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  5. Beacon Hill

Grotto

4.4
4.4
2700 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Welcome to Grotto, a 25 rated Zagat restaurant serving Italian cuisine in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. We will bring back old world charm with a rustic setting, featuring cuisine rated by Phantom Gourmet as Best New Italian (2004), and Gourmet Greatness (2005).
** Please note, per Boston City ordinance all diners are required to show proof of vaccination when dining at the restaurant.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (617) 227-3434

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Jose Herrera

  • Private party facilities

    We are available for semi-private parties of all sizes and private events for parties of 10 to 36 people.

  • Private party contact

    Scott Herritt: (617) 227-3434

  • Neighborhood

    Beacon Hill

  • Cross street

    Cambridge

  • Parking details

    Street parking is also available.

  • Public transit

    T Stops are Park and Government Center.

  • Additional

    Beer, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,700 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. Marie

    New England

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had six in our party. We had a wonderful time. Delicious food, and thirst-quenching drinks. Outstanding service. Highly recommended!
  2. DebraM

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great service!
  3. Edgar

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    first time visiting this lovely restaurant and definitely won’t be my last time! everything was amazing, quiet restaurant, not crowded, food and drinks were spot on , perfect for dates with your significant other. Can’t wait to go back
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were excellent! Jennifer was the best! Loved the old school vibe down in the basement and cozy. Wine list very good.
  5. Kimberly

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wish we knew this place existed sooner! Best meal I've had in Boston, hands down.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing ambient, just perfect taste and absolute 10 stars service...
  7. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Very cozy spot with excellent food and Service
  8. vinniec

    New England

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Food was barely edible, couldn't help notice the creepy crawlers scurrying across the floor!
  9. JuliaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One of the best meals I've had in Boston! The restaurant is unassuming, the food is outstanding!
  10. SharonY

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best spaghetti and meatballs I have ever had!
  11. JessicaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is amazing!! Not a single dish was a disappointment. Superb!
  12. westender

    New England

    198 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    198 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Neighborhood gem. Lovely interior, welcoming staff and super menu. Try the scallops, the beet salad and any pasta. Save room for the chocolate cake!
  13. ChristopherA

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for doing a great job as usual!
  14. JohnP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meal I think myself and my wife ever had. We were visiting Boston and the local Trolley tour guide highly recommended the place. The atmosphere was very cool. The staff was excellent, especially our server, Wes, who was one of those just genuine people. Food was excellent. Even the price was very good. There is limited seating so get a reservation and get there as you will not regret it at all. Note that they also have take out but the atmosphere is a must. Can not say enough good things about this hidden gem.
  15. JaneL

    Pittsburgh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You’ll first wonder where you’re going when you arrive at the restaurant entrance but, after all, it’s called Grotto! But then you enter into a Lovely, cozy and intimate atmosphere. Very friendly staff. Outstanding service. A wide variety of menu options. Not your ordinary Italian restaurant but plenty of pasta and other Italian options from which to choose. My husband had the chicken Parmesan and LOVED it. The escargot primo was yummy. And my risotto was rich, creamy and delicious. Would recommend. Unique and delicious. Ample portions without being too excessive.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is so cute! It’s a little hidden gem. You walk in from the street and go straight underground to a small little dining area with maybe a dozen tables. It’s dark/candle lit. Perfect for a date night. I wouldn’t recommend it for large groups as the space probably only holds 40 or so people max. It was cozy and relatively quiet. Big wine selection. Service was great and our server was very attentive. I went with her suggestion on the 1st and 2nd course and was happy I did! I got the patata dolce as a 1st course/appetizer. It was a smaller size of pasta and was sooooooo yummy. I wish it was bigger as an entree! So savory I loved it. For my main course I got the Carne which was a steak tenderloin with 3 pieces of asparagus and Parmesan risotto. The risotto was delicious as well! It tasted as if it had a bit of truffle in there as well, though I didn’t see that on the menu description. It was a good size and I was soooo full. Which made me sad because i so badly wanted to try a dessert. My 2 friends both got different dishes and both loved them as well. We were visiting from out of town but I wish we could go back! I definitely recommend Grotto.
  17. MerylG

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun evening at Grotto. Loved the food, excellent staff and quirky and inviting atmosphere.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    I’ve been here many times over the year’s and have loved it every time, except last night. I thought I would try something different and ordered the Halibut. First thing I noticed was the size. It was about a 4 inch by 4 inch piece of fish (for $34). I then took my fork and tried to cut it and couldn’t. I tried cutting it with a knife and had a tough time. The pan seared topping had the consistency of pizza crust. It was super crunchy and it was like chewing gum. I showed the waitress how hard it was to cut and told her about the consistency. She started to tell me how Halibut is a meaty fish, nice try. She talked to the chef and came back and told me he said that’s the way it should be, being pan seared. They offered me nothing. No substitute or discount. Could have maybe thrown in a freebie of something. I’m just disappointed. Used to love this place. Supported them during the pandemic by ordering takeout many nights and was so glad they survived. I was so excited to be back here sitting down inside after 2 plus years and walked out disappointed and hungry. Don’t think I will return. In conclusion, if you go, don’t order the Halibut.
  19. MPL74

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience1
    We were 1 of 2 tables seated for dinner. Our party of 3 was seated at a booth with a pole we needed to climb over to sit down. Staff lacked enthusiasm and took a while to bring out drinks. Place was dark and cold. Definite disappointment.
  20. DanielP

    New England

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never fails to impress - cozy environment, great food with homemade pasta, attentive and friendly wait staff.
  21. JaneM

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cozy and dark…a little hard to read the menu but otherwise lovely! Food was outstanding.
  22. Japes

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Ceaser salad very simple nondescript. Arugula was good. Ravioli sweet potato so so Dessert chocolate with vanilla ice cream average
  23. Suzi

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been there twice and never been disappointed. It is small and cozy. The food is outstanding!
  24. MaxwellG

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service. Garlic soup and pasta Bolognese was amazing.
  25. HowardR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Brought my girlfriend here for her birthday, was an absolutely delicious meal, one of the best I've had in Boston. Pricy but worth every penny.
  26. LisaM

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Grotto has always been a favorite but we hadn't been in many years. It did not disappoint. Excellent service and incredible food! Thank you for making a special celebration night very special!
  27. Travel4food

    Greensboro

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s a very small venue which makes the dining experience feel cozy. The food was the best we had over our 4 days in Boston. Although the fresh bread and olive oil delivered to the table was enough of a starter, we are thankful we didn’t miss the fondu. The gnocchi was perfection as was the beef tenderloin. Great place to eat!
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Manitoba

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall3food1service4ambience2
    The wine and service were good, I would string suggest that one fuggedabout the food, it was subpar.
  29. ErinS

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    We loved the cozy ambiance. Service was good though I was airport's there weren't any specials. We were not blown away by any of our dishes. All were good but I'm not sure they're worth the price or the rave reviews. A lot of the menu was very heavy-sounding (red meats, tomato sauces) and not very inventive. Cocktails were average.
  30. Lindam

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Service was excellent. Most of the meal was delicious. Escargot was way over cooked.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Sat right away, cozy restaurant, food was outstanding
  32. ellem

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding! Best Italian food I’ve had outside of Italy. The service was great too. The olive oil was superb, it’s a must if you’re in Boston.
  33. Pass

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    Highly recommend From put of town, will not recommend to others Left an outrageous tip accidentally due to lack of familiarity with currency Pass on this eating establishment
  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food in a super cute space and friendly wait staff. Menu items were a bit pricey but overall a very enjoyable experience :)
  35. AubreeD

    Atlanta Metro

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful neighborhood gem. The food was delicious and staff was friendly. I enjoyed everything I ate and would definitely return.
  36. RFRCA

    New England

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as usual! So happy to be back!
  37. Sms90

    New England

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it and try the banana bread pudding
  38. BryanP

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic food. Loved the Arugula salad and shrimp pasta.
  39. ColleenC

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the music the service the food...everything. Loved our meal there.
  40. AlanNottingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful food and really good service. The beef in my fondue melted in my mouth.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

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

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Grotto offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 227-3434.

Grotto is rated 4.4 stars by 2700 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Cambridge

  • Neighborhood

    Beacon Hill

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street parking is also available.

  • Public transit

    T Stops are Park and Government Center.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Jose Herrera

  • Additional

    Beer, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

  • Phone number

    (617) 227-3434

  • Private party facilities

    We are available for semi-private parties of all sizes and private events for parties of 10 to 36 people.

  • Private party contact

    Scott Herritt: (617) 227-3434

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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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