Grotto

Occupying an inconspicuous, subterranean spot on the back side of Beacon Hill, Grotto has earned itself high praise with imaginative, contemporary Italian cuisine.

9 / 10
172
ratings
  • Phone

    (617) 227-3434

  • Website

    grottorestaurant.com

  • Instagram

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  • Facebook

    175267619193135

  • Type

    Italian Restaurant

Address

37 Bowdoin St Boston , MA 02114 United States

Credit Cards Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating No
Menus Brunch
Drinks Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 62


Keywords:

good for dates short ribs cavatelle chocolate cake wine garlic soup risotto banana bread pudding fondue restaurants chicken parmigiana trendy hole in the wall caramel ice cream good service great value big portions meats asparagus spinach
T B

A great little nook that sort of has a gangster film feel--the spot where he takes the mistress. Classic tunes . Bolognese is very good, not exceptional. All of the desserts are luxurious and amazing!

Aysu Ozgur

The cavatelle was fabulous, but beware it's a meal in its own! The duck was cooked perfectly and melting chocolate cake was amazing. Would absolutely recommend. Go on a 100% empty stomach though!

ブルーノ

If you ever been to Italy, then you know that most of dishes served here are not really "authentic", but this place is great for some affordable comfort food , good wine and friendly service

Dan Holland

Chicken Parm ! Best I’ve ever had, possibly one of the best dishes full stop I’ve had. Perfectly cooked quality chicken , nice sauce, fresh pasta and a heap of cheese !

Kerry Clark

Have been here 4 times in 2 years and have to make myself try other places. Slowly working my way through the menu and each time I find a new favorite. Gnocchi is my latest :-)

Rory Parness

Great date spot . Enjoyed the duck combo (duck breast and leg). Nice combo of duck textures and taste. Finish with the molten chocolate cake

Mateus de Almeida

Garlic Soup is Excellent ! Spaguetti with meatballs as well , very well made, a bit on the spicy side.The banana cake dessert is good, but not unforgetable. Wine selection could be better

Margot Mazur

Went here for my 2 year anniversary and it was a dream. Hole in the wall place with amazing food and a great wine selection . Get the limoncello !

Lauren

Delish! Repeat customer. Tiny, hot, and crowded , but the food is worth it! Had a dish with pasta and seafood , can't remember what it's called. So good!

Jessica McIntire

Romantic setting . Amazing risotto with sirloin , gnocchi with short ribs , and scallop ravioli . That's everything I tried - you can't go wrong here.

Lindsey Clark

Sweet potato ravioli was amazing! Great selection of both Italian and American wines too. Very cozy atmosphere . Definitely recommend it for a romantic night out!

Drew M

The cavatelle was absolutely amazing. Perfect flavor. For an appetizer , it was a fairly large portion so take that in mind when ordering your meal. Get this!!

Holly C

The beef tenderloin with risotto and asparagus was quite delicious! Leave plenty of room for dessert because the melting chocolate cake is to die for!

Christianne

insalata cardozza and spare rib gnocchi are both highly recommended. great atmosphere, great service - we finished 3 courses and still had plenty of time to walk to the ballet .

Jessica

$38 prefix is totally worth it. Cavatelli , grilled calamari , or beet salad to start. Carne with reggiano risotto . Chocolate cake .

Katie Andrade

Amazing, authentic Italian restaurant . Definitely a hidden gem . Make sure you finish your meal with the chocolate lava cake !

Gerson F

Very good food, really impressive. Everything well seasoned and greatly cooked. Also a great deal for Boston ($30 for all courses).

Minnie Kim

Steak fondue and risotto were both delicious! Overall, delicious Italian food

Kristine Glick

The Spagetti and Meatballs is ALWAYS good, my personal fav is Bolognese : House cut tagliatelle pasta , San Marzano tomatoes , Lamb , Pork , Beef

Adam Sigel

Bolognese was perhaps the best I've ever had. Gnocchi and short ribs was equally delicious, and so tender.

Bhavin Gandhi

Do not miss the garlic soup !! I repeat, do not miss the GARLIC SOUP .

Jared Rita

Absolutely delicious. Get the tenderloin with risotto . So good! Don't even get me started with the melting chocolate cake .

Sammy Wood

Fantastic fondue and Fra Diavolo. No cocktails , though (why do restaurants do that?), so grab a pre-dinner drink @ the Red Hat or 21st Amendment.

Mahee Ferlini

Thanks everyone for your wonderful tips. Sounds like a great place to stop by the next time I'm in town .

Jeremy Krantz

The fonduta is a great option to start your meal and great for sharing. Dip away!

Anca Haraga

The gnocchi , the Bolognese , the chocolate cake and the fondutta... basically everything I’ve tried!

Linda Grossman

Everything was delicious, especially the garlic soup , pasta bolognese , osso bucco .

Susan Russo

Get a corner table-- it's quiet , dimly lit, and romantic inside. The short rib gnocchi are outstanding-- rich, generously sauced, and meltingly tender.

Bhavin Gandhi

And OfCourse the risotto . The flavour is incredible

Aaron Wheeler

Managed to accommodate despite no reservations ! Tasty pan-fried mozzarella and butternut ravioli . Vegetarian too!

Amy Lopez

Love this little place. They have a great nightly fixe menu . For dessert - Banana bread pudding , walnuts , and caramel ice cream is a must... no words can express!

Mikaelia

The food is excellent and the lighting is great for a date night .

Russell Dean

The duck was outstanding! Large portions and everything excellent.

Mette Helø

The lobster pasta was delicious. Polite and friendly staff .

Derek Showerman

I wont lie, the best fondue I have ever had is here. Cheese fondue with steak tips and portobello mushrooms . Fantastic. Get it with the house Chianti . Enjoy! Read more

Alena Reva

Good wine selection , excellent food, hidden gem

Dave Santopietro

Amazing gnocchi with short ribs . The meat melts in your mouth, not in your hand!

Christina Liu

Cavatelle app was really rich and filling - enough for me as a main course

Khoa Ma

Great Italian restaurant . The grill squid is delicious!

Kate

Order the chicken parm , you won't regret it!

SNOCRU

Best Italian in the city hands-down. Wish someone would take us on a date here!

Scott

Get the sweet potato ravioli and the gnocchi with short ribs .

Margot Wit

I'm really fond of the Italian cuisine , but I can hardly believe there's an Italian cook working at this place: I ordered risotto and got a soup with a hint of risotto . Will not recommend this place.

Mette Helø

The lobster pasta was delicious

Taylor D

Save room for dessert . The chocolate cake and banana bread pudding are amazing.

Dudley Snyder

Tiny, cute , great value

Valentina Monte

everything was hearty and delicious-- PERFECT little dinner spot!

Philip Teitelbaum

Went in a group of 4, everything we ordered was great. You can't go wrong.

Rhea Curtis

You must get the garlic soup ! It is to die for.

A Ibhm

Get the gnocchi

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