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Grotto

Italian Restaurant$$$$

Beacon Hill, Boston

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Grotto

8.6^/10

174

ratings

Ranked #6 for barbecue in Boston
"insalata cardozza and spare rib gnocchi are both highly recommended."(10 Tips)
"The cavatelle was absolutely amazing."(3 Tips)
"You must get the garlic soup!"(5 Tips)
"Get the sweet potato ravioli and the gnocchi with short ribs."(6 Tips)

62 Tips and reviews

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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
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ブルーノJanuary 10, 2016
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
T BJanuary 19, 2017
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 OzgurMarch 17, 2017
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!
Dan HollandJanuary 9, 2019
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 ClarkAugust 19, 2014
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 :-)
Mateus de AlmeidaMay 16, 2013
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
Rory ParnessFebruary 21, 2017
Great date spot. Enjoyed the duck combo (duck breast and leg). Nice combo of duck textures and taste. Finish with the molten chocolate cake
Margot MazurFebruary 17, 2016
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!
LaurenNovember 23, 2017
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!
ChristianneNovember 25, 2012
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.
Drew MOctober 18, 2013
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!!
Lindsey ClarkAugust 28, 2013
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!
Jessica McIntireAugust 6, 2015
Romantic setting. Amazing risotto with sirloin, gnocchi with short ribs, and scallop ravioli. That's everything I tried - you can't go wrong here.
Gerson FJuly 18, 2015
Very good food, really impressive. Everything well seasoned and greatly cooked. Also a great deal for Boston ($30 for all courses).
Holly CMay 3, 2013
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!
JessicaFebruary 14, 2015
Been here 5+ times
$38 prefix is totally worth it. Cavatelli, grilled calamari, or beet salad to start. Carne with reggiano risotto. Chocolate cake.
Sammy WoodMay 2, 2013
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.
Kristine GlickOctober 14, 2013
The Spagetti and Meatballs is ALWAYS good, my personal fav is Bolognese: House cut tagliatelle pasta, San Marzano tomatoes, Lamb, Pork, Beef
Katie AndradeJuly 28, 2016
Amazing, authentic Italian restaurant. Definitely a hidden gem. Make sure you finish your meal with the chocolate lava cake!
Bhavin GandhiFebruary 10, 2017
Do not miss the garlic soup!! I repeat, do not miss the GARLIC SOUP.
Susan RussoOctober 24, 2012
Get a corner table-- it's quiet, dimly lit, and romantic inside. The short rib gnocchi are outstanding-- rich, generously sauced, and meltingly tender.
Minnie KimNovember 6, 2014
Steak fondue and risotto were both delicious! Overall, delicious Italian food
Jared RitaMarch 20, 2013
Absolutely delicious. Get the tenderloin with risotto. So good! Don't even get me started with the melting chocolate cake.
Jeremy KrantzJuly 9, 2015
The fonduta is a great option to start your meal and great for sharing. Dip away!
Anca HaragaMay 16, 2018
The gnocchi, the Bolognese, the chocolate cake and the fondutta... basically everything I’ve tried!
Adam SigelMay 14, 2014
Bolognese was perhaps the best I've ever had. Gnocchi and short ribs was equally delicious, and so tender.
Mahee FerliniSeptember 30, 2015
Thanks everyone for your wonderful tips. Sounds like a great place to stop by the next time I'm in town.
Linda GrossmanJune 1, 2016
Everything was delicious, especially the garlic soup, pasta bolognese, osso bucco.
Aaron WheelerNovember 11, 2012
Managed to accommodate despite no reservations! Tasty pan-fried mozzarella and butternut ravioli. Vegetarian too!
Bhavin GandhiFebruary 10, 2017
And OfCourse the risotto. The flavour is incredible
Amy LopezApril 26, 2010
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!
Russell DeanSeptember 2, 2016
The duck was outstanding! Large portions and everything excellent.
Derek ShowermanMay 1, 2010
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
Dave SantopietroJuly 10, 2012
Amazing gnocchi with short ribs. The meat melts in your mouth, not in your hand!
Khoa MaDecember 13, 2014
Great Italian restaurant. The grill squid is delicious!
Mette HeløOctober 20, 2017
The lobster pasta was delicious. Polite and friendly staff.
Christina LiuApril 3, 2014
Cavatelle app was really rich and filling - enough for me as a main course
MikaeliaMay 8, 2016
The food is excellent and the lighting is great for a date night.
ScottAugust 22, 2013
Get the sweet potato ravioli and the gnocchi with short ribs.
Alena RevaJanuary 3, 2015
Good wine selection, excellent food, hidden gem
Margot WitJuly 24, 2013
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.
SNOCRUNovember 26, 2012
Best Italian in the city hands-down. Wish someone would take us on a date here!
KateJanuary 4, 2015
Order the chicken parm, you won't regret it!
Rhea CurtisSeptember 2, 2011
You must get the garlic soup! It is to die for.
Dudley SnyderMarch 30, 2014
Tiny, cute, great value
Valentina MonteMarch 16, 2011
everything was hearty and delicious-- PERFECT little dinner spot!
Mette HeløOctober 20, 2017
The lobster pasta was delicious
Taylor DJuly 3, 2011
Save room for dessert. The chocolate cake and banana bread pudding are amazing.
Philip TeitelbaumNovember 20, 2010
Went in a group of 4, everything we ordered was great. You can't go wrong.
Ashish PSeptember 17, 2013
Food was great but service could be better. A lot of waiting to get a order in.

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