not in the most obvious location, but I really liked that it was tucked away and down from street level. And it was nice inside to boot. Very comfy and intimate. I liked the ambiance and overall I thought it was a total find. Like someone else mentioned, I liked that they left a bottle of water on the table so we could help ourselves. I had a salad for a starter that had prosciutto which is always a welcome, yummy inclusion, and the chicken, ziti, tomato, and mozzarella for my main dish. Both were delicious. I wrapped it all up with the cioccolato -- warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm, so good.
(4)Jennifer S.
Some months ago, I wanted to go to Grotto. I was looking very forward to it and friends had gushed about how great it was and I spent all day gazing longingly at the menu...and it was CLOSED for a private party and I was wicked cranky. Fear not, reader! I got over the crank and suggested to the BF that we stop in on a whim last night after an event nearby. Not only were they open. And accommodating. They were doing Restaurant Week. With their ENTIRE MENU. If you've read other reviews, you know I only use caps when they are really important. And this is important to know. The food by far exceeded my expectations. The portions were completely ridiculous, and we got it all for $33.09? I would have ordered all of that anyway. Unbelievable value, and now that I'm hooked I'll definitely go back and pay full price. Well, I'll go back and the BF will pay full price. Hi, honey. I got the caprese (because it's my favorite) and he got an arugula salad with grilled calamari that was surprisingly good, which I say because I normally dislike calamari served any way other than fried. For entrees I had the "naked" ravioli with black truffle and roasted tomatoes which was rich and sublime without being too heavy. He got the most ridiculous plate I have ever seen, which I will now copy and paste from their online menu because otherwise you might think I am making it up: apple stuffed duck breast, crispy leg, prosciutto, dried cherries, parmesan potatoes, black truffle, Madeira. Seriously. Dessert was good - I got banana caramel bread pudding and he got a melty chocolate cake, both of which were exactly what we assumed they would be and both of which were almost too much food. Almost. The service was good - a little slow but the place was mobbed and there were only a few servers. Our waitress apologized at the end of the meal and we were stunned. Apologizing? For letting us linger at a romantic table with our wine and serving us heaven on a plate? Um. Ok. Go here now. Take advantage of Restaurant Week if you can because it's a ridiculously great deal, but even if you can't know that it's worth the full price.
(5)Larry L.
Great find thanks to Yelp!! Was looking for a good restaurant for a Saturday night dinner near Beacon Hill. Had tried to book Toscano, even weeks in advance, but only 5 and 9 available, so I decided to check Yelp for other restaurants in the area. he Grotto turned out to be great little spot!! Warm and cozy, wait staff was very nice and accomodating, and the food and drinks were really good !!! Not much else one can ask for!! Only thing I would say is if you have an option get a table away from the door area. There is no waiting area before seating, so waiting for your table you either stand crammed into the tiny space at the door, hovering over tables there, and turning sideways if anyone needs to come in or go out, or wait outside on the street. We were there on a very cold windy night, outside would definitely have been an even more unpleasant option. But, our table was only few minutes after reservation time, and the experience improved really nicely from then on. It seemed like most of the other patrons were frequent Grotto diners, always a good sign when people love it and come back time and again, we definitely will do the same. It really is accurate to say it is a "neighborhood gem".
(4)John W.
Food was exceptional, space a bit cramped, but one of those "hole in the wall" places you long to find
(4)Jessica M.
This restaurant is full of pros and cons. I went here with my boyfriend for our four year anniversary. My meal was half delicious and very expensive. The salad's description included a raspberry vinnegarette dressing; however, when it was brought to me it tasted like dry spinach leaves. The lighting was so dim that I could not examine the salad to see whether it, in fact, had any dressing on it. My entree, sweet potato ravioli was out-of-this-world, however. Our wine selection was also extremely to our liking. It was a cold autumn night, though, and they seated us by the door (blocked only by a thick curtain), so that whenever someone entered or exited we were blasted by cold air. One of the drawbacks of such a small place, limited desirable seating.
(3)Andrew G.
I went to Grotto last night with a few friends and it was soooo good. The dining room is very cozy and unique. I loved the atmosphere. The service was great, they were out of the wine we wanted, but our waitress helped us select a similar one and it was awesome! The food was spectacular, there were soooo many choices to choose from for restaurant week. I had the pan toasted buffalo mozzarella to start and it was perfectly balanced with spinach and roasted red peppers. The Gnocchi and Short ribs were phenomenal. I'll definitely be coming back here! Real Italian atmosphere and cuisine done right. A+
(5)Emily S.
A+ for cuteness, location, nice waitstaff and creativity in dealing with a very limited, very basement-like space. The paintings mounted directly onto exposed brick really works somehow, and lining the walls with bookcases full of wine bottles was smart indeed. it's a good date place if you don't mind spending some money, perhaps better for a 2nd or 3rd, not a 1st. An even better place to take parents or go out with your favorite married couple. The menu is unusual in that you walk in expecting traditional Italian but it's more like twisted nouveau Italian. TASTY twisted nouveau Italian. Just know what you're getting yourself into. When I went they offered a pumpkin risotto with scallops in a pomegranate sauce. Not every dish was completely spot on, in my opinion. And it ain't cheap. My friend and I both did the $36 prix fixe menu, each got totally different things, and split everything down the middle, so I tried 6 different dishes. The aforementioned pumpkin risotto was flavorless, but the pomegranate sauce was inspired. Mix them together and presto, perfection. My "carne" was unnecessarily rich to a point where it hid the flavor. The squid appetizer was eh, but the pasta appetizer was so good I might get it as a meal next time I go. The deserts were incredible. All in all the menu is hit or miss, but it's a lovely experience so it's worth taking the chance. As for the menu, simpler may be safer from what I tasted.
(4)Lily L.
I came here for restaurant week. I definitely appreciate any restaurant that serves you their regular menu rather than watered-down salmon and cheap cuts of beef during restaurant week. Grotto had at least 5-7 selection per course so you can always be sure to pick what you like. Food: The portions for most dishes are HUGE! I could NOT even eat my dessert at the end of the meal. I think the taste is pretty decent, though not mind-blowing. I think their gnocchi is definitely some of the best I've had. The crab ravioli only comes in 5 pieces. But like I said, I couldn't finish my meal. Service: The servers were perfectly friendly and nice.
(4)stephanie c.
I came here for restaurant week and had lunch here. Loved the fact that they had a full menu for restaurant week-that was awesome. Grotto is like a small cute hole in the wall. Cozy setting, small restaurant. The food was good. It was tasty, but I did expect a little more from the great yelp reviews. I had the Mare as an appetizer. Grilled calamari is actually quite good and a nice change from the fried. Gnocchi with braised short rib was excellent. The Gnocchi was very light and fluffy. I was afraid I wouldn't like it because Ive had thick extra heavy Gnocchi in the past-but this was amazing. The short rib was tender and juicy, just a little greasy as a dish. Panna cotta for dessert-light...but not spectacular. I took one star away for service. It wasn't that busy and the service was not impressive. Not once did our water glasses get refilled until the very end of our dessert when we asked for it. The restaurant was near empty by the time we finished, tables were stacked with old dishes and cups...while the servers were just standing around...I cringed as a fellow restaurant worker. Overall-good food. Service was meh. Would I come again? Maybee....
(3)GD K.
This place is a small underground restaurant (seriously, underground). It was very, very delicious. The portions were enough to fill you, though not too big, It had a romantic atmosphere and the lights were dim. Considering how small it was and how crowded it got at dinnertime, a reservation is probably necessary to get seated. The food was at a higher level than anything else we've had. It was one of the best places we have been to. Be prepared, it is expensive, but if you're not out looking for a cheap bargain, it is an excellent place to eat.
(5)Monica R.
Atmosphere/Ambiance A+ Taste/Appearance A+ Service A+ End Results C- I loved my romantic outing here! Service and food were delightful.... that was until about an hour later when my stomach began turning inside itself in painful knots. The scallops did not settle well... AT ALL. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the atmosphere and evening enough to want to give it a good rating. Would I go back again? Hmmmm.... I unfortunately don't think I would :(
(3)CP L.
I LOVE this place. Ambiance: Small and intimate. Food: Fondue with beef and mushrooms- excellent. Beef was perfectly cooked. Braised beef with gnocchi- light gnocchi, great meat and sauce Crab ravioli- light and just right, even the roasted tomatoes in the dish were delicious.
(4)Shang S.
We went there for restaurant week. I got the fondue to start, which really made my day because it had juicy, medium rare steak. Scallops for entree, I felt that the mushrooms really rounded out the taste. They also made very tasty leftovers the second day. Ambiance was nice, romantic, not too loud. Generous portions too. The only thing that fell flat was the dessert - not too impressed there.
(4)Ann G.
Excellent restaurant for fresh, homemade pasta in an intimate setting. I love the ambiance of the elegant tables in the brick basement wine cellar. My favorite two dishes are the cavatelle and the bolognese.
(4)Patty F.
We dined at Grotto for the first time tonight, having just moved to Boston from New York. Are you kidding? I mean, do Boston folks view this as a excellent food?? The service was pretty good, though somewhat rushed. The fondue was fun and very tasty. Mista salad was above average, cherry tomatoes were mst remarkable aspect of the salad, dressing fine. Spaghetti and meatballs were almost inedible; too much rosemary. Your kid brother would do a better job with Joy of Cooking. Scallops were utterly unobjectionable, but 3 scallops for $23 s rather high. The pasta pancakes served with the scallops were kinda hokey, not Italian, maybe sort of faux French. But the real question is: do Bostonians have such low standards? Yikes. And the cost for this meal, with average wine and no desserts was $140. I do not knw, go ask your dad...
(2)Michelle C.
I went here this weekend with a group of four. We all really liked the atmosphere. Small but not stuffy, seems like a good place for a date. People pick their table when they call for a reservation since there are some that are more private than others. Grilled calamari app was excellent. Reasonable wine and entree prices. Bread was not good at all, focaccia was almost like a cornbread but not a good one. I had short rib gnocchi which was definitely the best entree at the table. Just delicious. The bolognese was great too; you could taste the pasta was homemade and the sauce was bold in flavor but not overly spicy. The beef tenderloin risotto was all about the red wine sauce. Very good sauce and beef was cooked just how it was ordered but risotto was undercooked. I know risotto is a labor of love and I feel the love was there but it just needed more time. My husband's risotto at home is way better. I will go back to try other items on their menu.
(4)Keith T.
Been here for lunch three or four times now and I'm a fan. My favorite thing is that they serve fresh, warm, homemade bread with the table. It has that flavor that you get from homemade bread but without being overdone or underdone. The gnocchi is good, the chicken and asparagus is meh, and (don't judge me bro!) the burger was excellent though I didn't care for the fries. The atmosphere is nice - it's a dark place with wine and art on the walls. Surprisingly you don't get the cold or noise from the street so it feels like you're in a different place (if you can overlook the brick foundation or curtains tucked into a door handle - typical Boston furnishings really).
(4)Will A.
Great food, great wine, great atmosphere! Grotto really is a perfect name for this place; you walk down a small staircase to enter the restaurant. The ceilings are a bit low, but paint color on the walls is a dark red, and there are plenty of dark wood accents. I had this scallop entre that was UNREAL! I just remember being in a conversation and having to stop to enjoy it for a second. The wine was excellently paired with the meal, and the waitress couldn't have been nicer!
(5)Nick P.
There are a lot of great Italian restaurants in Boston's North End, but if you want the best Italian in the city head to a tiny restaurant behind the State House. First, the only bad thing I can say about the place- because it is so small, if tables take longer than expected to eat you could end up waiting for a while even with a reservation. With that out of the way, the food at Grotto is simply to die for. Everything is absolutely delicious, I would highly recommend going with a small group of people (4-6 is as big as they can handle) and everyone getting the 3 course meal with different options. Last time I went, I started with the out of this world cavatelle, creamy and delicious. I followed it up by their one of a kind chicken parm- most of the chicken parm in the North End tends to blend together in my memory, Grotto's always stands out for its uniqueness and absolute deliciousness. My wife and I split our entrees so I got to have some of her delicious beef tenderloin as well. Even though I felt like I couldn't eat another bite, I managed to eat about half my excellent banana bread pudding dessert. And this may be a minor detail, but the bread was better than anything I've had in the North End as well. In sum, Grotto is a little on the expensive side, but worth every penny.
(5)Collin N.
The best sangria (red) you can get in Boston. Also, awesome duck- seriously, they wrap it with apple- it's terrific.
(4)Gregory G.
Easily the best restaurant in Beacon Hill. What's not to love? Relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and sweet Jesus the food is awesome. Year round restaurant week prices; three courses for $35.00. Everything is made in house and the quality is great. In the 5 years I have been going there I have never had a bad meal or experience. The ruling is....AWESOME!!!!!!!!
(5)Michelle F.
I have been here for several special occasions. Have never been disappointed by the food, service, and atmosphere. Perfect for a date.
(5)Katherine W.
Delicious, this may be one of my new favorite places in the city. A quick walk from Park St. station... go underground to a cozy, red, rustic dining area. Sure, there are exposed pipes, but the food more than makes up for it. A large Rest. Week Menu gave a ton of enticing options. I had the spinach salad to start - beets with goat cheese sandwiched in between made a delicious savory oreo. I had the tenderloin cooked perfectly with parmigiana risotto - amazing. My boyfriend had the lamb osso bucco which was good, but he especially loved the red pepper that was stuffed with risotto. The portions are huge and dessert was delicious - melting chocolate cake. We left feeling full (okay, stuffed beyond belief) but happy. The boy commented that there was also a very nice wine list. A perfect evening!
(5)Mike T.
Easily one of Beacon Hill's best Restaurants. Locals pack this place almost every night of the week. It is truly a hidden gem in Boston. Only a very creative chef can locate a great restaurant in a Beacon Hill basement and call the place "Grotto" and still maintain a straight face. The menu is well structured with first course dishes costing $11 and second course dishes costing $21. The easy pricing makes group dinners very simple. The Gnocchi with short ribs is incredible, the staff is sincerely friendly and the atmosphere is cozy especially in winter.
(5)Finn M.
Grotto is amazing. Amazing. This is not your strictly authentic Italian fare -- it is, dare I say, considerably better. The food here is stupid good, from the greens to the meats. I don't care who you are, do NOT be ashamed ordering a salad here, especially when those salads come with prosciutto, poached pears, spiced walnuts, and/or goat cheese. Much to the chagrin of my dining partner, I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. Boring, right? Wrong. First, how can you go wrong ordering the one item on the menu ("insanely fabulous tomato sauce") that pats itself on the back? Second, this thing is like a nuclear bomb of flavor and richness. If anything, it's almost TOO rich. I'm not sure what the meatballs are made of, but it's definitely not straight ground beef. Plus, it's pretty enormous. Not an experience to be missed. As far as desserts go, the banana bread pudding made me want to start spinning around on the floor in ecstasy (not that I could've -- too full from the spaghetti and meatballs). Come here on an empty, empty stomach, because it'll take the willpower of a god to cut yourself off. They food isn't cheap, but they do not screw you at all on the portion size. As for the atmosphere, it's fantastic. This is, in my opinion, one of the top date spots in Boston, provided you don't a) require privacy (it's a small place) or b) expect to go swimming and/or salsa dancing afterwards, because you WILL be full.
(5)Chuckie T.
Went on a Tuesday at around 6:30. Initially had the place to ourselves as well as the wait staff. When we arrived, it was a little hot and proceeded to get much hotter as the meal progressed. Probably more of a function of the unseasonably warm weather. Anyway, on to the meal. Food was delicious and huge quantities. I had the Garlic Soup to start and it was pretty good. I little filling when planning a multi-course meal. Next was the tagliatelle pasta. Wow! Enjoyed it that night and then the next day - you certainly get your money's worth here. Couldn't manage to stuff a desert down my throat, but everything looked good. Once the place started to fill up (with a large party of cackling hens), service started to deteriorate. In general, service was OK, but a notch or two below what you might expect for a higher-end place. Lastly, the place is quaint, but they may want to consider cleaning up some of the rough edges; exposed pipes, wires, etc. are just attractive to look at. One table was directly below a sewer pipe - not what I want to stare at all night.
(4)Kim N.
I love restaurant week, don't you? Because of it, we were able to find Grotto. We went last year and enjoyed a wonderfully lovely meal. First, it was so hard to pick between the items on the menu! Eventually I got the fondue for primi, duck for secondi, and I think a chocolate cake for dinner. It was all delicious, and my friends greatly enjoyed their dishes as well. My friends had made the reservations for the two of them, and I tagged on later, but the restaurant was still happy to oblige us. The place is a bit small, but quite cozy/quaint, and has good ambiance. Someone mentioned that it is a good place for dates, which I totally agree with. Will have to revisit soon!
(4)Teak L.
So it was during restaurant week in the winter of 2007 that me and my girlfriend decided to try this place. Boy were we in for a surprise. We had already tried one or two spots already and were just okay with the places. But this place is like a hidden gem, camouflaged among a large set of apartment buildings in the middle of downtown Boston up on Beacon Hill. The restaurant itself is small, but quaint. However you would have a hard time enjoying this place in the summer unless you were in thing comfortable clothing. It gets very hot during those months. But to the review. My Pics: Appetizer - Sweet Potato Ravioli (Crab ravioli had this on a second visit) Entree - Apple stuff Duckbreast, Crisp leg, prosciuttio, dried cherries, stacked parmesan potatoes Dessert - Banana bread pudding, banana ice creams, and walnuts (Panna Cotta had this on a second visit) GF's Pics: Appetizer - Steamed mussels in red sauce Entree - Pan sears diver scallops with wild mushrooms, leeks and arugala Dessert - Melting chocolate cake My thoughts - Both appetizers that I chose for both visits were probably the best appetizers I have ever had in Boston, both were very light and bursting with flavor to get your eyes, taste buds, and stomach started on a stupendous evening. As you may have guess the duck has been my favorite item on the menu, but the pan seared scallops is also a very delicious and uniquely presented dish. The duck description speaks for itself, but the scallops seems to resemble a gigant scallop ravioli, on with two gigantic scallops smothered a savory, earthy mushroom and leak sauce. My only negatives thus far were my two desserts as I have chose two items that have by conception, good looking and sound desserts, but with two bites, I was completely dissatisfied with the flavor and the consistencies. The banana bread pudding was more of a banana bread and less of a pudding with the melted ice cream over it that was sweeter than 8 packets of splenda in a tall regular coffee from Starbucks. The panicotta was a thick slab of jell-o. Other than the POS desserts, the dinners are outstanding. I still recommend my friends if they ever visit Boston to try this restaurant if they get a chance.
(4)Chris C.
I came to Grotto with my girlfriend to celebrate a collection of exciting things that coalesced in our lives (so the stakes were pretty high) and we came out smiling. We had entertained the possibility of coming here several different times and ended up bailing out every time, until just a few weeks ago. Grotto is a tiny little hideaway that serves authentic italian food in a comforting, and stylish, atmosphere. We began the evening with a bottle of wine (the wine list was quite big and diverse) and appetizers. The food was heavy, as we figured it would be, but very tasty. Our waitress was delightfully professional, yet relaxed. I had the gnocchi with short ribs for dinner and it was marvelous (yea, I guess I had the heaviest thing on the menu). Finally, we shared a dessert and barely made it out the door to complete our fun evening. And even though we didn't go during restaurant week, the final bill was pleasantly reasonable considering we shared a bottle of wine, dessert, and a pair of appetizers and entrees. Why not 5 stars? Once you reach this caliber of restaurant, it takes something extraordinarily special to grab that last star. Grotto was close, but not quite there. What's important to note in this review is the following: a) This is really a dining experience, in my opinion. It's not just dinner. b) The prices are some of the best I've seen for food of this caliber. c) The menu is very interesting, not your run-of-the-mill italian bistro. d) The staff / ambiance really round out the whole experience nicely.
(4)Matt B.
I had a wonderful meal this weekend. The bread and olives to start were great. The bread was super light, a great compliment to my fondue. The duck and the risotto entrees were both amazing. Large portions. I couldn't finish my entree... Forget dessert. If it had been just a bit brighter I would have taken a picture of the risotto. It looked like it was just falling out of a cute little pumpkin and then topped with some perfectly seared scallops. The food was wonderful overall. Perfect for a cold fall night. They layout was a little tight and funky. Having to go through the kitchen and office area to check a coat and use the bathroom wasn't ideal, but it adds to the character of the whole basement feel. I will be back. A great spot.
(4)Jennifer C.
Delicious! I had the 3 course meal. Everything was amazing, and with dinner and drinks it came to around $120 for two. Not a bad price at all, and totally worth it. A great place.
(4)Whytnee B.
I had the most filling meal of my life at this place. It took me a cigarette and more than three hours to recover. Obviously, I had the 3-course "nightly fix" and enjoyed it waaaaaaaay too much. I started with the fondue, had gnocchi and short ribs as an entree, and ended with the bread pudding and caramel ice cream. I highly recommend all three, just not in one sitting... The bread pudding and caramel ice cream (reminded me of Christina's burnt sugar) was especially good; I would come back just for that. The place is small, cozy and inviting thus you get a lot of couples. Service was kinda crappy considering they had three waiters for only about a dozen tables. What irked me the most is they left the bread (tasty) and empty drink glasses and kept bringing stuff. But, I can forgive considering that the food was so good.
(4)Jenny L.
I went to Grotto during restaurant week after reading all the great reviews on Yelp. I was SO glad I did because this was the BEST meal I have had in Boston to date. We started with a bottle of Chianti which was reasonably priced and fantastic. For appetizers, we ordered the crab ravioli and the cheese fondue with beef tenderloin. The ravioli so light it felt like you were eating air. But the cheese fondue was the one that was spectacular. We scraped up every little last bit of cheese with the bread. For our entrees we ordered the potato gnocchi with short ribs and the bolognese. Both were perfectly cooked and delicious but the gnocchi had flavors that my mouth had never experienced. The gnocchi and the fondue are a must if you ever come here. We ended our meal with the chocolate cake and tiramisu. Both were good but can be skipped if you're full from your meal. While the service was not great, the food more than made up for it. And at those prices, this is a place I will come back to over and over again. P.S. If you're lazy like me and decide to drive here, make sure to check the street signs before you park. I was able to find a lot just up the hill from the restaurant for a flat fee of $10. Especially with the increases in parking ticket fees, not a bad idea to just pay the $10 and not worry about your car for the night.
(5)Paul S.
We had a fantastic anniversary meal at this place - and what a great find. We only found when walking back to our vacation apartment a different way than we usually did and are we glad we did! Logged onto Yelp and read the reviews so went and booked in. On arrival we were given a glass of champagne for our anniversary, and seated in a nice corner table. The place is quite small and is in a basement but certainly adds to the ambience. The food itself was just fantastic. I had ricotta starter, spaghetti and meatballs entree and the banana bread desert. Each course was truly delicious and the desert - mmm mmm mmm! The wife had steak tips and cheese fondue, short ribs and gnochhi and melting chocolate cake. Again all was superb. The menu was the $30 prix fixe. The service was excellent and I highly recommend this place. Would definitely go back if in Boston again.
(5)Angie P.
I can't tell you how many times I've passed Grotto and not even had a second thought about it. But after going earlier this week for Restaurant Week - I'll be sure to remember this little spot and add it to my list of good boston restaurants. My sister and I decided to take the divide and conquer method when ordering - we would both order different things and split them so we could try a lot of yummy stuff. One of the things about Grotto's restaurant week menu was that it had SO many choices! Apps: - Sweet Potato Ravioli - Fontina Cheese and beef fondue Dinner: - Gnocchi with Short ribs - Apple Stuffed Duck Breast Dessert: -Melting Chocolate cake -Panna Cotta Everything was really excellent. I'd order the sweet potato ravioli again - it reminded me of sweet potato pie rolled into a little doughy square. I'm a chocolate lover at heart and expected a little more from the chocolate cake. The Panna Cotta -however - we an amazing surprised. It was the perfect ending to the meal because it was light and refreshing. Inside the restaurant is pretty small. It was a nice intimate setting with exposed brick and art on the walls. I would definitely recommend a reservation here. The only thing I could complain about from our trip here was the service. It wasn't bad - it just wasn't great. I'm not sure if that is due to the fact that its restaurant week and the place was pretty packed; however - our waitress came from our order and that was pretty much it.
(4)Jay H.
Our dinner experience was quite rewarding. We were seated and served prompty. Our waiter was experienced, helpful and pleasant. We followed his recommendations. The prix fixe is a good bargain: $37. I had the bolognese and my spouse had the parmigiano: both well prepared. Wines by the glass were just good. We'd be delighted to return.
(5)Alicia G.
Romantic, cozy, intimate...I like to find restaurants that not only have great food, but also a dark and intimate setting. Delicious. Get the steak tip, portabella, and fontina cheese fondue. Melts in your mouth. Grotto is garden level, slightly hidden in between the buildings on Bowdoin Street, distinguished by a little string of white lights. The walls are dark, the paintings are life size, and there is a huge wine rack to drool over. The dining room may look small when you get there, but once you're seated, everyone else feels miles away. Or perhaps that's just too much red wine. This is my all-time favorite place to eat and stare into my fiance's eyes.
(5)Tina C.
Go to Grotto and don't forget to wear those pants with the elastic waistband. A foodie friend of mine suggested Grotto when I wanted a romantic night out at a yummy restaurant. The way he put it, it seemed ridiculous that I had never been there. We went during Restaurant Week, but Grotto has a prix fixe every week for $35 per person for appetizer, entree, and dessert anyway, so any week is RW here. I am very new to olives (not too adventurous with strong tastes here) so I was delighted with the bread basket that came with olive oil with three different kinds of olives. I got to sample them and figured out that I don't like the green ones and I really liked the red ones. The black ones were ok. Anyway, on to the food... my appetizer of greens with a fried goat cheese was decent, while my hubby's of beef and portobella cheese fondue was AMAZING. We cut up all the pieces of beef and mushroom to make them last through the tiny pot of rich, yummy cheese fondue. We took the recommendations of the waiters (who seemed to be very nice) and I ordered the beef tenderloin on a cheesy, light risotto. I loved the meal but I wasn't too fond of the asparagus (undercooked) and red wine sauce it came in. My hubby's potato gnocci with short ribs, mushrooms and gorgonzola, however, was AMAZING. The sauce was a bit strong but yummy, the short rib meat was tender and falling apart on the fork, and the gnocci was literally like eating clouds. This isn't your typical small, hard gnocci... they look and feel like marshmallows in your mouth, and they aren't dense at all. I couldn't get enough. My "melting" chocolate cake (aka not "molten"?) was nothing to write home about, basically a small chocolate cake that's slightly undercooked in the center, and it came with a tiny scoop of really good vanilla ice cream. My hubby's tiramisu was, however... yup, you guessed it, AMAZING. Well, I can't really speak to this because I'm not too much of a tiramisu fan. But he said it was AMAZING. So the meal was so-so for me and AMAZING for him (not amazing, but AMAZING), but luckily we always share food, so it was more like half-half. I just told him I was Yelping about Grotto and he got a faraway look in his eyes and said "Grotto was yummy." That just about says it all. If you want a solid, decently priced, yummy, great meal, definitely visit Grotto. Oh-- the parking across the street is resident only until 6pm, at which the meters take effect. Greatest parking deal in Beacon Hill if you ask me.
(4)Melissa P.
After driving past Grotto three times in a cab and then almost tumbling down the stairs and bursting in to the teeny tiny restaurant, my evening had nowhere to go but up. And indeed it did. Love that they extended their restaurant week menu! You really do get a lot for your money here. Even though I only got a salad for my first course, most of the other options are more like huge appetizers that could serve three. Fondue with steak tips? For a first course? That's serious stuff. Grotto doesn't mess around. For my main course I had the risotto with beef tenderloin and asparagus. The red wine sauce circling the dish was heaven on a plate. A bit rich when combined with the cheesy risotto, but delish all the same. When the third course came and I saw a giant ball of caramel ice cream sitting on top of the banana bread pudding, I knew I was in over my head. This is a lot of food! I actually got really sad when I realized I wouldn't be able to eat it all. But now I know what Grotto is all about and next time I'll be more prepared, from my entrance to my ordering strategy.
(4)Daphne M.
I was really delighted with the meal I had at Grotto back in January. John and I were enjoying a late anniversary/early Valentine's Day meal and spent ages trying to decide where to go; we were really pleased to have ultimately settled on this choice. The first and best thing is that they offer, year-round, a 3-course prix fixe menu at $35. This made a lovely indulgence fairly affordable. The location involves a short but pleasant walk up the Commons and past the State House, and is a cozy but not-too-crowded little nook with classy decoration and lighting. The waitstaff were great, very enthusiastic about the food and extremely helpful. That food was perfection, for me. I ordered a spinach salad with beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette. I am a beet fanatic and I've never had a better salad at any restaurant. I don't care much for nuts, nor raw spinach, nor raspberry dressings usually, but every bite was heavenly and I left nothing. The sweet potato ravioli, perfectly al dente, was a very sensible portion with wonderful nut, brown butter, herb and pomegranate accents. My dessert was a pile of heaven, banana bread pudding with homemade oh-my-god-it's-caramel ice cream. John was equally delighted with his fondue, chicken, and molten chocolate cake. We are very excited to go back some day.
(5)Lynn R.
Great, intimate, cozy and romantic restaurant. Seats only about 40 or so folks. We got super lucky (since we arrived early) and got the best table in the place, far left corner as you enter. Not too many great tables though... Either in foot traffic path, next to the front door or the entrance to the kitchen. Food was excellent all the way around. We had 2 different appetizers, 2 different entres which we shared. Finished by dessert which was deee-licious! Flavorful, decent portions and great presentation. Service was efficient, although not overly great. grottorestaurant.com Pros: Romantic, intimate, food. Cons: Only a couple of good tables in the joint.
(4)Bethany P.
This place is amazing! We were headed to the North End and wandered by this little basement restaurant. A guy who lives nearby saw us checking out the menu, and he recommended we try it out. He said the short rib gnocchi was excellent---and he was right! The restaurant has a great ambience--you feel like you're in a wine cellar as it's a basement location, and the walls are filled with wine bottles. I had the garlic soup, which was delicious. So was the scallop entree and short rib gnocchi. The wine was reasonably priced, and we chose a great bottle. For dessert, we had a trio of ice cream, which they get from Christine's in Inman. Yummy! You must try this place out!!
(5)lauren c.
The Phantom of the Opera would find this a suitable haunt for entertaining dinner guests, amongst the shadows. A tawdry woman swirled in oils held court beneath chandelier prisms and exposed pipes covered in bloody red. The far wall, made up entirely of wine, had customers "bobbing and weaving" the wait staff as they leaned in to grab necessary vintages. . I'll document here that my appetizer special won "best first course ever." Duck meatballs with foie gras ravioli made this milestone easy to name. The decadence was only enhanced by the addition of cippolini onions and port wine reduction. Mussels and clams (fresh, fresh, fresh) had a subtle broth highlighting the seafood. Beet and goat cheese salad reminded me of a Chip-wich with a thick baseball of goat cheese between two hearty slices of beets. For entrees, steak was served with a parmesan risotto that was so creamy, it resembled mashed potatoes. Butter= happiness. The lamb osso-bucco was tender and shredded easily, but didn't have much flavor. Neither did the large white beans served with it. The spaghetti and meatballs were worthy of ordering, but could never override my duck version. The pre-ordered, individual apple pie made us order when hungry and eat when full. The crust was a little heavy for my liking, but that didn't mean I left any on the plate. Besides the food being stellar, there's something I like about a place where the worst seat in the house, a scrawny corner under heating duct, is somehow the most romantic.
(5)Michelle H.
I chose this restaurant after seeing the menu listed on the restaurant week website.. everything sounded great. The menus itself is fabulous. The restaurant is tiny and a bit crowded but I loved the decor and the artwork. The food was delicious, I was there with 2 friends and we all really liked everything we got and the presentation was also very nice. We ordered: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad - Very Good Pear & Prosciutto Salad - Good but too big Cavatelle with Sausage - Nice smoky flavor Beef Tenderloin - is what it is... risotto was a bit undercooked Gnocchi with Short Ribs - Delish!!! Banana Bread Pudding - Really good but again too big! Warm Chocolate Cake - Yummy Panna Cotta - Very nice.. Light & Nice Flavor The only negative I can say is the cranky waitstaff... they all seemed so miserable! I'll definitely be back and I have already recommended to my friends and co-workers.
(5)Melissa R.
My girlfriend and I went here on a Saturday night - luckily we made reservations on open table. The place is adorable and tiny but great atmosphere inside. It was a bit loud, but to be expected for the close quarters. We were delightfully surprised that we were able to get the restaurant week menu even though it was Saturday. What a deal!! I had the arugala salad, beef tenderloin with parmesan risotto and asparagus and the most delicious melted chocolate cake. My friend had cheese fondue (so fun!!), duck breast and of course the same dessert. We were full for days and can't wait to go back. Well done - don't miss this gem in Boston!
(4)A C.
Food is outstanding, prefix meal is right around 30, loved the scallops and the lobster dish. Just be prepared to wait even if you have a reservation, it's a small place with about 15 or so tables. worth the wait though. molten chocolate cake was delicious.
(4)Julie R.
Very Delicious! I came here with a group of 6 people to celebrate a 30th birthday party. There are not many tables so we were seated in the middle at the longest one. We all got the 3 course fixed menu for $35 each. I started with: Fontina cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, aged balsamic, truffle oil, portobello mushrooms. This was amazing!!!! My favorite course. The presentation was soo cute. The tenderloin and mushrooms were tender and juicy. The cheese fondue portion was generous. I even had some left to dip the bread in it. For my entree I got: Pan roasted diver scallops "ravioli", baby leeks, wild mushrooms, arugula, and mushroom jus. Yummm. Very creative presentation and scallops were perfect. The sheet of ravioli on top was neat. I also sampled my boyfriends short ribs and gnocchi and they were fab. For dessert I got the homemade cheesecake. WOW. The piece was gigantic and could of served the whole table. It was almost 6 inches high with a thick graham crust at the bottom. The filling was fluffy and not too sweet. Probably the best cheesecake I've ever had. The service was good. The only thing I can complain about was that the AC was just not cutting it. It was a humid Saturday night and it was so hot in there. Everyone at the table was very uncomfortable. The server looked flustered in the heat going back and forth and said they are working on getting a new one. The other people in the party all raved about their food. It was the first time most of us had been there. With the AC problem to the side we all loved it and would go again.
(4)TJ M.
I'm done giving three star reviews... a restaurant is either good or it's not. For me being "good" means your food is well worth the price you charge for it. Grotto would not qualify for this.. The Good: - Cool vibe inside. Tight quarters, but has the speak easy feel of a lunge in Brooklyn - The wait staff are great. Very friendly, attenttive, etc. etc The Bad: - The food is average. Crab ravioli.. average... Buffalo mozzarella salad is a bit above average. The spaghetti and meatballs blow.. they talk it up highlighting their "wonderful tomato sauce", but I can promise you their wonderful tomato sauce is average at best.... The sweet potato raviolii is propbably the best dish on the menu... I actually give that one two thumbs up. - For the price, it's just not worth it. You'll come out of Grotto at $50/head (assuming you have a glass of wine) and you'll think of the 20 other restaurants that would have been more satisfying for the same price.
(2)Nikki I.
An amazing choice for a cozy, romantic dinner or a nice place to stop with a few friends for a low key celebration. My first experience was during restaurant week and just picked it randomly off of the list. It was a wonderful decision. My friend and I were able to sample the menu without worrying about the high prices of their normal menu. Went a second time with a bunch of friends for a birthday, and it cost us an arm and a leg for the prix fixe menu and a few bottles of wine. Food was so good that it softened the blow to the wallet. The garlic soup was definitely one of our big draws. It was very very good. Don't go out dancing/sweating afterwards though. It is potent, in a good way :) The mussels were grainy and just ok. Relative to the rest of the meal it was the low point. The buffalo mozz, spinach salad is wonderful. I was bummed that it wasn't the normal tomato, mozz, basil when I first saw the menu, but as usual, trusting Grotto, it was an amazing selection. The gnocci with shortribs was AMAZING! The meat was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. I don't like gorgonzola, so subbed in parm and it was well worth the change. Crab ravioli was very nice too. Great quality crab and a nice light sauce to accompany the great taste of the crab. Panna cotta was amazing. It doesn't seem to be on their menu anymore, but the sauces were tasty. Biggest letdown of the experience was how small it was overall. If you want to have privacy the best bet is to ask for tables near the corner, otherwise you are right on top of the people around you. Get a reservation so you don't have to awkwardly wait in the mini doorway while people come in and out.
(4)Ron N.
Don't be discouraged by the dark descent to this lower-level restaurant. You will emerge happy. Have to try not to fill up on the light warm perfect bread. The Garlic soup is insanely good. arugula salad is excellent. The two are enough for a lunch meal
(5)Sarah A.
I was here earlier this week for dinner as a part of my "Spring" 2008 restuarant week extravaganza. The atmosphere is very unique. It's got a subterranean feel to it. The entire place is below street level. Inside it's definitely cozy. I was worried when we walked in that we'd feel crammed but even though a couple sat next to us later in our meal, we didn't really feel like our space was invaded, although they were very close. The have lots of cool paintings that give it a kind of art decor/ 1film noir/ 1930s feel. We ordered solely from the restaurant week menu which seemed to be their entire menu and gave us a lot of choices. I had the fonduta which was a small cheese fondue served with pieces of steak and shitake mushrooms. This was delicious. I wished they had offered it as an entree. I could have consumed a lot of this. For dinner I got the scallops "ravioli" which was basically three very large diver scallops with a flat pasta layer over and under them served with a light sauce. The pasta was not all that but the scallops were excellent and the sauce was nice. The only problem was that when I went to eat what I perceived to be a shitake mushroom, it turned out to be a piece of cardboard. I was like, this tastes like... no wait... this is cardboard. But that was the last thing on my plate, so I enjoyed the whole dish before finally eating the cardboard. This was great because if the first thing I'd eaten was cardboard it would have totally ruined it for me. I told the chick who cleared our plates and she was just like...oh...I'll let them know. But like no one (such as the manager or chef) came over to apologize and they did not comp anything. Seriously, this is kind of a problem that I don't feel should just be ignored. I'm still giving them 4 stars however as the food really was good and everything else was fine but the whole cardboard incidient kind of turned me off a little. I would think they'd be more concerned that someone found cardboard in their food and they would at least address it. Were it not for that incident with the cardboard I'd be raving about the place but now I don't know. I think I would go back but it would not be my first choice of places. I still want to try the sweet potato ravioli... but hopefully sans cardboard. Dessert was good but not all exceptional. I got the melting chocolate cake. Wines by the bottle are fairly reasonable. Most of the featured bottles were around $32. I really really want to like this place... but that damn cardboard!
(4)Melina C.
ummm went there today for restaurant week... the place looks great, cozy and this was my first time there. When we got there we were seated right away so this was great. HOWEVER, we were there just for regular lunch and spent TWO hours for the whole thing. They should be aware that this is lunch and people have to go back to work??? Our waiter passed by or table numerous ocassions and would not even look at us finally sending someone else to bring our the check. I felt very uncomfortable and like a n umber... he did not spend time going over anything with us and when our food came he spilled some water on my plate and did not even apologize. ' The food was OK - have had better. and the Sangria was yum. The only good thing about this place. There is Good Sangria somewhere else and i will never go back to this place.
(2)Melissa M.
So good! Went for restaurant week and it was delicious! Great service, great food and great wine selection
(5)Thuy L.
I can't tell you how many times I have passed by this restaurant and not even know it was there. That is until I made a reservation for RW. Luckily for us, they extended their RW menu through the end of August. The entrance is a little hard to find, just look for the steps going down to the basement. But don't let the exterior fool you. Upon entering, you can see the entire layout of the restaurant with its 15 tables. It is a VERY INTIMATE restaurant. Ambiance--not really! Cozy--FOR SURE! I loved it, great place for date night. I would definitely reccommend making reservations because walk-ins are almost impossible here. As for the food--OMG!!!! I don't even know what their regular menu is like but their RW menu was DELICIOUS! So many options (which is rare for RW). I had the Fonduta as my app (beef tenderloin fondue with fontina cheese). This fondue was delicious, mouth watering with each bite. I wanted to ask for a spoon just so I could have the cheese. I think we asked the waitress to refill our bread basket 6 times so that we had something to dip into the cheese. It was absolutely amazing. We also had the mussels with white wine sauce and the caprese salad (tomatos and mozzarella). My friend said that the mozzarella seemed very fresh as if it were made that day. The mussels were really good, but then again, its mussels in white wine sauce. You can't go wrong with that. For our entrees, I had the gnocci with braised short ribs and gorgonzola cheese. There really wasn't as much gorgonzola as I would have liked, but the portions were great. So much in fact that I took a doggie bag home. Our table also ordered the chicken parmesan, the scallop "ravioli", and the steak. Each one deserves a little description--so bear with me. The chicken parm was HUGE, two pieces of chicken on top of each other, covered in the right amount of cheese, breaded and fried without being too dry. The scallop "ravioli" was probably another favorite of the night. There were maybe 4 or 5 pan-seared scallops under this sheet of pasta, that resembles ravioli, but its not enclosed, therefore its an open ravioli with scallops. The steak was also very delicious, very tender and served with asparagus on the side. Our servers were attentive refilling our drinks regularly. We ordered two pitchers of sangria, one of the white and one of the red and they were both equally amazing. The downfall is that since it is such a small restaurant, you have to walk through the kitchen to use their 1-person restroom. This isn't a big deal if you aren't drinking anything, but for me-drinking 2 pitchers of sangria made my bladder go a little crazy. My bf who isn't a big fan of sangria even liked it and drank the rest of my glass. All in all, this place was great. Intimate and cute. I will def be coming back!!!
(4)Fadi S.
Excellent food, wine slection, and super friendly staff. Fiixed price menu is yhe way to go as you get to choose one each of the primi, secondi, and dessert. Primi Arugula salad & fondue were great. For secpndi The duck and beef were excellent. Spaghetti with meatballs not so good. Melting chocolate cake dessert was excellent.
(4)Allison W.
I went two weeks ago with my parents, my sister & her husband for a celebratory dinner. Everything that come out was excellent. I got the buffalo mozzarella salad, which was perfect. Light & delicious. For the main course, I got the beef tenderloin with risotto. The beef was good, not overly exciting, but the risotto was amaazing. I got the pana cotta for dessert, which was decent. I wasn't really sure what to expect but was really too full to enjoy it anyway. My sister raved about the fondue app. I tasted the gnocchi & short ribs. fantastic. definitely getting that next time. Overall, everyone loved their meals. Wine was good. and for a 35 prix fixe, you cant beat it. Only down-side was that the place is small & tables are close together. Luckily, we got decent neighbors. Will definitely go again.
(5)Russ D.
WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! That's what I found myself saying for the 45 minutes or so I was subjected to sit in the small, cramped and LOUD "dining" area. The service was fine. The meal started off well with a salad that was nice and large. Ordered the beef tenderloin. Severely disappointed when the dish arrived - I think I have seen cow poop bigger than the portion I just paid $21 for. It tasted just fine and was cooked properly - but I left hungrier than when I arrived. I glanced over at a gentleman at the table as we were leaving as his tenderloin dish was arriving - his portion may have been worse, and his reaction mirrored mine. Maybe other items on the menu would be better choices, but after this experience I have no desire to find out. If you desire the ability to have a conversation with whoever you are with......good luck. Over-priced, over-cramped, and definitely too loud. Worst $70 i can remember spending.
(1)R A.
This place is great. I got the 3 course meal for $35, which was a bargain for what I got. Everything was very well prepared and the apple pie was fantastic. The waitress was very knowledgeable about wine and helped us pick out a bottle. Overall this was a great dining experience. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because the place is so tiny, it was really hard to get in and out of my seat without bumping into waitresses walking back and fourth.
(4)Em B.
I love Grotto. I went here for dinner with my husband and the meal was just very good. We had a nice table in a corner and the ambiance was nice. It was a little bit too dark but not too bad. The fondue appetizer was great and the grilled calamari was perfectly cooked. The banana pudding with caramel ice cream was delicious! Not a big fan of the potato gnocchi, it is little too meaty for my taste.
(4)Julie A.
There are so few interesting restaurants convenient to Government Center. Are there *any*, actually, besides Grotto? I'm a big fan of their creative risotti and their wine list, and the semi-underground aesthetic of the place is deliciously cozy in the nasty Boston wintertime. Grotto was my standby when meeting friends for dinner after work... ...until one of my colleagues told me he wouldn't go back, not since he saw the rat run across the dining room floor. Make of this what you will. I never had anything but a perfectly fine experience at Grotto. But since he told me this, I haven't been back.
(4)Dara S.
The service and ambience were a little odd at Grotto. The entrance looked run down. The place is small (yet cozy) and can get a little loud. If I were to rate Grotto on food alone though, it would get five stars. I loved everything I ate. I am already looking to go back this week before restaurant week is over. FIVE FOOD STARS FOR FIVE REASONS: 1) Their entire menu was being offered as a restaurant week menu - meaning like 5 or 6 options for apps and entrees 2) The portion sizes, not scaled down for prix fix 3) I am still thinking about the melting chocolate cake 4) The bread - so soft and slightly sweet, with the olive oil - perfect 5) The menu itself - I had trouble deciding what to order, everything sounded amazing, looked amazing, smelled amazing (I watched everything get brought out and peeked around on my way out... I know... I have problems) Between my friend and I, we ordered the sweet potato ravioli and the fonduta. Both amazing. I seriously scraped out the last tablespoon of cheese and set it on a side plate to dip my bread into for later. That was until one of the many waiters who took care of us came to clear our appetizer plates and literally took everything without asking, and so quickly I had no time to stop her. Our appetizer plates were empty, that I can understand, but my side plate with half a piece of bread and the little smattering of cheese heaven I set aside, and the plate of bread and the olive oil. Ok maybe I am a glutton, but I like having bread around throughout the meal, sometimes yummy sauces need to be absorbed and a spoon just does not cut it. Also that bread was beyond bread. It was better than Cheryl Ann's challah. That takes a lot for me to say. I just feel you should ask before clearing away a plate with food on it. Anyway my annoyance was quickly distracted when the entrees came out. My huge bowl of gnocchi and spare ribs was delicious. The gnocchi cooked perfectly, the flavors delicious. I was not as much a fan of the texture of the meat, but I rarely eat red meat anyway and I was mostly in it for the pasta, so that could be overlooked for me. My friend ordered the duck. I didn't try it but she loved it, and the portion size was insane. We were already so full from the apps and bread though after about five bites we asked to take it to go. I was very glad I saved room for dessert because that melting cake was the best dessert I had at any restaurant week place I went. The panna cotta that my friend ordered was ok, the sauce was very acidic and the panna cotta was a little bland. All in all, I thought the service was odd and ambiguous. I don't necessarily enjoy a waiter that likes to chew your ear off or check up on you repeatedly in an interruptive manner but someone different took our drinks, as took our order, as cleared our plates, as ran our different courses, as brought our check. No questions were asked, just services performed like robots, I did not catch one servers name and felt neglected many times throughout the evening. The server who took our order was warmer than the others, but everyone else seemed frowning / too serious and when our check was dropped it was literally that - the male waiter walked by and plopped the check down and was already walking away as he muttered thank you. He could not even stop to hand it to one of us, or to pause, or to look at us apparently. Also the place is a little dirty. There are un-matching light fixtures. I was in the corner by a window and the curtain was filthy. You could see dust sitting on the pipes in the ceiling and one of the "chandeliers" (I use that word loosely) was missing two bulbs and then had one dead bulb in it, but one bulb did still work. one. I think it was cozy for a basement space but there is room for improvement. Seriously the best menu and best food I had at any place I went for restaurant week. Although the service was not top notch, it was far from horrible and with good company can easily be overlooked.
(4)Robert O.
I cannot express how good this meal was. My girlfriend and I both had buffalo mozzarella appetizer, and were thrilled - the variety of flavors was impressive and yet it all worked together. The duck I had was simply the best duck ever - and the best part is you get two duck breasts (wrapped in prosciutto! holy moly!) as well as the single best duck leg I've ever tried PLUS a little square tower of potato fantasticness. The dessert options were fantastic too. The setting is great - in a basement that they've made feel homey, intimate, and very romantic. The servers are extremely professional and yet not pretentious. I felt very welcomed while we were eating there. Only thing I'd say is that the wine options seemed a little pricy and limited - the half bottle of wine we ordered was almost as expensive as the three-course meal we each had. I found that a little excessive. There are wonderful $15-20 half-bottle wines out there that would have been perfect with our meal but no such options existed. That being said it was simply fantastic and I would absolutely recommend Grotto to others
(5)Brent M.
Risotto was delicious!
(4)Ligaya T.
To fully appreciate this den of deliciousness, visit when there's a bit of a chill outside with someone warming up your arm. Then you'll be grateful for the rich red walls and interesting paintings, the intimacy of the whole place and that every other table has even numbers. If your date's not going well, there's always the Salma Hayek look-alike painting and other art with interesting brush strokes and textures. Or drink a pitcher of their wicked good sangria and her annoying guffaw will be easier to tune out. You'll be so engrossed by the pile of delicately flavored spaghetti and meatballs there's a fair chance you won't notice anyway. And because the food is so simple yet fantastic, and you'll only drop $35 on a 3-course prix fixe, you might just fall in love anyway.
(4)Margie L.
I really wanted to love this place. It gave me some good reasons to. Was open, warm and welcoming at 9 p.m. on a Sunday. The atmosphere is really cozy; perfect for catching up with a friend I rarely see. The wine list was nice. The prix fixe meal was a good deal. The salad starter was really good (proscuitto in a salad is always a bonus). I got one of the signature dishes -- gnocchi and short ribs -- and it was just TOO rich. For me. I'm sure people love this dish so I can't fault them for this except, well, I didn't. Wish I'd had the spaghetti and meatballs. Oh well. The banana bread pudding for dessert was also just OK. But the service was really nice. I'd likely go back and try something else, but I really didn't love my meal.
(3)Meredith K.
What a super cute and cozy place! Perfect for a date. But it's not easy to find (if you are me anyway), and there is no place to park that's close. We parked at a garage and had to walk a few blocks. We came with friends one night and had such a tasty meal I've been itching to go back..... the pasta and sauce of my meal were soo tasty and very filling - I had extra to bring home - I love that! Wine was also very good. And the Potato gnocchi, short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola was amazing.. MMM I need to go back again soon.
(4)Shuan L.
1. Creamy garlic soup with black truffle and parmesan. Served in a bowl so big that had I wanted to (and I am not ashamed to admit I entertained the idea) I could have shoved my face in and licked it clean. Be sure to sniff a spoonful and enjoy the heady scent of the truffle oil. Your nostrils will thank you. 2. Apple stuffed duck breast and crispy leg. Not sure how I felt about this. The crispy leg was good, but the apple stuffed duck breast was WEIRD. In fact, they made it into a gigantic sausage which reminded me of something I would rather not be thinking about when eating dinner. On the plus side, the dried cherries and creamy potatoes were tasty. 3. Panna cotta with raspberry sauce and lemon cookie. I don't eat panna cotta often and so may not be the best judge of this, but in my opinion Grotto's was too solid and not creamy enough. Also, the coffee is strong! I'd been feeling really sleepy but it re-energized me enough to allow me to read for class until midnight. So...yay? Love the decor. It's underground and small, but they've done a good job with it, particularly mounting a giant mirror on one of the walls to make the place look bigger.
(4)Rich P.
Grotto's strengths are a creative menu and very tasty food. Their drawbacks were slightly awkward seating, and *wow* salty food. The onion soup was almost off the scale salty. Nevertheless, the food overall was very good, and with some more careful choices easily could be 4*.
(3)Cathy H.
I am so happy that this is a bit off the beaten path- as a result, it isnt too crowded or too expensive. I think I have tried everything on the menu at this point- Best appetizer: stuffed figs Worst appetizer: Caprese salad Best entree: Short rib gnocci (or scallops) Worst entree: Spaghetti
(4)Francine W.
I came here with a big group and it was good, not great. There was nothing amazing about any of the dishes we ordered. We came for lunch and the prices are very reasonable, especially for the entrees so that was a huge plus. Its very cute inside though! quaint, small, very nice.
(3)Carol O.
Dined here for Restaurant Week: Portions were good and the food choices were extensive for the RW menu. Loved the atmosphere and our server Amelia - very nice, attentive and personable. Food was delicious and I plan to return again.
(5)Lady V.
I went to Grotto for the first time for August Restaurant Week. I originally had a reservation for 5 people. When we got there they had set a table for 5 on a 4 top. Luckily we ended up with only 4 people and did not have to uncomfortably squish ourselves in this tiny setting. As most people know, the restaurant is very small, "intimate". Overall, the food was excellent, but the service was absolutely dreadful. The waitress was trying to be pleasant, but she was the only server on duty, working 15 tables! To say the least, we did not get the level of attention we would have preferred. I also found it odd that there were these 3 individuals that were floating around helping serve beverages and run food... why wouldn't one or two of them jump in to help waiter?? Unfortunately I have to give a not so great score on the service alone.
(2)Miri P.
Not even a cockroach could ruin my experience at the Grotto.* After reading the rave reviews here for this restaurant, I went here on Saturday night as a "1-week-til-your-wedding!" dinner for a bride-friend and 2 others. Everything about the food and service from when I made the reservation on OpenTable.com (and proceeded to change the number of our party 5 times), to closing out the place, made me realize why this place was so Yelp-worthy. The space conveyed exactly the atmosphere we wanted for the evening. We sat right in front of the Salma Hayek-like painting and pored over the seasonal menu. Everything we ordered was delectable: solid Italian food, with a little something about extra about it without being haughty. I can't say enough how TASTY everything was. Don't let the "no sharing"-line on the pre-fixe side of the menu scare you. We shared our plates and food police didn't arrest any of us. (In retrospect, that policy is probably intended to prevent a party of 2 sharing one pre-fixe meal.) The entire waitstaff, particularly our waitress Lou, was really chill and down-to-earth. As the dessert course was served, we realized that we were the only party left in the place, but the staff encouraged us to finish our dessert course leisurely. On our way out at 11pm, we saw that they closed at 10pm. Word. They coo. What we got: Apps: Tortelloni En Brodo, Pate, Bruschetta, and the Spinach salad with beets, goat cheese and carmelized walnuts. Entree: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Mussels Appetizer as an entree, Scallop "Ravioli" with Arugula and mushrooms, 1/2 portion Risotto with black truffles, parmesan and mushrooms. Desserts: Lemon Semifreddo, Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Ice Cream (side note: all of the reviews on here rave about the chocolate cake, but these 2 desserts are uncommon and are the perfect ending to a meal. I insist that you try these!) Bev: bottle of wine, pitcher of sangria and a glass of Muscato --------------------- Total: $180.34 (before tip), HOLY VALUE, BATMAN! Bostonian Yelpers, this place is everything that everyone said it was and simply must be experienced! I got mad props for finding the place, considering I'm the one who lives the furthest away. Thanks Yelp! *About that roach (a.k.a. Why You Shouldn't Think That I'm Psycho for Staying and Then Giving it 4 Stars): As we were perused the menus, I was the first one to notice the unwanted guest on the wall behind my bride-friend. Here's the thing, all of us at the table are dancers/performers and therefore have worked in the restaurant-industry for many years. The bride met her fiancee working at a restaurant in NYC. He's a chef. She's a waitress. Her dad is a chef and former restaurant-ownner. My other friend was a bartender. Her boyfriend is not only a chef, but a culinary school teacher. I was a hostess. All that to say, we know the realities of restaurants, and were only minimally shocked to witness this in the middle of July. THE BEST THING about this situation, and the reason we didn't instantly get up and leave, is that the hostess walked by, noticed the bugger, walked straight up to it, mumbled "Oh summertime in the restaurants," grabbed it with her bare hands, and got rid of it somehow. We gave her, and by proxy, the restaurant, mad points for her matter-of-factness and balls of steel. Having all worked in the industry, we knew that any other young 20-something hostess would have ignored it, or freaked out and made a scene. We laughed and proceeded to have our incredible meal. (Thanks to Melissa for that opening line.)
(4)E M.
I am signing up with Yelp tonight just to write this review. I went here tonight with a close friend after finding Grotto through Restaurant Week and reading all the stellar Yelp reviews. We enjoyed every second of our two hours there. We got there right on time for our reservations and were immediately seated. No waiting (extra points from this hungry pregnant patron). Our server, Lauren helped us decide what to order and was really engaged in the conversation, despite her full workload. I ordered the pan seared buffalo mozzarella and my friend ordered the garlic soup. Both were to.die.for. I could have had seconds and called it a night. Then I enjoyed the duck for the main course and my friend had the gnocchi and short rib combo. We did a little sharing and it was all delicious. I had to take half of my meal to go, I just couldn't make room in my belly! For dessert, I had the panna cotta and he the molten chocolate cake. Mine was light, with just the right amount of lemon flavor, and I was polite by only having one taste of the delicious chocolate cake. Yes, this dessert is done everywhere, but Grotto does it right! The best part of our whole evening? We each ordered specialty herbal teas to pair with dessert and Lauren came back to the table to regrettably inform us that they were out of both. All she had was black, green, and decaf black. I realllllly wanted decaf green (pregnancy craving!) so the amazing Lauren goes into her PERSONAL stash and gives me one of her Yogi decaf green tea bags to enjoy with my dessert. OUTSTANDING SERVICE to say the least! We plan on going back to try some of the other dishes that piqued our interest, and we'll be sure to make reservations in Lauren's section specifically. Great vibe, great food, great service.
(5)Rachel U.
This was our choice for restaurant week this winter. I might put more pressure on restaurant week places to meet higher expectations, but our meals were just okay. It's a cute below-street-level space, warm and cozy feeling, and the hostess was very nice. Our waiter never introduced himself, just dropped off menus and came back a minute later to ask what we wanted. He seemed really rushed, though the room was barely half full at that point. After that, each course was brought out by a different waiter, who were all pleasant enough, and I normally don't mind the staff pitching in like that, but I'm a sucker for a friendly waiter who cares if you're enjoying your meal. The soup was fine but got boring after a couple spoonfuls and the risotto was a little cold and kind of runny. The desserts were good, but not enough to leave us raving about the meal in the end. I'd heard good things, so I don't want to give up on Grotto yet... hopefully we'll go again sometime for their regular prix fixe menu to give them another chance.
(3)adam b.
Food was great. Service was very good and friendly. Price Fix Dinner and a bottle of wine is where its at!
(5)Tom C.
We read good things online about Grotto so we decided to give it a try on a recent trip to Boston. It's a tiny space but charming and cozy. The menu isn't huge but includes some interesting stuff. The wine list is very large and tends towards being pricey, but there are some nice inexpensive wines too. We shared a nice $32 Malbec. As a starter, we had the Baked gorganzola stuffed proscuitto wrapped figs, arugula, shaved parmesan, and toasted hazlenut vinaigrette ($10). There was plenty for two and this dish was just amazingly delicious! For an entree, we shared the House cut tagliatelle pasta, lobster, roasted tomatoes, fresh peas, and a lobster Bolognese sauce ($14). All pasta entrees can be ordered as a small portion or larger portion. Save some money... the smaller plate is plenty. Frankly, this dish was nothing remarkable. It was very good, but that's all. I guess there's only so much you can do with pasta and sauce... but the lobster was exceptional! The flavor really came through and the plentiful chunks of meat were firm and sweet. The service was friendly, prompt and helpful... and we did get bread! A very nice supper for two with a bottle of wine for about $65 including tip. I'd definately go back again. The waiter mentioned that once or twice a year they do a "Big Night" supper. I'd like that!
(4)Bryan K.
A very fun restauratnt. The location makes this place a very cozy and intimate setting. The food was very good with losts of great appeitizers. Our group loved the soup and fondue. It was agreed that the best meal at our table was the bolognaise. Although, everyone enjoyed their meals. I wouldn't suggest the spaghetti and meatballs. Too plain. Go for something big here (the price is always the price fixe, I guess) , so it's totally worth it.
(4)John F.
Upon arriving at Grotto, I realized I had been there, years ago, for lunch. Upon realizing that I became more excited as it had been a delicious lunch. The restaurant was small and cozy, but I never felt like I was eating on top of the other patrons. The staff was friendly and very helpful, especially when trying to choose one of the delicious-sounding desserts. Their fixed price menu had a lot of options, and any of them can be ordered a la carte as well. I started with the fondue, which was absolutely amazing. After running out of the steak, I used the bread to mop up the rest of the cheese, and was inclined to dip my fork and eat it that way. It was fantastic. For my entre, I had the crispy pan roasted chicken, and it was just as delicious as the starter. Everything looked fantastic, and tasted even better. And unlike the restaurant in that Citi ad where the food is "elf-sized" portions, these were substantial. The whole meal was well worth the price. My only complaint is the lack of mixed drinks and such things, but maybe that reflects more on me than the restaurant (I'm not much into wine). All in all, it was a fantastic dinner and I would go back again in a heartbeat!
(5)Daphne H.
We came here for our post-Valentine's dinner. I took the recommendation from fellow Yelpers and we were pleasantly surprised how wonderful a dinner this tiny, red velvet restaurant could churn up. Situated in a basement, with a cosy, romantically lit atmosphere, we rushed in from the cold. We went with their prix fixe menu for $35. He had: Gorgonzola Fondue Veal, lamb bolognese pasta Panna Cotta I had: Crab Ravioli Short Rib Gnocchi Banana Bread Pudding We were thoroughly satisfied. The Fondue was yummy, the Crab Ravioli could have been cooked a little longer. The Short Rib Gnocchi melts in your mouth. The Veal & Lamb bolognese was hearty and the Banana Bread Pudding was a rich and the Panna Cotta, according to J was very good. All in all, we loved our little dinner. It was well-priced and we also had a good italian wine to go with our meal. Bellisimo!
(4)Jenny B.
am so happy i came here! service is great, portions are great, and food is delish. - mozzaralla appetizer and beet salad were superb - goat cheese raviloli good - lobster linguine just ok, but added cheese to make it quite tasty - desserts were humongous and the ice cream scoops gigantic overall great value and very tasty
(5)Greg M.
Whenever there are more than 25 reviews to a place, I feel like I can't add anything. But just in case, I'm doing a bullet-pointed rundown for quick 'n' easy reference. -Cozy atmosphere. Almost a little tacky the way they're trying to cover up the basementness, but I thought it only added to the charm. -Service was nice, but could have been more attentive. And if it's your first time there, it's a little awkward walking in to the small dining room with nobody there to greet you. Just be patient and someone will come along. -A GREAT deal for restaurant week or their prixe fixe menu. -Their "incredible" spaghetti was very good. And very smokey, so be prepared. -All the food was good, but my girlfriend and I were both much more impressed with our appetizers and desserts than with the entree. -I got a dirty spoon.
(4)Ryan H.
An impressive little place. You would never know there was a restaurant there, it's so easy to miss. It's on the edge of Beacon Hill in a residential/office area. No other restaurants around. So when we left at 10:00, there was NO ONE else around. A little creepy, but it's really worth finding this place out. It's one small room, in a basement, with seating for, I'd say, around 30. The lights are low, and with the brick walls, it's very romantic. We went for the pri-fixe menu, a steal at $36. You get an appetizer, entree and dessert. I had a delicious baby spinach salad with spiced walnuts, goat cheese and roasted beets, a sweet potato ravioli entree, and a vanilla bean panna cotta. The first two are HIGHLY reccomended. The latter, not so much, unless you're really into gelatins or something. I didn't know what a panna cotta was, so I ordered it, and didn't think it was spectacular. The sweet potato raviolis could be a must-try item. They are so savory, with a sweet pomegranate sauce on top. Terrific. My companion had a garlic and truffle soup, a lobster risotto, and an apple pie with rum raisin ice cream for dessert. The truffle soup is NOT reccomended, only because it is too filling and you need to save room for all three courses. It tasted fine. The lobster risotto was good, but it looks like the apple pie dessert is what you need to order off the dessert menu. You have to pre-order it with the rest of your meal so it has time to bake. The raisins in the ice cream were reconstituted with rum, and the whole thing was really great. The servers were nice and attentive, but not overbearing. This restaurant would skew more towards 4.25 or 4.5 stars from me. If I ever visit again and they offer the same level of service and food, I would definitely upgrade it to 5 stars. RECCOMENDED: Sweet potato ravioli and apple pie. NOT RECCOMENDED: Garlic and truffle soup (simply too much of it)
(4)Jennifer D.
I went to lunch there over Restaurant Week. The food was good, though like Chance, I had the ziti with 3 grounds meats and I had a hard telling one from the other but the ziti was without lines (it's a texture thing for me) and I liked that. I had the Beet & Goat Cheese Salad for my starter and it was good as was the Tiramisu for dessert. The atmosphere is cozy, which was good on the cold, windy day that we went.
(3)Emma S.
I enjoyed my meal here, but service wasn't stupendous. The mushroom ravioli was delicious, and the bread at the beginning was also great.
(4)Frederik N.
My favorite italian place in Boston. Better than what you get in the North End, and they take reservations! Great value for money.
(5)Robin R.
There were 4 of us that had dinner at Grotto tonight. They had the restaurant week menu - which was basically the same as their fixed-price special they always offer. service was very good. As soon as we were seated they offered us tap or sparkling water. It took a little longer than I thought to take our orders, or even asked if we wanted a drink. My husband wanted a dark beer, and they had a Moretti LaRossa, so he ordered that. The other person ordering beer at the table also wanted the same. But, they only had one (interesting). They had a Moretti so he had that. After we ordered, they brought bread with a plate of olive oil with a couple of olives in it. The bread looked like it was corn bread, was very fresh, but was not like typical foaccia bread. It was tasty - just not what it appeared to be. For our first course, I had the Caprese salad which was very good. My husband had the Cavatelle pasta which was very tasty with sausage, cream, peas, mushrooms and pasta made with ricotta cheese in the dough - he cleaned his plate with the bread. The other 2 diners had the Mista salad which they said was good. For the main course, I had the Carne - tenderloin steak cooked exactly as I ordered it on a bed of delicious risotto and some asparagus. My husband and another of us ordered the lobster Fra Diavlo - very tasty, not very spicy. there was only a small claw and 1/2 a tail of lobster and no knuckle. My husband said that it wasn't a lot of lobster. The 4th person had the chicken parmigiano. Lots of chicken, 2 long pieces of pasta, pieces of tomato and sauce. She said it was very tasty, and took almost 1/2 home. For dessert, we all had the chocolate cake. It is a VERY dense chocolate cake, that was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My husband and I substituted the chocolate ice cream. If you are not a chocolate lover this cake would probably be a little too much for you- but we all loved it. The restaurant was warm. I am usually the one who has a sweater on, and took my off as soon as we were seated. My husband said he was too warm. He also complained to me that his chair seat was hard and uncomfortable. And because the table legs had a lot of 'stuff' going on, there was barely and leg room under the table. The restaurant was very dark, and when they brought the food, I took out my phone (it has a flashlight app), so we could see what the food looked like. I also had to use it when the bill came. We lucked out for the parking, and got a metered space right across the street. And because it was after 6:00pm - didn't have to pay. That was a nice bonus. Overall we all liked our dinner, and would return at some point.
(4)Matthew G.
Yum. The best Italian I've had outside of the North End. And the food wasn't bad either (bad joke). We went for Restaurant Week and felt that the chef offered us a full menu instead. The Cavatelle was out of this world - just the right mixture of cream, pancetta, sausage and peas. The duck was amazing. I even asked our waitress how they got the duck so tender - never asked a waitress about a tender duck before. The tiramisu was good - but I'm a fluffy tiramisu kind-of-guy - not moist. For those moist fans out there, the tiramisu was excellent. But I digress. The atmosphere was great. Red walls, piping, wine bottles everywhere. You feel as if you were in someone's basement. And you probably are. The young crowd (probably attributed to restaurant week) looked local - it was refreshing to get away from the tourist scene in the North End. Grotto is a keeper. I forgot the wine bottle! Oh well. I guess I was having too much of a good time.
(5)Gary F.
Gary remembered Restaurant Week late and was still able to score early-bird special reservations for 5pm on Sunday. Lucky Gary. Restaurant Week diners may choose from the entire menu at Grotto = tight point one. The sweet potato ravioli was really tight = tight point two. The duck, the duck, the duck. This was a duck feast! Two prosciutto wrapped breast bits stuffed with apple and THEN a crispy leg with a huge pile of bacony-tasting potatoes au gratin = tight points three, four, and five. The banana bread pudding with walnuts = more tight points with one tight point deleted because the ice cream wasn't as tight. Extra tight bonus round = one of the most delicious bread plates ever and a really nice cabernet which Gary doesn't even like that much but both Garies had two glasses. The minus tights = the venue was in a basement and smelled, well...like basement. Also a minus (but not really): The Garies ate so much they almost burst on the walk back to the Red Line.
(4)Joanne R.
After drinks at Clink, we ventured to Grotto at another friend's recommendation. Was fantastic! They have a 3-course pre fixe menu with an appetizer, entree and dessert. Not sure how often the menu changes but we scored "big" last night. For an appetizer I had baby spinach salad (w/roasted beets, spiced walnuts, goat cheese w/raspberry dressing), then I had the short ribs (which I never had before) and they literally were so tender I didn't need a knife. For dessert got the banana bread pudding. Every morsel of my entire meal was outstanding. They had a fantastic wine selection which we also partook of. A high recommendation for Grotto
(5)Graham C.
I went to Grotto a few nights ago with the brother. It was gooood. I gave it five stars. I'd really give it four for the food, but the value makes it a five. We both got appetizers and dinner and wine and the bill came to around $100 even. Now, on my government salary this isn't cheap. But considering what I'd pay at another place like this, and it was well worth it. Service was great, though I wish they had asked if I wanted fresh ground pepper with the salad. I had the house salad, followed by the beef tenderloin. Damn that was good. If you want to go on a date, this is your place. And if you want to make your brother uncomfortable by touching his knee in a small and intimate setting, then this is also your place.
(5)Kevin L.
Extra Small place, Extra delicious food! There were 5 of us at the table and every single one of us loved our meal. I had the Carne Entree (filet Mignon) over rissoto. Besides Kobe beef, this was one of the tastiest steak entree's i've ever had. The duck was also extra good. It's important to make a reservation and to bring your tastebuds. Excellent food in an excellent city!
(5)Dianne M.
This was a new restaurant my husband took me to 12/29/2006 and it turned out to be a great find. I had chicken saltimboca, hubby had Spaghetti and meatballs, we split a salad and banana bread pudding. It was GREAT!
(4)S. M. S.
A disgustingly filthy kitchen, disorganized storage room and rarely cleaned restroom were early indications of pending dining disaster. We've eaten here twice before and enjoyed it, but the recent memory of an unsanitary food prep area and almost-rancid calamari will linger forever... Eat at your own risk.
(1)Valeria H.
Ok first let me say that the atmosphere and feel of this place is not appealing to most people for eating...dark, dingy subterranean and old... with that said I was TOTALLY skeptical of what I was going to eat. My husband brought me there upon recommendation and it was for my birthday dinner (see my review on the hotel in which we stayed) . The location is literally on the hill behind the state house. So the neighborhood is fun to walk around after the meal. So we got seated by a cute little girl who was pleasant. We reviewed their wine list and it was pretty extensive. The waiter was a nice guy, who knew that menu and wine list inside and out. I lvoe when people know about the food they are serving. We got a great wine, made from barbera grapes, can't remember the name of the wine but it knocked me on my ass. lol They had a tasting menu, which I think they have all the time.. A choice of three items for a set price. So for a starter I got the garlic soup. I know what am I nuts for eating that on a night out, but holy shit guys it was so good! It was a rich garlicy soup with a hint of truffle oil and toasted breadcrumbs on top..the soup was rather large so I couldn't finish it. But I can't wait for the winter to roll around again to get that damn soup! Then I had the ternderloin which was real good. The meat was cooked to order, and it was perfect. The risotto side was so good that I ate it all..without giving any to my husband to try. Which is not like me, I share everything with anyone at my table...I'm Italian and we enjoy sharing food.. lol And of course my fav side, asparagus...what night isn't complete without garlic on your breath and your pee smelling funny? :) The dessert, and after a bottle of wine, I can still remember was warm chocolate cake. which I couldn't even touch. Too much food! I will prob go back to this place to try some other menu items. Once you get past the decor you will really enjoy it.
(4)Melissa C.
Nestled into Beacon Hill, Grotto intimate and cozy. It's the perfect place for sharing a good red wine and leaning close for conversations that shouldn't be overheard by others. The menu is just the right size and and has a wonderful three course option, which I have to recommend - it will definitely be too much food, but box the entree, devour the dessert and you'll manage. The only thing that bothers me about the menu is that I've been watching it for a few seasons now, and it hasn't changed much. My waiter only predicted changing one entree as we move toward the winter. Foods change seasonally, appetites change seasonally, I think menus should change seasonally too. However, maybe they're just sticking with the winners because everything I tried on the menu was perfectly delicious.
(4)angela k.
Amazing food and service for a party of 5 celebrating a birthday. The prix fixe was the way to go! Had the in season caprese with heirloom tomatoes, crab ravioli and the pana cotta for desert. Each dish was wonderfully prepared, presented and seasoned. Around the table we also had the spaghetti and meatballs (meatballs were to die for) and the gnocchi dish which melted in your mouth (very rich). The only thing lacking in my eyes was the wine selection (however, I am from Cali and we are spoiled with massive selection). Maybe next time we should check on corkage fees and BYO.
(5)Sean E.
So this was our Restaurant Week pick for '06. And we were patting ourselves on the back for our choice. One plus was that they had their entire menu open for options and the other plus was they have 50 wines for under 50 bucks. I had the garlic soup (yes. garlic. soup.) and if you like garlic -- I mean, reaaalllly like garlic, you can't do much better than garlic soup. I'm tellin' ya, slightly creamy and filled with these little patches of shredded cheese that cause a bit of sensory overload. The bone-in pork dish with a stuffed pepper was perfectly cooked and honestly one of the best pork dishes I've ever had. And don't get me started on the chocolate cake. It really should be illegal. I know someone else below mentioned this cake and it's greatness -- but I really don't think it can be overstated how awesome this cake was. My only complaint is that the atmosphere in here isn't that great. If it had the kind of setting that Taranta has, or if they put a little more money into doing something with the walls -- it would get that extra star. As it is, the basement setting with the mostly bare concrete walls cause a lot of reverberating conversations to mix together and create a not too pleasant din throughout the small room. The lighting could use some work too. This is nit-picky stuff, but a little money thrown at this area could go a along way towards making this place top notch. I think I'll have to come back here some afternoon to try their lunch menu -- as the sandwiches described on their menu read like food porn.
(4)Michele G.
My bf and went here this past weekend with another couple, we have been there before but it was their first time there. We had 9pm reservations and ended up having to wait 40min for a table which was frustrating but the wine on the house and the pre dinner drinks helped get over that. We attempted to do the 3 course since we thought we were so hungry but were so full from trying a little bit of everyones apps and entrees we opted to only get one dessert (chocolate lava cake) for the table which was delicious. Everything we had was delicious but the what you have to try are the cavatelle and fondue appetizers and for entrees atleast one person in the party has to get the gnocchi with short ribs, so good!! I tried the sweet potato raviolis this time which was also very delicious, and would def get again. can't wait to go back!
(4)Sue D.
Grotto is a cute little, no nonsense Italian joint. The service is simple and professional. The atmosphere is whimsical and rustic with exposed pipes painted red with mirrors and modern art on the walls. The food is reasonably priced for a high end Italian restaurant. I had a grilled squid and arugula salad followed by a house made gnocchi with a short rib and cheese ragu. It was not very cheesy at all which I like. All the flavors complimented each other without one standing out and being overwhelming. I think a 3 course meal can be ordered for 30 or 35 dollars. More of a romantic atmosphere than a large party place. Very good.
(4)Jen J.
My friends and I originally had reservations at Brasserie JO for restaurant week. After checking out the menu, we opted to find a replacement. I AM SO GLAD WE DID! Grotto is truly a hidden gem in Beacon Hill. For restaurant week, they let you pick ANY appetizer, entree, and dessert from their regular menu! We started off with the crab ravioli, fried calamari salad, and mussels in a white wine sauce. You only get three raviolis, but they were filled with crab meat. Excellent! The fried calamari salad was good and the mussels, although on the smaller side, were great; they gave us plentiful portions of each. For my entree, I had the tagliatelle pasta with lobster in a lobster Bolognese sauce. It was light, yet filling, especially with those chunks of lobster meat. I had to doggy bag half of it home because I was so stuffed and I had to save room for DESSERT! I got the warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm. The chocolate cake was moist and fudgey, just the way I like it! My friend had the banana bread pudding, which was also really good. Good food, large portions, reasonable prices, good drinks, nice service, and cute atmosphere. I'll be back here again soon!
(5)Bryanne R.
Wonderful...service, suggestions, atmosphere, food, dessert, drinks 100% awesome. After I figured out that I was coming in the right door (tall folk..watch your head), I fell in love with the restaurant. You walk in to this underground space and feel like you've just walked up to another party's table. Just go with it. I was stressing over what to pick because everything looked so good...asked our waitress for suggestions. She suggested my top pick: Grilled proscuitto wrapped beef tenderloin, Reggiano risotto, grilled asparagus, and a red wine sauce. This is awesome. Best meat I've had in a long time. My friend got the Gnocchi, braised short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola which was equally delicous. It just melted in your mouth. Our waitress also suggested I try the same drink I was eyeing: a pomegranite martini. That went down faster than intended... And for the grand finale ..... the dessert .... Warm melting chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. Seriously heavenly. Just amazing. This place has my seal of approval. PS. Only issue...is that there's only one bathroom. Plan accordingly.
(5)Julian H.
Really fine Italian food in a funky Beacon Hill basement space. Friendly, very professional staff, and casual atmosphere. If you're up for a solid feed, get the spaghetti and meatballs. Skip the N. End, and go to Grotto. You'll thank me later. Honest.
(5)Jenny E.
I'm proud to say that me and my man were among the first to eat at Grotto when they opened 3 years ago... and we fell in love with it! Since then it's become really popular, so I definitely suggest making a reservation if you going during a peak time. The food is fabulous, the wine is great, the atmosphere is cozy and it's my favorite place to eat.
(5)Alison D.
We went to Grotto for dinner the weekend of Valentines Day. We made a reservation the week before and they called us the day before to make sure we coming, which shows either that they're caring, or extremely busy and want to make sure all of their tables are full. Grotto is hidden away on Bowdoin, but I think that adds to its character (just be sure not to fall down the steps into the restaurant). The restaurant itself is super small but very romantic. The wine selection was good, but it's a small place, so I can't imagine they have a large wine cellar. Our waitress was pretty attentive and she brought us delicious bread to start. We began with the fondue which was fantastic. The steak (yes, dip the steak in cheese) was cooked perfectly and tasted so good I almost ordered it for my dinner. Then we had beef tenderloin and the bolognese. The tenderloin was good but not nearly as good as the steak tips that came with the fondue. It was my first experience with bolognese, and I should have waited to try it some other time (or never). While I'm sure in other bolognese circles this might have been considered good, I will stay away from those circles if at all possible. Overall, we would definitely go back (and get the fondue), but we'd probably try different entrees.
(4)P T.
My husband and I went to Grotto for the first time as an anniversary celebration. We made a reservation and went early and were glad we did. By 7:00 on a Wedneday night, it was full. I had the 3 course meal but my husband skipped the dessert. All of the food was absolutely delicious! My husband had the cavatelle as the first course, a wonderful blend of pasta, prosciutto, sausage, mushrooms, and cheese. I had the pan-fried mozzarella with baby spinach. Both were divine. The olive oil they serve for bread dipping and in the salad dressing is fabulous. For the main course, my husband had the duck, which he loved, and I had the gnocchi with short ribs, also wonderful but very noticeably salty. For dessert, the warm banana bread pudding with ice cream was to die for. The service was brisk and efficient, although perhaps lacking in warmth and overt friendliness. This may have simply been because they had only 2 servers covering the whole room, and everyone seemed to arrive at once! Nevertheless, we did not wait long top either place or receive our orders. We will definitely return to try other things on the menu and were delighted to find Grotto. PT Boston
(5)Pilan C.
I, like many of the other reviewers, went to Grotto for restaurant and came out of the meal very happy. I had never heard of the restaurant, but when i saw the extensive Restaurant Week menu online, I had to go try it. It's a lot smaller than most "fancy" restaurants in Boston, but it still felt very comfortable, and not too cramped. I was in a group of 4, and we all LOVED our appetizers -- the cavatelle w/ sausage, peas, and pancetta; the grilled buffalo mozzarella stack with tomatoes and roasted peppers; and the sweet potato ravioli -- and the main courses were good, but not as great as the opening dishes. I wish I could give it about 4 1/2 stars, but since they told us that they offer many of their pasta dishes as appetizers or main courses, I would go back in an instant. We were very excited about their lobster tagliatelle, but it left a little bit to be desired. We were also a little disappointed by the fact that they ran out of their chocolate cake, but their pudding was quite rich and chocolatey, and their ice creams were very good too. Overall, it was a great dining experience and I'd recommend it to anyone.
(5)Brownstone Betty -.
The Grotto is a romantic basement restaurant. The walls are red, the lights are low and they play great jazz music in the background- combine that with an excellent wine menu and you're off to a good start. The food was very good. I had the gnocchi & short ribs which consisted of potato gnocchi with short ribs & mushrooms in a brown gravy type sauce- it was excellent! My date had the filet mignon, which I think was a special- he said it was tender and flavorful. For dessert- if you like banana bread, you cannot leave without at least trying the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream- it's the perfect end to a lovely dinner. Like one of the other yelper, a cockroach also made an appearance at another table. Though we had already suspected what the drama was about, we asked the waiter anyway. He confirmed and very pleasantly explained that we were having dinner in the basement of a brownstone that was hundreds of years old, critters were bound to happen along. Maybe there was a lot of rain that week? .......In either case, I would venture back.
(4)Justin S.
While my final meal would consist of many courses, the entry would be from here: the short rib gnocchi. The short rib is cooked perfectly, the sauce is excellent, the gnocchi might be a little heavy to some, but I find them to be excellent. For an apps, I would recommend the fondu. In the past I would never have put fondue as something I enjoyed, or something I would expect to find (and find done well) at a somewhat upscale resturant, it is done right here. The cheese smooth, and no hint of graininess from overheating. The beef and mushrooms are excellent and flavorful, and not overpowered by the cheese, but complimented by it. If you are debating between apps or dessert, go for the appetizer, as the dessert was good, but nothing to write home about. Space is small, and some tables can be cramped (and almost on top of the table next to you) but overall an excellent experience.
(4)Frank M.
This place has great italian food, decor and service! Food: We ordered 4 different primi courses in small sizes to share and that was plenty for two... First, we ordered the Potato gnocchi with short ribs, mushrooms and gorgonzola... absolutely great! YOU MUST ORDER THIS... the gnocchi was light and soft, yet so creamy... the short ribs added great texture to the dish. Next, we had Wild mushroom risotto with asparagus, artichokes, parmesan, and truffle oil. Tasty!!! Gotta get this. At the same time they brought out the Pan Griddled Buffalo Mozzarella with sauteed peppers, caper berries, small tomatoes and lightly wilted spinach with black olives. This was OK... you can pass on this if you are not into olives... the olives sort of over powered the mildness of the mozzarella. Last course was the Spaghetti and meatballs... the tomato sauce has pancetta and a bit of spicy kick... YUMMY!!! ORDER THIS... SERIOUSLY. For dessert we had the Banana bread puddind with caramel ice cream and walnuts... Not Bad... very sweet... if you are not into too sweet, order something else... We almost ordered the Melting chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream... Service: Ask for Pacyn... she is awesome... sweet person with great advice on the menu... she has a cool name because she has some native american in her... you couldn't tell though... Decor: Very cool... basement of some building... you would totally miss it if you don't pay attention... We went on a week day so it was not busy... but Pacyn told us that the weekend is crowded. Ciao!
(5)Katie V.
Grotto was FABULOUS! First, the decor: this interior of the restaurant is dark and cozy, quite romantic. Small though, so make sure to get a reservation! We saw many people turned away even after peak hours. The food: I knew as soon as I tasted the bread they brought us that everything was going to be alright. The bread was fantastic; it was an unusual, dairy-less foccacia that was extremely light and flaky. Delish! Since I read the reviews on Yelp beforehand I decided to be a lemming and follow in the footsteps of many others, and I ordered the gnocchi with gorgonzola/mushrooms/short ribs ($21). Let me just say, it's good to be a lemming. This dish was very different from any other gnocchi I've had, as the flavor was a combination of a gorgonzola sauce as well as the almost BBQ flavor of the ribs. Really tasty! And SO filling, if it had not been excellent I would never have finished it. My bf got the "Antra" duck dish, which he enjoyed. Dessert maintained the high standards set by the entrees. I got the melting chocolate cake ($9), which was great, and my bf got the banana bread pudding. I saw this pair of desserts get delivered to practically every table; it's the thing to do. I'm telling you people, go the way of the lemming. The service was impeccable throughout, everyone who dealt with us was extremely professional, accommodating, knowledgeable, and courteous. A+!! For all of this, the prices are very reasonable: primi are all $10, entrees are all $21, and desserts are all $9. Or you can opt for the prix fixe and get 3 courses for $36. I don't know who could actually eat 3 courses here, though...
(5)Tony Z.
This restaurant feels like its hidden, and that's because it is. It took us a good fifteen minutes to find it, but that was well worth it. This is a very small, high quality restaurant. The service was excellent, atmosphere was very calm and soothing, great for a date. As for the food, amazing. Everything was fresh and perfectly seasoned. Portions felt a little small for the price. Anyways, HIGHLY recommended if you're looking for a nice quiet place to dine in the Boston area.
(5)piper b.
i recently got into a discussion with a friend about if we had midas-like powers and could turn things into food, which food would we choose? my dilemma was choosing between cheese and truffles. grotto is one of those amazing places where you don't have to make this difficult choice. i went here for dinner with a close friend while visiting boston and we were both super impressed. i LOVE the prix fixe menu situation - it just makes my brain so much calmer. we both started with the garlic parmesan truffle soup (see, cheese AND truffles), served with their homemade ridiculously fluffy and delicious bread. oh. my. god. it was creamy and hot with just the right little kick at the back. insane goodness. my friend had the scallops which were excellent - good size, sauteed mushrooms everywhere - a great choice. my choice, however, was outstanding. i had the beef tenderloin served over parmesan reggiano risotto and a red wine reduction, topped with perfectly grilled asparagus. not the most creative or outrageous dish i've ever eaten, but i think doing a classic dish perfectly is the hallmark of a fabulous restaurant. the risotto in particular was the stuff of legends. we were both way too full for dessert (sad, sad day), but everything else about this place was spectacular. i loved the cozy basement setting, the service was impeccable, great ambiance, etc etc. even though there are about a billion restaurants to try in boston, i will definitely go back here the next time i visit.
(5)Jay L.
Summary: Go here for the appetizers, skip the rest. The appetizers was the best part of the meal. The sausage pasta was very tasty and the fondue was amazing. I had the lobster and my girlfriend had the duck entree. They were both sad. The lobster pasta was overly spicy and lacked flavor. Since the price of all the entrees were the same, I wasn't expecting much lobster. There was a tiny claw and a portion of the tail, but it was fresh. The duck was hard, dry, and generally unappetizing. It was visually disappointing - it looked like a thick piece of sausage. I saw another person order the duck at another table and she looked very disappointed. She had a piece and let off a big sigh of disappointment as she stared at the rest of it. The desert was very disappointing as well. The banana bread pudding was as hard as the panacotta - like a rock. After we gave up on dessert, we waited about 15 to 20 minutes for our check. The amount was wrong. They overcharged us, pricing each item individually instead of as a prefixed price. The service of this place was pretty good until the end of the night. After dessert was served, our waitresses disappeared. We had about 3 or 4 different servers and waitresses throughout dinner.
(2)Catherine E.
I recently moved to Beacon Hill and discovered Grotto by chance when they left a flyer in the foyer of my apartment building advertising some kind of special three course menu that looked incredible. Grotto did not disappoint. The place is tucked away in a small downstairs space that has a warm, cozy feel to it. I tried an appetizer, main course, and dessert, and I loved all three. What I found myself craving a few days later was the fondue appetizer and banana bread pudding dessert. My date, who has previously and repeatedly proclaimed a hatred for all things banana enjoyed the banana bread pudding enough to eat half of mine (which was good because I was beyond stuffed at that point). We also had a bottle of wine with our meal. I was pleased with the wine selection, but my wine knowledge is admittedly limited. To top everything off, we had pretty outstanding service, too. We were promptly seated for our reservation, and the courses were brought out neither too fast nor too slow. I also appreciated that our server graciously answered our questions, but didn't hover or seem pushy. I would definitely go back to Grotto again!
(4)Betsy C.
This place did not disappoint. I came for Valentine's, and honestly was a bit worried that at $45 for a prix fix, something was going to be lacking. Service perhaps, but not the food! We had about 6 different primis to choose from, all of which sounded delicious. Ended up going with the cavatelli- freshly made, creamy sauce. Just wonderful. Then I had the duck two ways- wrapped in procuitto and stuffed with apple, and a slow-cooked delicious leg with a mediera and cherry sauce. I was almost too full for dessert, so I stuck with the ice cream, which was fairly standard. My date had the chocolate pot (as did everyone else in the restaurant it seemed) and it was (according to him) melt in your mouth. Only downside? The huge wait at the door with absolutely no host in sight for about 10 minutes. But I got over that once I started eating. Yum. Thanks Grotto for an affordable an delicious Valentine's Day!
(4)Sarah H.
1. Food: Very nearly superb. I can see how they earned the "too salty" label, believe me I'm a salt-fiend and my duck was a little too salted but nothing I couldn't enjoy! My friend ordered the lobster fra diavlo and it was perfect! We both got the pana cotta much to our delight, however after so much food that desert (the lightest dessert offered) seemed heavy! Ours was garnished with a perfectly tart raspberry sauce with little drops of chocolate to round it out. In addition to, it never seemed to end.. the portions are deceptively larger than expected but so tasty, you'll have a tough time stopping. The Orvieto, "Campogrande" wine is dangerously good as well and paired well with all three courses (yes, even the duck). I really appreciate that you can order by the glass, half-carafe (about 1.5 glasses per person) or bottle. You can also order some of the wines by half bottles. 2. Quick tips: Make reservations and set them for an earlier seating time. Eating earlier seems like the best way to go if you're not in the mood to converse over the other jolly customers. This place is small and meant to be intimate, however it isn't uncomfortably small. Believe me, if you're looking for that North End seating nearly-in-the-kitchen experience this isn't the place. Similarly, if you're looking for the high ceiling, white table cloth, "Mistral" type setting, this still isn't the place. Simple, thoughtful decor, nothing "Beacon Hill" pretentious. Also, if it's just the two of you, request a table along the wine wall. (I really dislike sitting out in the open, but that's just me.) And another thing: the prix fixe option was quite reasonable, three courses plus 1.5 glasses of wine, 44 per person. 3. Location: Red line to the Charles MGH stop, walk up Cambridge to Bowdoin. It's a lovely 10 minute stroll. Or, Green Line to Gov't Center, again: Cambridge to Bowdoin. It seems to share a wall with the church next to it so just look for that. Also, the stairs need to be paid attention to while you're walking down them. (Old Boston charm: steep and slick.) 4. Service: We saw two waitresses, one for the food one for the drinks+clearing. I appreciated that, they seem to have a real "team-work" vibe going on and that is definitely to the customers' benefits.
(5)marc q.
I loved this place!! My wife and I don't go out for Valentine's to avoid the madness and + our anniversary is a week later. We went to Grotto last night and it was really good. I usaually avoid pre-fix menu's but this was real good and affordable. We both had the Crab ravioli and Bolognese pasta-medium portion, but super rich. She had Tiramisu and I had Banana Bread pudding-OMG Off the hook good!!! the roasted walnuts.....holy S#*t soooo good. The staff was awesome and real attentive and the atmosphere-super cozy.
(5)Jenny S.
I wanted to write a review about this hidden gem to send my love back out to my fellow Bostonians.....but I found the accompanying reviews to definitely speak for itself. Grotto is affordable and so so awesome! One thing I highly recommend is joining their email list. They will update you with new menu items, stories, and events along with a grotto club "pass word" into getting a pr ix fixed discount on food and wine tastings. I recommend the cornmeal crusted trout!
(5)Jess D.
Gotta love restaurant week... When I first arrived, I noticed it was a small, garden level (read: Basement) restaurant with only about 15 tables. I thought it was going to feel cramped, but it did not. I started with the crab ravioli and was not disappointed. Fresh crab in an al dente ravioli surrounded by asparagus and tomatoes. For my second course I had steak frittes with Parmesan fries. I couldn't get enough of the fries....they were so cheesy. My steak was a little more rare than I was expecting, but it was delicious and not drowning in au jus. For dessert I had vanilla bean panna cotta with raspberry sauce--it resembled flan but was thicker. delicious. The atmosphere was cozy, like that 'little hole in the wall' you are always looking for. Even the bread was delicious--it is served with olives and olive oil. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Nicole B.
Ate here on a Friday night with my boyfriend. The restaurant itself is on kind of a random street near the state house, but the interior was great. The ambience was very intimate/ romantic and had a neighborhood/ casual feel. The service was very prompt and menu options were great. Both of us had pasta dishes, which were both ery good. Overall a great Friday night casual date spot with solid italian food. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)Dan B.
Had my best dining experience of the past year in Boston at Grotto. The food is amazing, the waitress recommended the gnocchi and it was heavenly. The waitstaff was skillful, displaying a great balance of attentiveness and seamless service. Only potential complaint is the tables are a bit close together and if you're sitting by the door you have lots of people walking by your table and you have to deal with whatever weather creeps inside.
(5)Nicole B.
might i just say that the garlic soup was HEAVEN! pure heaven. it was delicious. the bowl was huge! i could barley finish it. amazing! have i said enough about the soup yet? however, the entree i was not to pleased with was the sweet potato raviolis. they were WAY too sweet and kind of "clumpy" in my mouth (if that's even a word). they were just big globs of sweetness. however, i'd come back for the garlic soup ANY DAY! i'd also be willing to give the other entrees a try. who knows? maybe i just picked a bad one. cute place for a date. very low key romantic.
(4)Maria M.
Forget Disney World. When you eat the gnocchi with short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola, Grotto is the "Happiest Place on Earth"!
(5)Melissa G.
Grotto may be my favorite restaurant in Boston. It's a tiny restaurant, but the ambiance is really cozy, and it's a great spot for a date or girls night out. They have a very affordable prix-fixe menu year-round - ~$33 gets you an app, entre, and dessert. The lobster diavolo is delicious and they do not skimp on the lobster! I've tried a few of their salads and have never been dissapointed. Portions are large, so unless you are really hungry the three course meal will leave you stuffed!
(5)April I.
Grotto does a body good! Went to Grotto last night with the wife and a friend who was visiting from Chicago. We wanted to go someplace where we could sip on wine, enjoy a good meal and each others company. Grotto was sure to please. I started with the fontina cheese fondue served with beef tenderloin and portabello mushrooms and drizzled with with truffle oil and balsamic vinegar. So damn tasty. The sweet potato ravioli with brown butter sauce is also a really good option for a starter if you're not a fondue/beef tenderloin fan. The ravioli was plump and perfectly cooked. The brown butter sauce cut the sweetness and made it really good. I was happy that my friends decided to share. For entrees I recommend the apple stuffed duck breast which comes with a Parmesan potato gratin and is drizzled with truffle oil. The breast was wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with apples. You can't go wrong with that and the duck leg was super crispy. The meat was juicy and not oily which can be a challenge when cooking duck. I also really liked the salty taste of the prosciutto. There were also re-hydrated cherries with a light madeira sauce. Perfecto. If you aren't a duck eating fiend like me, go with the diver scallops. It's served with a pumpkin risotto, chanterelles, chestnuts, and thyme. The dish is beautifully presented with a mini roasted pumpkin placed in the center of the plate, risotto spilling out of it and perfectly seared scallops all around. There were a couple of sauce options around the plate which really allowed to taste sweet and savory. It looked too good to eat, but it was devoured completely. Lastly -- if you do the prix fixe you can get one of Grotto's tasty desserts all for a $36 (I paid a little more since I ordered duck, but well worth it). I went with the super dense and fudgey melting chocolate cake. My wife had the banana bread pudding, and our friend had the trio of ice creams. I like dense and chocolately cake, so I have no complaints. Definitely VERY rich and not really melting as I imagine it. The vanilla ice cream was really good, but after eating fondue and duck it was hard to finish this up. Next time we'll share a dessert and forgo the prix fixe. Everything at Grotto is also available a la carte, so don't feel pressure to order a prix fixe. It just made sense for us. A word on the wine -- they offer by the glass, half bottles and full bottles. Prices range from $7 for a glass to $60+ for a bottle. Lots of choices. Not a full bar though (it used to offer a full bar at one time several years ago), only wine and a few beers. Service was attentive, but a bit hectic. Since Grotto has such an intimate dining room you can see everything that is going on and it definitely seemed like our server was working the whole dining room. All in all the value was incredible and the food was great.
(4)Gwen r.
I was excited to come here for restaurant week, but the food was disappointing. The steak was burnt, the 3 measly asparagus that accompanied the meal were dried up, and the risotto seemed to have been doused in a vat of creamy cheese goo. I love cheese, but the sauce was overbearing. By the time i got to the dessert, which actually tasted good, I was feeling sick to my stomach and couldn't finish it.
(2)John C.
My partner and I stumbled across the Grotto while in town for the weekend. THE SPACE: 2 stars When you first walk down into the small basement setting, it has a certain romantic charm and buzzing ambiance (it was full the night we went). A low-lit, pseudo-European feel. But as you sit there during course of dinner, you start to notice the decor is merely cheap lipstick on a pig. You figure they probably opened this place on a shoestring budget and did the best the could to cover up the glaring flaws in the room, but it is time to invest a bit more effort in the space (or better yet, move to a new space). The low ceiling has dozens of plumbing pipes and cracks and crap that has been painted out in dark red or black, but the closer you look you start to see it needs at least another coat of paint and a good cleaning, but really, this odd space needs some major fixes. On this note, the tiny bathroom (in back through the kitchen) is funky and filthy. Always a bad sign. Again, at a minimum they need to hire a cleaning crew with toothbrushes to get the greasy dusty grim up off the blinds and out of the nooks and crannies. THE FOOD: 4 stars They can get away with the funky space because the food is so good. We had a hard time picking our courses from the fixe menu ($36 per person for three courses) since everything seemed so appetizing. The waiter was very helpful describing the dishes and leading us to our selects: First course 1: An Insalata that was a like a chopped salad of arugula, prosciutto, reggiano with a light lemon dressing. Light, delicious, but would be better balanced with half the amount of prosciutto. First course 2: Fontina fondue with portobello mushrooms and beef tenderlioin. Perfect, amazing. Second course 1: Gnocchi with shortribs. This was fantastic, the gnocchi perfect in its pillowy texture, and the rib meat tender and succulent. Large portion. Second course 2: Duck breast and leg with gratin potatoes. This dish was weak. The confit leg was nice, but the concept of the breast was that it was flattened and rolled, stuffed with a bit of apple, then wrapped skin-tight in prosciutto. It just didn't work -- it looked odd on the plate, like a giant salami, and the duck ended up too tough. The potatoes were al dente, which is not something you want with a gratin dish. Desserts: The chocolate melting cake was nice, although the vanilla ice cream with it was grainy, not creamy. The banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream was lovely, but half-way through the flavor became monotonous. THE SERVICE: 4 stars Everyone who came to our table was great -- the hostess was spirited and charming (she also helped bus), the waiter knew the menu very well and was attentive (but not overly so). The timing on each step in the evening was just right. OVERALL: 4 stars We would go back and we would recommend this restaurant, but it would be nice if they could figure out a way to move to a new upgraded spot that is a more appropriate match to the fairly high level of the cuisine.
(4)A. H.
I went to Grotto for the first time today. Went for lunch and took advantage of Restaurant Week. I had the Gnocchi and braised short rib and all I can say was amazing. I am going to suggest it to all my friends from now on. Also, I have to say that even though they had one server she was still really attentive and did a great job getting our courses out to us and getting us out the door and back to work in time for the end of our lunch break. An A+ all around
(5)Sue K.
grotto's sweet potato ravioli is perfection on a plate. try it! i promise you'll fall in love.
(5)Ms L.
i LOOOOVED this place! the reason i give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of their serious lack of organization. the food is incredible! i came here for restaurant week with my friends and we all loved everything we ate! the garlic soup is incredible...not too garlicy, or at least to a garlic lover :) the soup might be my favorite soup ever...and that's saying a lot since soup is my favorite type of food. the potato gnocchi was also ridiculously amazing! surprisingly the gnocchi was not too heavy and was very unlike any others i've had before (in an amazing way!) the pasta was perfect, the meat was juicy and tender, and the mushrooms added the perfect combination. i could eat here time and time again!!! the big complaint: the wait. first off, there is no place to wait...and we were being attacked by pebbles flying in the wind outside. second, there seemed to be no organization between when people actually came in and reservations. just because your reservation was for earlier, if you come in late and then others who come in on-time should not be post-poned for your tardiness. third, the amount of time it took the staff to flip tables was embarrassing...i know i was hungry and the food looked oh-so-tempting, but it seriously took FOOOOOREEEEEVER! we watched as 3 different people stumbled around putting a 4-top table together in 15 to 20 minutes. aside from the longest, most pathetic wait of my life...the food was incredible. and sadly, i'd wait for forever again just to have the soup and gnocchi...next time i'd just come about 2hrs before i'm hungry :)
(4)Lisa L.
Grotto is a long-time favorite of ours -- the tiny grotto-like space and the friendly staff make it possible to feel like a regular after only a couple of trips. The "insanely fabulous" spaghetti with meatballs is as promised. It's salty but we always end up asking for more bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. Yum. Their salads also tend to be good--especially the beet / goatcheese and sipced walnuts / honey combinations. They've also been willing to do accomodate us for takeout in a pinch.
(5)Alex Z.
Are you people reviewing the same restaurant? The place is cozy, but the service, or at least our waiter, was rather unprofessional and disheveled in his appearance. I'm not sure how others have reviewed the food so high here, it is too salty, too much butter, and way too rich (and this is coming from a person that loves salt and fat in every form I can get it!). The spinach salad was nice, the cinnamon was a nice touch, but a little too much of it. The octopus and shrimp salad was ok, but rather bland, the sauce seemed to be out of step and not what the seafood called for. The octopus was also a little hard (very few people can cook grilled octopus well). The roasted crispy chicken entree wasn't good at all, the chicken was dry with very little taste, the gravy like sauce was too rich and tasted like gravy out of a can. Compare this to Oleana's succulent flattened chicken and I was wondering why I came here, I make a much better chicken at home. All in all we were very disappointed, especially in light of the positive reviews we've been reading. We won't be returning, not that is was particularly bad, but there are a lot of other places where $200 for 2 can be better spent.
(2)Liz K.
I am always on time. Not for this reservation, however, and upon walking down into this cozy little space I feared the worst: public caning, forced exile, no lunch. Luckily, none were true. Even though my two friends were even later to arrive than I was (bitches), we still got our table. So it started off well... Then the waiter came over and asked if we'd like any "soft drinks." My friend was getting aggravated that he assumed we were underage, but it turned out he just assumed that we didn't want to get wasted at 11:45 am. When he brought us our drinks there was a little mix-up (not entirely our fault). After that, he gave us serious attitude and basically disappeared, save for a few brief appearances in which he refused to make eye contact. Awkward and obnoxious. Minus one star. We originally chose Grotto for their extensive RW menu and the fact that they included a brownie sundae as a dessert option. Unfortunately it didn't turn out so well. For the first course I ordered one of my all-time favorites: baked figs with prosciutto and greens. It was edible of course, but not fantastic. I ordered the ziti for my main dish. It was just okay- tasted strangely similar to when I make the same thing at home with frozen ingredients and Kraft grated cheese. So either I am an incredible chef or their dish was just mediocre. If you knew me at all you would realize the latter is true. Minus another star. For dessert, all three of us ordered the brownie sundae (a no-brainer) and when they arrived only two had whipped cream and hot fudge, one was without. How can you serve one third of the table an incomplete sundae? That is just cruel. The whipped cream may not be the most crucial part of the dessert, but it is not easily forgotten. At least provide us with an explanation for this half naked ice cream sundae. For shame, Grotto. Also, the brownies tasted like stale Betty Crocker. Once again, I can do a better job myself. Minus one more star. At first I was willing to excuse them for their mistakes. I realize that during Restaurant Week they are churning out these dishes without the same level of concern and attention that would normally be provided. However, they just screwed up too many times. RW or not, I am still paying for a great lunch and a great lunch I did not receive. Instead I got the equivalent of what I probably would have made at home, except with a snippy waiter and no god-damned whipped cream or hot fudge.
(2)Hilary H.
I don't think that you can beat this place in terms of the food, which is delicious and very reasonably priced. The filet and scallops were both really tasty. Unfortunately, the service leaves a lot to be desired - when asked to be seated away from the door, we were met with an abrupt NO WAY and so were freezing throughout the meal, which made the experience pretty unpleasant. When we spoke with the manager, we were advised that next time we should request to sit away from the door when making our reservation. After pointing out that the table in the corner (which we had originally asked for) had sat empty for over an hour after we arrived, he started to see our side of things and made some concessions. All in all not a great experience, but everyone has off nights and I would try it again considering how good the meal was.
(3)Kate P.
Despite the higher prices this restaurant is unpretentious. The restaurant is small, tables are very close together and the lighting is dim. I went with two girlfriends during the restaurant week prefixed menus and I would definitely return to try more dishes. The caprese salad was not very good because the tomatoes were tough and there was no seasoning at all, not even salt and peper, but my entree, the beef tenderloin with parmesan risotto and asparagus more than made up for the sub par appetizer. My friend said the beef melted in her mouth and the risotto was the best I have ever had. For dessert we ordered the warm melting chocolate cake and everyone loved it. I would return again just for another bite of chocolate cake! Service was well-timed and friendly.
(4)Dru C.
I wish I could tell everyone that this place sucks, just so I never had a problem getting a reservation. That is FAR from the truth. There is something about the food at Grotto that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. If you haven't been, GO! Don't feel bad for not being adventurous and just getting spaghetti and meatballs...because they are OUT OF THIS WORLD. I think they put something in the sauce. ;)
(5)Darlene B.
Just went here with my husband for the first time tonight. Simply Amazing!! Everything was phenomenol from start to finish. The fontina fondue is a must for sure. The beef tenderloin with the risotta was to die for. My husband had the banana bread pudding and I had the blueberry crostatta, both excellent choices. We will definately be heading back there again. Great date place as the atmosphere is very small and cozy with soft music and all :) This is a definate must try!!! Enjoy,.
(5)Priya L.
Had an incredible meal here during restaurant week after reading amazing reviews on yelp. who knew that it is restaurant week there all the time?? Came here with a friend for are girls' night out. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect - a downstairs nook with tiny tables close to each other, a great waitress that was attentive when necessary but left us alone when we needed it, INCREDIBLE food for reasonable prices, and a fabulous wine list. The garlic soup was to die for. My friend had the steak which was cooked perfectly and I had the gnocchi and short ribs - YUM! The banana bread pudding is also incredible!! This is a hidden gem in Boston and I'll be back many times.
(5)Amanda L.
Probably the best meal I've had...EVER. First, the place is sooooooooooo romantic and cute. It's upscale but the waitstaff are totally laid back and super nice. The food....AMAZING. I had the fondue and my boyfriend had the sweet potato ravioli. I was basically licking the fondue bowl it was so good. Then I had the pasta with lobster and my boyfriend had the gnocchi with the ribs. The meat melted in your mouth it was so good. I love lobster and this was definitely wonderful. The sauce was thick but still wonderful. Had the chocolate cake and bread pudding, the chocolate cake was AMAZING the bread pudding reminded me of a banana muffin but it was still delicious. DEFINITELY coming back here.
(5)Han K.
In reality it's 4.5 stars. Grotto is a prefect place for a casual laid back non fussy gourmet meal at a good price. With three courses at $35, you really can't go wrong. I went during restaurant week and the prices were set to a lower $33.08 granted which made it even more of a deal. The dishes are straight forward, in your face in flavor that aim to please. Definitely a winner is the fondue, with perfectly cooked tenderloin of beef as a starter, and the scallop "ravioli", baby leeks, wild mushrooms, and warm arugula was just a perfect dish in every way (check out the picture at Bostonchefs.com of it), as well as the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream which is just unbelievably good. Other winners include the duck, the breast which is rolled around apples all of which is wrapped around prosciutto, with an unbelievely soft tender and crispy confit of duck all served with amazing parmesan potato gratin, was extremely rich but very satisfying, as well as the tiramisu. The only thing holding it all back from a perfect 5 is the service. There are others that complain about the service at Grotto and I don't really have a complaint, but more of a comment. The service itself is very good, they seat you, serve you, get things out to you,clear things away, and refill glasses in a timely manner. The only issue is that it's done in a somewhat cold and robotic way, they're gracious and will do anything you ask, they even tried to make sure I was getting the most for my money on wine when I ordered, but it's all done in a very "this is my job don't expect me to be overly thankful and smile at you constantly" way, which I guess I could understand, but it just doesn't feel as inviting as it could be. The space is a bit cramped, it's maybe a little dingy down there, but the food was excellent, but it wasn't flawless. Don't get me wrong, the food speaks for itself and speaks loudly, I would go back in a heart beat especially at the price normally of $35 per head. Oh. I also left the place stuff to the gills. I was expecting maybe smaller portions but really the food is just so rich, yet so good, you can't stop eating what's on your plate until it's finished and I really did feel like I waddled out of the restaurant.
(5)Emma U.
Anyone who will go to this place, must try the Sweet Potato Ravioli with Brown sage sauce with permasan cheese. It is DELICIOUS! It is definately a cute little place, nice for a date, or with a few friends.
(5)Jennifer D.
I went here for dinner and was pretty pleased with the food. I recommend the fondue (with mushroom and beef medallion) appetizer. The apple duck breast and duck leg was OK. The duck leg was great (crispy and moist), and apple stuffed duck breast was too salty. The melted chocolate cake was good but not memorable. The 3-course pre-fix at $35 made this a good value. Otherwise the appetizer is $10+, main is $20+, dessert is ~$9. This restaurant is located in the basement, is dark and cozy, and contains contemporary art.
(4)Laura G.
I was looking forward to treating my 19 year old son to a special meal in Boston. The food was nothing special (except the deserts), but the experience was very disappointing because of the service. The two wait staff were running around (perhaps they were short staffed), but even when they were attentive it was very rushed, no interaction at all. Went by many times without acknowledging our presence, even when I wanted the bill. Then the bill came and another waitress produced it and had overcharged us by $15. I approached and it was quickly changed, but I left feeling as though it had been a planned rip off.
(3)Shalini P.
So my roommates and I got dressed up and braved the cold to get a taste of this small but cozy restaurant during Restaurant Week. Even though we had reservations, which is highly recommended since the place is very small, we still ended up waiting near the tiny entry way for an extra 15 mins or so. However, the waitstaff was very nice and accommodating so that made up for that fact...Once we were seated the waiter came right away to place our orders. We all had glasses of wine which were very good. For the starter I tried the fondue with beef tenderloin which was amazing! Definitely used the bread so that none of my fondue could go to waste. For the main course I tried the gnocchi with short ribs which was okay, nothing special, but the portion was quite hefty which was nice! and finally for desert we all devoured our chocolate cake which was a nice ending. The overall consensus was that the food was good not great and we may or may not come back again. Pros: friendly service and many options especially for a RW menu Cons: service is kinda slow, the food was okay, and the place is kinda small
(3)Mary F.
I love Grotto. I decided to visit them for Restaurant Week years ago based on the fact that their Restaurant Week menu is huge. So many choices! I loved the cozy, romantic atmosphere and have been back several times over the yeras. Most recently, my boyfriend and I realized we hadn't been on a proper date in a while, and this is where we wanted to come. We visited on a Tuesday night during March Restaurant Week. I highly recommend making reservations a week or two out if possible, they book up quickly. We didn't have to wait too long for our table, and the food was amazing. I had the fondue, scallops, and chocolate cake, and it was all delicious. It's the kind of place where you go to linger over your meal, and the wait staff is attentive, but super-busy so if you're on a timetable this may not be the place for you. It's a tiny spot and it was a bit noisy during primetime dinner hours. Our table was smack in the middle of the restaurant and I was very aware of the stream of traffic (wait staff, bathroom-seekers, etc.) behind me. If I had my druthers I'd ask to sit against the wall or maybe tucked over by the window for maximum coziness.
(4)Julie G.
What a great find!!! I owe this find to Jaime the president of our restaurant club ;) We absolutely fell in love with this place. It is very deceiving from the outside as you walk down a staircase into a basement off of Bowdoin Street. Walking down the stairs I am going what am I getting my self into. Then as soon as the room came to view I was very enlightened. The finished brick walls are adorned with artsy paintings and crystal chandelier sconces. As we sat at our table we admired the dcor and atmosphere. We each chose our favorite painting and continued to soak it all in. As our meals arrived we quickly began sharing our plates, as there was plenty to go around. The portions were very generous. We even returned to this spot and brought new friends along! To this day we still talk about our time at grotto.
(5)Enrique D.
ambiance is perfect for a first date, friendly small gathering or night out w your significant other. quick, friendly service, clean and low key. the food , hit or miss depending on the dish. over all a good place to try out on a quiet night.
(3)Renee G.
I went here last night for Restaurant Week (well, Grotto's extension thereof) with Jessica D. and another friend. I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The place is teeny-tiny and on the garden-level, and although some have complained about the size and decor, I thought it was chic and cozy. I'd rather go someplace with character than someplace pristine, anyway. They brought out the bread right away, and it was soft, delicious, and there were six pieces for three of us so there was no fighting amongst diners (Armani Cafe and CPK, I'm talking to you). It was served with plain olive oil and an assortment of olives. I wish they had seasoned the olive oil, especially considering the salt and pepper that they had on the table were your standard issue shaker variety. Frankly, I would have expected freshly ground in a restaurant of this caliber. I started with the sauteed mussels in a white wine sauce with fresh tomatoes. It so delicious that I sopped up every last bit of sauce with my bread, which (almost) made up for the bland olive oil. Next, I had the house-cut tagliatelle with lobster and fresh peas which was phenomenal and a lot richer than I was expecting. I don't think I came close to eating half of the thing! They were very generous with the lobster and the snow peas had a crisp texture that was a nice counterpoint to the soft pasta and creamy sauce. I also sampled Jessica's steak fritti, and while I wasn't crazy about the steak itself (just not a red meat kind of gal, I guess), the Parmesan fries were freakishly good. I also ate most of her Brussels sprouts since she doesn't like them. That's a reflection on Brussels sprouts in general and not on the preparation, by the way; I thought they were fab. Our friend Jon had the chicken saltimbocca, which he seemed pleased with. For dessert, I had the banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream, which was very good but had less in common with bread pudding and more with straight-up banana bread. I preferred Jessica's vanilla bean panna cotta, which I think I ate half of when she wasn't paying attention. The melting chocolate cake was extremely yummy as well but definitely needed the vanilla ice cream to cut the richness. All in all, I'm a fan...you can't really beat the value, since not only do they apparently do the prix fixe thing all the time, but they also have a huge selection of reasonably priced wines...we had a tasty pinot noir that was $30 for the bottle. This would be a romantic date place, especially for one of those early-in-the-relationship dates when you want impress someone but you don't want to spend $300 to do it. However, learn from my mistake and do NOT wear your skinny jeans...you will not be comfortable on the way home.
(5)Kristin M.
winter restaurant week. yumyumyum. highly recommend these first courses: sweet potato ravioli, garlic and dark truffle soup, fontina cheese fondue. YUM! i think the first course was arguably the best, and we filled up on lots of bread dipping in the fondue and soup. second course: steak fritti with parmesan fries and brussels sprouts. everything was good, but not as exciting and delicious as the first course. third course: vanilla bean panna cotta with fresh raspberries. YUM! overall, a very scrumptious meal with good-sized portions. i was stuffed (re: bathroom comment below, yes it's not the greatest bathroom, but i had to use it a few tiimes just to get up and walk around so i could fit more food in my tummy). cute, tiny place. my only complaints: the weather, it was very crowded (squashed), a little too loud for an intimate feel, and we had to wait 20min. p.s. from the website, it looks like they have a nightly prefix for $34, so you may not have to wait for RW to try this one out.
(4)Iska B.
This was one of my picks for Restaurant Week Winter 2007. My thoughts: Driving to the place: Pain in the behind but then isn't driving anywhere in Boston? Parking is limited on the street and you might be forced to walk a ways or use the garage near by. I'd check and see if they validate parking. Atmosphere: It's cute to go into a basement and eat. It's dimly lit and small and you are very close to the other people so you will be unable to have a private conversation. The thing that sucks is that the only bathroom is shared by everyone and you are basically standing right outside of the kitchen/dishroom to wait for it. It smells and it's loud and it's one of those things I'd rather not be privy to: the inner workings of a restaurant. Minus a point for that. Food: Well to make up for the awkward bathroom incident, the food was great. They had a wonderful selection for Restaurant Week. I ended up with the fondue as an appetizer and my boyfriend had the crab ravioli. Both excellent and nicely presented and the fondue as an appetizer was really unique. For dinner I had the bacon wrapped duck breast and the bf had the lobster pasta. The duck was so-so. The sauce was nice and all and there was plenty of bacon but I found the duck too fatty and it seemed undercooked. I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The lobster pasta on the other hand was great! Plenty of lobster pieces in a nice sauce. Score a point for the amount of lobster. For dessert I had the banana bread pudding and the bf had the melting chocolate cake. Superb and the best part of the whole meal. I wish I had saved more room for it. Overall: I wouldn't say it's amazing or anything but it's a nice place and I'd probably come back to give it another try...and this time made sure I went to the bathroom in advance
(4)Kim D.
i was pleasantly surprised by grotto. my family was in town so i took them for a meal here...we all LOVED it. the food was great, good service and reasonable prices. i really liked the atmosphere (loved the red ceiling!)...i thought it was really romantic...will definitely be back for a date night with the husband! we each did the $30 set menu, which is a great deal. you get full run of the menu. i had the mussels for app, crab ravioli (homemade!!) for dinner and some sort of chocolate cake for dessert. everything was delicious. my mother is still talking about this restaurant!!! will be back for sure.
(4)H. A.
SO GOOD. Every dish was superb. Try the fontina fondue with beef cubes...
(5)Jane H.
I have had really great experiences here and some not so great experiences. The wait staff is sometimes attentive but often kind of slow however they are always very nice. Recently, I ordered gnocchi and found that some pieces were frozen in the middle. The food was so good I was able to overlook it. I would recommend any of their pasta dishes. Their lunches are very affordable, I am not sure about their dinner menu.
(4)Sean F.
Update: I got the spaghetti & meatballs on a second trip to Grotto. It was everything I thought it would be and more. The meatballs were the size of baseballs and I could only eat 1 of 'em. No problem though because I ate it the next day too. It was a little oily and greasy but it's spaghetti & meatballs so you gotta expect at least a little.
(4)Matt W.
It's on Bowdoin Street. Around the part where a lot of homeless people congregate waiting for the soup kitchen to open. do not let that intimidate you. It is awesome. We went here for restaurant week last summer. They were very generous with the menu (you could choose anything, instead of the typical tasting menus reserved for this week). The server was friendly and prompt. The food was awesome. Good spot for people who like to eat food. Good food. Restaurant week is coming up in August, and I would recommend this as a "must do." UPDATE: We just walked by there tonight and it smelled of PEE. REAL BAD. Don't let that scare you. Go inside. Seriously.
(5)Desiree B.
Went out for dinner with my fiancé over the weekend the food was delicious, service was prompt, and the wine selection was pretty good. According to my fiancé the chocolate cake was the best he has ever had. I will definitely go back if the opportunity comes along.
(4)J B.
I just had a very good meal here. They made me a pasta with asparagus and other vegetables and a cream sauce that was really good, my friend got the crab (?) ravioli which she loved. I had a glass of wine and we shared a desert (the lemon one- it was amazing, try it). The waitress was a sweetheart, the food was great. It cost us $70. including tip.
(4)Meg N.
I love going to Grotto, it is a lovely neighborhood restaurant. The food is fantastic and affordable at the same time. Their prix fixe has so many options it is hard to make a choice...although I would definitely make room for the bread pudding. They also have a fantastic wine selection. The atmosphere is great for a romantic meal or for a night out with friends.
(5)Derek K.
Went in for a quick lunch after receiving a number of recommendations. I though the food, setting and service were great, and the value was excellent. Sadly we had to go back to work and couldn't enjoy what seemed to be a pretty expansive wine list. There's always next time.
(4)Tony F.
Went there for dinner. I am usually disappointed with Italian food in Boston but I gotta say this place is very good. The dinner menu is good but there are so many ways to end up with additional fees that the $36 is more of an indicative price than anything else :) I got the fondutta and the scallops and they were very very good, not anything I've tried before. For desert we had the lemon custard and it was good. The only issue was with service. Our waiter was very friendly but too chatty with other tables, leaving us hanging at time. Another issue was that he told my gf and I we could share dishes even though we got the prix fixe (and the menu says you cannot share)... Since he was chatting at the time we were gonna get our bill, another waitress charged us and she charged full price... When I noticed it we told her and then she had a mini argument with our waiter because my gf and I "shared so should pay full price". We ended up with the discount but it's clearly not the way you want to conclude a dinner. Will probably be back though... will just be careful with the service and sharing.
(4)Chris M.
I have been here twice, once for lunch with my entire office for a holiday party, and again for dinner with my wife. The lunch menu is pretty extensive, and everyone in our part of 15 loved the food. Generous helpings, all of it wonderfully prepared. For dinner, my wife and I shared the fondue appetizer, which was fantastic. For entrees, my wife had the spaghetti and meatballs, made with fresh pasta and the most incredible meatballs and sauce ever. I had the gnocchi with short ribs, which was equally delicious. All in all, a fantastic meal. The only possible criticism I might mention is that on a very cold winter day, wear a sweater, as there is no atrium between the outside door and the dining area.
(5)Anna B.
This place is awesome for lunch - I've been several times (I can't speak for dinner because I haven't been) - but get there at noon because people are starting to find out about it!
(5)t c.
I went into a euphoric state while eating the scallops. The lobster linguini is also very good. The olive oil served on the table is the best I have ever had. They store their olives and oil together which gives the olive oil a great flavor. Atmosphere of the restaurant is also very cool.
(5)Suzanne H.
So I was pumped about celebrating a night out at grotto. We went for restaurant week and planned what we were going to eat a few days before even showing up For the appetizer we got the crab ravioli and pancetta with sausage. It was bomb! So good and by far the best part of the meal. The entree however, was a huge disappointment. First, they brought the wrong dish (I ordered duck and they gave me spaghetti and meatballs). When I told the waiter, he signaled the manager over who asked if everything was okay. I explained and their response was basically "the spaghetti is fantastic but I suppose I could go back to the kitchen and cook you the duck." It made me feel like I was inconveniencing them!! From that point on, our table was virtually ignored and there was zero customer service or any offer to rectify their mistake. I never leave bad reviews and am in no means a picky eater. I thought the atmosphere of grotto was incredible and had high hopes for this place. However, my experience was a thorough disappointment and I would not recommend this to others.
(3)Andrew B.
Our family went out to celebrate a graduation, and we all agreed it was the best meal we'd had together for a very long time. Our server, John, was very knowledgable and attentive and recommended two great wines right in our price range. The portions were impressively large for their quality and price. Favorites included the cheese fondue and the gnocchi with short ribs (tenderest gnocchi I've ever had!!). The atmosphere was intimate and dark, perfect for a date but also served excellently for our family gathering. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Felix G.
I've only been to Grotto once, and it was on Valentines Day during a snow storm, so I imagine some forgiveness and perspective should be taken, but I'll leave that to you, the reader, to take this all with a grain of salt. Freezing and hoping to get a table early, we arrived 30 minutes prior to our reservation. There was a table open, but we were told it was reserved and we'd have to come back when it was our time. Back into the blizzard we went and waited, as there's no room at the restaurant to wait. Our fault, but when we returned, the table that had been open was the very one we were seated at. No other tables had opened up, meaning if they had seated another table, we wouldn't have ended up eating until twenty minutes after our reservation. The bread and olive oil promised a dedication and heart that the rest of our meal didn't deliver. The best dish was Gnudi, everything else falling short of what one would imagine of a restaurant going for that range of $38 3 course range. The calamari was very basic, nothing to write home about. They were out of two of their entrees, and I completely forget what I ended up having (of course this is months later). They were out of the banana bread pudding as well, but the Panna Cotta was excellent. A wonderful ending and beginning with a forgettable middle, I suppose is the end result. The food came slowly. We spent two hours waiting on the three dishes. The service was also slow, though to be fair it was a busy evening. The restaurant has very little room, and they try to use every bit of it, making it so that other tables are inches away. It isn't loud, but very stuffed. I got the feeling that the staff didn't want to be working on Valentines Day (very fair), but as a result we all ended up having a rather sub par time with uninspired food.
(2)Kevin L.
I was a little disappointed that Grotto never made it in the Thrillest's "Best Italian outside the North End" rankings. HUGE shocker to me. If someone told me to pick any Italian spot in Boston, this would be the spot! This underground, cozy restaurant is perfect for dates...and it's affordable too. 3 course prix fixe menu with rather generous portions? Can't beat that! Don't forget the complimentary fluffy bread and olive oil plate as well. I went with the Fonduta ($2 supplement), Spaghetti with the homemade pasta used in the Bolognese dish, and Budino. The Fonduta is definitely my favorite course on the menu. Their blend of cheeses and perfectly cooked steak & mushrooms literally melts in your mouth. The main course was pretty good. However, I might have to side with mom's cooking instead. Def should've went for the Bolognese. The Budino was fantastic as well. Our waiter was phenomenal and provided some top notch service. I will dock off some points though since my dessert came out with the wrong ice cream.
(4)Nick E.
This place was great! Lovely atmosphere, food was good, great friendly service - loved it all!! Will definitely be going back.
(5)Crista B.
Went for post work drinks; stayed for dinner. Have the scallops, you will be happy.
(4)Mary T.
One word: Gnocchi! I came here with a big party for lunch and they accommodated with us even though their restaurant is small. I got the mussels for appetizer and gnocchi for my entree. The mussels were made with a white wine sauce that has the perfect acidity level. The sauce was light and it didn't overpower the natural flavors of the mussels. The only problem I had with the dish was there was not enough mussels! And the gnocchi that I got was the best gnocchi I've ever had. The flour to potato ratio for the gnocchi was spot on. The gnocchi wasn't too doughy or mushy. It was light and fluffy. And OMG the short ribs were amazeballs! The meat was so soft and tender that it just melted in my mouth. It definitely paired well with the gnocchi. My friend tried the risotto and she said that it was good and simple, but she wished there was a protein element to it to enhance the flavor of the dish. I tried a little bit of the panna cotta and I thought it was too citrusy. Usually panna cottas are creamy and light but the panna cotta tasted a little grainy for some reason. Also it was a little too sour for my liking. The service was alright. They were attentive and the service was relatively fast considering we had over 15 people. I definitely recommend trying the gnocchi here!
(4)MacKenzie D.
MY FAVORITE. When I was a student at Suffolk, whenever my mom use to come visit.. this was our GO.TO spot. I feel like it's my secret gem! I can't express how absolutely adorable this place is. It is a tiny restaurant, you walked down a few steps to get to .. like its in a basement. You feel like you are in Italy.. everyone is always raving about the North End and how that is 'little Italy' but the Grotto trumps them all. The food is so authentic, the atmosphere is beautiful. If you want true, delicious, authentic italian cuisine.. you gottttta try this place. PLEASE. GO. GO. GO.
(5)Richard H.
Tucked below street level in the shadow of the State House, Grotto is a great spot for a quiet lunch for business or pleasure. I booked a table for two in advance for a business lunch with a visiting colleague. The simple menu of sandwiches and pasta was a good value for lunch (ranging from $9-$14), and the intimacy of the interior allowed us to have a private and productive conversation over a tasty meal. I settled on the Pomodoro sandwich - a warm toasty panino of olive oil, mozzarella, greens, fresh tomatoes, and pesto ($10). The pesto was not too overpowering, but the sandwich reminded me of a fancy grilled cheese. This is not something to complain about as it was delicious and served alongside healthy mixed greens. If I return, I will probably try the Manzo, a steak and caramelized onions sandwich, that I observed passing by on a tray to an adjacent table. For drinks, we ordered simple black coffee, well-prepared and quick to be topped off by the attentive staff. Given its convenience, value, and ambiance, I will definitely be returning to Grotto for lunch. The cozy interior easily transitions towards romantic in the evening, which means I'll potentially return with a date in toe for an evening meal.
(4)Emily F.
Insalata: good flavor fra Diablo: perfect spicy and flavorful Chocolate cake: rich Chicken parm: 3.5/5, good but not the best Gnocchi: AWESOME Banana pudding: banana bread part was great but the ice cream/nuts were kind of odd tasting Wine: great. Overall: great experience in a cute and intomate atmospheres
(4)Kim C.
Preface: This was supposed to be a romantic surprise for my boyfriend during Dine Out Boston to thank him for all that he does for me. 1) No hostess station?? Fine. You would lose that 2seater. But no one from the waitstaff even made an attempt @ eye contact to acknowledge we had arrived even after walking toward & passed us 2x+. 4 other couples descended the stairs to the same fate, 1 of which courageously & awkwardly made their way through the maze of tables to the back to check if there was a larger dining area/second entrance on the other side & were caught in a quick one-two side step with waitstaff before finally being seated. 2) We know others experienced this poor attempt @ greeting because we were seated @ that precious 2seat table right by the door, which was fine... BUT as my boyfriend later disclosed, the AC unit dripped onto the brick which then splashed onto his arm.. throughout the whole meal. 3) A rushed 3-course meal if I may add, that we ordered all @ once when she first came to the table. Probably best, in hindsight, because I never actually received the wine list specials the guy said he would bring over to me after I inquired if they had a wine-pairing for DoB (& was told they didn't but would bring over something additional than the normal drink menu). 4) Speaking of drinks, I never thought I would have to also survey a drink list before making a reservation. 1 or 2 beer options, which Amstel Light is the only 1 I can actually recall, white wines that I could at least recognize the type, and reds that were so unfamiliar the list must be Vineyard names or something. I was going to ask if they had a house Chianti bottle or something, we love wine, but the bf suggested we get a pitcher of Sangria. ..@$45 you better be phenomenal, and NOT have cinnamon -- who puts cinnamon in sangria?? Also, my bf hates cinnamon. Another notch down they fall. Utter dissatisfaction at their failure to notice surroundings & poor customer service. Not returning.
(1)Nicole F.
This was a cute little place! Great food and a good selection of wine. They have a 3 course meal for $38! It was amazing! I only docked 1 star cause it was pretty cramped. You were literally elbow to elbow with the next table and that was a little turn off.
(4)Dana L.
First time. Outstanding food! Our party of four were not excited by the menu when we sat down, but wow were we amazed by the actual food (hint: you guys need someone to rewrite your menu - lackluster descriptions don't match the incredible, gorgeously-plated food) - get the pettini (scallops dish)...we will be back next week for that dish it was so amazing! Halibut was also great. Great salads and the budino dessert disappeared in a flash! Prix fixe is a deal. Just a great hidden spot that exceeds expectations!
(5)Martyn M.
The experience at Grotto compelled me to complete my first yelp review! A great hidden restaurant away from the main crowd, this small, intimate, cosy, place had a great menu & our eventual food choices didn't let us down. Great service too & very reasonably priced for the quality..
(5)Lizzie B.
Ah, so romantic. Sigh. Great place to canoodle or do other romantic-y things. I, however, came here with my parents. Whatever, I still left with a blush rising in my cheeks (thanks red wine) and a big ol' grin on my face. My parents, brother and boy toy came here for lunch after my swearing in ceremony. Despite the fact I hadn't been to Grotto in over 3 years, I desperately wanted to go here to celebrate my big day, and boy was I happy with my choice. Monday through Friday, Grotto offers lunch from 11:30 am - 3pm. The lunch menu consists of approximately 5 pasta dishes, two egg dishes, 5 sandwiches and a few appetizers. I ordered the Cavatelle ($14) House made ricotta pasta, Sausage, Peas, mushrooms, Pancetta (Italian bacon) and cream. It was heavenly. I've had this dish before at many other Italian restaurants - and usually it leaves me feeling overstuffed and ill. Grotto's Cavatelle is decadent, but not too heavy. The bacon and veggies shine through the cream sauce and the pasta itself withstands the cream whilst still maintaining a soft-pillowy texture. As for the rest - I'll let them speak for themselves.. Mom: Parmigiani (Chicken Parm Sandwhich) ($12) "MMMM.. This is the best chicken parm sandwich I've ever had. I really like the bread, and the chicken is nice and thin. Oh, and I like the fact that it comes with a side salad." Dad: Omelette Florentine (Roasted tomatoes, Spinach, Fresh mozzarella, Toast, Roasted potatoes) ($12) "These are damn good eggs." Brother: Manzo (Grilled beef tenderloin, Caramelized onions, Horseradish mayo, Fontina, Arugula, Parmesan French fries) ($14) "This beef is delicious. It is so f'ing tender. Best beef ever. MMMMM" Boy-toy: Carroza (Pan roasted buffalo mozzarella, Baby spinach, Black olives, Red bell peppers, Capers, Aged balsamic) ($10) "This is not what I ordered, but it is still really good." Side note: Jason L ordered a different salad, but waitstaff must have misheard him. He was still pleased with his lunch, even though my entire family teased him for eating a salad for lunch. Service was nice, albeit a bit distracted. I was a teeny-bit upset that although my Mom told the staff multiple times that we were celebrating a special occasion - they didn't inquire further - congratulate me or otherwise provide any sort of special accommodation. I think, however, I am just used to being spoiled at Millis's Steel and Rye (YELP this place already, people!) Decor: Restaurant fits approximately 10 tables. Lighting is dark but sexy dark, not "I can''t read my menu" dark. Great chandlers, European decor (love the red walls!), Frank Sinatra playing on the speakers. Summary: Super romantic, warm and inviting space. Great, unfussy, high quality food that even my no-nonsense, anti-fancy-spancy parents can appreciate.
(5)Jiawen H.
Came here for Dine Out Boston. I had mussles and the fra diavolo. They definitely knows how to cook seafood! The mussle disb was super fresh and the perfect broth brought out the natural sweetness of the mussles. The fra diavolo was just the right hint of spiciness and the half lobster tail was cooked to perfection! Came with a party of four and we are all satisfued with our dishes. The only thing I took a star off for was that the 'mood lighting' was essentially darkness and the restaurant was stuffy and really hot.
(4)Joyce L.
I've walked past this restaurant on the way to work for the past year and never thought to try it out until this past weekend. I came here with one of my girl friends for my birthday dinner and we were probably the only people there who were not with their significant other haha but it didn't stop us from enjoying a great 3 course meal! The atmosphere is romantic and intimate (probably more so since the tables are so close - you can pretty much hear everyone's conversations). We got there around 6:00PM and there was a contant influx of people - I was surprised to see how busy they were on a Friday night because of its "hole-in-the-wall" location. I will start by saying that the bread and olive oil they started us with tasted a day old.. the bread tasted a little stale and wasn't soft and moist like I expected it to be. I love my carbs & I tend to overload on the starter bread bowls at every restaurant and get too full from it... but I didn't have that problem here. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing... I ordered the spinaci to start - salads seem easy to make, but they're actually hard to perfect. Grotto perfected this salad! I really enjoyed it and found it to be a pleasant surprise after the stale bread. For my second course, I had the scallops and they were meaty & perfectly cooked. The "ravioli" is more like flat sheets of pasta on top and beneath the scallops. It was really good, but definitely one of their richer dishes. My friend ordered the tenderloin (medium) and the first thing we both said when we tasted it, was that she should've ordered it medium rare. The coloring was spot-on, but the meat tasted a bit tough and dry. Lastly, we had the banana bread pudding, which was just the right dish to end our meal. I also ordered a cocktail, but it really tasted like juice... I wouldn't be surprised if you told me that there was no alcohol in it. If you want to pair your meal with an alcoholic beverage, definitely order a glass of wine - their cocktails are not worth it. Overall, good dining experience. Would probably come back for a date night - hopefully with a softer/moister batch of bread to start our evening!
(4)Rebecca S.
I enjoy food of all kinds and make time to try as many restaurants as I can. I have had some amazing meals and can confidently say that the meal I had at Grotto was one of the best. I'm a big fan of duck, so that tends to be my go-to whenever I see it on a menu. The duck I had at Grotto melted in my mouth and had so much flavor. Mind you I have had some fantastic duck and this was up there with the best of them. The service was attentive, but not overly on top of you, a perfect mix. I also appreciate a good cocktail and the ones we had at Grotto were expertly done. Thank you for a lovely meal, I will definitely be back.
(5)Phil T.
This is a small place that probably seats 20-30 people max. The atmosphere does feel quite romantic and intimate however, the food was completely underwhelming. For appetizer, I order the beef tenderloin fondue. The presentation and taste were terrific and got the meal off to a great start. However, the entree and desert fell far short of the build up from the appetizer. My entree was the duck breast stuffed with apple wrapped in prosciutto. Everything about this plate was off. The apple stuffed inside the duck tasted odd and added nothing to the dish. The duck and prosciutto was very tough and over cooked, so much so that I could hardly cut through it. The duck leg was super fatty as well. The desert for me was "melting" chocolate cake and ice cream. The cake did not deliver on it's advertising of "melting", it can be called slightly warm at best. The desert was otherwise pretty commonplace. Overall. Nothing spectacular, but I've definitely had better for this price point.
(2)Benster G.
We arrived and were promptly seated, (there is no host/ess station); there is also no entrance way, so every time the door opens, the entire restaurant gets a rush of freezing/hot air (depending on season). We were sat in a cornerish table in the back of the restaurant, and this where the majority of my rating stems from; even after pushing the table as far in towards the wall as possible, and scooting in to the point where not ideal, I still got bumped every single time a waiter/foodrunner/staff went behind me. Sometimes I would get an apology other times not. I even saw the staff joking about it, which adds to the situation. So throughout the night I was getting bumped or having gusts of cold air, or a combination of both occur. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable; and the food comes out pretty quickly. We went for restaurant week; and we both had extremely good meals. She had fried mozzarella, kale salad type dish for an app (which was quite large portion); and then handmade raviolis in a truffle sauce, also really good (and good size portions. I had the Cavatelle, which was extremely good and rich, and then the bolognese (i should have gotten something else, since the Cavatelle was already super rich), though the bolognese was still great. Desert was good and simple; berries and some sort of custard. The restaurant week menu is quite similar to there regular menu (which is also prix fixe) so they execute on that type of set-up nicely. Dinner was about $120 for two of us, maybe a little overpriced given my experience, but still worth checking it out.
(3)Lynn W.
Grotto is a jewel of a restaurant. Very intimate, more of a hole in the wall - but with phenomenal food! I ordered the lobster fra diavolo, extra hot. It was absolutely delicious. Not very spicy but very delicious. Would definitely come back again!
(5)Michelle L.
The atmosphere is great. I went while on a business trip and was by myself. But it has the perfect romantic atmosphere. If you go during the summer, dress for the heat. The restaurant had very little air conditioning. I had the spinach salad, which was good. Then I ordered the spaghetti with the self-proclaimed amazing sauce. Not so much. I wish I had ordered something else. The sauce and meatballs were very average. I had the banana bread pudding for dessert. Also average. The service was excellent and I would go back again. Except next time I would order the things that previous reviewers said were amazing. Lesson learned.
(3)Ne N.
Awful front staff and a messy reservation system. I arrived 10 minutes before my reservation and waited 45 minutes when finally a table opened up they sat a couple that had arrived after us, without any apology or explanation. Had I been given an estimated wait time (or a head's up about others not present being before us) I'd gladly visit another time or go get a drink next door and return. When I complained I was attacked by the staff (I suspect favoritism). Anyway, my impression is that this establishment is being run by a bunch of amateur kids who aren't learning or addressing the primary complaint about their rude and non existent service. Attitude may be cute in a fabulous restaurant in Paris, it is not in a basement hole in a wall in Boston. Of course, I'd be afraid to go back, not because of their famous cockroach infestation (see another costumer's complaint in the reviews for reference) but because I'm sure they will at the very minimum spit in my food. I had attached a snap shot of one of Grotto's employees threats against me on Yelp and their assurance that they'd ask Yelp to remove my post. I find this highly abusive and felt threatened for my personal safety given their mob mentality and their access to my OpenTable reservation info. Yes, I did used an expletive (the F word to be exact) when confronted with this injustice but only after the mistreatment by their staff . Yelp removed the snap shot of Grotto e-mail citing that it was "not represented of the restaurant." Representative or not it was still my direct experience and judging by some other negative reviews about the same exact behavior I'd say that it's sadly representative enough. I dine out almost every night of the week and have never had a similar problem in any other restaurant. Only once at Number 9 Park we had to wait a white to be seated past our reservation time and they were polite and attentive and even offered us a complimentary drink while we waited. Grotto's operation is guided by greed. The sardine-packed table arrangement, the overcrowding (perhaps in violation of the fire code), the systematic overbooking of the reservations, and a lack of waitstaff and service all point to this fact. I'm not even going to guess how they cut corners in their kitchen. Update: adding insult to injury, now OpenTable notified me that Grotto has us as no show, although they were the ones who did not honor the reservation by keeping us waiting 45 minutes past our reservation time.
(1)Paul V.
This was a really disappointing experience. After reading all the great reviews I thought I would give this place a shot. first of all ,this place is like being in a small basement crammed with people with almost no space to walk around. I don't understand how people find this romantic i couldn't even have a conversation with my fiance it was that loud. The waiter sat us in a corner table that was so dark we couldn't even see what we were eating, actually the entire place is dark like a dungeon.The food was bland , for 10$ you get a salad that contains a few leaves of spinach with some beets cut and filled with cheese. The chicken was dry and pasta was like chewing plastic, but for the 38$ fixed price we had to scarf it down. The dessert was decent though I enjoyed it and that's the only reason I'm giving this place one star.
(1)Brian B.
Let me premise that I only give 5 star ratings if the service, food, decor/atmosphere are superb. That being said I've only eaten at a few 5 star places. My date and I went to Grotto on a Thursday night, I was able to reserve a table the day of which was convenient. The atmosphere/decor was below the street small, romantic and dark. Our server was not that very attentive, but since we chose the prix fixe option, it wasn't too bad. My biggest complaint about Grotto is that they did not offer gin or tequila...they offered almost everything else but gin. I tried a vodka drink that my date ended up enjoying instead of me because I don't like vodka that much. Aside from the drinks, the prix fixe menu was enormous and all encompassing. We had the mussels and crab ravioli to start, then the chicken Parmesan and lobster fra diavolo, then the panna cotta and mixed berries for desert. Everything tasted good and came in food portions. There could've been more lobster in the fra diavolo, but that didn't affect the taste of the dish overall. I also tried panna cotta for the first time and was not impressed, but I'll have to try it elsewhere to confirm if I didn't like Grotto's panna cotta or the desert in general. Good Italian, not great Italian. But with a cool underground location and prix fixe meal option, this was great place to take my date.
(4)Pete M.
Went for having restaurant week dinner like garlic soup even a little too salty. Steamed mussel here great. My favorite menu was grill beef tenderloin. It's worth every bites.
(4)Dan G.
I would have given this review 4.5 but not an option. I have been wanting to try this place for a while now and it did not dissapoint. First off, it's down a quiet residential street which seems out of the way but it fits perfectly in the space. It's located below street level in a small, dark romantic atmosphere but still good with friends. Even at 9:30 on a Saturday night it was packed. The restaurant is noisier than some but not terrible. There were 4 of us and I didn't know they had a prix fixe menu for $38. A good price for the quality food. Anyway, I started off with the Cavatelle which was to die for. I easily could have had another giant bowl of it. Friend ordered the soup and calamari. For our entrees we ordered the Bolognese, gnocci and Gnudi (ricotta dumplings) and Duck. The bolognese was quite tasty as you could taste the homemade tomato sauce with the San Marzano tomatoes. The duck was cooked perfectly and more importantly a good size portion. The Gnocci was good, not great. The short ribs fell apart in my mouth but the gnocchi was a little dense and chewy. Compared to the Cavatelle everything didnt compare. For dessert two of us ordered the banana bread pudding and the other two ordered the lava cake. The bread pudding felt more like banana bread but was still light and perfect size for dessert. The chocolate cake was just as good as the molten oozed out. The service was fine, not that attentive but he came back to check on us a few times. I would have liked our water glasses to be filled more frequently but not the end of the world. I would have loved to have taken photos but it was just too dark. I would go back in a heartbeat! GET THE CAVATELLE NOW!!
(4)Samantha S.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Every time I go, I order the gnocchi with short ribs, and it's amazing! I also recommend the ciaccolato or budino for dessert. The actual space isn't the best - it's dimly lit, and very cramped. Overall, the food is definitely worth it, and the pre-fixe menu for $38 a person is a must.
(5)Damien S.
Subterranean love nest where the nookie stems from... the food? It's true - you can taste it. Every plate on the menu can be part of the $40 prix fixe, but be forewarned: the serving size is XL, and the bread baskets magically refill with the warmth and fluidity of the oil plate boasting cured olives. My foolish trio (for the sheer volume; the selections were spot on): Cavatelle: Ricotta pasta made in house and tossed with a sausage, peas, and plump button mushrooms in pancetta cream sauce. Definitely swiped a slice form the loaf presented to get all the lovely remnants. Antra: Duck two ways! A crispy, roasted leg that I do not believe to be confit sat as the dish's darling. Hooray! Also present, an apple stuffed duck breast wrapped in prosciutto, a dried cherry compote, and a big ol' stack of potato gratin. The breast was a bit overdone, but delicious all the same. Panna Cotta in a tart and sweet berry sauce with a half pizzelle and a drizzle of aged balsamic. Minor dings from sporadic service (where did she go?) and for the outrageous margins on the wine. Our comical red was scandalously overpriced. Of course, with dishes like those, they've got to earn their money somewhere. I'd definitely return.
(4)Susan T.
The food here is absolutely high quality, and the prices are shockingly affordable. The pasta dishes are especially great. My BF said the beef tenderloin is the best beef dish he's every had ever in his life. The one thing I got that I wasn't crazy about was the duck.. the leg was delicious, but the stuffed breasts were too dry (overcooked).
(5)S Z.
This restaurant is very romantic and food is beyond delicious. It is very small, but adds to the charm. Place that should be definitely on your list. Note: if you are coming with the car, there is a limited street parking, its mostly residents parking, so if you don't find parking on that street, you might have to pay garage parking. This restaurant deserves 5 stars, BUT our waitress was just so unfriendly,judgemental and "cold"- she ruined the experience. We felt as if she was mad that we were there, she was annoyed by any question and just very rude!
(4)Kara G.
Some things just scream "charming" - subterranean, cozy and candlit- Beacon Hill's 'Grotto' is undeniably lovely. Couple that charm with their $40 Prix Fixe and you have a pretty solid date night. From other reviews it looks like that price has gone up a bit but I'd argue it's still insanely affordable for what you get- 3 courses of significant portions and lots of atmosphere. My primi course- the Carozza- had all the makings of a great Caprese rendition but ended up feeling scattered. His Cavatelle came with peas, pancetta, and mushrooms in a cream sauce was absolutely delicious. For our secondi courses his Antra (Apple stuffed duck breast) was the clear winner- while my Bolognese was lackluster and in desperate need of some seasoning. I finally caught a break at dessert! My best of 3 was by far the Budino- a Banana Bread Pudding with luscious caramel ice cream topped with a salty caramel drizzle. This was outrageously good. It blew his Panna Cotta out of the water. While the service was spotty. Giving us space to canoodle: Good. Disappearing for 25 minutes when we need to order: Not so good. Overall, I think if you want to get close over Chianti and flickering candlelight- this place is worth a shot.
(4)Halley O.
Setting: somewhat underground (living up to its namesake), romantic lighting and decor. Very small, intimate dining room. Food: great Italian food, small menu with 3-course prix fixe menu option. - fondue was amazing. A must try. Very different. - buffalo mozz spinach salad, also delicious especially if you like garlic - chicken parm - rolled chicken served in a red sauce and melted cheese surrounded by pasta. Great portion, quite delicious. - gnocchi with short rib and Gorgonzola - savory and sticks to your ribs. Short rib melted in your mouth. So good. - panna cotta - slightly denser than a flan with a lemon sherbet taste. Decent. - chocolate cake with ice cream - do it. Wine - good selection, reasonable prices. We went with one of our favorite Willamette valley Pinot noirs, A-Z Staff - Super friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Overall, I highly recommend the Grotto. Creative takes on Italian food, all delicious. Looking forward to tasting the rest or the menu. Cheers, Halley
(4)Michaela C.
Such a cute, cozy place! The perfect place to have a romantic evening. The food was fabulous as was the service. Will definitely be returning!
(5)Andrew N.
Grotto's a nice, romantic spot but the food is rather lackluster. I tried the crab stuffed ravioli as an appetizer and it was probably the most bland italian dish I've ever had. I had to eat the salted veggies on the side to give the bland ravioli some flavor. The dish might've not been made to order because a couple of the edges on my ravioli were hard and and dried out. For the main course, I hade the Carne beef tenderloin with risotto which was quite tasty. The risotto was very rich and creamy and balanced out the tenderloin well. I tried the beef medium rare and it was well cooked and seasoned. The service is alright, not great, since it is a small place and they didn't seem to have designated servers for the night (everyone seemed to be doing all the tasks). That said... I'd personally only come back for Grotto's ambiance on a nice date, but not for the food nor service. There are definitely better places to get italian food in the north end!
(3)Brandon W.
Great atmosphere. Very small, but that adds to the charm. The food was all fresh and delicious. Highly recommend trying it. You should definitely make a reservation. I wasn't kidding when I said this place is small.
(5)Carol M.
This was my second time coming to this place. First time being a decade ago, and then today. I ordered a chicken parm, and was deeply disappointed at the flavor of it, the chicken seemed old, and the red sauce tasted awful (and they proudly name it, Fabulous tomato sauce.). My friend ordered a spaghetti with meatballs, and she too could not eat her meal, it tasted awful. Now, I am not a picky person, but this sauce was nothing close to being fabulous, nor resembled a decent red sauce... Red sauce is supposed to be sweet where you can taste the tomato. Perhaps today was a bad day? On the good side, after telling our waitress that the dishes were not good, she exchanged it for something else, I picked the Cavatelle which was delicious. My friend on the other hand just ate off my plate and our other friend's plate. We walked out happy. But for those of you that go, be warned, THE RED SAUCE is NO GOOD! Go for the other meals which exclude the red sauce.
(2)Amber A.
Came here thanks to Restaurant week last Friday at lunchtime with a group of co-workers. We were able to make a reservation for 8 of us a couple days in advance, which was surprising upon seeing how tiny the restaurant itself is. The menu was Pri Fixe and you ordered everything at once - 2 courses was $20 and 3 courses was $25. I ordered a Spinach, beet, goat cheese and walnut salad to start, which was delicious and perfectly sized. Many in my group got calamari, which they enjoyed. For my entree I went with a classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. It came with 2 meatballs and a large serving of spaghetti in the middle - also, delicious! The spices were a bit intense, and there was a flavor I couldn't quite figure out (Thyme maybe?). Our group works close by and had to leave before being served dessert, but the staff had no problem wrapping it up for them to go, and even waited to give them their ice cream until right before we left. Overall, a lovely atmosphere in a tiny space, great food and excellent service. Our waiter was flying around the room, always refilling waters and checking on us. Great restaurant week experience!
(4)Patrick M.
Gotta say great at the expense of never being able to get in here again when I'm in town. This is exactly the kind of nouvelle-old school synchrony that is rare . Homemade pastas-gnocchi and cavatelli-were great and the appetizer of the light, simple fondutta was delightful. The tucked-away space is comfortable, but the staff were inconsistent about menu knowledge and service. Connected with some friendly, local regulars while dining. The wine list offered no bottles less than $45 which caused us pause, however. Thanks for the great meal and fun night on Beacon Hill.
(4)Will C.
One of my favorite italian places to eat at in Boston for lunch or dinner. Great choices, great taste and although it is a bit pricey, it is worth every dollar. You will definitely be full of food and joy if you go with their prefixe menu.
(5)Michael C.
I'm probably the only Yelper reviewing this place for takeout, but I was teaching an evening class at Suffolk and was looking for a bite to eat and this whole area can be pretty desolate in the evening. I was happy to hear that they did take out and I ordered their famous Gnocchi which comes with perfectly tender short ribs, gorgonzola in a mushroom sauce. It was exquisite, even in a to-go box. I'll be sure to be hitting this place up again the next time I'm teaching late at Suffolk.
(4)Yuan J.
Came back here two weeks after my first visit, and still delicious! I wanted to show my boyfriend the short rib gnocchi and the budino, and he absolutely loved it. For myself, I had the Spinach Salad with Beets and Goat Cheese, the Apple Stuffed Duck with Prosciutto and Potatoes au Gratin, and the Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Duck was moist and flavorful, and the chocolate cake was rich and went well with the ice cream. Will definitely be coming back here again someday!
(5)Sharon D.
Nestled in the middle of Bowdoin Street in between the State House and Cambridge Street lies an an intimate and sweet haven with unexpected depth and breath. It's restaurant week in Boston so my coworkers and I like to try a new place each round. While this one is a little further from our office on Boylston, we found the lunch menu to be varied and interesting so off we went. It is itty bitty so be sure to make a reservation, no matter when you go. They had a prefix menu with 2 courses for $20 and 3 courses for $25. The chocolate brownie sundae caught our eyes so 3 courses it was! Every dish had a healthy portion and it was all fresh and delicious. We chose this place because we wanted a lot of food for our money and we all left stuffed! Kudos to the waitstaff for navigating through such a small and tight space! We highly recommend the spinach salad, cavatelli, calamari and mussels 1st course. 2nd course included bolognese, ravioli, portobello mushroom sandwich and ziti. Do not pass on the brownie sundae, although the Banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream was quite tempting. This looks like an awesome place to take a first date!
(4)Alexandra S.
Loved the short rib dish and the truffle fondue. Molted lava cake comes with the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had. It's a little dark in the restaurant - meant to be romantic but it's just hard to see.
(5)K H.
Good italian food. Service was good as was the winelist. Nothing particularly unique just good italian food. I had the bolognese, though, which was very good. A little on the pricey side.
(4)Sam S.
Wow. Let me start by saying the place is kind of in a basement... You get to the front door and you're like... wait, what did I get myself into!? Then you walk in, and you're faced with adorable tables and candles and dark wood. The atmosphere is very romantic. Besides just the setting, the food is phenomenal. My roommate and I did the 3 course pre-fix meal and it was phenomenal. The stand out (by far) were the ricotta dumplings, I've never tasted anything like them, and I've gone back to this restaurant 2 times since, because of them. The chocolate melting cake is also amazing. This has quickly become my favorite restaurant in Boston. A little pricey, but so worth it.
(5)Peter H.
We're told not to judge a book by its cover and that would certainly have been a a mistake with Grotto. Despite an unprepossessing exterior, this was a great little restaurant. The service was attentive without being obtrusive, the portion sizes generous and the food delicious. We'd happily go back there again.
(4)Cathy Z.
As others have said, the short rib gnocchi was divine (and very filling)! The other dishes that I tried also seemed very well prepared and seasoned. I was there for an early lunch and the restaurant was empty, so the waiter was super nice and attentive. The space is pretty small, but I think it would be a nice place for a date! Seems like they have some good brunch options as well (baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, for one).
(5)Caroline C.
The plump, fluffy gnocci and steamy braised short rib cubes melt on the first bite and the hot, dense banana bread pudding topped with an immaculate dome of salted caramel ice cream finishes any date on just the right note. So romantic; so delicious.
(5)Irene W.
Food = amazing!!!, service = average My friend and I came for a Restaurant Week lunch here. When first making the reservation, I had to put down credit card information on OpenTable. I had a set time/date where I couldn't cancel the reservation online without contacting the restaurant directly. Please be advised when making reservations! Since the dining area is small, I'd strongly recommend reserving a table to ensure seating. Our initial reservation was for 1:30pm, but we were able to come half an hour early after we had called asking for a reservation change at around 12:45pm. It was a Monday, so the restaurant wasn't very busy. The interior of the restaurant is really quaint and intimate with the exception of the walk to the restroom. You have to pass through the kitchen area and the bathroom is pretty dingy. It definitely contrasted with the classy ambiance of the main dining area. Upon arrival, the waitstaff seemed aloof. The waitress came to our table when it was necessary and was very cordial to us. However, she didn't seem very approachable or warm. Otherwise, the food choices were amazing for $25/person. Since entrees are on the carby side and the portions are generous, I'd recommend a lighter starter like the Rucola. At the same time, I tried a bit of my friend's cavatelle and it was delicious. The gnocchi with short ribs was amazing; the meat was so tender and well-prepared that it basically fell apart in my mouth! I had the budino for dessert and was very happy with my choice. All together, the meal was VERY filling and it's a great value for the price. Amazing food, but it wouldn't hurt for the waitstaff to smile more! :)
(5)Pronitha S.
One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to! We reserved a table for 2 on the valentine's day and boy it was totally worth walking through the snow storm. Cosy little place. Might tick some people off. But the flavor, top notch! Zuppa and crab ravioli was sensational. Chicken parmigiano was brilliant too. All in all wine + grotto food = great v-day dinner!
(5)David C.
DON'T come here during Restaurant Week. DO come here every other week of the year. Why? Because Grotto serves a three course prix fixe menu including every item on its menu for $38 year round. And with the exception of a few dishes, they're all damn good. Highlights include the fonduta, duck, and banana bread pudding (there's your meal right there). Portions are HUGE, and I'm happy to say that is without sacrificing quality or imagination. Dollar for dollar, pound per pound, the prix fixe at Grotto is one of the best deals around.
(4)Alexandra N.
My best friend surprised me with a trip to Boston for my birthday and took me here for lunch. I got gnocchi and it was phenomenal. I get gnocchi every time it's available and this is definitely some of the best I've ever gotten. It's even better than some of the gnocchi I've gotten in the North End. I don't remember what my friends got but I remember that they really enjoyed it. My friend who's a vegetarian even really liked her (which is rare since vegetarian options are normally subpar). My only complaint is that it's really dark and if you have a sensitive melatonin balance and listen to jazz music before you go to sleep (like myself) you will fall asleep in front of your food (which I did). However, if you not fall into this category, I highly recommend this place for a date. It's very intimate and romantic.You might get more "authentic" Italian food up at the North End but the way this restaurant is set up I think makes up for that. Even when it gets crowded, you still feel kind of secluded. Highly recommended.
(4)Nick K.
Went here for Valentines with my Girlfriend. Walking in was initially a little odd because there was no hostess so we sort of stood awkwardly waiting for a waiter/waitress to come over. When they did we told them we had a reservation and were brought to our table promptly. I had flowers ordered and sent to the restaurant and they were at the table when we sat down. Went over very well with the girlfriend. The place is small, cozy is a good word for it, yet when you are actually at the table it is not too bad. You never feel like you are sitting on top of anyone else. There was jazz playing and the clientele was all dressed for the occasion. The wine list seemed good and we choose the Nozzole because we both enjoy Chianti. It was very good. The food menu for dinner is Prix Fixe- not a Valentine's Day special- but it's always like this. I ordered the Piccata, Bolognese, and Ciccolota. She ordered the Calamari, Swordfish, and also the Ciccolota. I enjoyed mine, especially the Bolognese which came out fresh and piping hot. My girlfriend did not enjoy the Calamari, but I tried some and enjoyed it- she thought it was too rubbery so perhaps it is a personal preference. Overall the service was very good and on point, and even with a reservation on Valentine's I did not feel we were being rushed out. Five stars because the service, wine, ambience, and food were just what we were looking for on Valentine's. Highly recommend for a romantic date.
(5)Christine P.
Recently I had to spend the day at Mass General Hospital for some appointments that were a couple hours apart. I wanted to treat myself to a nice lunch so I used my trusty Yelp app to find some local options. I decided upon Grotto and ventured off to find this gem. The restaurant is in the basement of a building and it is very quaint. Small in size, somewhat rustic but I liked the feel of the restuarant. It was still a little early for lunch so I was the first customer in the restaurant and they let me choose my seat. My waitress was wonderful, and spent some time going over the menu with me. There were many options for lunch and it was hard deciding. I asked for her recommendations and she gave me many. I was debating between two dishes at the end, and she told me I had to get the cavatelli. Boy did she steer me in the right direction. The cavatelli was home made and sauteed with sausage, pancetta, peas, and mushrooms in a cream sauce. This dish was perfection! The creaminess of the sauce melded perfectly with the flavor of the sausage, which was soft and tender. The cavatelli were delicious and blended great with the smokiness of the pancetta. The peas added a nice pop and OMG I want this dish again right now! I am headed back to MGH in a few weeks for some additional appointments and might need to find my way back to Grotto!
(4)Adriana H.
Honestly the prices are not worth the food. I tried to get an appetizer with chicken added to it and I got charged for a full entree. Also the host was not friendly at all, she didn't even sit us at a table. Instead she just walked away and left us awkwardly standing in front the door. I will never come back here again.
(1)Gal W.
We had a reservation for 9 pm. By 9:45 we had not yet been seated. Then a table opened up and another party of the same size was seated before us, even though we had a reservation for the same time and we had been waiting there longer. Needless to say I am never coming back. I can get excellent Italian food with better service at a dozen other places in town.
(1)Pam C.
Short Version: Very solid restaurant - it's tiny, and perfect for a romantic dinner date. Make sure to make a reservation, because there aren't a lot of seats! The food was pretty good, but be warned the fixed price menu comes with a loooooot of food! Long Version:This place is super small - many others describe it as cozy, but personally I find it super cramped and dark. It's kind of in the basement of a building, and kind of looks like it. We came here for a very large group dinner, so it was a little uncomfortable, but I can definitely see how the setting could be great for a romantic dinner - in fact, most of the other people at the restaurant were couples. We all got the fixe price menu, which is a pretty good deal - overall the prices are very reasonable, but you save a few dollars if you order fixed price. Be warned - the fixe price is an obscene amount of food. For starters I ordered the fondue, which came with beef medallions and pieces of mushrooms. I don't usually like mushrooms but they were surprisingly tasty, and the cheese fondue was nice and cheesey - it didn't have that overwhelming alcohol/beer taste that many other fondues have. Some friends ordered the garlic soup, and the caprese salad, both of which were pretty good. I got the tenderloin, which came with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and lots of brown sauce. I was a little disappointed because I ordered my steak rare, but they overcooked it to medium/medium well done. Leeched a few bites of what my friends ordered - the scallop ravioli is very very good, but the apple stuffed duck was very dry, flavorless, and generally disappointing. I got the bread pudding for dessert - wayyy too thick and heavy, especially after all of that food. The chocolate cake was overcooked and didn't have the melted center. My favorite was definitely the lemon custard.
(4)DJ Micaiah M.
No air conditioning, water had no ice in it, gnocchi was not real potato and the Au gratin was under cooked. Ambiance is ok. Probably won't go here again. Menu was in Italian. But for restaurant week it was not too bad.
(3)Julia E.
Everything about Grotto is awesome. My boyfriend found the restaurant online, and I definitely wouldn't have found it otherwise because it's tucked into a side street that doesn't have many other restaurants. The atmosphere of Grotto is perfect for a date night, a small space with beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and candles on tables. We chose the prix fixe menu, which was amazing (think crab ravioli and pan roasted scallops) and left us feeling so full we could barely stand up when we had to leave. Service was great. Would definitely recommend to anyone who lives in or is visiting Boston. P.S. Get the chocolate cake for dessert and thank me later
(5)Paula T.
I give it two stars. It is probably okay for a dark little getaway dinner but not great for 60ish women. Our group thought $35 was good for price fixed 3 course dinner. I did not. Nobody seemed too crazy about what they had. Bread basket plain white sliced bread. Best thing was molten chocolate cake w ice cream. When you are used to Arthur Avenue bread , the stuff they served here was just cheap and unimaginative. We can get wonderful dinners at bistro 808 in scarsdale that make this dinner pale in comparison.
(2)Kamille W.
I don't think I have ever been in a restaurant as magically romantical as Grotto. How romantical is it? Well, I had dinner there with my married, female best friend, but by the end of the evening I looked into those dark brown eyes of hers and thought to myself, "...maybe." The space is small and dimly lit. The tables are set close together, but not so close that you are awkwardly rubbing knees with strangers. To get to the restroom, you have to walk past the open kitchen, where you can see all manner of Italian delights being prepared. It all makes for a very cozy, comfortable environment. I thoroughly enjoyed the food. The prix fixe menu ($38 for three courses) is a great value, all the more so if you can catch it during Restaurant Week for a few dollars less ($33). I stuck to a seafood theme: the mare for my app (grilled calamari, creamy white beans, and arugula) and the fra diavolo (lobster, linguine, spicy tomato sauce) for my entrée. The creamy white beans were a nice complement to the calamari, which were tender and flavorful. The flavors in the fra diavolo were beyond reproach, but the proportion of linguine to lobster was a leeeetle off. I ran out of lobster about halfway through my linguine. I love spicy pasta as much as the next girl, but there is only so much durum a body can consume in one sitting. I had the budino for dessert: banana bread pudding, caramel ice cream (yes, that is apparently a thing), and spiced walnuts. I meannnnnnnnn... it was perfection y'all. Sweet, but not cloyingly so, abundant but not overwhelming. I would honestly go back just for that budino. Grotto. DO IT.
(4)Feedbag T.
Great place to bring your Grandma to. It's so dark ( I guess that's the 'ambiance' everybody is referring to) she won't be able to see the cockroaches dancing up and down the walls during dinner service. Untrained staff serving uninspired,tired menu, run by non-existent management. Don't plan on being seated if you've made a reservation...THEY DON'T HONOR THEM! Have fun standing in the cold doorway waiting for your table, it being occupied by someone else for the time you reserved it! Tired,tired,tired prix fixe menu (ie. Cheap) $33.00. Go spend your money at Whole Foods and cook yourself a good meal for cripes sake.
(1)J B.
Stopped in here for Dine Out Boston 2014 for lunch with coworkers! What a hidden gem/surprise. Here is my experience: The atmosphere: The place is tiny. You are located in the garden level of a brownstone so it's a bit dark. I found the decor a bit shabby as it's dark red, and there were dusty fake flowers everywhere with dark and old paintings? It's like stepping into an old house, or dusty lions club/ knights of Columbus? Heehee sorry. They should consider some fresh paint and a brighter "look" to the place. Drinks: I opted for the drink of the day. Meh. Not the best. Second selection was a espresso Martini. Really yummy. Fresh warm bread and olive oil at the table! Amazing touch! Starter: I had the mussels! Really really fresh and yummy! It's summer in Boston so you really can't expect anything less! Main: Braised short rib with gnocchi! Really really good. Short rib tender and juicy. Gnocchi light and buttery! Well done! Dessert: Brownie sundae. Almost too dense and rich. Half size of the portion would have been great. Everyone around the table didn't finish. Could have been shared. All in all it was a great lunch. They should consider a face lift as the food is so fresh, light and delicate that the decor throws you off! The deserts too need to be brought to the food level!
(3)Kevin R.
The name should really be Yin e Yang, representing the delicate balance between food quality and service quality. While the food was truly exceptional, the world was brought back into balance by the poor service. With harmony assured in nature, here I am writing what is perhaps my most regrettable review. I truly wish the kitchen staff the best in their endeavors. Hopefully your front of the house staff doesn't undermine your incredible efforts. I started out with the Mare. I am certain this is the absolutely best calamari dish ever served and hands down a dish worthy of the highest praise. The squid was incredibly flavorful and grilled to perfection. With talents such as these, there is no need for breading and a deep frier - a cook's equivalent to a carpenter's use of caulking to hide poor joinery. My main course was the Gnocchi. This dish has three main element to intrigue the diner. The dish is served in an incredible sauce. Perhaps a balsamic reduction. Perhaps not. Maybe a subtle interpretations of a very smooth barbecue sauce. I say this because the complexity is there and I just don't have the talent to figure it out. And eventually you just want to dig in and curiosity be dammed. The second element is the short rib. They're bite size morsels of a most tender and finely prepared protein. Not always as lean as you might want but hey it's short ribs. So deal with it and pop an extra Lipitor when you get home. It's a worthwhile splurge. But perhaps the third element of this dish, the gnocchi, is the best. I've had a better gnocchi only once in my life, in Rome. These are firm, yet delicate, and masterfully prepared. If your Nana can do better then all I can ask is what the hell are you doing at Grotto? For dessert I had the banana bread and caramel ice cream. This is such a good finale to a nice meal. The spiced walnuts are what makes this dish stand out. Be moderate with the cake and ice cream to balance the wonderful flavors with the walnuts. So, as you can see the chef and his minions are true masters of their craft. When they say go out to dinner where you will be eating something you can't make at home, Grotto is what they're talking about. It's just too sad to think that this is all lost on such a weak front of the house staff. I cannot begin to express my disappointment. Representative of this, my dessert plate sat untouched for close to 20 minutes before anyone came to check on me. And even then it was only to drop off the bill. On a slow weeknight, this is inexcusable. And believe me when I feel bad to be so negative of the waitstaff. I'm sure they try their best. But maybe they need to explore a different profession. Go prepared to deal with the lackluster waitstaff to reach the goal, the gems that leave their kitchen. For me, I shall never return. There are too many new places left to discover on my trips to Boston, than to return to Grotto knowing I will be frustrated by the poor service.
(2)Alexi C.
I want to love this place, and I've been back three times, but my visit last Friday was definitely my last. My mom was in town from Wisconsin and I wanted to take her somewhere nice. The food was good (I definitely recommend the chicken parm), but the service was atrocious. All the guys refilling our waters and whatnot were great, but our waiter was probably the worst I've ever had. He didn't come back to check on us once (despite the fact that we were literally the only people in the restaurant), so we gave up on asking for salt and just finished our meals. He was surly and rude, and totally ruined the experience.
(2)Natasia S.
$33 for a three-course dinner at an intimate, romantic, exposed-bricked, bookshelves-for-wine shelves little Italian restaurant in Beacon Hill? Sounds almost too good to be true, but you gotta believe that it's true (for as long as restaurant week lasts)! Apart from waiting in a cramped little area where the main entrance door swings in instead of out making it difficult for the hungry diners to make space for the content diners to exit, this place is AMAZING. For starters, the olive oil that came with the complimentary bread was so rich in flavor making me want to ditch the classic bread n butter combo forever. The arugula salad was very light, refreshing, and perfectly seasoned without being drenched in the lemon vinaigrette. It was only slightly lacking in prosciutto, making me forget that that was even there. The beef tenderloin was amazingly grilled, tender, and juicy. The acidity of the red wine sauce perfectly balanced the richness of the reggiano risotto. The consistency of the Panna Cotta was more like that of a cheesecake; it was very dense, creamy and satisfying. The portions were just right, enough for me to savor every bite without feeling too overwhelmed. The Cioccolato and Budino desserts were also both amazing. The caramel ice cream from the Budino was very unique; it wasn't too sweet and had a slightly burnt aftertaste to it. Wish I could have taken the pastry chef home with me!
(5)Christina T.
Very cute and intimate Italian restaurant! Came here for a birthday dinner, and was surprised at how small the place is. If you make reservations beforehand make sure to request a table away from the door. In the chilly November weather, our table unfortunately had to brave the brisk breeze that came in every time a party entered or left. Food was excellent and I'd highly recommend the short rib gnocchi and bolognese pasta. We were on our way to another event so the girls in our party just ordered several entrees to share, but the boys participated in the $38 prix fixe which looked like a sweet deal. Large portion sizes, and reasonably priced. Will be back!
(4)yj l.
I need to echo exactly what Kevin R. wrote several days ago: the incredible food is marred by the unimpressive performance of the front-of-the-house staff. The 3-course prix fixe is worth every dollar, but last night we decided that it was not worth standing around and waiting for. Sadly. They serve some of the best Italian flavors in Boston, but in the three times that I have gone, I have had, without fail, to wait 15+ minutes for my table (even with a reservation). They seem to always be understaffed, where the hostess is invariably also waiting tables, meaning that you usually wait 5-10 minutes in the cramped "foyer" before anyone comes over to check you in. Once you've been "checked in", the hostess bustles away and more waiting ensues, even as tables for larger groups are being set up, and other tables are ready to go, but empty; presumably, awaiting higher priority guests. Rant over. The food is amazing - the chef and his kitchen staff know what's up - but the frustration from waiting for a table means that it will be a while before I go back, which is a real shame.
(2)Eugene K.
Great atmosphere, food and service!!! I got the cavela (sp) and wow that was great. like others said, portions are small. ..but looks are deceiving! I was so full by the time I had a few entrée bites! Barely ate the desert. ...the bread pudding was yummie.
(5)Christopher C.
My girlfriend and I went to Grotto for our weekly date night - each week, I try to find something new for us to try, and this was a fantastic choice. It was a romantic atmosphere, the food was fantastic, and one of the servers even made a point to check the patriots score for me when we were finished with dinner. I would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a good place to eat, and we will definitely be returning.
(5)Ngan T.
WHAT in the world is the rave all about behind this place? I'm not sure I've had a more impersonal and miserable restaurant experience in Boston (this coming from the girl who had red wine spilled on her at Abe and Louie's). We had a dinner reservation at 8:30pm. Upon entering, no greeting and the guy who turned around to give us any type of attention stood there looking lost as to where to put us. We were eventually seated when more people started piling in and there was no more standing room. I'd thank our waiter but we never got a name...and come to think of it, we didn't have one single waiter...I think they ran a rotation on us. I understand romantic lighting and ambiance, but "dark" is not the same thing. I like my friends and I like being able to see them while I talk to them over dinner. Anyway, lighting and a lack of service can easily be forgotten and forgiven if the food made up for it. Guess what; it didn't. Grilled calamari for an appetizer came in a couple of sparse pieces and the complementary salad was underdressed. Lobster and pasta entree was a forgettable tomato sauce with a lobster tail tossed on it, and the bacon wrapped duck was a chewy piece of bacon over underseasoned duck. Oh I forgot to mention the potatoes. Forgettable. On top of all of that, I found out from another very annoyed diner waiting in the bathroom line with me that the AC had broken down at some point during the night. That explains how the ice cream on our banana bread pudding disappeared so quickly--it certainly wasn't due to our devouring. Head elsewhere.
(1)Danielle P.
Grotto is exceptionally great! Atmosphere is cozy and intimate. It's a very small place so it really feels like a personalized experience. The service was attentive, friendly, quick and efficient. The food was AMAZING. Had the fonduta to start then the gnocchi and short ribs. My boyfriend started with garlic soup and then had the bolognese. Everything was so so good. They also brought out a small app that was seriously one of the best things I've ever tasted. I forget what it was called but it was some kind of ricotta cheese, very simple but so melt in your mouth delicious. If you can find this on the menu, order it!!!
(5)Mallory B.
First time in Boston. My boss, who attended Emerson told me about this place. Amazing. I had the mussels and the parmagiano, both were delicious. My friend had the calamari and the carne - absolutely delicious. Shared a bottle of the house red that was very good. Great food for a great price! And a cute little spot.
(5)RoslindaMal E.
Had lunch here the other day and I really enjoyed my meal: Zuppa: Garlic soup, Black truffle, Parmesan, Bread crumbs. ($8.00) Bolognese: Tagliatelle pasta, San Marzano tomatoes, Lamb, Pork, Beef. ($14.00) Cioccolato: Melting chocolate cake, Vanilla ice cream. ($9.00) Wine: Grotto served me a red wine from Oregon (yes, Oregon) which was rather nice. Beer: Grotto serves Moretti; I like when Italian restaurants serve Italian beer... Our waitress was good, not great, but good. Grotto (sister restaurant of Marliave in Boston and Kitchen in the South End) is located right around the corner from the State House in the basement of old apartment building. Though this restaurant is small and is in a seemingly very old building, Grotto has a cozy feel to it.
(4)S H.
Recommended to us by our son, a small place with fabulous food. Had the Carne- beef tenderloin with amazing risotto and asparagus; husband had the short ribs with gnocchi. Staff were gracious and efficient. The only issue was being chilled every time the door opened! Otherwise a great meal.
(4)Nick M.
Very disappointed with their service. My friends and I made a reservation for 8 and they didn't sit us until 830. They never apologized and didn't do anything to appease their blatant error. Their food was not worth the wait. Don't make a reservation because they won't follow through on it.
(1)Robert D.
Lovely, lovely and lovely. Don't miss the duck or the short ribs. Or the pan toasted mozzarella or the cavatelle with pancetta and a bunch of other stuff. Speaking of banana bread pudding....and prix fixe.
(4)Taj K.
This place is a hidden gem in Boston. The food is consistently innovative and well done. It's a small hole in the wall. It would be easy to miss if they didn't put a string of lights around the entrance. The menu changes with the seasons. I'm pretty sure they have a pre-fixe year round. We went last night and had the mussels and calamari for primi, shared the huge rib eye for secondi and had the banana and chocolate desserts (blanking on their exact names). Everything was delicious. I probably would try something other than the calamari next time. The mussels were in a yummy broth. Everything else was awesome. My husband wants to go back again, so that's always a good sign. Make a reservation because a lot of people like to drop in with hopes of getting a table. This place is tiny, so there isn't much opportunity to do that. Guarantee yourself a spot with a reservation on opentable. I took one star away because our server was a little off his mark last night. His explanation of the menu deals were a little confusing and I had to ask for my second glass of wine.
(4)Wini H.
The boyfriend and I have been to Grotto twice--the first time, we enjoyed 2/3 of the courses, and the second time, we enjoyed 1/3 of them. The bread is always good. The first time we had the fondue (AMAZING), the calamari (very, very chewy!), the fra diavolo (above average), the bolognese (pretty good!), the panna cotta (above average), and the budino (pretty good!). The second time we had the zuppa (okay--a little too bold and salty, just a tad more reduced and it could be a sauce), the zafferano (a little undercooked as the ravioli was a bit hard around the edges--but divine sauce!), the pettini (the scallop was good but the arugula was a bit overwhelming and the pasta flap might be better replaced with a different carb accompaniment), the antra (a bit dry and the prosciutto overpowered the duck), the budino and the zabaglione (good!). The drinks menu is good too. That being said, not that the food was ever outright BAD--it was just at times underwhelming and perhaps imprecise in execution. It's still good, just not the best you can get in Boston for the price! There are some gems on the menu, though, so if you do go, just stick with those and you'll have a delicious experience. This isn't really the fault of Grotto's (what else are you going to get in a brownstone's basement?) and I don't think they can really fix it, but I do hate the exposed piping, the low ceiling, the cracked floor tiles, the exposed mish-mosh of cement/brick on the wall, and that the tiny "waiting" area is pressed right up against one of the tables. However, they have changed the layout to be more space efficient so that you don't knock someone's glass over with your butt as you exit your table!
(3)Food L.
Came here for restaurant week. Overall a 4 star. Not happy that we had to wait a while despite making advance reservations. The staff seemed very busy, and service was overall slow. It was also very cramped and noisy. The food was excellent though. Thoroughly enjoyed the tenderloin strips in a fontina cheese fondue. The crab ravioli was a bit on the undercooked side in my opinion. The edges of the ravioli wasn't as soft as it should have been, but the sauce was light and very tasty. The duck leg and apple stuffed duck breast was fantastic. We devoured that dish. The butter poached lobster was somewhat one-note in flavor, with a hint of heat afterwards. The dish was decent portion, but the lobster is small. The panna cotta was excellent and my husband liked his bread pudding very much as well. Overall, a 4 for the food, 3 for the restaurant facility.
(4)Danielle L.
I find it upsetting that I haven't reviewed Grotto yet! I've been there three times over the last 3 years or so...being since I'm out of town and only make it here twice a year or so, those are good odds! Grotto is near my brothers apartment on Beacon Hill so we find ourselves wanting to come here more and more because it's so delicious. There's usually five of us dining and we all always have a great meal. YES, it's pricey - guess what, it's Boston. YES, it's small - guess what, it's Boston and on Beacon Hill! You definitely need a reservation. Prepare to be a little cramped and seated next to other tables. They're classy without being over the top. You don't have to be dressed to impress here. They have a Prix Fixed Menu as well as plates a la carte. I think between all of us and each time we have come, we've had almost everything on the menu from the beet salad to the ravioli, filet, fish, scallops and always a bottle or two of red wine. Grotto is below street level. It can be hard to find unless you know it's there. Walk down three steep steps and into the basement of the building, blocked by a curtain is the dining room. If you have a chance, go here. Date night, celebration, or just because.
(5)Derek J.
I've been meaning to try out Grotto for some time. It just so happen that I had the opportunity to which I was not disappointed. I appearance is cute and quaint. It's in the basement of a building and the entrance is a single door directly into the seating area, no waiting/foyer room. It had the appearance of a stylish B&B. The no wait room/foyer became an issue during the meal as patrons would enter and the freezing draft would consume the small area. That was the only downside. The food made up for everything. Their gnocchi is to die for. It was served with a brown meat sauce from the short rib which is a whole other story. It was served with Gorgonzola cheese and mushrooms which complimented the dish superbly. Now the short rib was definitely the meat of this dish. Such an awesome balanced meal and so delicious. The Ceriollo drink with the cucumber vodka was awesome also. Highly recommend this place. ENJOY!!!
(4)Foodzilla Z.
Romantic lighting??? Diners take note. If a restaurant is very dark, it's for a reason. This restaurant is also known as the "Roach Motel". I will never return to this restaurant after my experience. The waiter delivered our food and then stepped on the unwanted guest who was trying to check in. He was trying to be smooth. I was disgusted by the lack of acknowledgement. In general I stay away from lower level basement restaurants, since this is where I tend to encounter them. It's a shame, since their food is decent.
(1)Rachel S.
Really good comfort food in a cozy and romantic setting. It's not trendy or innovative but it's solid, filling and tasty. Don't worry that spaghetti and meatballs is too boring, this is what this place does well, best spaghetti and meatballs I've had in a while. They seem to excel on the classics. It's a place that you can feel comfortable settling in for a meal with someone you like. It's small. It's dim. It's warm. You should make a reservation. You should come hungry. You should order a big glass of red wine and not skip the bread.
(3)Arindam P.
Spectacular ambiance, one of the best services I have encountered. Won't say food was the best Italian I have had but at par with the best of best. Portions are less hence you can happily consume a 4 course meal which makes this place pretty expensive. Nice for dates.
(4)Dianna S.
OMG. The best food I've had so far during my honeymoon trip to Boston. First of all, the atmosphere in this restaurant was super nice. The door is below street level, so the indoors was rather dark and intimate. Candles on the table, and chandeliers on the ceiling. Small but nice. We had the prix fixe for $38 each. I had the zuppa, a delicious garlic and Parmesan soup. I had to force myself to stop eating because I knew I had an even better entree coming up. My husband had the mussels piccata, which I stole a bite of. Not an eater of mussels, but these were good and the broth was delicious. Entree was their signature dish, the short rib gnocchi. Was sitting in a delicious, thick beef sauce and was absolutely heavenly. They make their own pastas here, and it 100% makes a difference! Hubby had the bolognese, and he devoured as well. For dessert, a deliciously light and refreshing lemon panna cotta. Was the perfect end to the meal, as it did not overpower everything I had already eaten, nor did I feel sickening sweet as I walked out the door. If I lived in Boston, I would be coming back to Grotto for sure.
(5)Snowdrops C.
Having read the reviews here, I came in with high expectation on the food and low expectation on the service. That expectation was just about right. We ordered two entrees - a Gnudi, and a Gnocchi. They were good food and decent portion size. However, the service here is almost non-existent. When we stepped in, we waited for a while before someone acknowledged that we were there. We had no ideas who our server was and there was very little attention paid to us. The bottle of water was on the table, so you really didn't need them unless something is wrong. The service wasn't bad, it's just almost not there, except someone was there to take your order in the beginning. While the ambiance is quite nice and cozy (yes slightly dimmed lighting), it is also quite cramped. Overall, the food is good, but it is true that for its price, you expect there to be some service. Just that there are other restaurants out there who do a better package.
(3)Holly C.
Cozy, shabby genteel atmosphere, with exquisite food and decent service. Incredible value for the price. The mista salad and lobster fra diavolo were exactly the meal I wanted, and the molten chocolate, the divine dessert.
(4)Chelsea B.
This place is phenomenal. Their wine, food, service and atmosphere is awesome. Couldn't quite find what I was craving on the menu so I described what I wanted to the waiter and the chef prepared a delicious dish that was exactly what I was wanting. If that isn't fantastic customer service, I don't know what is. The restaurant is small and intimate so it is perfect for a quiet date night dinner. The only thing I would have changed is that the lighting above some of the tables can get rather hot so I would dress appropriately for that next time.
(5)B.Kiddo K.
Not impressed with this place. I went here this week for restaurant week. I will say they had a good menu and selection. But what I ordered wasn't good. I is a cute spot but the food I got was heavily smoked and it didn't mention it on the menu. I tried to talk to the server and he wasn't responsive at all. They did have a great Pino Noir. I have waited a looong time to go here since it is always booked immediately on the restaurant week. I was unimpressed, esp for the cost. it is a tiny spot too, I'm sure it gets overly crowded very easily. Fondue ap was delish
(2)Courtney B.
Tiny hole in the wall place on Beacon Hill. we went for dinner and really enjoyed the ambiance and food. They have fixed menu and this is a great romantic place for couples. Wonderful wonderful!
(4)Keri B.
My favorite date spot in Boston. I love the intimate atmosphere. I wouldn't go there with a group. The prix fix menu is amazing and only $34 per person. I recommend starting with the "Fontina cheese fondue, Beef tenderloin, Aged balsamic, Truffle oil, Portobello mushrooms" appetizer which is beyond filling so be careful of spoiling your main meal. Next, try the "Potato gnocchi, Short ribs, Mushrooms, Gorgonzola"...yummy. Lastly, finish with "Banana bread pudding, Caramel sauce, Caramel ice cream, Spice nuts". I definitely committed carbo-cide! Don't forget the wine. At this point you may have to unbutton your pants but it is well worth it. I recommend starving yourself all day.
(5)Jacquelyn M.
I love this place. Been a bunch of times. The decor is awesome, and its so private! The bread they serve is phenomenal, but be careful not to fill up because there are so many good things on the menu. The food is amazing...chicken parm is definitely my go-to dish.
(4)Natasha A.
I had the pleasure of going to Grotto for lunch during restaurant week. Although the three course meal was rather hefty, i had to finish every last bit. The calamari appetizer was cooked just right (not chewy, lightly breaded) and served in a sauce over arugula. The trout entre came layered with perfectly grilled chunks of mushrooms, artichoke and a spinach. The lemon flan desert with a ginger cookie and rasberry sauce was the perfect palet cleanser after the seafood meal. I highly recommend Grotto and am looking forward to returning to this small hidden gem.
(4)Sarah G.
Fancy food that's affordable - great place to go once in a while. Super cozy atmosphere and but only OK wine selection. Their $35 prix fixe is a steal, but hard to finish as most of the food is super rich. We haven't had a problem with the service on our few visits, but we've never been when it's packed.
(3)Allison B.
So the food at this place was MAGNIFICENT. I had the risotto with beef tenderloin, finished with a delicious red wine sauce. The flavors in that were amazing. My dad had the gnocchi with short ribs and loved it as well. My appetizer of the grilled calamari was only so-so... I was sort of confused about the execution of the dish and what it was going for. His grilled buffalo appetizer was really, really yummy though. My one complaint about the restaurant is the set-up of some of the tables. We were unfortunately given the table about 2 feet from the door, so every time someone entered or exited, we were totally hit by a wave of 30-degree air. Not so fun, and definitely not a pleasant dining experience to have to wear your coat indoors. I could tell they had space heaters by certain tables, so there were pockets of heat throughout the restaurant, but we were FREEZING at ours. Otherwise, amazing food, and very friendly service.
(4)Michael D.
Great, romantic spot for a date dinner. Gnocchi was good. Lobster pasta diavolla (sp?) was delicious. The lighting Was a little too dark as it was hard to read the menu...but made for a romantic dinner
(4)Jenni K.
We had a great experience here for a client dinner. The restaurant itself is small and essentially the basement of a building. There are pretty brick walls and has a dark but intimate atmosphere. Our wait staff was great, very helpful and friendly. It was really loud, the brick just makes everyone's voice reverberate off the walls. The food was good. Caprese had perfectly ripe tomatoes and mild mozzarella with drizzles of a thick balsamic. I ordered the lobster linguine and it was ok. There really wasn't enough meat, but the noodles and sauce was good. My husband's steak was delicious as was the risotto it came on. Dessert was a chocolate cake with ice cream and it was TO DIE FOR. Small warm cake that was a rich dark chocolate. Not too sweet but not too bitter. The ice cream was high quality, not that sugary crap. It was creamy and a perfect accompaniment. We had a moderately priced wine, a'bruzzo montepulciano and it was very good, went with everyone's dish. I would give it 5 stars if 1. it wasn't soo loud. 2. I had more meat with my dish.
(4)Victoria M.
For Christmas dinner we went to Grotto for their "Feast of the Seven Fishes", a classic Italian holiday dinner. The underground restaurant is tiny but cozy. The dark red interior is rich and warm. Service was very pleasant. To make things easy, we went with all 6 of the options. Insalata di Mare - Grilled, Calamari, Shrimp, Octopus, Arugula, White beans, Lemon Octopus was tender with just enough char. Shrimp was firm and fresh. Calamari was a bit chewy. Ostriche - Island Creek oysters, Caviar, House cured salmon, Prosecco Salmon brought out the brininess of the oysters, fresh and ocean-y. Fra Diavolo - Tagliatelle, Butter poached lobster, Mussels, Chiles, Tomatoes Al dente pasta, tender seafood, quite a kick in the sauce! Ravioli - Crab, Salt cod, Saffron, Almonds, Asparagus, Roasted Tomatoes Creamy seafood filling, pasta a touch underdone. Sweet asparagus and tomatoes. Pesce Spada - Swordfish, Clams, Potatoes, Spinach Great texture on swordfish - still flaky, but meaty. Salty clams paired nicely with simple potatoes. Pettini - Pan roasted, Jumbo scallops, Monkfish, Wild mushrooms, Risotto, Leeks Monkfish was soft, one thin scallop was overcooked, one thick scallop was perfect. Truffle in risotto was not overpowering. Tons of food! We took home leftovers. Good thing there's a lot of walking in Boston; otherwise I would have had to roll back home.
(4)Liz K.
I came here during restaurant week with my boyfriend and for 33$ each we each got an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. Grotto is a small, nice and romantic spot in Beacon Hill. Recommend it for a date night! One thing to note is that it is extremely small so the tables are kind-of on top of one another. Anyways, it was like a hidden gem that I never would have found if I didnt search the menus for restaurant week and fall in love with the sound of this one. We started with a bottle of wine and the waiter was knowledgable and attentive. I got the cheese fondue appetizer and the sweet potato ravioli for my main course. For dessert, I tried the melting chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect way to end this meal. All the food we both ordered was great. Overall, great food and service with a nice, small, cozy atmosphere.
(4)Nikki B.
Such a neat little basement place in Beacon Hill, if you can find it. When you do, it's cozy and romantic! And the walls are red! The homemade pasta is buttery and melts in your mouth. Outstanding. I ordered a seasonal menu item: sweet potato ravioli in an amaretti and brown butter sauce and it was unique and delicious. The wine selection was severely overpriced, and it can be unfortunate if you're seated next to obnoxiousness, but I'd go again since the homemade pasta was mouth-wateringly-excellent.
(4)charlotte G.
Made a reservation for 9pm on Saturday night and was seated right away when we got there. I think they close at 10 but the 9 was fine and there were still people coming in later! The fondue wasn't quite as good as i remembered but I would still recommend it. We tried three entrees and the gnocchi/short ribs was by far the best. Simply amazing. The melting chocolate cake was great too. The place is very small, and very charming in an old antique type way. So cozy and friendly. Great for dates or small diners, I took my mom and sister! (couldn't find street parking but there's a garage a street away for like 9$ or something)
(4)Marlana Y.
Everything was perfect. Went there with a few girlfriends for restaurant week. Make sure you make reservations because it is a small but popular dinner spot. I had the calamari appetizer, crab ravioli, and banana bread pudding for dessert. It was delicious and just right. It wasn't too small or too large. THe crab ravioli melted in my mouth. My friend got the Mattone which is the chicken and another got a Carne ( beef) and they were surprisingly huge portion. The chicken was very moist and not dry at all. All my friends love it, there is so much options in the menu. It is a nice place to go with friends who likes different types of food. The worst part is that it the restaurant a bit small ( my friend got hit in the head by a dish), but the wait staff is all very kind and helpful. It feels very homely and comfortable. Would highly recommend it to friends.
(5)Julie B.
Just got back from Boston - one of my favorite places on earth. One of the restaurants we tried is the Grotto. This place is a literally a tiny hole in the wall - you creep down this stairway from the sidewalk into the basement and find yourself in a cozy dining room packed full of people eating and talking and having a good time. The food is Italian - but not like the north end - it's Italian with an Alice waters infusion. The menu is pretty simple - all meals are served at a set price (we paid around $30.00 per person) and include an appetizer - entree and dessert. We got into a conversation with the people at the next table - easy to do in this place - they are regulars at this restaurant (lucky) - he always has the braised short ribs with gnocci - says they are amazing. We had the garlic soup with parmesan - cheesy and garlicy and husband wouldn't give me more than one bite - it was delicious!! I had the fig and prochuitto stuffed with goat cheese served on a bed of arugula and a light olive oil dressing and more shaved parmesan. It was heaven on a plate! I didn't share much either! Husband had their meat sauce made with beef pork and lamb?! I am having that next time!!! I had the cheese ravioli with fresh mushrooms - lots of different fresh beautifully prepared mushrooms in a light cream sauce - very rich and very good - but I think they used a tad too much sage. They have the molten chocolate cake as one of the dessert choices - so of course being on vacation I totally had that! Not as molten on the inside as some of the ones I've had before but rich and good! Husband had ice cream - a trio of chocolate - vanilla and caramel - there wasn't a drop left! the wine list there is huge - especially for Boston - they just are not into wine the way we are here - we had an and Italian Sangiovese - perfect with the meal - They do have one thing that made me do four stars instead of five.... They will not let you share an entree or appetizer - it's one plate - one person no sharing. The servings are huge so I really don't understand why we can't split one - but they did compromise and do a half order of the ravioli - so it's really a 4 3/4 star review. The service is excellent!! Can't forget to mention that - you will not want for anything! If you are in the Boston area make sure you get to this place - DO make a reservation - there is no way you get a table without one! They are located in the back bay, an amazing place to walk up an appetite - not far from Boston Common and the T station there. have fun!
(4)A W.
Went here for restaurant week and the food was great. Scallops were delicious and the lobster pasta was great too. There were multiple wine selections in the $30 range. Dessert was fantastic, both the chocolate cake the the bread pudding were phenomenal. I would definitely go here again.
(4)Meghan K.
This restaurant is such a great value! For $35, you can get an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Unlike many restaurants who only offer pre-fixe menus on Sundays, this deal is available every night of the week. Also, you can choose anything off of their regular menu! The gnocchi with short ribs and gorgonzola is soo good...it literally melts in your mouth. Also, the molten chocolate cake is the best I have ever had...I was so surprised at how good it was, I think it was actually my favorite thing I had at Grotto!
(4)Nadia K.
Came here for restaurant week with a couple friends and this was the run down: bread: they need to change this because honestly it's poor at best- it's a flavorless slightly sweet dense bread that my friend described as tasting like it was from some kind of religious ceremony- bleh. I think it was supposed to be focaccia but with no flavor... bad. apps: caprese salad: basic, not special but tasty like they all are cavatelle: out of this world good, can not be missed- perfect balance of creamy and pancetta beef fondu: good steak and mushrooms, but I like my fondu cheese to have more cheese flavor- still it was tasty main courses: carne: fantastic wine/vinegar reduction sauce around a rice risotto and then the tenderloin on top with a few asparagus- eating a little piece of all of it in one bite is fantastic. butter poached lobster: my friend had this and I had a bite, lobster was good, butter poached and the pasta was good too and had a definite spicy kick but it was a little too spicy for how warm the restaurant was- almost to the point of uncomfortably warm. scalops: lacked flavor and although they weren't over cooked as they usually are, they didn't have that crispy outside that adds so much to their texture. wine: Abesso- great white wine and ironically the cheapest thing on their menu (we didn't order it because it was the cheapest, my friend knows wine extremely well and recommended it) Dessert: Chocolate cake- was tasty but was overdone, no molten center :( banana bread pudding: I don't like banana so I didn't try it but my friend really loved it. service: great waitress, but the overall service was slow in the beginning, I mean it's an italian restaurant you should bring bread to the table as soon as we sit not after 20+ minutes. It also took flagging down to get our check. Overall I'd definitely go back, but I don't think that the restaurant week deal is really a great deal here because overall the price isn't much different than normal and I would pass on dessert next time
(4)Jay F.
A great hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Beacon Hill that delivers consistent food and value with the $30ish pre-fix in a romantic setting. The only down sides are that it is small and you can feel like you are right on top of the people next to you. The halfway house right above them also isn't the most appetizing thing. Certainly worth a trip to the Grotto and making sure to put it in your rotation if you live in Beacon Hill.
(4)Michael H.
This is a great neighborhood spot. Ambience is casual, food is good and reasonably priced.
(4)Marina B.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here, and I have to say I absolutely loved it. It was romantic and cozy. Tucked away in Beacon Hill, the Italian food here is to die for. Even the bread and olive oil they have is was unique and delicious. The price was also respectable, with $38 for a three course meal. I definitely want to come back here soon!
(4)christine c.
Went to Grotto during Restaurant Week, though any week would do since their menu is always set for 3-courses @ $35. The ambiance was so cute! I couldn't get over it. Servers were spread a little thin, but they were doing great with what they could. I was a little disappointed that their Pinot Noir by the glass was unavailable since I wanted to order the whole bottle (our server informed us a delivery didn't make it in time earlier that day) but we got a nice glass of their substitute for the evening anyway. My friend and I shared everything: garlic soup with truffle, salad with red peppers/oil/mozerella, tenderloin with risotto, lobster over spicy linguini, and chocolate molten cake. Everything was wonderful, my risotto was really rich, but the tenderloin was excellent with its red wine sauce. We both especially liked the garlic soup. The entire experience was really rich, though, so go on a VERY empty stomach.
(4)Chris T.
Tiny little place, tucked-in within my neighborhood I've lived here for two years, and I heard this place was good So I thought I'd try Grotto, as it was restaurant week It was a short walk from my place, eh... about 3 streets Hole-in-the wall type of place, but it looked cozy and sweet We had reservations, and we were promptly received our seats 8 For the 1st course I had, the lovely Fondue It was so scrumptious, but I hate mushrooms The beef was juicy; mouth is watering as I recall The meat was perfectly tender, I quickly ate it all I had the succulent lobster; a great second course It was pretty darn good, I've definitely had worse The concoction was great, but not quite amazing Yet, I'd probably have it again, for another tasting The 3rd course, dessert... I was already stuffed Could've napped right there, until someone woke me up I had the banana pudding, topped w/ caramel cream Holy cow, how did I not fall out of my seat?! It was so tasty, please try it; you can't go wrong I left satisfied, as I slowly wobbled back home
(4)Lena N.
I was starting to lose faith in Restaurant Week after having lackluster food at other restaurants in the South End. But my faith was revived by Grotto. I went here for a late lunch during restaurant week with my girl friends. I found out that Grotto means cave in Italian and that's a very fair description of this tiny restaurant in the basement off a street in Beacon Hill. Honestly, if you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't even know it was there. But unlike a cave, it's got a warm intimate feel to it. Probably due to their red theme. I imagine it'd be a great date place. This place is probably the best Italian restaurant outside of the North End. The most memorable part of my meal was their mushroom risotto as my entree and it was so rich and delicious. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't bother to ask my friend how they enjoyed their food. You know food is good when it makes you a rude meal partner. I probably could not afford the food here on its regular fare but that's what I would expect for a restaurant in Beacon Hill. But it's a nice place to come for restaurant week.
(4)Jeannie H.
ATMOSPHERE - I'm not sure if I would call it romantic. It's in a basement where there are no windows, minimal ventilation, and it feels a little cramped. However, they did what they could with the underground space. SERVICE - Perfectly fine. FOOD - Food was splendid minus dessert. The evening falls apart during the dessert course. They need to come up with a few simple items they can execute with relative ease but are delicious. Zuppa (Garlic soup, black truffle, parmesan, toasted bread crumbs) - I was afraid it would end up being this overwhelming pot of garlic but it was surprisingly balanced. Fonduta (fontina cheese fondue, beef tenderloin tips, aged balsamic, truffle oil, portobello mushrooms) - Meh. I'm not sure the combination of beef and fondue cheese works well for me. I'd rather have bread doused in cheese. Cavatelle (House prepared ricotta pasta, sausage, peas, mushrooms, pancetta, cream) - This was absolutely delicious. Carne (Grilled beef tenderloin, reggiano risotto, asparagus, red wine sauce) - The risotto was perfectly flavoured and al dente. The beef tenderloin wasn't the best slice of beef I've ever had but I never love tenderloin. Bolognese (House cut tagliatelle pasta, san marzano tomatoes, lamb, pork, beef) - This was delicious. The sauce was rich without being overpowering and robust with flavour. Everything about it was perfect. Fra Diavolo (Butter poached lobster, linguine, spicey tomato sauce) - Also, a well executed dish. Budino (Banana bread pudding, caramel ice cream, spiced walnuts) - This was awful. The bread pudding was essentially a dried out muffin. Even the moisture from the ice cream couldn't salvage it. Panna Cotta (Lemon raspberry sauce, crispy pizelle cookie, aged balsamic) - I always think of panna cotta as a light ending to a meal. This panna cotta was so dense that you might as well call it cheese cake. I will definitely be back but hope that they'll polish their desserts in the future.
(4)C P B.
I'm not a Boston native but I was in town for my bday and did a search for places near my hotel. This one had the best reviews by far and the experience did not disappoint. The olive oil was super fresh, the ambience was dark and sultry and everything that I tasted was delicious...,all at a reasonable price point. I would go back!
(5)Terry C.
I've been wanting to try Grotto for a while so perhaps my expectations were very hyped-up? My experience at Grotto was just "A-OK". My friend and I came on a week night without reservations and were seated right away. The restaurant is small but intimate and dim...but for some reason I was just not entirely comfortable. Grotto offers the pre-fix 3 course menu. But neither of us found an appetizer or dessert we wanted to try so we each opted for an entree. I had the crab ravioli and my friend had the duck entree. The duck entree was really good and it came with a side of potatoes that were delicious. My crab ravioli was just ok. There were noticeable crab meat in the ravioli, but the sauce was so bland. I also did not like that the almonds in the sauce were chopped up so small that it was hard for me to pick out... Overall, Grotto is a solid restaurant but it does not compare to a few of the North End favorites.
(3)Eric F.
*This is exclusively a lunch review* I've had a tough time getting a read on Grotto. I have been several times for lunch and have had a different result each time. The lunch prices are excellent. Between 9-12 for all your salads, sandwiches and pastas is a good find. Its a pretty quaint spot, tucked away on Bowdoin to the point where you could almost walk right by it. My first experience here was with the Grotto burger, which came shockingly undercooked. I like my burgers between rare and medium rare (depending on the definition of the local in question) but this was flat out raw. In the center of the burger the strands of beef were still defined, which was less than appealing, and the cheese in the middle was not anywhere close to melted (obviously). All that said, I went back. Its close to where I work and affordable, and everyone deserves a second chance (as long as it only costs me ten bucks). I thoroughly enjoyed their buffalo mozzarella salad, tasty and well portioned. My most recent experience was with the saltimbocca sandwich, which was again, a significant disappointment. I hear its good for dinner, but be wary of ordering the wrong thing at lunch...
(3)Terri B.
My boyfriend and I were in Boston for the weekend, and in an attempt to make up for an admittedly terrible Valentine's Day (my fault completely), I made a reservation at Grotto given its reviews as a "romantic" restaurant with great food. Fortunately, it lived up to expectations and saved my ass. When we first came in to the small restaurant, there were not one, but TWO bachelorette party dinners going on. Naturally, the brides were loud and obnoxious, but they were gone within 15 minutes, so congrats to them. After that, the volume level was much more conducive to conversation. As an appetizer, we started with the beef tenderloin fondue. The beef was juicy and tender and mixed with some portabella mushrooms, and when dipped in the melted gruyere goodness, it was a little bit of heaven. I thought the wine we just happened to pick out - a 2008 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc - went very well with the course and got the dinner off on a fantastic note. Next up, we had the gnocchi with short ribs and scallops. The gnocchi were light and pillowy, the short ribs were incredibly tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. This is definitely a dish I would order again, but that said, I thought the scallops were even more amazing. They used big ol' diver scallops that were seared perfectly and served with flat circles of pasta to make it almost look like ravioli. The magic was in the sauce, though, and for the life of me I can't identify what was in it, but I could've drunk it out of a glass. For dessert, we had a very moist and delicious chocolate cake with big serving of vanilla ice cream. The cake was so good that I only got a bite of it as my date devoured it, but he's much more of a chocolate lover than I am, so no harm done. Overall, Grotto proved to be an awesome date spot and essentially saved my relationship, so thanks guys!
(5)Mantha D.
I went her for restaurant week lunch. Awesome food and service. My water glass was never empty. Timing was awesome for wll 3 courses. I came here with 2 other people and we all got different things so we could try as many things as possible. The gnocchi I had was wonderful and flavorful. All 3 desserts were good sized and delicious. Oh, how could I forget the bread. Fantastic! Good bread always starts a meal off well! Inside filled up during lunch and was a little crowded but was nice. Would be good at night for a date. This place is a hidden jewel in an over priced Beacon Hill area. I must return soon and try the full menu.
(5)Phil H.
Went in expecting a great meal and came out after a decent one. We each ordered the $33 three-course dinner. The bread was a little gross - not really hot, kind of cornbread-texturish, but still tasted like it had been sitting around for a few hours. The Carozza was the first course and was very unique and delicious - nice touch with the fried buffalo mozzarella. I ordered the Carne for my main course, which was great. Tender meat with tasty (but a little too rich) risotto and cooked asparagus. The complaint comes from my girlfriend's Chicken Parm order - the noodles were extremely undercooked, which the waitress attempted to explain was due to the "freshness" of the pasta. It was chewy/crunchy, al dente in the very worst way. Essentially inedible. The service was pretty sub-par. The waitress didn't ask us how our meals were until we were done with them, which I suppose defeats the purpose of waiting on tables. She seemed unapologetic about the lackluster chicken parm which became evident after she lacked to comp anything for it. Kind of a pretentious vibe at this Beacon Hill spot most likely brought on by their seemingly careless waitstaff.
(3)Matt M.
Went here for Valentine's day, heard it was Romantic. It was, tiny little place below ground level, dark, intimate. The table were close together because it was busy, but I don't think we minded. Got a beef and fondue plate to start-pretty damn good. Not sure if I've ever order fondue outside of a dessert. We had the duck dish, which was pretty good. The stuffed breast is a little wierd. The gnocci with short ribs was a great suggestion. tender meat, fresh pasta. decent but small wine list. all 1st courses are $10 and second courses $21. I like this! Definitely good food for the price. I'll be back to try some other entrees that look yummy.
(4)Calli C.
Restaurant Week can make or break a restaurant. I had an underwhelming experience during RW once and I'm wary of ever going back. Some restaurants use it as an excuse to get by with low-quality ingredients, shoddy service, uninventive dishes that can be cranked out industrial-style. Other restaurants brush it off like it ain't no thang. Grotto is most definitively, without a doubt, the latter. Since they serve a prix fixe menu year round that is their complete menu with full-size dishes, RW is a walk in the park. Reservations are a must for this place because of its popularity and small size. The space is intimate, but that didn't stop large parties of 6+ from enjoying their meals alongside romantic dates. ATTENTION OTHER DINERS: TAKE OFF YOUR BASEBALL CAPS. I deplore the downfall of dressing up for dinner. Our server was enthusiastic and seemed to never stop moving. He seemed to love everything on the menu, but pointed us in the right direction. We did have a few moments where we were kept waiting for service, but it just allowed more time to digest. I chose the proscuitto-wrapped figs stuffed with gorgonzola and my friend had the caprese salad to start off. Mmmmm the figs were so rich and flavorful, I wish there had been more than two on my plate. For our entrees, I had the gnocchi with short ribs and she had the duck confit. Ohhhhh lordy, great portion size, enough to sate my hunger and have some to take home as well. The gnocchi were heavenly, the ribs were falling apart and melting in my mouth, something I could eat forever. Her duck was so juicy and flavorful, stuffed with apples and cherries and wrapped in proscuitto - what a sinfully delicious experience. We barely made it through dessert: panna cotta and banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream for me. Thank God we parked at the bottom of the street so we could just roll downhill. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Ann M.
If I rated Grotto on the food alone, it would be 5 stars hands down. We thoroughly enjoyed: Fontina Cheese Fondue w/Beef Tenderloin; broth slurping Mussels in Garlic, Lemon & White Wine; Potato Gnocchi w/tender, melt in your mouth Short Ribs & Gorgonzola; a Delightful Bolognese Veal Dish, finishing off with the Lemon Panna Cotta & the Banana Bread Pudding w/Caramel Ice Cream. With the exception of the cornmeal bread service, it was completely yum from start to finish. Without a doubt, the price fixed 3-course menu delivers maximum value (as well as that uncomfortably full Thanksgiving feeling), and I'm not even factoring in the nicely priced quartinos of wine. The fall off for me was in the guest experience. You sort of tumble into the place from Beacon Hill's Bowdoin Street, along precarious cement stairs that are in dire need of restoration. There is a fine line between cozy bistro and eating on top of strangers, and Grotto crosses the line in this regard. Many of the tables and chairs are uneven, rocking and jolting as servers squeeze through to deliver large plates to Lilliputian table tops. Everything appears loosely managed. I don't think there was a manager there, probably because there is simply no room for another body in the room. The staff is pleasant enough, but no one is consistently greeting patrons or serving your table. Collectively, they all look like they just rolled out of bed, happy to see you - but wrinkled. The most uncomfortable part was how frigid it was down there. I never took my coat off, and was tempted to wrap myself in the abundant amount of fabric hanging from the walls. At one point I was hoping that the body heat from the jam packed room would work in my favor, but that didn't happened. If I lived on Beacon Hill, I'd be grateful for this little gem serving up delicious food at their doorstep, and secretly hope they'd advance to a slightly larger, more comfortable space to showcase their culinary magic.
(3)Naeemah S.
I'm not sure why people eat here especially with the north end close by. Wasn't amazed by my experience there. Food was average, service was pretty good, parking can be difficult during the day but the meters in the area take credit cards and quarters and there's access to the mbta too
(2)Kim K.
I worked around the corner from Grotto for 5 years and went for a goodbye lunch with a colleague. What a dumbass I was. I missed out all those years! Grotto is an intimate italian basement bistro. Service was good. My Pomodoro sandwich (sliced vine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and mixed greens) was exploding with flavor and the fresh baked ciabatta bread was the most delicious bread I've had in a long time. Prices were reasonable, atmosphere is good, location is nice. Overall totally underrated. I need to go back to try dinner now!
(4)Alyssa B.
My friends and I went to Grotto for restaurant week and it did not disappoint. I started with the Cavatelle and it was incredible! Ricotta pasta in a cream sauce with peas, pancetta and mushrooms. My entree was absolutely my favorite course. I got the "Carne" which was a beef tenderloin with reggiano risotto, asparagus, and a red wine sauce. It was incredible. The steak was so tender and the risotto was so yummy. Really recommend this dish! We got the chocolate cake for dessert which was pretty good. One of my friends got the banana bread pudding and said it was better than the chocolate cake, though. Overall, I say this is a great place and very much worth the price.
(5)Carolyn G.
I was sorely disappointed with my first (and probably last) experience at Grotto. Everything was subpar--the food, the service, the atmosphere. We went for what I had hoped to be a memorable New Year's Eve dinner at the recommendation of my boyfriend's parents who live in Beacon Hill. It was loud, dark and extremely overcrowded. It seemed the older patrons (there was a couple in their 50's literally right on top of us) received attentive, friendly service. However, my boyfriend and I, both in our early-to-mid-twenties were passed by numerous times before being acknowledged. Unlike the table next to us, we didn't receive our wine or bread until after the appetizers arrived, had our wine glasses go empty and the request for an extra plate to share our dishes couldn't be accommodated. Our waiter was very nice, but totally flaky. As I mentioned, the food was mediocre, the mussels appetizer lacked serious flavor and my lobster fra diavolo, while the lobster was cooked well, tasted like a dish from a Mexican restaurant. My boyfriend was served UNDERCOOKED (not al dente) pasta on what they call chicken parm, and what they deem to be bread pudding was a dry piece of banana bread with a scoop of ice cream on top. Had the chunk (yes a chunk) of banana bread been good, I wouldn't have sent it back. However, I make a mean banana bread and this one was that of a novice baker. I sent back the bread pudding and ordered the panna cotta instead; this and the coffee was the highlight of the meal. Other highlights include the beef fondue and the bottle of Chianti we ordered. Service and atmosphere aside, the real issue I take with Grotto is that when I go out to a restaurant, I want food that exceeds my cooking capabilities. Although I love to cook and am a real foodie, I am by no means a chef, and with every bite of food I took, I thought to myself, "I could have made this better at home." I genuinely wanted to like Grotto since my boyfriend's parents love this place. Either we came on a bad night, or his parents and I have a very different perception of what a good dining experience entails.
(1)Calindy S.
1st things first the food was amazing! I had the Caprese salad, spaghetti with meatballs and the chocolate cake...my boyfriend had the garlic soup, chicken parm and bread pudding.. The food was AMAZING!!! So delicious...fresh pasta...sauces amazing...dessert was incredibly rich...take your time eating. My 1 gripe our waiter...he was like a robot...professional but straight to the point no small talk and kinda felt rushed... Actually my second gripe was the AC was terrible it was sooo warm hard to eat Italian when that hot... But overall very good atmosphere nice and intimate would absolutely go back!
(4)Angela B.
Too cramped. You'll hit your neighbor's chair, have no choice but a three course meal, and wait in line for the unisex 1 restroom for a looong time, and slip in the kitchen along the way to the restroom. To truly make it worthy of a "sexiest restaurant" it would include corner booths so couples could sit next to each other. The stiff tables and the red drapes reminded me of a goth girl's basement bedroom with dark furniture in it. I am even saying no waiter service as we couldn't get water after 3 people stopped by. I didn't get the offered cracked brown pepper, and I didn't get a replacement fork after mine was shown to be bent. The only thing good was the beet/goat cheese/walnut spinachi salad.
(1)Sarah D.
My boyfriend and I had been wanting to try Grotto for awhile now, so when he brought me there as a surprise for our anniversary I was thrilled. When we arrived (exactly on time for our reservation) there were three available tables, but one was in a corner, already set, and very clearly the best table available. The host told us that we would have to wait, motioned to a woman in the entryway on her cell phone and brought her over to our table. She (and her friend who arrived late) did not seem to have a reservation, whereas we had to wait for a table to be setup for us... in a crappy spot. I don't understand why the host would have done that when it was clear that we were out for a romantic evening (I was carrying a single red rose, mind you) and had a reservation. The food was very good, though there were fewer options than I was anticipating and there was no veal on the menu, which surprised me for an Italian place. I had the gnocci and was very pleased. The service was generally good, but the bread was pretty slow in coming. I needed something during the second course but there was no one in sight and our server didn't return until we had finished, which was really too bad. Also, there was no grated anything... no fresh pepper, no fresh parmesan, both of which I love, so that was kind of a disappointment. And the olives they brought at the beginning had pits in them. I mean, the least they could do is take the pits out of their olives so people don't have to do that in front of their date... The atmosphere was cute, but very, very close. With the width of the tables I was actually physically closer to the strangers sitting to my right and left than to my boyfriend across the table. It was very difficult to hear anything. I think that the basement feel and cute, warm decor give Grotto a romantic, date vibe, but I certainly wouldn't suggest it for a first date or a meeting with someone that you don't know well, as you may have to shout and read lips. The food was very good, but I have definitely experienced better for a lower price in the North End. I think this is a good option for Italian in Beacon Hill, but I don't know if we will end up going there again.
(3)Rebecca Z.
This restaurant serves amazing food for a great price. 3-course dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert) for $35. The service is excellent. I asked the server to help me choose a wine with dinner and the bottle she helped us choose paired very well with our meal choices. This restaurant elevates a simple salad to another level. Even the olive oil served with bread at the beginning of the meal is noteworthy. I've had the spaghetti and meatballs as well as the bolognese. Both dishes are very flavorful. This is a great place for a casual or semi-fancy or romantic meal. I feel comfortable in this restaurant whether I am dressed in t-shirt and jeans or a nice dress.
(5)Joanna L.
Good, cozy, very romantic. Worth the money, and a little different than other spots over in the North End. More of an individual, cellar kind of feel. Pastas are perfectly al dente and the reductions and sauces are well balanced and tasty. Good options on the menu, ranging from handcut mushroom pastas to oxtail. Dessert options seemed a bit lacking, but this is more a wine and savory-dish joint.
(4)Diana L.
This place is so delicious and so romantic that even though we'd just gotten in a fight, dinner still tasted really good. That was the first time we came here. The spaghetti and meatballs were fantastic, the gnocchi with short ribs were awesome, but our desserts were bleh. The chocolate cake is overrated. The second time we came here, we brought a buddy. We cleaned our plates. After eating all the steak tips and mushrooms that came with our fondue, I took a spoon and scooped mouthfuls of melted fontina cheese directly into my mouth. My garlic and black truffle soup was like Orgasm in a Bowl. We ordered a side of grilled asparagus, which they topped with large shavings of parmesan. T had the proscuitto salad, which was perfectly dressed. Our entrees included the ricotta cavetelle appetizer (which was super creamy and tasty, as always), the proscuitto-wrapped, apple-stuffed duck breast with duck leg confit and potatoes au gratin (which was delicious, but not AS delicious as you are imagining, sad), and the sweet potato ravioli, which was just okay. Still, Grotto gets 5 stars. When their dishes are good, they're mind-blowing. And their little basement space is cute.
(5)Wendy G.
My boyfriend took me here for a nice dinner after an evening skate at the Frog Pond. It was so good!!! I am also very appreciative of the wait staff. I have a fairly restricted diet due to food allergies, and the waiter came over and went through each item on the menu and told me if it could be made so that I could eat. He even told me about items that they could make not on the menu! In the end, I got the Arugula salad and the Grilled beef tenderloin, and my boyfriend got the buffalo mozzarella spinach salad and the beef tenderloin. It was all delicious! I took off one star because I thought the tenderloin was more rare than I was expecting. I ordered medium rare, but the middle was pretty much raw. It still tasted pretty good though!
(4)Matt M.
Went to grotto on a Saturday night on a date night with my wife, we made reservations so we sat pretty much right away. The restaurant was very dark but we sat by the door so we had some extra light. Our appetizer and first round of drinks came out without an issue but then the confusion began. When the entrees came out my pasta dish came out without problem but they gave my wife the wrong dish, they took it back without an issue. We got another round of drinks to pass the time and my drink came right out but my wife's martini was nowhere to be found, she didn't get it until after her correct meal came out 15 mins later. After all that we got the bill and they over charged us by $80. Apparently someone put our meal in 3 times and and almost $200 bill for 2 people didn't raise a question with the server. Overall the food was good, place was too dark and service left something to desired, we may or may not give grotto a second chance.
(3)Jen S.
From the ambiance to the cuisine, I really enjoyed my visit to Grotto. We tried the price fix where you get one starter, entree, and dessert for around 35 bucks. The food on average was very flavorful and well cooked. I didn't quite enjoy my pasta because it was too soggy. Dessert was amazing. I had the chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. My friend ate most of my dessert because he loved it so much (and I was too full). I will definitely be coming back if I visit Boston ever again.
(4)T Z.
Quick reasoning for 1 star: the food was so bad we couldn't eat over half the meal, it was loud and the service wasn't up to par either. We both did the prix fixe we did the garlic soup (way too salty! & I usually LOVE salty) and the mussels (the sauce was okay but the mussels were very sandy and rubbery). The server was great about knowing when to open the bottle of wine to let it breath while we finished our first glass and waited for our entrees. I was excited for the gnocchi and ribs but their textures were so similar it was like eating baby food (looked like it too) and all it tasted like was salty BBQ sauce. Really weird. We also ordered the lobster w spicy tomato sauce. The sauce was good, the pasta was so overcooked it was mushy BUT the lobster! It was rock hard! We had to saw at it with the dinner knife. SO disappointing. To top it off you could taste the flour in the mealy chocolate cake and the ice cream was freezer burned. Needless to say we didn't eat most of our main course or our desserts, which makes it even harder to pay an ~150$ tab. The waitress and staff were friendly but they waited far too long to bring each course out and although the restaurant was pretty dead (Tuesday night 3 tables sat) they sat a very loud four-top with a baby right by us. We left hungry and very disappointed.
(1)Catherine K.
Great little restaurant tucked away in Beacon Hill. This is not the type of restaurant that gets lots of hype but is tasty tasty. We tried Grotto during a restaurant week and really enjoyed the atmosphere and food. The restaurant week selection was not only large but the amount of food was almost too much. So, this place is good for the big eaters.
(4)Chad R. Y.
Yelp helped me find this place and it was outstanding. For $35, you get a three course meal with excellent food and service. I love the art work on the walls to create a fun atmoshere. A great place for a date, but we also had a fun group of 6. They accomodated us no problem! Awesome experience
(5)Meridith H.
My partner and I lunched here during restaurant week, and were very satisfied. The bread is baked in house and served with tangy olive oil. I had the spinach & beet salad, in which the beets were served with goat cheese (deeeeelicious). I went for the spaghetti, which was definitely ok. Not fabulous, as indicated by the menu, but good. My dessert was the trio of ice cream flavors, which was very good. The location was very appealing to me; Grotto is in a small basement and doesn't try to hide it from you. The pipes overhead are painted a lush red and fabric is draped over part of the ceiling and through the emergency exit door. The furniture is black, creating a very striking visual overall. Service was friendly and attentive. I'd love to try this place again for the salad and to give it a chance to wow me.
(3)Jenn W.
Grotto is a cozy little restaurant, located conveniently within walking distance of the Park Street T stop. Like others have stated, it is on the smaller side so I would recommend making reservations if you can. My bf & I came for lunch during restaurant week and left fully satisfied and pleasantly stuffed. We started with the Zuppa, the garlic soup with black truffle, and the Cavatelle, pasta with sausage, peas, mushrooms, and pancetta in a cream based sauce. Both were delicious-- the soup was to die for! You better believe that I used the focaccia bread that was given to mop up every last drop! The pasta was enjoyable albeit a little heavy for a starter. For our second course, we had the gnocchi with short ribs and the chicken parmesan sandwich. The gnocchi were melt-in-your-mouth good and the short ribs were flavorful and tender. The chicken parm was delicious and their "insanely fabulous tomato sauce" was just that-- fabulous without overpowering the sandwich. Dessert was okay; we both opted for the brownie sundae. The walnuts were a nice touch and the vanilla ice cream was refreshing after such a filling meal, but the brownie was uneven in texture & freshness (some parts were warm and soft, other parts.. not so much). Overall, a great spot for a lunch (or dinner) date, with romantic ambiance & great food. I can't wait to come back to try out their prix fixe dinner!
(4)LuluandDaquan B.
We came here on our 6th month so obviously I want to have fond memories of it but its rather forgettable! Seriously I struggled to remember where we ate that day let alone the name of this place. This is what I dug up from my memory: The place itself is underground and small and a little dark with faintly romantic decor. We came here on a Friday and very early since we didn't make a reservation. We were seated right away, but the place was practically empty still. The food was price fixed as everyone said so it was fun to have some choices to mix and match. I got the garlic truffle soup and it was very rich. DQ had the fondue which he liked. I had the gnocchi for entree and it was good and very rich and filling but too salty. I really couldn't eat much of it. I forget what DQ had but I think he liked it well enough..but nothing to drool over. Dessert came with the molten cake and banana bread pudding. I once again couldn't eat much of the chocolate cake, it was very heavy and a bit hard. It was too fudge like for me. Overall I really wanted to like this place and though it was good it wad not 5 stars. Also you may enjoy it more if you like heavy and rich. Maybe I will revisit it in cooler weather when my desire for hibernation food is high.
(3)Kara Z.
My boyfriend and I went last night for restaurant week. And we both were almost completely speechless from the moment we were served our first course. We ate exactly how you're told to, slow and enjoying every moment. I didn't eat anything that I didn't want to keep eating. I was so sad when I ate the last bite of panna cotta, even though I was completely stuffed I didn't want it to end. It certainly is a hole in the wall, but I think that adds to the appeal. I can't believe how good the food was. Seriously. Speechless.
(5)Danielle H.
Came here yesterday for with coworkers to try the Restaurant Week lunch menu. I was excited to try Grotto b/c the RW lunch menu allowed you three courses for lunch instead of the regular two, and there were so many options for each course! Grotto is located below ground level and is very small (hence the name, I guess) but it is also quite charming and comfortable. It would be a very cute place to go for a date. Because of its size, you would definitely need reservations, whether for lunch or dinner. Our waiter was very nice and took extra care to make sure the kitchen worked around a food allergy of one of my coworkers. Now to the food: I started with the calamari salad. The perfectly cooked calamari was mixed with greens dressed with a light vinaigrette. It was very good and a great start to my meal. For my entree, I chose the crab ravioli. The ravioli was also very tasty, although not spectacular. I found the ravioli a little too al dente for my taste (ie undercooked) but the sauce it was in was yummy. I finished off with the trio of ice cream, which was heavenly! I also tried a friend's brownie sundae which was also very delicious. All in all, a successful lunch and a wonderful break from the office!
(4)Sarah S.
I took my boyfriend to Boston in February for his 30th birthday and this place was recommended to us by a work colleague. We braved the EXTREME cold to walk from our hotel to Grotto and I am so glad that we did. We did have a reservation, you definitely need one because it's a small and popular place. The only negative about it being small is that they don't have a place for people to wait for a table. And even though we had a reservation, our table wasn't totally ready when we arrived and, like I mentioned, it was way too cold to wait outside. We ended up hovering next to the door behind the little curtain that tries to keep the draft out of the dining area. Even so, the place has tons of charm. Don't let it's location and "underground" setting deter you, it's pretty romantic! The food is outstanding and we originally planned on getting the prix fixe, but we were too stuffed to have dessert after the first and second course. Bummer for us. We will definitely be back the next time we are in Boston.
(5)Dave A.
Terrific food, great romantic spot, great service, great prices. Really couldnt be any better unless we had more room in our stomachs to eat it all.
(5)John R.
Had dinner at the Grotto this past weekend based largely on these reviews. My wife and I loved the restaurant. The cozy and romantic setting was perfect for a night out for us without kids. The service level was perfect with very friendly and informed staff, and just right timing of each course. The food was extremely good and tasty. We loved what we had (tenderloin and short ribs). The melting chocolate cake dessert was incredible. Overall a great experience. We are already planning a return visit.
(5)Craig S.
When we finally found the tiny but charming basement level cove, we waited at where the host stand would have been in a normal restaurant for five minutes before anyone said anything to us. I felt awkward like I was crashing a private dinner party, finally after someone did acknowledge us we had to wait another five minutes to be seated. As it was restaurant week we were happy to find that unlike most places that have a preset small menu, everything on Grotto's regular menu was available -3 courses for $33 - (a deal they are offering for the rest of the summer ). The service was slow and flustered and normally I would reduce the stars for this - but the food was so good I would not have cared if it took 3 hours. Every bite of every course was perfect thats saying a lot for 6 different dishes. Standouts include garlic truffle soup, gnoccis with short rib, chicken salimboca, and the best desert I have ever had in my life the warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Every bite of deliciously contrasted warm to cold, chocolate to vanilla perfection was so good it made my eyes roll back in pleasure - it was like perfect sex in food form. I actually said after that I could die night now and would have lived a happy life. I may be overselling it, but it really was that good.
(5)Riz I.
Whenever I around Beacon Hill I try to go there. My favorite 1) Gnocci with Veal 2) Lobster Raviolli 3 The appetizer with fig called Fiche The prix fix is awesome for around $35 Its a hidden treasure and place is little small.
(4)Greg K.
Listen up and Listen good Extended Restaurant week earns you 1 star An Amazing menu with tons of choices earns you another star Fitting in our group of 10 people, allowing us to change the time at the last minute because people were running late- Another star Great service, answering all of our questions, tasty bread with olives- Another star So the way I see it, Grotto was already up to 4 stars before we even got our food. And let me tell you, the food was fantastic With so many choices on the menu, it was good we went with so many people because I tried everything and it was all amazing. Literally every forkful from everyones plate was delicious. 24 hours later everyone in our group was still talking about how amazing the food was. So the way I see it, Grotto gets 9 stars Thank you to the staff for being so great and accommodating and let me tell you, those cooks know what they're doing back there A+ meal!
(5)Rick B.
Fantastic find on Beacon Hill. Ground level entrance one must walk up on to really notice. But once inside the experience is wonderful. An interesting Italian wine list, hand made pasta, great sauces, attentive and professional yet friendly service and an excellent desert menu. This one is worth the extreme up hill walk if coming from Tremont Street. You will definitely appreciate the trek.
(4)Wade B.
With four people we tried four different appetizers and entrees. Each was fantastic and we're looking forward to another four. Definitely a fan.
(4)Vincent C.
Loved this place. The dining space is kind of dark and small and not a very upscale experience in terms of setting so whether you like the environment depends on your personality and what you're looking for. I personally thought it was pretty cool. The food here was great though. I ordered the grilled calamari salad for the appetizer. This was okay, nothing too special. My entree, the gnocchi with short ribs, was SO good. One of my favorite dishes of all time and I'm sure I will order it every time I go back to Grotto. For dessert, I ordered the panna cotta, which was equally impressive. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely go again. Considering the quality of its food, the regular fixed priced menu is very reasonably priced.
(5)Vyshali M.
The food here is INCREDIBLE. THE FONDUE, MY GOD! THE DUCK, WOW!, MY MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE, WHOA! I tried my friend's dishes, the food is just so DELICIOUS. Why such a low rating? I went there for my birthday dinner, our waiter was a complete and utter JERK! and totally disrespectful... 1. it was the oddest thing, and i don't know why... was it b/c it was my birthday and i brought in balloons my friends gave me that offended him, or that we were such a big party? there were 7 of us and he'd go around the table and fill everyone else's glass of water but mine, it wasn't until a friend of mine noticed, 'you realize, he's come around 2 times with water and hasn't filled your glass, but everyone else's'' finally I kinda snapped as we all watched him the 3rd time he came around and again didn't fill my glass, I said sharply Me: ' Can you fill my glass of water, you've filled everyone else's but mine' Waiter: 'Oh I didn't notice' Me: 'We've noticed the past two times' 2. He kept bumping into my chair when attending the table next to us, I know it's small place, but where I was sitting, there was enough room to walk by. 3. Lastly, This was actually very nice, while I was served desert, I had the that modest, slightly embarrassing moment where the waiters and your friends sing 'Happy Birthday' in front of the entire restaurant.....HOWEVER our waiter, did not ask anyone at our table if they wanted desert. I shared my desert with 6 other people--which was totally fine with me, I didn't mind at all. But what the hell? --I called the next day and spoke to the manager (co-manager, I guess) and she apologized profusely and sent me a gift certificate. I'd go back (I have a gift card!). The food here is SO good, I just had a HORRIBLE experience...and on my birthday dinner. NOT RIGHT! Happy Grotto-ing, or so I hope.
(3)Erika G.
Grotto is a great place for a date night. Small and intimate, almost New York City feel, with maybe 20 tables. Tucked away under an unassuming apartment building- I think I walked past this restaurant 50 times before realizing it was there. The food is amazing- and prices are very reasonable. I'm a big fan of the three courses for ~30 dollar deal. The menu changes seasonally with lots of great options- including ones for seafood lovers and vegetarians. And the wine list offers a good selection. However please turn down the heat! I will not return until summer because this place roasts you like an oven when its cold outside.
(4)Alice N.
Great atmosphere, good food, and excellent Italian wine! Waiter was very friendly, and service was excellent.
(4)Maranda P.
UPDATE: Within hours of posting the original review below, I received a call from the manager, Matt, at Grotto, who apologized profusely and offered for us to come back to dinner on the house! Thanks for making the situation better Matt!! I'm actually sad to give this restaurant only 3 stars. My husband and I LOVED the food. We had the mussels, beef fondue, fra diavolo, sweet potato ravioli and lava cake. It was all very fresh, well prepared and delicious. The standouts were the ravioli and desserts. It is the service we received that left something to be desired. We had a reservation for 8:30 and were seated promptly. Our server, Brian, greeted us and apologized for the wait as it was quite busy. He got our water and took our order. We received our wine and bread and were happily awaiting our appetizers. The table seated next to us came in at 9:00. When they had received their appetizers and in fact were almost finished, we realized just how long we'd been waiting. We had not see our waiter since he dropped off our drinks and in fact had to flag down someone else to check on our order. It took another 10 minutes until the manager came over and told us the ticket had fallen behind the printer and had not been seen by the kitchen. He offered us more bread while we continued to wait. Our server finally came over with the bread and didn't acknowledge the situation at all. This is where we really were disappointed. We understand that these things happen and were fine with that but found it odd that he hadn't been over to check on us at all in the hour plus we were waiting for our apps and then didn't apologize when we then had to bring the situation to the manager. He did end up comping us a round of drinks and I believe our desserts as well, which was much appreciated. I emailed the restaurant the next day to let them know how the situation was handled and to date have received no response. I am so disappointed as I loved this restaurant and now my husband refuses to return. All in all, if they don't lose your ticket, expect a lovely meal in a great atmosphere.
(4)Adrienne M.
I had come here once before for restaurant week and was very impressed. I brought my boyfriend back in November for our anniversary, because I thought it was basically a perfect atmosphere with excellent food. It is certainly a very romantic little place, and we did have some very good food, but some of the food was a little disappointing in comparison to my first visit. We had the three-course fixed price menu, which is a pretty good deal at around $30 per person. As others have noted, the portions are very generous, and the three-course meal will leave you absolutely stuffed, so there's no need to worry about spending your $$ and getting a fancy meal that doesn't fill you. For apps, we started with the buffalo mozzarella carrozza and the pasta with ricotta, peas, pancetta, and sausage. I cannot recommend the buffalo carrozza enough - it was the dish I had at RW that really made me fall in love with this place and it was just as excellent on my second trip. If you like mozzarella at all, you will absolutely die for this dish. I don't eat pork, but my boyfriend was very, very happy with his appetizer - I would give both our starters a solid two thumbs up. Onto the entrees: I was a little disappointed with my chicken parm. It was an enormous hunk of chicken (seriously, I could easily get 4 normal-size meals out of it) and had a low breading to chicken ratio, which made me sad. It had some ziti baked onto it, but wasn't served with pasta or anything else, and kind of just felt like a piece of meat slapped onto a plate. Also, when I reheated it the next day for lunch I discovered that part of it was pink. I don't know if that had to do with the sauce seeping into over night, or if it hadn't been cooked thoroughly, but I decided to err on the side of caution and toss it, which was kind of annoying. My boyfriend had the sweet potato ravioli, which was a poor choice on his part - he decided he wanted to try something exotic instead of his usual stand-bys, and I think he discovered he didn't really like sweet potato ravioli :P So it's hard to fault the restaurant for that, although I tried it and was not blown away either. For dessert I had the melting chocolate cake with ice cream, which was absolutely stellar (I'm a sucker for melting chocolate cake, but I also like to think I'm a bit of a connoisseur and have high standards for them). I was so stuffed it was hard to enjoy it, but I knew it was fabulous. The boy had the honey mascarpone crepe, which neither of us was terribly impressed with (it's not my cup of tea at all, though). I think my final assessment confirms the initial impression that I got at Restaurant Week - the appetizers and desserts (at least for my particular tastes) are out of this world, but the entrees are merely adequate. I think my boyfriend was slightly more disappointed that I was, but that was probably due to both 1) me hyping it up so much and 2) his poor choices in ordering/attempting to broaden his food horizons. The service is very good, and the atmosphere is certainly cozy and romantic. I don't know if I would be in a rush to go back, but that's more due to the fact that there are so many fabulous restaurants I haven't tried yet than it is a reflection on this place. This was certainly a wonderful place to celebrate together and I have great memories of that night!
(3)Nicholas K.
This place was an absolute surprise. I had just been walking by here with my mom and we made a note of going there later that night. We didn't think much of it as we were walking by, but right now I'm positively in love with it. The ambiance is very cool. I like the idea of going to a basement, it has sort of a romantic get away type feel, where you put the rest of the world on pause and just enjoy your company. That also seemed to be the tone of the restaurant. All of the servers that we encountered were very nice and relaxed. For dinner I had the spaghetti. I usually hate ordering spaghetti because it is such a stereotypical Italian dish and I've had it a million times, but I was given the advice to order that, so I did. I didn't regret it for a single moment, that may have been the best plate of spaghetti I've ever had. Everything from the smell of the sauce to the succulent meatballs makes the dish something to dream of weeks later. Do yourself a favor and order the spaghetti, or at least force someone else at the table to order it and eat most of theirs.
(5)Shannon S.
OMG - seriously one of the few restaurants that makes the price of restaurant week worth it. They had so many options to choose from vs. the typical 3 choices. The Mare salad was absolutely amazing - have never any grilled calamari like that before. I had the Lobster FrDiavlo which they allow you to opt for a vegetarian sauce and still gave it a great kick. Our waitress was great with suggestions and opinions. great setting and comfortable atmosphere - it was my first time there but surely not my last
(5)L W.
I love a good prix fixe, and Grotto really does a fantastic job. I found this place during Restaurant Week (~$30pp, three courses), because it had one of the few menus that wasn't considerably downgraded to match Restaurant Week prices (e.g., only chicken breast, skirt steak, pasta). It made me happy to know that they have a similar prix fixe every night. The duck breast is to die for. I haven't had one so good since Italy. Because we were in a sizable group, I got to try a little of everything - all delicious! I would definitely vouch for the calamari, scallops, and crab ravioli (small-ish portions, though). I would also highly recommend this place as a Restaurant Week destination; it's a tremendous value for the price!
(4)Michael C.
Excellent food, romantic, and a great wine list. I have never had a bad meal here. It's certainly one of the hidden gems in the city.
(4)David C.
Delicious choices from apps to deserts. Something for everyone. An amazing fillet and some incredible deserts. I am committed to going back until I've tried everything on the menu.
(4)Daniel G.
Worst meal we've had in ages. The duck could have come from a can, the ravioli was topped with oobleck , the salads were drenched and then drowned for good measure...nothing was edible and we left it all sitting on the plates. If you like big portions of truly dreadful inexpensive food (as many people do) then this place should be on your list. Just leave your tastebuds at home. A culinary abomination.
(1)Mark Y.
Simply fabulous! By all means try the apple-stuffed duck, or the tenderloin fondatta.
(4)P D.
This place is fantastic. Great atmosphere. Great date night locale. Great food.
(5)Trip C.
I was fiending for Italian and we hadn't yet found a good spot in Boston. After reading several reviews, we decided to try Grotto. BEST. DECISION. EVER. We descended the stairs and walked in, and I was hit by a wall of amazing, delectable scents wafting through the air. If Grotto were in my neighborhood, I would be here each and every night. No, I am not exaggerating. We were seated and opened the menu, and they had Montepulciano by the glass...I was completely smitten. They have an absolutely amazing prix-fixe menu, so we each decided upon our dinners and sat back to enjoy the ambiance. The Montepulciano was divine and mellow, and went beautifully with the meal. The first course arrived: fontina cheese fondue accompanied by beef tenderloin, aged balsamic, truffle oil, and portobello mushrooms. I dove into absolute cheese bliss and had to convince myself not to lick the fondue bowl at the end. The second course was chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and cheese manicotti. It was quite delicious, but not knock-your-socks-off like the fondue. I ended up taking half of it back to our hotel and we enjoyed it for breakfast the next morning. Dessert was banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream and walnuts. The bread pudding itself was a bit too dense for me (a little reminiscent of a hockey puck, but it had a good flavor) but the caramel ice cream was on par with the fondue....delectable, amazing, and worth savoring. I can't wait to get back to Boston to return to Grotto!
(4)Alysia D.
What a strange place. Everything looked and smelled so good, but it didn't taste like anything. I can't explain it. We arrived a little early and stood awkwardly behind the people sitting at the table by the door. It's very small and extremely hot. I'm glad I wore layers, because there was NO air. The waitstaff seemed nice enough, and I appreciate that the restaurant was busy, but it took at least a half an hour to order wine and wave them down to place our meal orders. It just flat out should not take that long. I have to say, they were very accommodating when it came to my boyfriend's distaste for mushrooms. For the fonduta, they replaced the portobellos with grilled asparagus, and in the gnocchi, they replaced it with spinach. It was just his bad luck that everything he wanted had mushrooms in it, but they get a lot of credit for the hassle-free substitutions. The garlic soup WAS amazing, but the fondue needed some kind of flavor. It was very flat. The risotto was perfectly creamy, but had no taste. Where the heck did all the flavor go? But the gnocchi were almost insulting. Thick, super heavy, super tasteless. Gnocchi deserve better. Desserts were good. I think the chocolate cake was a little too rich (which is surprising, because I've never called a dessert too rich in my life), but the panna cotta was absolutely lovely. However, I won't be coming back for garlic soup and panna cotta. That's a combination that just doesn't mesh well. I think it's worth a visit, but keep your expectations low and the salt handy.
(3)Elisa T.
Very impressed by the food here! I tried Grotto during Restaurant Week, so was able to have 3 courses, $33.10. Great deal. Had the "Carozza" for my Primi and it not only looked pretty on the plate, but tasted amazing...I'd go back just for this. For an entree I had the scallops, which were perfect and the portion size was just right. THEN, for dessert, the "Cioccolato", which was a rich molten lava chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream...awesome. All in all the food was better than a lot of places I have been in Boston, but I give this 4 stars because the service was a bit slow and I left the restaurant smelling like the kitchen...loved the atmosphere and the decor in the restaurant, but the smell definitely stuck to my clothes for the rest of the evening. Check this place out! I was pleasantly surprised because it is practically hidden in Beacon Hill, and very small on the inside...but it's usually the hole-in-the-wall places that are the best. Parking: Garages nearby, or take the T to Government Center
(4)Lilee N.
cute and cozy. very quaint. hard to find initially, but worth the search! food was excellent. shared the fondue for the first course and the gnocchi with short ribs was incredible-- the best gnocchi dish i've had!! pasta bolognese was good too especially since the pasta is all fresh made. bread pudding to share for dessert. it was a bit dry and the ice cream was bitter, so not really a winner. service was good. i would highly recommend getting reservations. excellent place for a date!
(4)Lauren D.
Oh, Boston, I was starting to despair that I would never find a restaurant I liked here. However, Grotto has firmly changed that opinion around. I went with my mother at the end of the lunch hour. There was only one other group there, but they happily seated us. We started with the pan-roasted buffalo mozzarella. It was a showstopper. Absolutely. It's hard to go wrong with cheese, but it's also hard to elevate cheese beyond it's starting awesomeness. This absolutely managed it, and I loved the way they incorporated the black olive. For my main meal I just got the appetizer garlic soup. Also amazing. It was probably unhealthy as hell, but it felt so comforting after all the bloated calorie-laden meals I'd been having for the past couple of days. I was really happy about it. My mom got the parmigiana panini, which I didn't try, but the salad that came with it was also awesome. Just the right amount of dressing and shreded parmesan. Ending notes: this was the least expensive place my mother and I went to while we were here, and it definitely deserves the title of the best.
(5)Amy L.
So thankful for restaurant week... that's how we came across it. This restaurant is small & intimate. I went with a couple of friends one night during restaurant week. The food was stupendous! From the first course, through the last. I must say... I'm not really a "dessert" person, but I had the Banana bread pudding, walnuts, and caramel ice cream and... no words can express the amazingness! Also, the staff were very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Its a good thing we decided to walk home after dinner...
(5)Shaina P.
It's a dreary Tuesday. Work is sooo un-engaging, but when has staring at your computer all day been engaging?? Porn-seekers, exception, maybe. Ew. Anyway ... I'm inspired to attempt an impromptu dinner. On several occasions I was intrigued to try Grotto. And so ... Dave and I go. Never have I ever had such an engaging experience at a restaurant! Well, the waitresses were not extremely engaging yet very nice; but let's be honest: it was much more about the food. It was difficult to gauge the meal based on atmosphere alone given the wall piping haphazardly hidden with draping cloth and exposed ductwork/low ceiling, but there was serious potential. The low lighting ... the subterranean room ... the rich red walls ... love in the air? I was engaged with the idea that this would meet my romantic expectations to start. The menu had a pris fixe offering and a short list of apps and entrees, but each item sounded better than the first. Despite my over-excitement and hunger, I was easily degage by the menu's ingredients: truffle, duck, homemade pastas, seafoods, what was a girl to order? The possibilities and combinations were endless! After what seemed like forever, I'm finally focused, engaged and ready to order. So we settle for the appetizer, fittingly named "Mari" since it was fresh grilled calamari under a salad of arugula and roasted red peppers. We share, but I could easily have finished it off on my own. Nothing like grilled squid! For dinner, I splurge by ordering the duck ($8 extra bucks over the $21 per entrée standard). Ohhhh, duck fat can make me melt. I really want pasta but the potato gratin will have to do. Dave orders the gnocchi with short ribs and gorgonzola. Reactions for both -- holy mola! Was I eating a delicious duck sausage where instead of typical casing I get crispy prosciutto?? And Dave's gnocchi dish was incredibly satisfying and belly-warming in the way that great food should. I always feel a little nervous about portions - does the price reflect the portion the way I expect it will? I dare even the hungriest to argue that these meals won't be enough. Next time I want great Italian food, I will disengage from my tendency to sway from more expensive food items and have myself a seat at Grotto again. Walk in curious. Leave engorged. Or engorged AND engaged...
(5)Foodforthought.m F.
REALLY DELICIOUS! I love this restaurant. It is the perfect date place, especially in the winter. The only problem is that it seems a bit pricey for subterranean dining with unprofessional service. The food is very fresh and beautifully rendered; the service is enthusiastic, although not amazing, helpful or consistent- overall they seem young and uncaring, which is upsetting when the dish I got was $30 and with wine and courses we spent $180 for 2 people. Last week I had the "Baked Gorgonzola stuffed prosciutto wrapped figs, arugula, shaved Parmesan, and toasted hazelnut vinaigrette" to start. The figs were slightly warmed so the cheese was melty and the salad had a very generous portion of nuts. I wish that they would put this on the regular menu. For the entree I had the "Bacon wrapped apple stuffed duck breast, crispy duck leg, Reggiano potatoes, dried cherries, black truffle aioli and foie gras-Madeira wine sauce", as you can imagine, it was divine!! I highly recommend it. Definitely make reservations, it can have over an hour wait sometimes, but well worth it if you plan ahead.
(5)Josh J.
Went for rare date night with wife to Grotto on a really cold night. The space is a very warm, intimate and romantic room. On our way in we met a couple of regulars from the neighborhood who recommended the garlic soup and short ribs+gnocchi, and who cleverly had reserved the cozy table in the corner of the far wall. People who are v sensitive to drafts might want to consider that step too. Service was good, although without the sort of passionate knowledge about the food that you might get at a more foodie place. We had the fondue and "carroza" (grilled mozz. with balsamic salad) starters. Probably the fondant was better although in both cases we might have hoped for richer flavors. That was not a problem with the Bolognese entree I got which was a Meat Lovers' special (lamb, pork, and beef) along with very nice homemade pasta. My wife got the "ravioli" (one big ravioli skin on the bottom and on top of) diver scallops, also quite good. Dessert was melting chocolate cake, among the better we've had of this dish, and a banana pudding that really was more like a banana gingerbread cake...good, just not what we might have expected. This sounds like a four star review and I would have gone there, particularly b/c of the value of the $34 prix fixe, but for my sense that Grotto's strong suit is a quality comfort-food-plus style of Italian rather than something really distinctive.
(3)LisaMarie M.
What a hidden gem! They have one of the best price fixed options. Any app, entree and dessert for $36 pp. I got the mussels and beef tenderloin which were absolutely delicious! For dessert I ordered the bananna bread pudding, but it tasted a bit like spiced carrott cake. I was a bit confused. Anywho, the decor is quaint, the waitstaff helpful and knowledgeable. 4 stars because of the dessert. But definitely recommend!!!
(4)elizabeth l.
usually i avoid underground restaurants, but grotto is the perfect spot for a clandestine rendezvous (actual or imagined!). so romantic, with incredibly delicious comfort food and a good wine selection. i love the ever-changing, seasonal menu - the pumpkin ravioli is my favorite, though it's not always available. i also enjoy the sweet potato ravioli and find that it's a delicate blend of sweet and buttery.
(5)H L.
Very nice ambience, although our table wasn't well-lit. The duck is quite good, and the garlic soup is delicious, but be careful about eating too much bread with it - this is probably the creamiest, richest soup I've ever had!
(4)J. M.
My boyfriend and I went here after reading the reviews on Yelp. I was not disappointed! The service was excellent, and the restaurant has this warm, homey glow to it that just made it all that much more romantic. He had the steak/asparagus/risotto which was done exactly as he asked (medium rare) and I had the sea scallops with "ravioli" (really just sheets of pasta). Both were excellent and of big portions (between that and the warm crusty bread, neither of us had room for dessert). The glasses of wine we ordered were quite generous and tasty. I am so glad we found Grotto for our night in Boston!
(5)Robert D.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy enough to be charming, the wine list is stellar, and the food is delectable. Worth every penny, and highly recommended.
(5)Ben B.
Restaurant Week Dud: Our dinner at Grotto left something to be desired, here's why: 1. The atmosphere: While the subterranean setting seems nice at first, we ended up feeling trapped. The music was a mix of jazz and easy listening with some opera thrown in that was so bad they stopped it in the middle of the song and put something else on. 2. The service: Our service was sporadic. While our appetizers and entrees arrived in a timely manner, with a well timed break in between, a waitress came to clear our entrees when I had more than half of it left on the plate and my boyfriend had nearly the same amount. After telling the waitress that we were still working on them, they waited much too long to come back and clear them when we were actually done. Our desserts then took much too long to arrive. Finally, our check was brought out with the dessert, an unpopular move in my book. 3. Most importantly, the food: For an appetizer, I had the pan griddled mozzarella with spinach and caper berries while my boyfriend had the garlic soup. Both appetizers were very tasty. Being vegetarians, my boyfriend and I ordered the same entree, a risotto with asparagus, mushrooms, spinach and apparently truffle oil. The risotto was anything but authentic. It could better be described as undercooked rice piled on top of a mushroom broth and vegetables. It was nothing like the creamy rich risotto that you would expect to find at a good Italian restaurant. The desserts, I had the chocolate pudding and my boyfriend had the molten chocolate cake, were very rich and tasty. The one complaint that I had was that there was too much of the incredibly rich pudding in the mug. Half of what they served would have been plenty and would have left me more satisfied than I was after leaving half of the serving in the mug. Overall: Good appetizers and desserts sandwiched around a poorly executed entree mixed with unreliable service do not make for a satisfying $100 dollar meal.
(2)sheree I.
I love Grotto, its one of my favorite restaurants in Boston! I had the 3 course dinner deal for $36-- very reasonable price! The only down side is the service, its kinda slow. P.S: If you ever go there, you must get the Melting chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream...so delish!
(4)Shirley Y.
we started girls' night here at this cozy, small hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in picturesque beacon hill. you enter in to the restaurant in the basement and through some heavy curtains which, if you're not careful, obscure the screen that i've walked into entering and leaving. all the piping is exposed at the ceiling and painted red, along with the ceiling itself. the art was amazing. as i sat down to meet my friends, i noticed the ruffino chianti, and convinced the rest of my friends that we should order the bottle if it was reasonably priced. it was, and i happily tasted it, and decided that ordering wine by viewing them on display was much better than succumbing to a long wine list that that can be confusing and just based upon price. viewing the menu, i noticed a technicality: they call appetizers a "primi" platter, meaning first, and the entrees a "secondi" platter, meaning second. normally at italian meals, the pasta is the primi platter and the meat is the secondi platter, with appetizers [in the united states only] being a separate category. the prices were very reasonable though: $10 for the primi platter, $20 for the secondi platter and $5 for the desserts, or you can order a prix fixe [one from each category] for $35 but no sharing or splitting! we decided not to go that route since we wanted to share and try everything, so we ordered the calamari, a pasta and a cheese fondue for appetizers and they were unbelievable. the calamari was very light and had a bitter taste to it due to the arugula served with it, the pasta was rich and flavorful and we sopped up the rest of the sauce with the bread and the fondue was just amazing with the steak it was presented with. for entrees we each ordered something different. i ordered the scallop pettini, and others ordered the gnocchi with chunks of veal, the sweet potato ravioli dressed with pomegranate seeds, the duck with a potato and cheese gratin and the bolognese. out of these dishes, the duck was amazing. they had cooked it just right; it was moist with not a hint of dryness and the coloring was perfect. the gnocchi was wonderful considering i'm not a big fan of gnocchi since it's too filling, but the chunks of veal fell apart at the touch of the fork. my friend was unimpressed with her bolognese, since she had expected a chunk of meat alongside a pasta. however, we knew what a bolognese sauce was but she didn't know. the pasta on the scallop pettini was cooked al dente, and provided a marvelous texture to the scallops and truffles it was served with. we ended the delicious dinner with equally delicious desserts -- we restrained ourselves to the panna cotta and the tiramisu. the panna cotta had a lemony citrus flavor and served with a raspberry sauce that was a little too tart for my taste. the tiramisu however, was perfect -- just the way i like it, and how it is created in italy. it's runny, with a strong scent of the rum used to make it, yet still held its rectangular form for marvelous presentation to match all the entrees. customer service was good, but a little slow at times. the bathroom is a single occupancy with a tripping hazard. however, i would definitely go back, especially for a date night!
(4)Ankita d.
What a cute place! I highly recommend it for a date venue--the lower-level location and dark decor creates a purely romantic environment. I had the chicken parm sandwich, which wasn't super exquisite or anything, but the spinach and goat cheese salad with yummy walnuts was fabulous. The best part, of course, was the sorbet: strawberry-champagne. What more can a girl ask for?
(4)G T.
So sad....yet another Restaurant Week tragedy. I wanted to like this place, I really did, however after my experience, I can't give this place more than 2 stars. Seating was prompt, the place was cute, and the ambiance and feel is what everyone looks for in a hole-in-the-wall find. A las, it was the food that did this place in. Duck, unlike beef, can not be cooked rare, yet ours was red and cool to the touch. And when can you eat lobster without eating lobster?....when it gets lost in the mild, flavorless bolognese sauce. The appetizers were decent, but our waiter never brought over bread that everyone else got. As I've said before, I want to like this place, so chances are good that I'll be back for another tour, but definitely not during Restaurant Week.
(2)Gordon C.
Great food. Their risotto with porcini mushroom and arugula was spot on. The 3 course pre-fixe menu is a good deal, but keep in mind that portions are fairly large and doggy bagging is almost always a certainty. It's a cozy little place that makes you feel warm all over on a cold winter night. The only down side to this cozy little place is that due to its small size, if there is a party of more than 5 people the noise can be too loud for others to enjoy their meal comfortably. This week (3/5-3/10) is Winter Restaurant Week, and I believe Grotto actually extends their special menu thru 3/15. So definitely call and make a reservation if you can.
(4)carolyn b.
Was not impressed. Menu seemed good but did not execute well. I got some duck ( it had hard slices of apple) eew-it was pretty gross. It was during restaraunt week which sometimes can be a good or bad thing.. The desert was really good-banana bread pudding w/ caramel icecream . The waiters and waitresses were semi rude due to the fact we were the last ones in the place(our reservation was @ 9:30) I wont be back at this place.. My boyfriend however liked the steak frites
(2)Kristin F.
In the summer (and maybe at other times of the year; I don't know), they have a prix fixe menu....appetizer, dinner, and dessert for $35. This is an excellent value considering that the portion sizes are huge. Unlike a typical restaurant week menu, you can choose anything off of the menu. I had the spinach salad with beets and goat cheese....so delicious and large; it could have been a meal onto itself. The gnochhi is fantastic. The short ribs that are cooked with it are so tender and flavorful. My husband had the chicken parm, and it was far from your typical chicken parm....a big breast of chicken, beautifully prepared and stuffed with pesto maybe. The atmosphere is so cozy and intimate. It's a great place to go for something special or just a Saturday night out. When we were there last night, there was a group of ladies on what looked to be a girl's night out, a family celebrating a birthday, a couple who just engaged, and a few other couples. The service is a bit on the slow side, especially considering it's such a small place. Be careful with your wine selections...we got a half bottle of red zin for $31 and only got a litle more than a glass for each of us. We would have been better off ordering single glasses or getting a full bottle. Parking around Beacon Hill is tough, but on weekends Center Plaza Garage, which is just a short walk, is $13.
(4)