Seldom can you take a few steps in the South and find yourself completely transported to another continent. Yet, this is the experience of La Grotta. Take one step inside the door off the cobblestone street of Shockoe Slip and you’re suddenly in Northern Italy. Smell the roasted garlic and savor the rich flavors of innovative Italian cuisine paired with one of the fine wines that earned La Grotta the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Whether it’s a quiet romantic anniversary or a business meeting, La Grotta isn’t just dinner. It’s a destination.
Exclusive private rentals can be arranged for up to 134 guests. We also offer Semi-private dining or meetings in our Wine Cellar for up to 25 guests. Our Mezzanine level is perfect for parties of up to 42 guests. From Corporate meetings to Bridal Showers or Rehearsal Dinners, La Grotta will make your event special!
"The restaurant did NOT have record of my reservation. Luckily, they could fit my party in."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 2 for La Grotta - Richmond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
Great food/service..
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful dinner at La Grotta, however the online reservation was somehow messed up. Thankfully we called to add people to our reservation, and found that instead of 12 people we only had a reservation for 2 people! We had to move the time from 6:30 to 9PM, as they had filled up in the mean time. Next time I will double check the online reservation by calling the restaurant!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"This is our favorite restaurant for special evenings out, with superb food, helpful and friendly staff and consistent quality all around. My ravioli with spinach, ricotta and cream sauce was delicious and my spouse's veal scallopini with asparagus and cheese was equally mouthwateringly good. Topped off with chocolate mousse and blackberry cheesecake -- what more could we want? Not a thing."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went to La Grotta has a celebration for a graduation and the experience was fantastic we were accommodated at every level. The waiter did not rush us at all and was there when we needed him. The food and wine were amazing! We were a party of 10 and was seated in the wine cellar, which could not have been a better venue. I would highly recommend La Grota to anyone"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"La Grotta is one of our all time favorites. They never disappoint. It is our go to pick for special occasions, out of town guests or important clients. Food and service are impeccable. Wine list is extensive. Highly recommend."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Very enjoyable evening once the rush subsided. Reservations need to be managed better. Food was very good especially the pasta trio appetizer and the tiramisu. Great atmosphere. We'll be dining at La Grotta again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
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"I would NEVER recommend this restaurant to anyone. We waited 55 minutes for our table despite showing up on time. With a group of 7, not only did we wait 55 minutes, but NOT once, did anyone proactively come over to us to tell us what the status was. There was only an acknowledgement when I checked in to see where we were. Even then, as they seated us, I expressed my disapointment. After that, while the waiter acknowledge the delay, there was no further acknowledgement, no free desert, no appetizer. Instead, an automatic 20% gratuity added to our bill. After all of this, the food was average on a good day. On the plus side, the ambiance is cute, the wine list decent. This is the only bad restaurant experience I have had in Richmond"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
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"Food was just OK. We went to try out during Restaurant Week and was not impressed at all with the food. It was served very quick and did not taste like it was freshly prepared. The only good thing was the bread and olive dip. Will not be going back."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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"La Grotta has been a favorite restaurant of mine for years. I have never had a bad experience there, and the food is beyond exceptional. The service is great, and presentation is top notch. The only thing holding back the experience from being perfect was the wait. I made reservations through Open Table the week prior, and still had to wait for my table to be set and ready - although I'm not one to really be bothered by that sort of thing."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Another excellent meal here with my husband during Richmond Restaurant Week. Enjoyed the menu choices, all was fresh and delicious. Would highly recommend."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2005
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"This place is ah-MAZING!! I have been coming here for years with friends, family and clients alike. I always suggest this place when dining with a foodie or with anyone that has Italian blood! Even the most discerning food snobs will love this place. Its small and cozy but not crowded or cramped. The wine choices are incredible and delicious. The staff has recommended some great vino and have never disappointed. They seem to know their wines well. The FOOD IS OUTSTANDING!!! I have never been disappointed with a meal here,EVER! The rockfish and the stuffed ravioli are to die for. The servers are great and go out of their way constantly to make it a great dining experience. I will continue to come here b/c I know it will be wonderful! Kudos!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We were here on a Friday night for dinner and had a great experience! We sat in the back of the restaurant in the wine cellar area which was great ambience for a romantic dinner for two. The food was excellent and the desserts amazing. I would definintely come back to eat here again."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I took a chance at making reservations for a client dinner at La Grotta when I hadn't eaten there myself first. Turned out to be a great choice - the client loved the atmosphere, the wine selection and the food. Staff was great, I will definitely return!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"The bread and vinaigrette were delicious. The service was great, and did not leave much to be desired. The mixed salad was solid, especially with the dressing.
The food however left a lot to be desired. I had the lasagna. The noodles were overcooked, but tasted good. The cream-based ingredients went well with the pasta. The meat tasted like it wasn't seasoned first (on its own, separate from the entire lasagna). Now this sauce - tasted straight out of a can. No remnants of fresh tomato. You could close your mouth, then breathe through your nose and taste the canned-flavor.
My friend had the ravioli's in a light cream sauce. She gave it an "eh" because of the lack of freshness (herbs anyone?).
Should've been better - I'd"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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"My wife and I love going here. Great wine list. cool wine cellar setting. the BEST ceasar salad i have EVER had. Wait staff is great and the food is amazing!!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our new favorite restaurant in Richmond. The food was absolutely superb and our waiter, Blake did a phenomenal job! We can't wait to dine with La Grotta again!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The food was delicious, with excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. The homemade pasta trio sampler is always enjoyable as an appetizer. And, the restaurant was very accommodating for our large group and has a large wine selection. In summary, I would highly recommend the place."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I took my boyfried that lived in Boston for many years to La Grotta for his birthday. I had been bragging about how wonderful the food is. We selected the WINE DINNER. The food was amazing and the wine pairings were PERFECT! Thank you La Grotta for helping me celebrate the birthday of the most amazing man!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Food was great. Wine was amazing. Waiter was always there when we needed him. Got there earlier than our reservation but was seated in good time. I would def go there again."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic
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"I had a great dining experience with group of 8 for a customer dinner meeting. It was a perfect place for our meeting, great food and great service. I will be back for more customer meetings and I will for sure go back with my wife for a nice relaxing dinner."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We had our Valentine's dinner here and loved it. Thank you to the previous reviewers who spoke so highly of La Grotta. We wouldn't have gone if there weren't so many positive reviews. The food was very good and the atmosphere was romantic. I can't recommend it enough."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"The Italian food was ok- alittle bit rich and heavy. The best part is probably the wine list. If you like places where you can take your time, this is the place to be. We waited 15m to get our first glass of wine brought to table. The appetizers were brought before the drinks. I think the issue with the restaurant is that it got a little bit too busy for the staff to handle. They probably should lighten the load for the waiters so they can provider better service."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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"Whoever said that La Grotta's food is excellent doesn't know Italian food. I ordered the Gamberoni Fra Diavolo, and my lady had some lobster ravioli that was a special for the evening. Both our dishes were a disappointment. The taste was bland, and neither of us finished our plate. The bread they serve is served cold but that wasn't too big an issue. The disappointment came from the main dishes. The ambiance and atmosphere is fine though. Low key and romantic setting so that helped. I just wish the food was better."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
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"I've been to La Grotta on a few occasions in the past. Every experience I've had prior to this has been excellent; however, My Valentine's evening was a bit of a disappointment. Our reservation was a late one (9:00PM), and so I suspect that we were left with a crew of waiters and chefs who were all exhausted from dealing with a packed house for most of the night. That is understandable. The night wasn't a complete bust, but I have to say that I expected quite a bit more. My date and I both ordered steak dishes (the fillet and the NY Strip), and both fell very short of the mark. Hers was far too peppery and mine was very rubbery and tough. Our shared side of asparagus was extremely bland even despite the mound of crusty, dry cheese on top"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic
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"This is the second time I'd been to La Grotta. The first time I went the party I was with decided to share multiple dishes. The Gnocci was my favorite. All of the menu items are made in-house. The pasta selection was utterly amazing and tasted so good. This time I went for Valentine's Day with my girlfriend. There was a prie fix wine dinner for $65 which I thought was a little pricey. It did come with four glasses of wine so I suppose it was somewhat justified. My starter was somewhat on the acidic side and my veal scalloppini was okay. I think i could have made something similar if I put my mind to it. In retrospect I should have gone the make-your-own dinner way and chosen a dish with more of a pasta base. I'll try other Italian in futur"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Had a business meeting here with a colleague. Food was delicious, nice wine selection and service was excellent. We got to choose our table and have a good conversation as the noise level was moderate being a Monday evening. Would highly recommend. We will be back:)"
Dined on 01/28/2013
2005
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"This was my first trip to La Grotta and we had a great experience. The food was authentic Italian and the service was impeccable. At one point our server was busy with other tables and another server swooped in to box up our food without us asking. After this great dinner we are considering them for our rehearsal dinner. Try the calamari! Best in town, hands down."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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