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Grotto - Downtown Houston

4.6
4.6
1170 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:

Conveniently located at Avenida Houston and connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Grotto Downtown offers a chic, vibrant dining experience in the heart of Houston—within walking distance to Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and Discovery Green. Unlike any other Grotto, Downtown offers a new look with a rustic, warehouse style interior and exposed brick. From small and shareable plates, fresh and local salads to refreshing and dynamic Italian cuisine, Grotto’s menu also offers a selection of curated craft beers, Grappa and wine—the ideal place for any occasion whether it’s lunch, happy hour, a business meeting or dinner in the city. Valet is available at the entrance of Grotto Downtown for $11 cash, or it can be added to your check inside. Self-parking is also available at the Avenida North parking garage, directly across the street on Rusk, where we will validate up to 3 hours for free.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Unspecified

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (713) 658-0752

  • Website

    http://www.grottorestaurants.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Private party facilities

    Conveniently located Downtown Houston in the Convention District, Grotto is ideal for your next event. Within walking distance of Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park & Toyota Center, our Italian inspired fares offer plates for all to enjoy.

  • Private party contact

    Manager: (713) 658-0752

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,170 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. SW

    SherrieW

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was perfect….. drinks, bruschetta, meals, dessert, service. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Great place. It will be a regular when we are in town for games.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very good food, great service with Rigo!!! Will definitely go back.

  3. JS

    JimS

    New Orleans

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Restaurant was warm and a little uncomfortable but temperature improved. Disappointed there was no complimentary bread basket as there are in many competitor restaurants. Was charged $4 for four slices of “grilled bread” which was tasteless and not crunchy. Service was slow for initial drinks and follow up. Entrees were delicious, nice sized portions, temperature hot and very good quality/value.

  4. CH

    CurtH

    Houston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great as always. Thanks for the early call about needing to change our reservation date and time.

  5. WB

    WendiB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Overall we really enjoyed our experience. The entrees were amazing, however, the focaccia bread lacked flavor and any wow factor, not to mention the serving wasn't enough to share with the 5 people at our table. I would think this would be served complimentary, as bread is at most Italian restaurants of this caliber. We will definitely be back, but will skip ordering any bread going forward.

  6. SF

    SherryF

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, excellent service!

  7. AB

    AnnetteB

    Orlando

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    The food was delicious. Courses were delivered too quickly. Entrees were delivered to the table within five minutes of the salad arriving. It was also very loud.

  8. JW

    JaneeW

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food4service1ambience1

    The music was extremely loud. My lunch companions and I had to shout to hear each other. We complained to the hostess and she didn't seem to interested and then we asked for a manager and he said that he couldn't turn it down as it was against company policy. The waitress didn't bring bread, and never asked for refills for our drinks and then at the end of the meal she said, "Do y'all want dessert or no?" For such an elegant looking restaurant in an upscale part of Downtown Houston, I was very shocked at how we were treated. The company that we work for is extremely large and we eat out a lot for various reasons. I will make sure to let the company know to not eat at this restaurant since I'm one of the lead admins for the business. Customers should always come first, and it's pretty rude and embarassing to have to shout to enjoy your lunch with your companions...

  9. JU

    JULY

    St. Louis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food & atmosphere!

  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very popular, would go back

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    I was hoarse when I left. It is deafening in the restaurant, so I had to yell to have a conversation. Service was very slow, but our server seemed to be very busy. Portions were extremely small, but very good. Everyone cleaned their plates and were still hungry. Dessert was delicious.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    South Dakota

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    The dessert was good- but some of the food was not quite what I expected either. I also was looking for more of an intimate experience-

  13. MI

    MILLIE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good service, good atmosphere, good food, great downtown location

  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The lamb was delicious! First time trying lamb with spaghetti, definitely will be back!

  15. TS

    TrishS

    Houston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Delicious food and a cool vibe! The salted caramel brûlée stole the show! The grouper was outstanding. Would definitely return.

  16. CD

    ChadD

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic service and an excellent menu for a relaxing dinner before a soccer match. This particular Grotto is the best of the locations I’ve been to in Houston, and one of our favorite restaurants in town.

  17. k

    kwilliams

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience5

    The doors were closed when I arrived, even though I was w/in 15 minutes of my reservation time. After that the service was good. The food was decent, but not worth the amount charged.

  18. KP

    KellyP

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and food quality - appreciated how well they worked with our large group

  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was great and had nice experience drinks were on the stronger side but still tasted fine.

  20. CA

    CalebA

    Houston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Ordered 7 dishes and the mini dessert sampler. Honestly everything was outstanding. Prefer this menu to the westheimer location.

  21. RW

    RedW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The whole experience was wonderful! I would definitely recommend! The Fried Mozzarella and the Long Island Strip were absolutely perfect.

  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Overall wonderful!

  23. CM

    CoryM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3

    Food, wine and service were great - perfect Mother's Day stop before the ballgame. My only complaint - the music was very loud.

  24. SJ

    ShinaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food & service was awesome. Getting sat was prompt and hassle free. Lamb pops, mussels, creme brulee was excellent.

  25. AP

    AllenP

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We eat here every time we are in Houston Yang have yet to be disappointed! Great good, service and atmosphere!

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience3

    No napkins or silverware until 5 minutes after food was served

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    we sat across from my sister for prom so it was a little busy but our waiter was super nice and the food was so good! i had the pasta that started with a G and swapped the shrimp for chicken and it was amazing!

  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner before the Astros game. Great food and service, as usual!!

  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We missed the lunch rush. The food was delicious. The sangria was great.

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place to dine before heading to a soccer match!

  31. SZ

    SamZ

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The group I came with enjoyed the food, drinks, and service, though we all seemed to have a stomach bug shortly after dining here. I'd dine here again though because we're not exactly sure what caused the stomach bug since we all ate different dishes beside the focaccia.

  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful meal!

  33. AK

    AlexK

    Seattle

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The artichokes and mussels are OUTSTANDING. Service was great. Atmosphere was lovely. It was a bit loud.

  34. DS

    DavidS

    Houston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    My wife slipped and fell as we walked by the entrance to the kitchen on our way to be seated. That floor seemed to be quite slick.

  35. j

    jkat

    Atlanta

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Table of 6. We all enjoyed our meals and desserts at the Grotto. Service was excellent. Highly recommend.

  36. FM

    FromMI

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Staff was very friendly and accommodating.

  37. E

    Eric

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always delicious. One of our go-tos before games/concerts and they never disappoint

  38. B

    Brian

    Atlanta

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    One recent Friday night had dinner and wine outside. Very nice the soup the salad my wife had a nice dinner enjoyable glad to see business is good.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and delicious

  40. LS

    LSU1970

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Service was great and food was very good and tasty!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Grotto - Downtown Houston using the Order Online button. Grotto - Downtown Houston also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (713) 658-0752.

Grotto - Downtown Houston is rated 4.6 stars by 1170 OpenTable diners.

Grotto - Downtown Houston does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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11
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
Google Map for Grotto - Downtown Houston

1001 Avenida de las Americas Suite A Houston, TX 77010

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Unspecified

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    None

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.grottorestaurants.com/

  • Phone number

    (713) 658-0752

  • Private party facilities

    Conveniently located Downtown Houston in the Convention District, Grotto is ideal for your next event. Within walking distance of Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park & Toyota Center, our Italian inspired fares offer plates for all to enjoy.

  • Private party contact

    Manager: (713) 658-0752

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