Grotto
Boston, MA 02114-4201
Phone: (617) 227-3434
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Cambridge Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Grotto – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
This subterranean dining room, within shouting distance of the State House, provides one of Beacon Hill's most intimate dining options. Filibustering politicos make up much of the lunch crowd, while casually dressed couples feed an early-evening rush. Exposed brick walls display a selection of local art, all of it for sale. Gregarious, jeans-clad waitresses ferry food and drink from the rear kitchen, including selections from a user-friendly wine list.
The Food
Grotto's straightforward menu includes inventive spins on familiar Italian favorites. Prosciutto arrives wrapped around beef tenderloin, while the house Bolognese sauce features three different meats. Begin your meal with a bowl of homemade tomato soup (served with a petite grilled-cheese sandwich), before moving on to a savory breast of rosemary chicken, cooked "under a brick" and served with zesty lemon risotto. Considering the generous portions, you'll likely only have room for a trio of homemade sorbets for dessert.
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Insider Tips
Save TimeLike most restaurants in the area, Grotto does its best business on weekdays: Reservations are strongly recommended.
Save MoneyWhen imbibing, stick to the wine and beer list; house cocktails are nothing special, and aren't large enough to warrant their hefty price tags.
ParkingWhile there are plenty of metered spaces in front of the restaurant, be sure to read all area signs carefully; many of those spaces become resident-only parking after 6pm.
Where to SitAvoid sitting near the back corner, which is the only way in and out of the kitchen (thus ensuring a constant flurry of activity in front of your table).
User Reviews for Grotto
06/29/2008 Posted by califsunlover
Been a few years now since I've been here. Don't want to rush anything you know. Great, intimate, cozy and romantic restaurant. Seats only about 40 or so folks. We got super lucky (since we arrived early) and got the best table in the place, far left corner as you enter. Not too many great tables though. Either in foot traffic path, next to the front door or the entrance to the kitchen. Food was excellent all the way around. We had 2 different appetizers we split, 2 different entres which we shared. We also spilt a dessert which was deee-licious! Flavorful, decent portions and great presentation. Service was efficient, although not overly great. www.grottoresta... Pros: Romantic, intimate, food! Cons: Only a couple of good tables in the joint.
Pros: Romantic, great tasting food!
Cons: Place is small, only a couple of really good tables
05/19/2008 Posted by hubriis
I was fiending for Italian and we hadn't yet found a good spot in Boston. After reading several reviews, we decided to try Grotto. BEST. DECISION. EVER. We descended the stairs and walked in, and I was surrounded by a wall of amazing, delectable scents wafting through the air. If Grotto were in my neighborhood, I would be here each and every night. No, I am not exaggerating. We were seated and opened the menu, and they had Montepulciano by the glass...I was completely smitten. They have an absolutely amazing prix-fixe menu, so we each decided upon our dinners and sat back to enjoy the ambiance. The Montepulciano was divine and mellow, and went beautifully with the meal. The first course arrived: fontina cheese fondue accompanied by beef tenderloin, aged balsamic, truffle oil, and portobello mushrooms. I dove into absolute cheese bliss and had to convince myself not to lick the fondue bowl at the end. The second course was chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and cheese manicotti. It was quite delicious, but not knock-your-socks-off like the fondue. I ended up taking half of it back to our hotel and we enjoyed it for breakfast the next morning. Dessert was banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream and walnuts. The bread pudding itself was a bit too dense for me (a little reminiscent of a hockey puck, but it had a good flavor) but the caramel ice cream was on par with the fondue....delectable, amazing, and worth savoring. I can't wait to get back to Boston to return to Grotto!
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