Grotto Ristorante
(713) 622-3663
4715 Westheimer Rd
Houston,
TX
77027
29.7419
-95.444
Neighborhoods: Central, Afton Oaks/ River Oaks
What People Are Saying About Grotto Ristorante
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Colorful murals depicting disorderly diners, charming Italian pottery and a display of vibrant antipasti greets diners. If you aren't in the upbeat Italian mood, you'll get there, along with the chatty, well-heeled clientele from nearby suburbia or the Galleria who fill the expansive room.
The Food
Although food and service varies depending on location, count on constants. A peachy Bellini pairs well with tenderly fried calamari and gutsy marinara. Ravioli napped in heady vodka rosa sauce is rave-worthy, as is the crunchy Italian chopped salad mounded with iceberg, prosciutto, Gorgonzola, bacon and balsamic vinaigrette. Fish lovers should try the snapper scarpariello, coated in crispy bread crumbs and topped with tangy red-wine sauce and jumbo shrimp. Cool panna cotta garnished with lime zest explodes with citrus flavor.
User Reviews
VGIRL2002
June 07, 2009
We had a reservation and still had to wait a while to be seated. The location of the table was awkward because throughout dinner, servers and customers kept knocking into our chairs. The wine list was not accurate. We tried ordering 2 different bottles and were told that they were unavailable and that they were in the process of printing a new wine list. We settled on a bottle from one year, but they brought us a bottle from a different year and tried to tell us that was the one on the menu. It wasn't! We later spoke to the manager about it and he didn't seem to care. There was never any salt on the table, even though we kept requesting it. We finally had to borrow some from another table. The salads were served after a very long wait and the main dishes were served early. A request for more bread was finally honored when they brought dessert. If this sounds like a fun evening to you-enjoy! We won't be returning!!
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HoustonGirl004
December 23, 2008
Went for dinner for the first time the other night. The restaurant was full so my group of 3 sat in the bar area. We had TERRIBLE service and did not ever have one specific server that waited on us. We had to constantly ask for things such as refills. The restaurant was also out of their complimentary bread that night which was a disappointment. I had the Agnolotti which consisted of 4 large yet very thin raviolis. It was decent. I had the tiramisu for dessert which was excellent and the best part of my experience. I won't be returning. I am SURE there is better Italian food (and service) in Houston.
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crystalcafe
June 24, 2007
I have been here once, and I was very impressed. The interior of the restaurant is very elegant with neutral floors, ceilings, and seating, but colorful walls covered in playful paintings. The waiters (we had two serving our table of 6, plus people coming by to refill water just as frequently as necessary) were extremely friendly and ready to be at our service. In fact, even as I walked past wait staff to get to the restroom, I was treated very politely with "Excuse me"s and smiles. The food and drink was very excellent - I had spinach ravioli with a delicious tiramisu cake for dessert, followed by a perfectly mixed rose bellini from the bar. Sure, the tab was pricey, but with such a great over all experience, it's the perfect place for a special occasion. The only downfall? The food was so delicious that I wish their servings were larger.
read full reviewThe Details on Grotto Ristorante
Category:
Payment Methods:
Carte Blanche, American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
