La Grotta

01/12/2008 Posted by nyer99

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

06/05/2007 Posted by island0girl

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.

01/30/2005 Posted by cfjones

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

07/25/2004 Posted by johnelway7

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

06/03/2004 Posted by richmonddiner

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.

05/24/2004 Posted by cptsternn

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

05/19/2004 Posted by jasonc1975

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

05/23/2003 Posted by Patches

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

01/11/2003 Posted by mssquid

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

12/30/2002 Posted by edmsch

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