Richmond
>
La Grotta
horrible experince. 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.…
Worst Experience. 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.…
Best spot for a romantic meal. 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!…
THE best in town--rates with the best anywhere in the world. 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.…
