|
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... 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.
Less
|
|
Among all the nearby restaurants, La Grotta really is a gem of a find!
Great for large parties (they have a large semi private wine cellar with seating that makes for an excellent choice), romantic... More
Among all the nearby restaurants, La Grotta really is a gem of a find!
Great for large parties (they have a large semi private wine cellar with seating that makes for an excellent choice), romantic dinners for two, and casual dining anytime. The food has always been good. From their salads to their desserts. I have eaten at this restaurant at least a dozen times, and have never been disappointed. I usually start with their asparagus with parmesan cheese as an appetizer, then try any of the salads, usually choose whatever they are serving as a special for dinner and close it out with their berries and cream dessert...light and delicious!
Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Location
Less
|
|
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... 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.
Less
|
|
La Grotta reminded my wife and I of a wonderful meal we recently had in Florence. A great experiance!
La Grotta reminded my wife and I of a wonderful meal we recently had in Florence. A great experiance!
Less
|
|
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... 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
Less
|
|
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... 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.
Less
|
|
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... 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
Less
|
|
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... 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
Less
|
|
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,... 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
Less
|
|
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,... 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
Less
|