La Grotta Ristorante, Richmond - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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Travellers' Choice2022
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CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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Dinner
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All reviews veal homemade pasta coconut cake salad our waiter cream sauce food and wine food was fantastic entrees specials waitstaff
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Reviewed 25 September 2022

We were here for a family dinner for an Engagement Celebration; 11 adults, 30 to 84 years old. Was met at the door & told by the Owner/Manager Andrea that there was "No Room" on the tables for the 2 small vases of flowers that...were brought in for the couple; we easily made room on the tables for them/to add a special touch for the occasion. Our group was seated & we had an excellent waiter; Jeremy had the best personality, was very friendly, funny & attentive and very informative on all of the dishes. Drinks, appetizers, entrees & desserts were delicious, the presentation of each dish was beautiful, and the flow of delivery was impeccable. Cupcakes had been brought in and as instructed by Andrea & per policy, were passed out with the understanding that we couldn't eat them there & had to take them home. As we were waiting for To Go boxes for said cupcakes & our leftovers, Andrea came to our table & LOUDLY told us that we could not eat the cupcakes (which we assured her that we had not & were not), and that she had already talked to someone on the phone about bringing in food (which we assured her again that it was not a call from our party). After several minutes of her loud repetitive accusations & us assuring her over & over & over again, she finally walked away. Again, Jeremy was excellent, and the food was delicious. However, whether she was having a bad day or not, there was NO excuse for Andrea's loudness, tone, behavior, and downright rudeness, which certainly was a horrible ending to a night that should have been a happy celebration from beginning to end!!More

Date of visit: September 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 7 October 2022

For those of you who are reading this review and have not been a guest at out restaurant, let us point out that La Grotta Ristorante is an award winning, fine dining, white table cloth establishment. We have several important policies in affect that might...More

Reviewed 25 July 2022 via mobile

This was our second meal experience here. The food is deliciously fresh. Wait staff very accommodating and friendly. My son was interested in the seafood special with squid ink pasta which he had never had and they without asking brought out a sample for him...to try before committing. That was very thoughtful and appreciated. The red snapper special was amazing, the seafood special with the squid ink pasta was much enjoyed, the gnocchi was left with a clean plate! Super yum!More

Date of visit: July 2022
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Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 27 July 2022

Thank you so very much for your wonderful review. We are grateful for you taking the time to share about your dining experience. Reading reviews like yours are exactly what we strive to give our guests. We look forward to having you back for dinner...More

Reviewed 21 February 2022

Best Friend Dining! We saw this restaurant sitting across from Fall Line restaurant. Looking into the big window everyone was enjoying themselves. So, we made reservations. The atmosphere was bustling. The seating is not so spacious. We were greeted with a warm welcome. We did...the three course meal with a bottle of wine included. First course I got chicken soup and bestie three pastas. Both were good. Then, second course both of us had the veal in cream sauce. My first time having veal. It was delicious. The presentation of the plate was wonderful. Last, dessert bestie got coconut cake and I got the tiramisu cake both was rich and delicious. La Grotta gets two thumbs up from best friend dining.More

Date of visit: February 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2022

Tiffany, we loved reading your review! Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments. We certainly hope you will return for another best friend dining evening with us!

Reviewed 12 May 2021

This was our second visit to La Grotta, and honestly, there are no words to describe the incredible dining experience. This restaurant is perfect on all counts for its unforgettable cuisine, extensive wine selection, warm atmosphere, and gracious hospitality. The Agnolotti alla Panna is to...die for. Actually, all of the food was so mouth-watering, we both continued to think about it and crave it the next day. We will definitely return very soon.More

Date of visit: May 2021
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Reviewed 27 February 2020 via mobile

Was eating alone ..on a business trip. While the service was attentive the food was very poor, particularly considering the high prices. The ravioli special had a thin sauce and slightly under cooked pasta. I expect more for $25! The desert of coffee cheesecake was...like something you would buy in Walmart..made worse by the addition of chewy bits of coffee bean. I will not be returning.More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ACapece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 9 March 2020

Please allow me to respond to your unfavorable review. First, we are a fine dining restaurant therefore our prices reflect, the atmosphere, service and ambiance of that particular caliber of dining. In fine dining, $25.00 for an entree is not considered “high price”. Next, we...More

Reviewed 28 July 2022

We did not have reservation for the dinner, there were 4 adults and a baby in our group. When we walked in the person greeted us, asked us for our reservation when we told him that we do not have the reservation, he asked ask...to wait to see if there is a table available. He came back and said sorry. So we started to walk out as soon as we came out and started to leave, manager of the restorante appeared who was busy setting up tables for out side dinning, he came over to us and told if we do not mind sitting outside he can accommodate us, we agreed and sat down, weather was pleasant for the evening. We sat down and ordered and enjoyed a very delicious dinner.More

Date of visit: July 2022
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Reviewed 3 December 2020

The City of Richmond has done a great job revitalizing the down town area. La Grotta was originally located in the Shockoe Bottom area of the city. A move to East Broad serves a higher end clientele of young professionals, government officials and folks like...me that have developed a taste for quality food and service that's non intrusive yet prompt when required. This evening I chose a special: Veal Shank. Let me say this. The veal took up the majority of the plate and the side veggies didn't get in the way. I can eat a lot and, I am pleasantly surprised that, I nearly didn't finish Though I will admit, I did take the bone home to my dogs and I am sure he appreciate what I did leave. There wine selection is top shelf and the Oban single malt whisky the perfect touch for a totally pleasant evening. I will be going back and highly recommend it to my friends.More

Date of visit: December 2020
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Reviewed 13 October 2022 via mobile

Authentic Italian cuisine with broad menu, daily specials and large collection of Europen wines. The linguine with seafood & special halibut with seared scallops where both excellent; portions too big to finish. We came early, and as leaving at 6pm, had manylarge groups & people...on sidewalk waiting to check in. 2 entrees, 1 wine, shated dessert $101 including tax. Service was excellent & left 20% tipMore

Date of visit: October 2022
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Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 18 October 2022

Thank you for your wonderful review and rating! It means the world to us when our diners have had an enjoyable experience with us and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it with others. We hope to see you back again! Grazie...More

Reviewed 8 March 2020

Slow service but friendly, skilled waiter. Ambiance was good. Food was horrible. Seafood dish had NO flavor and lobster/scallops/shrimp did not taste fresh. Calamari had too much breading and dipping sauce was boring and tasteless. The bread was horrible too. The party I was with...was large and everyone was disappointed. I felt bad for my niece who invited us to dinner to celebrate her birthday . She brought a cake to the restaurant that was not allowed to be served ; code violations are understandable enough-but- the hostess lambasted her about the cake in front of her guests.. I stepped in and advised the hostess that she didn't have to yell . How rude, unfriendly and unsophisticated. So much wasted potential. The chef needs to taste the food. YUCKMore

Date of visit: March 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ACapece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 9 March 2020

Please note: this reviewer threatened to write a bad review after we would not comp all of his appetizers. Allow us to respond to all of your comments. First of all, our restaurant is an authentic Italian fine dining establishment. Our cuisine is always prepared...More

Reviewed 27 March 2022 via mobile

My husband and I had a delicious dinner here yesterday, our first time in Richmond. We started with their special oysters, followed by a salad with gorgonzola and walnuts. We indulged in an excellent bottle of Amarone della Valpolicella, while sharing a dish of house...made ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach. For secondi, my husband has a veal chop while I had jumbo prawns and sea scallops in delicious spicy tomato sauce on a bed of creamy polenta. Dessert was a fig custard which did not disappoint. Marco and wait staff offered exemplary service, making this a truly enjoyable night out.More

Date of visit: March 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 29 March 2022

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of your dining experience with us. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your evening and it means the world to us that you took time to share about evening. We certainly will pass along...More

Reviewed 10 March 2021

Recently stayed at the Hilton for an event we were in town for. My son and I headed to La Grotta for dinner on a Friday night. We had read good reviews and had high hopes. This place definitely delivered! Our waiter - Zack -...was great, and the bartender was very friendly and made great drinks (I forgot her name unfortunately). And the food was fantastic! We had calamari, a filet, a strip steak, and added some scallops as an accompaniment. We even did the trio dessert which is something we rarely do. If/when we are back in this area, this will certainly be on our list.More

Date of visit: March 2021
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Reviewed 27 January 2022

This is one of our very favorite restaurants in Richmond! Our server, Marco was excellent, friendly and attentive, even though the restaurant was completely full. The food is always fresh and flavorful. We had wine with dinner and ended with a scrumptious dessert and delicious...espresso martini. Cannot wait to go back!More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea Capece, Owner at La Grotta Ristorante, responded to this reviewResponded 14 February 2022

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and compliments! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience with us and will make certain to pass along your comments to Marco, as well! We look forward to your return!

Reviewed 6 July 2022

I have never written a restaurant review before but I had to for this because I was so blown away by my experience at La Grotta. The food was amazing. Everything came out quickly and very delicious. Our waiter was so friendly and knowledgeable about...food options. We came close to the restaurant closing time because of work schedules but we didn't feel rushed at all. It was such a great dinning experience. 10/10 recommend!More

Date of visit: June 2022
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Reviewed 21 February 2021

We went for our anniversary and had the best Italian food in years. The food was masterfully prepared and yummy. They had a very extensive wine menu. The atmosphere and lighting was romantic and the service was top notch. We have eaten at most of...the Italian restaurants in Richmond and this was by far the best.More

Date of visit: February 2021
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Reviewed 5 January 2021

When I wake up the next morning and can’t stop thinking about what I ate the night before, trying to replicate the deliciousness in my head...you know the place has to be special. I savored and enjoyed every morsel of my dinner, the bites of...my husband’s dinner and then the dessert trio to top it off! Believe the hype, the food, the service, the ambience at this place are all that... and more. Very COVID safe... well distanced tables, staff all wearing masks. I wish I could pick this place up and take it back home with me to Connecticut, because it was real authentic Italian.More

Date of visit: January 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Questions & Answers
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Denise C
12 September 2017|
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Response from OwlSays123 | Reviewed this property |
Not sure. My daughter is Celiac but she did not go there with us so we were not on a gluten alert that night.
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La Grotta Ristorante, Richmond - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about La Grotta Ristorante

La Grotta Ristorante is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5