La Grotta

A good old Italian Lounge Restaurant, if you know what I mean! And the food is VERY good! A bit... more

A good old Italian Lounge Restaurant, if you know what I mean! And the food is VERY good! A bit inconsistent, but OK! more

me and my boyfriend went there this past Valentine's day. We had reservations at 9:30 and we got there around 915 didn't get seated until 10:00. We saw it was packed, we went right over to the hostess stand to let them know we had reservations. the hostess didn't even ask us what time we had made them for and just put us on a list. we sat down and saw that some couple were walking right in and getting seated right away. We finally got seated. There was a girl training for her first night on the floor she was the nicest person we talked to while there. she greeted us and gave us some water then we waited for 15 mins and some guy walks up to us and ask are we ready? I was kinda confused what were we ready for? he didn't even say hello. so we said no then about 10 more mins a lady walks by and asks us did someone tell us the specials yet i said no, no one has even greeted us yet. she rudely tried to blame how busy they are and gets us our drinks and tells us the specials my boyfriend was interested in one of the specials. Well the lady failed to mention the prices so he goes to ask and all she says is "" it starts out at $26.50 and goes up"" doesn't explain which special is what price. we had to ask for more bread.. then ask for more olive oil to dip the bread in; only got checked on once.. i have had better food at olive garden. i wasn't impressed with the food. We sat there forever while my boyfriends plate was completely clean because he was finished. I finally ask a guy can i have a box he rudely says yeah hold on a second as he puts a table cloth down at the table besides us.. When we finally got the check my boyfriend gave the lady like a dollar more than what the ticket said but DID not say keep the change so when the lady comes back she didn't even look at us and as she walked away she said have a good night. horrible service we will not be going back. more

Very good food more

I drove an hour and a half to eat at La Grotta as a treat for one of my friends and it was the worst experience I've ever had. The service was horrible. We waited at least 10 minutes for our server to greet us. My friend ordered the duck ravioli and it was horrible. I asked to send it back, got a very dirty look from my server as he said ""Okay..."" in a sarcastic tone. I was not rude in any way as I told him about our food. After that, he did not come back to our table once to check on us. I had to flag him down and when I did, he stuck his finger in my face and said ""Can you hold on a second?"" He did not come back for another 15 minutes. We were going to order dessert but were do frustrated and disappointed that we just left. I hope others will have a better experience but I personally would not recommend this to anyone. more

I went here with my husband for our anniversary dinner this year. The atmosphere was amazing. Dim lights, beautiful decor. I wasnt all that happy with the tables being so close together but it turned out to be a non issue. It was a busy night but yet it was still calm and relaxing and not too loud. The service was fast and friendly and very inviting. Our waiter was awesome and made some great suggestions. The food was AMAZING! Best italian food I have ever had! The presentation was gorgeous! Right down to the homemade potato chip and beautiful flower. The wine was perfect also. It was a pricey meal but well worth it! It wasnt bad for a fancy restaurant. Best night out ever! Pros: coxy romantic atmosphere Cons: pricey but worth it more

The finest Italian food anywhere. Dinner can run to $100 for two, depending. Ah, but here, it's worth, and consider how much cheaper than a trip to Italy--or even New York City. The dishes are the most stably creative, the chef and kitchen are dependably good. Aside from back when Steve's, out in Goochland, was making magnificent wonders such as a goose ravioli, with the eggplant ravioli pasta this gorgeous lavendar color, the flavor and texture of the entire creation just exquisite, I have never encountered any Italian food, regardless of region, that has made such magnificently spot-on creations as well as reaching perfection with the traditional dishes. By the way, it's entirely possible to still get the best Northern Italian food anywhere--ANYwhere--for less than $100 for two. Service is superb. They've now got a different maitre d' than the one I knew, who was THE best, and ran his ship precisely the way it should be run--gracious service that's attentive but not hovering, which was not only the best in town under him, but anywhere I've ever eaten --no matter how high-priced the restaurant. That said, I'm sure they've maintained their high standards with whoever is there today. This is THE place to dine in town. There is simply none better. (Oh, and the tiramisu is to die for--do get it, even if you're too full. Just take it home for later, and you'll be thankful all over again.) This is where to go for a truly fine dining experience, first for the food, but as well as for excellent service, which only enhances it. Those of us who can cook this way at home, but have always avoided going out because it seemed pointless to pay for less than perfection--which would inevitably be served with disregard (or even disdain)--have a reliable refuge that is an oasis that offers the ultimate in hospitality. more

Among all the nearby restaurants, La Grotta really is a gem of a find! Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Location more

La Grotta's downstairs location gives it a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. The wine cellar tucked off to the side looks like a romantic place to dine - we were seated in the main dining room which is a little bright for a romantic feel, but very comfortable. The service was prompt and friendly. We started with an appetizer of calamari, the lightly fried rings were tender, and enough that the three of us just got a taste. Our dinners were great. My husband had the soft shell crabs special, which was wonderful - the biggest softshells I've ever seen, and fried perfectly. I had dinner envy, but can't complain -my shrimp and polenta was rich, with amazing shrimp. My only complaint - the artichoke served in the sauce was a little crunchy - being undercooked it didn't have much of an artichoke flavor. Our companion's steak was perfect - he was used to not having steaks correctly cooked to his taste and was very pleased with the presentation. We splurged for the tiramisu and the gelato - both were incredible - I'm not sure which I'd recommend more. We didn't lick the plates, but I'm not sure the server believed us. We'll put this on our list of recommends -and we'll need to go back - we had Italian and none of us had pasta! Pros: Wonderful food - what more do you want? Cons: None by me. more

La Grotta reminded my wife and I of a wonderful meal we recently had in Florence. A great experiance! more

La Grotta is a very high quality italian restaurant with a wonderful wine selection and very delicous food entre's. I think it's for the daring. If you like Mc Donalds than I would recomend olive garden. Pros: high qaulity food, great wine selection, great waiters Cons: , parking more

My boyfriend and I ate there for Valentine's Day. The ambience was perfect. The meal was terrific AND affordable, and our waiter brought me a rose at the end of the evening. We were very impressed by the whole experience. more

Amazing is the word I use to descibe this place. They have the best food I have sampled on the east coast, and a wine menu that is quite simply astounding. The service is impecable, the food was to die for, and the atmosphere is unmatched in the city of Richmond. I can say hands down it is the best place in this city to dine out. Pros: Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere Cons: , You need reservations, Quite expensive more

My girlfriend and I were in Richmond for a little getaway, chose this restaurant for dinner based partly on its Citysearch rating, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The food was wonderful, in both its presentation and its quality. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive without being intrusive. The atmosphere was perfect for a romantic evening. Best of all, the tiramisu was the best we had ever had! I'd recommend this place to anyone who appreciates fine Italian cuisine. Pros: atmosphere, food quality, service more

After 3 years in Chicago, eating at many very fine Italian (and other) restaurants, I was disappointed when I moved to Richmond due to the limited quantity of exceptional eateries- until last night, when we went to La Grotta based upon a friend's recommendation. The service was excellant- actually had a waiter that not only knew everything on the menu and wine list, but was under 30 and not full of himself. Each dish was a delight to see and eat, the wines were matched to each of the 4 of us, and the deserts fabulous. No fried chicken or BBQ on the menu here! Definetely a ""keeper"" Pros: service, food quality, menu variety Cons: parking more

Dinner for 2, Saturday, 1/11. Good service, had reservations but didn't need them. Restaurant still half empty at 7:30. Cost: $50 for 2 pasta dinners, 1 dessert, no wine. Food was excellent, service was fine (very knowledgeable staff), atmosphere ok. Parking was a pain. Pros: Food quality, service Cons: a little pricey more

You know La Grotta is something special when you see other popular area chefs dining here. Chef Atonio Capece and his staff are marvelous, the food is awesome, and the desserts are the best in town. It's no wonder I look forward to going again and again. Pros: Free Parking Lot, Great wine selections, Wonderful staff more

My wife's parents are coming into town from California for New Year's. We make a dinner reservation for New Year's Eve a full month in advance. Day before New Year's Eve when I call to confirm the reservation, we have no reservation (I was sitting right next to my wife when she made the reservation...we both can't be crazy). We go ahead and make a reservation for a late dinner in case we can't find something else on short notice. Luckily, we get a slot at Hardshell. When I call back to cancel at La Grotta, I ask the gentleman if he'd like to know why I'm cancelling. His response...""No, not really"". I plan to spread this 'word of mouth' experience to anyone who will listen. more

anyone who rated Julian's, Pasta Luna and a chain restaurant like Olive Garden ahead of La Grotta doesn't deserve to eat in any Italian restaurant as they don't know what authentic northern italian is.....La Grotta has the atmosphere, the fantastic service (not too mention the great personalities and expertise of the waitstaff) and the FOOD, oh the food and the WINE to outshine these mediocre facsimiles of italian food more

Still my favorite italian place downtown. Prefer Mama Cuchina's and Chianti in the West End. This is nicer and more romantic though. Food is fresh and flavorful. Service staff is entertaining. Great wine at good prices. Good place for a business lunch as well. Also the best place for lunch downtown. Good service, great food and a business atmosphere for lunch. One of the few places you can get in and out under 1 hour downtown for lunch. Pros: food, wine Cons: value more