La Grotta in Richmond

Quite simply the best restaurant we have been to in a long time. Ravioli special was so good that thank goodness there was bread to soak up and eat the remaining sauce. The shrimp and scallops had a spice that was perfect. This is going to be a regular stop from now on. Oh yeah...our server was smart, attentive and had perfect timing. Thanks La Grotta for a great Valentines.

Very disappointing experience. We went to La Grotta for an anniversary dinner on the recommendation of some friends. We got there at 6 pm and our table was ready for us. The server told us about the specials and we ordered one special and one regular menu item. The service was fine and fairly quick. The problem was that the food was just mediocre at best. The branzino special was a huge let down. While the fish as decent, the vegetables were so wilted that they were inedible. The side of mashed potatoes was dry and tasted like something you would get at a fast food re...

A very good Northern Italian restaurant. This is an old school, upscale, Northern Italian restaurant. The food was very good and the service was better. La grotto means "the cave" in Italian and that is just what it appears to be as you descend down the steps from Shockoe Slip. We started with the calamari and it was cooked well but it was under seasoned. My wife had the filet mignon in a green peppercorn sauce and I had the halibut, both were serve with whipped potatoes (including their own fried potato chip) and sautéed mixed vegetables. The sauces were what made the food taste so delicious. My plate was cleaned with the bread that they serve before I would release it. Perfect place to celebrate a wedding anniversary!