went here today with a professional group of educators for a leadership retreat luncheon. The server was rude and impatient from the time we were seated. The fish was supposed to be blackened grouper but was clearly undercooked and almost translucent (raw). When we asked about a replacement the waiter stated that the chef said it was cooked well done. You be the judge and jury based on the pictures provided. The manager exchanged the dish without hesitation. Thank you. Every single one of them. I expected more from such a nice establishment with a great ambiance. Undercooked fish is a recipe for disaster. Do better!

This place reminds me of Whiskey Cake a lot, except Italian dishes. The alcoholic drinks were delicious, and the sides were good, however the entrees were so so. If you are needing something that is chic and quick - by all means this place meets the requirements, but if you are expecting wow factor on food - it is not here.

What is really unique about this restaurant is the boldness found in the dishes. The ricotta with the bread and a hint of rosemary. The chicken pizza, another hint of honey. Everything was unique and delicious. We will definitely come back again. Hands down the best dish was gnocchi with short ribs.

The fish and risotto were delicious! Everything is so flavorful. Love the atmosphere. Beautiful mural. And such a sweet server! Ate here twice on our trip because it was so wonderful.

We could smell the aroma of freshly cooked seafood in the restaurant area, we followed it all they way to Grotto. We were greeted by the hostess who asked if we had any reservations (we didn’t.) they sat us immediately with Justin who was training Nate, the customer service from Justin was amazing. He shared the best picks on the menu that were all great (Drinks and Food). I never got a picture of the food because it was awesome. If we couple give 10 stars we would. We will be back in July and December.

Great spot for a romantic date night or meal with friends. Decor is beautiful! Food is top notch. The pompelmo martini is a bit on the sweet side for me but still enjoyed it. Switched to a wine. Staff are accommodating and attentive. Need to try a pizza next time or chef’s board (meat and cheese tray). Hubby really loved the salmon. It’s was a great evening overall at Grotto Downtown!

First timer here… Good food, good atmosphere, good customer service. The experience was a bit underwhelming tho.. I was waiting for a “wow” factor & it never happened – still good food tho. Our server was cool.. he should get a raise. Overall, If I had to recommend a dish, I would recommend the Caesar salad (not pictured). #yum

I was very happy that I was able to order gluten free pasta! I order the bolognese paste and it was delicious! The way the restaurant tables are arranged makes it for a very cramped/claustrophobic feeling. Could use better rearranging. Also, be sure to make a reservation at this location because walk-ins are not accepted until after 8/9pm I heard the waiter mention. Also THEY DO VALIDATE parking so be sure to get that done so you’re charged nothing when you leave the parking garage!

Casual dining with an upscale flair. Great for date night, family outing, small and/or big groups. The private party on patio looked awesome. The drinks were great, pizza was tasty, and the cheesecake was amazing!

We had a nice meal at Grotto. Our food and drinks were solid but not next level especially compared to other options at a similar price range. The focaccia bread was a great appetizer and we enjoyed chopped salad and lobster bisque soup. The drinks we got were the gin and tonic and Italian Manhattan. Overall, we enjoyed our meal at Grotto but feel there are better options in the respective price category. Note- Grotto has valet parking for a fee.

Casual dining with downtown style. Service, food and drinks were great. Walking distance from my hotel.

Grotto offers a fun, relaxing - yet somewhat intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Although dim lite and warehouse(y), there's a chill vibe throughout. The service is on point; the staff work together to take care of the customers. People are talking, communicating and really enjoying each other's company. I love this. I love what Chef Josh Oakes has done with the menu! Chef Oakes blends uniqueness, contemporary and boldness - on traditional dishes. I mean - my Francese was so incredibly powerfully good it's indescribable. Just warm, pleasant flavors with a blend of rich spices. Just brilliant! Do not pass up Grotto when in H-town.

The appetizers were fantastic. Best food I've found right by the convention center. The short rib Gnocchi was really some of the best I'd had. There wasn't anything that reminded you of a semi hard dumpling style to this. It and the short ribs melted in your mouth. The pizza had a decent crust, but the flavor fell a little flat for me with the plain Naples style sauce where a little more full fat ingredients or olive oil could have been added to counter the acidity; a thicker pepperoni or seasoned sausage on the pizza could have been the star. It was still very good, In this case, I recommend the pork and peppers over the meatzza. The meatballs had an excellent balance of flavor, sauce, basil and cheese that all combined to nearly make it's own sauce when eating. Not overly heavy in any way. The attention to wines and drinks was appreciated. Waitress was familiar with the flavors and the stiff drinks were decent enough pours.

We are still here eating! That’s how great this place is! Prices not as high as other local restaurants, food is excellent, drinks fantastic, service is amazing. Will absolutely return next time I’m in the neighborhood. I had the eggplant parm- tasted great!

Great food. Recommend making reservations. Gluten free options such as pizza and pasta. The pizza and pasta was tasty. Just like everywhere, they could use more wait staff.

My first time but won’t be my last . The food and service were impeccable . We had dinner reservations for 5:30 they were so on point from the moment we entered . Our waiter didn’t skip a beat from the moment he sat us at our table . They have a great nice happy hour with half price on cocktails, wine ,and small plates . Great menu we shared a dinner that’s how good their portions for dinner and appetizers . Highly recommend its beautiful … can’t wait to go back !

AMAZING! The pizza , the atmosphere, the workers I can’t believe I hadn’t been here and the prices are very reasonable. New taste buds were awaken w the chicken Bianca pizza , I refuse to get chicken on pizza because it’s frozen chicken and very weirdly texture but NOT HERE THIS CHICKEN THIS PIZZA WAS INCREDIBLE !!

Phenomenal. The service, environment, cocktails, all of it was absolutely amazing. The food is on another level. I didn’t think the next bite could be any better, the more things I tasted; the more I wanted to eat. It was absolutely mouthwatering. I wished I had better words. Houston is not always a fun trip with having treatment and medical appointments, but the Grotto was an excellent last minute decision. I will definitely be back!

Ordered Margherita Pizza and Pasta Verdura. The crust was hard and the pizza cold when served. The desserts were the highlight as we had Creme Brullee, key lime pie

I notice that after the entrees were served there was no bread, I ordered pasta it common to have Italian bread on the table. I asked to speak to manager about it. The manager came her name was Lorenda, and to say that the way she spoke to me and explained we do not give free bread like the other restaurant with the same name and owner. We have a different concept. I have to say I have never a manager talk to me like an addled schoolboy before. I told her I did not care that the bread was two dollars to please bring the bread. I was so upset about this I stopped eating my meal and decided to write the review before I finished eating. I will make to post this same review to multiple platforms so people know that to expect. The only redeeming factor was this place has awesome braised rib gnocchi. This has been a horrible experience that didn’t need to happen. All that had to happen was the waiter needed to say we can provide you bread for a two dollar fee. Not tell me that this is not the concept for this restaurant. Even though this another location for the same restaurant with the same name and owner. What a let down. As the other Grotto location is amazing. You would better going to McDonald’s, the service would be better.

Positives: it was clean and the atmosphere was good. They sat us even though we didn't have reservations, because we were first in line at opening. The lobster Biscque was delicious Areas for improvement: I ordered the roasted cauliflower salad. It was so spicy. There was nothing on the menu to indicate there would be heat. The server did not come back to our side of the table to check on our satisfaction until it was time for the check. They did replace the burnt bruschetta of my lunch date. Our server also did not present as personable or happy to serve us. Overall, for the cost of my meal, I wouldn't return.

This place has a nice atmosphere, reasonable prices, tasty drinks, and good food: we had the meatballs, pizza and chicken Marsala. However the service could be better. The waiter was polite but something was off in his personality. He didn’t introduce himself and no mention about the happy hour or specials

This place is incredible, if you are at George R. Brown be sure to take the stroll down the hall and check them out, the food is amazing, the staff works hard to ensure you get what you want/need. If you are an event organizer reach out see what they are about, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Sean, our guest for TCg-CON was ecstatic and we are grateful and can’t wait to come back.

Amazing!!! The service was fantastic & the food was top notch!! There was plenty of seating at the bar, watching pizza being made was very enticing. Also the ambiance & restaurant were beautiful & very inviting. We can't wait to go back!!

The braised short rib with gnocchi was amazing. Our entrees were amazing as well. Creme Brulee was so yummy. Wait staff was very friendly and our waiter was on top of everything! Definetly recommend this place if in Downtown.

Molto delizioso! Eat here now! I recommend a cocktail or three with a variety of the small plates. I loved the bourbon Manhattan, mussels, and bruschetta.