The food was pretty good, but the service was atrocious. We arrived on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was not busy at all and they tried to seat us RIGHT by the door until we asked for a better table. And we were seated with no menus of any kind. Finally our waitress come over, and it was evident from the start (she later confirmed) she had just started working there. She was a nice person, but I blame management for inadequately training her. We had multiple other problems that evening, but will spare the details, other than it was disappointing we never saw a manager, given the other issues we had with drinks and service.

Good food and service. A bit loud upon entry, but they did turn down the music.

The food and service was TERRIBLE! As a Laundry’s member really disappointed. Grotto used to be a dependable go to, but we won’t go back to the downtown location.

We aways visit when in Houston. Great food in a festive surroundings. Friendly servers aim to please.

Our group came to The Grotto after a long day at the convention center. Very friendly and capable staff. Everyone got something different and raved about the food. We were only in town for a short time but if we ever get back, we are coming here again!

Food was fantastic !!

Great food, great location. Server was enthusiastic and friendly, but man this place is always short staffed. Third time here with VERY slow service.

This restaurant was very noisy and it was difficult to enjoy my dinner companions

Awesome place to spend with friends!! The atmosphere, food and drinks were all great!!

Pizzas were phenomenal...best pizza of my life. Service was great.

Grotto seems to be improving their food and their service. It was much improved since the last time I was there.

For lunch, I had the "Business Lunch 15" special of Paillard, which is a fancy way of saying pounded thin beef tenderloin. It was cooked the way I like it and more meat than I had expected for a special. The light arugula salad was pretty good. The only exception I take is that the pickled vegetables were nothing more than pepperoncinis and banana peppers... not exactly what I would have imagined for pickled vegetables.


My lunch companions had the Trout special, also for $15.00 The Trout looked pretty good and my friend seemed to enjoy it. Both salads, Garden Romaine and Grotto Salad were good.


Like I said before, the service is much improved. Must be because Brandon is now the regional manager. The staff went out of their way to be friendly. Everyone from the general manager, the hostess and waiters were extremely polite and accommodating. I like the way the waitress let us take our time order and didn't interrupt our conversation.

Picked Grotto because of it central downtown location. A family dinner with my daughter who was in town. My mom and I had the Linguine Pescatore -- flavorful, and simply delicious!! My daughter had the Gamberi alla Rotonda and my dad had the Straw & Hay. Everyone commented on how good the food was. ....better than expected, especially since we are Italian and already have high expectations. Our waiter turned out to be an added bonus -- great service and he had an artful touch to our cappuccinos. Will definitely be visiting more often and when we can enjoy the outside seating.

I liked it so much I came back the next day and had the same meal (Trout) It was so freaking good!

I was looking forward to going to this restaurant because I liked the small plate options and the look of the restaurant and outdoor seating. When we arrived we asked about sitting outdoors. Coming from NY and especially at this time of year, eating outdoors is a treat. I was told that they don't seat parties of 5 outdoors but then for some reason, she said she would. When we went to order some small plates for appetizers, 3 of the 5 we went to order we were told: "we don't have that". Then take it off the menu. Service was slow for the appetizers but the wait staff was too quick in taking away plates that weren't finished. We had to repeatedly tell them we weren't done. Our dinners were good, but by then we were not happy with the dining experience.

Ordered carafe of Sangria. It had so much ice, no flavor at all! Food was cold and returned back to kitchen. Waiter was excellent but had too many tables to cover, so service was slow.

Overall - not a good experience for the $200 price tag.

Poor customer service. We arrived on time, no one at the desk to greet us. Having waited about two minutes, we finally got seated. No waiter in sight, we waited and waited and after over 5 minutes of waiting for someone to greet us, we left. Never again. Try the Grove, amazing food and great service.

Cool venue and server was terrific. Neat cool urban vibe but very different from the regular grotto restaurant which is very much more traditional Italian. This was more new hip Italian with a vibe/edge and had a much more limited menu. I would go again if downtown for a quick dinner before a game.

We were visiting Houston and staying nearby. We ended up coming two nights in a row it was so good. Very fresh food, very good, nice service, lovely desserts.
We had our kids and they were super accommodating- made a cheese pizza for our youngest who is picky.
Also got to see an NBA all star eating outside.

Overall such an enjoyable experience. Food was outstanding, and varied options, and uniquely prepared. Service was on point, but did clear the table too soon as a friend literally still had a fork in her mouth as he was trying to take it. I will say though our table was poorly positioned near the patio door. Each time it opened menus flew, napkins flew, and hair flew. I would have been appreciative of being moved after noticing how difficult of a spot it was. It will not deter me going again (sitting somewhere else next time of course).

Excellent service. They graciously changed my reservation for a business luncheon from 6 to 12 people and then accommodated an additional 2 people without missing a beat.

Anniversary !! Good time

Even though restaurant was extremely busy the service and quality of the food was great. Our waiter was responsive and made great suggestions for us. Will absolutely return.

Wife and I had dinner at the downtown location. Carlos was our waiter. He was excellent, friendly and provided great service. Food was amazing! Great flavor in everything from entrees all the way to the dessert. Definitely recommend this place.

Best gnocchi I have ever had! I am serious. That Veal chop too.

Dinner after Johnson Space Center

Restaurant staff was very attentive and had great recommendations. Great experience for a professional lunch. Restaurant has a neat ambiance as well.

Service was not good

Disappointed with meal and waiter; he was not attentive, maybe he was a new staff member. First we sat at the table for probably 8-10 minutes before anyone even asked us if we wanted a cocktail. At one point during the meal I had to go to the bar and order our drinks. Never brought us the pizza bread; finally asked another waiter and he brought it to us. I ordered the Gamberoni, was extremely bland, not even salt and pepper and grated parmesan made it palatable; not worth $19 for 5 medium size shrimp and bland pasta sauce. Bologese was okay. Chopped salad was good, would recommend. Lobster Bisque was excellent. We usually really like Grotto, Westheimer location has a better menu. When we go to the Downtown location, small plates may be a better option and sitting at the bar.

Food and service were great. Too many loud conventioneers ruined the otherwise excellence.

Food is consistently good, creative and reasonably priced. Service is very friendly. Parking is the only problem. My family loved it.

Food was very salty!

Changed the menu. We didn’t like the change.

Excellent food except Lobster bisque was too salty. Service was acceptable but not fantastic. Nice ambiance and great location with regard to access to downtown and sports venues.

Eric was outstanding! Food was excellent!

Totally disorganized, inside and out. Valet parking was a disaster. Our table was not ready. Need to get their act together if they are going to serve people in a timely fashion
before sports or cultural events in the area.

Delicious pizza gnocchi and bolognese. Always delicious

Very nice and trendy place. Went for lunch with a friend - service was great and the food was yummy. Their portions are smaller than usual Italian places but reasonably prices and great to share. Will be back.

Very very delicious! A little on the pricey side for the drinks but the food was amazing. I enjoy the ambiance of the entire place and will definitely be coming back.

Awesome experience

Great experience with good food in a nice atmosphere. Will return next time I’m in Houston.