Located in the upscale Galleria area on Westheimer, Grotto delivers a savory menu brimming with timeless recipes! Inspired by a Old Country trattoria ambiance & classic Italian cooking, enjoy signature dishes such as Neapolitan thin crust pizzas, Veal Kickerillo, Pollo Francese, housemade pastas & fish selections.
Service quality is inconsistent, with some customers praising attentive staff while others report rude or inattentive service.
Food Quality
Food quality varies significantly; while many dishes are praised for being delicious and authentic, others are criticized for being bland or overpriced.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere is generally described as warm and cozy, but some reviews mention it can get loud and the decor feels outdated.
Customer Experience
Overall customer experiences are mixed, with some guests enjoying their visits and others expressing disappointment, particularly regarding service and food quality.
IG
Isabella Grace
Jan 4, 2026
5.0
5 stars
This is a classic formal dinner restaurant, hence you can't go wrong coming here for any special event. Great things on the menu: wedding soup, Italian Chopped Salad, and their rainbow cookies. Spectacular staff, beautifully decorated interior, and lovely ambience. Highly recommend!
RC
Ricky Carvajal
Dec 29, 2025
4.0
I guess we arrived at a good time on a Saturday night—around 6 p.m.—because the place was only half full, giving the staff plenty of room to perfect their statue impersonations. We were seated quickly, and the adventure began. The food was great—everything hot, my party happy—but the service was spectacularly mediocre, like a masterclass in “how not to care.” My dinner arrived 30 minutes late, and not a single employee cracked a smile. Our waiter started off neutrally, but once he realized it was a dry table—water only—his mood darkened faster than my hopes for decent service. Water was served with arms and bodies flailing dangerously over our heads, because apparently this is how they train for synchronized swimming. They couldn’t be bothered to grab my glass, pouring behind us instead, adding a free splash of excitement to our meal. We asked to split the bill—cue the long-face horror show. I asked for my veggies to go… never showed. Meanwhile, someone was sweeping the floor around us like we were part of the scenery. Is this Jack in the Bix? Will I come back? Only if I suddenly develop a taste for passive-aggressive water aerobics. Honestly, I get better service at Whataburger
CJ
Claire Johnson
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
I travel to Italy about twice a month so I like finding a place that reminds me of my travels. The dipping sauce they use for bread and the garlic bread was incredibly delicious. I also enjoyed the Cesar salad and gnocchi. Everything was molto bene. 🇮🇹
MM
Mari Menard
Dec 25, 2025
5.0
Close to our church, tried dinner before and for a special Christmas Eve dinner. Meatballs are recommended, Shrimp Rocco (very rich sauce) and Pollo Milanese, with Red Blend wine and an Old Fashioned, Tiramisu was 😋, we did not try the bread as it was not offered.
SC
Sam Cavazos
Dec 17, 2025
5.0
Food was great. Atmosphere was pleasant. Wine was great.....
Frequently Asked Questions About Grotto Ristorante
Does Grotto Ristorante accept reservations?
Yes, Grotto Ristorante accepts reservations but does not require them.
What are the regular opening hours of Grotto Ristorante?
Grotto Ristorante is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
When is Happy Hour at Grotto Ristorante?
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Does Grotto Ristorante offer pickup and delivery options?
Yes, they provide in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
What type of cuisine and specialties does Grotto Ristorante offer?
Grotto Ristorante features Italian cuisine with specialties including Neapolitan thin crust pizzas, housemade pastas, Veal Kickerillo, Pollo Francese, and fish selections.
Is the dress code for Grotto Ristorante formal or casual?
The dress code is casual.
What payment options are accepted at Grotto Ristorante?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Travelers Check, and Visa.
Are there any nearby hotels where I can stay when visiting Grotto Ristorante?
Yes, nearby hotels include Extended Stay America, Extended Stay America - Houston - Galleria Westheimer, Westheimer Hotel, and Hotel Derek, which offer convenient accommodation options close to the restaurant.
What nearby beauty and spa services are close to Grotto Ristorante?
Nearby beauty and spa options include LightRx - Houston - Galleria, Fizz Nail Lounge, Alchemy 43, and Beleza Skin Care, ideal for pampering before or after your meal.
Are there other dining options near Grotto Ristorante?
Yes, nearby restaurants include Captain Benny's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Bistro Moderne, Revolve Kitchen and Bar, Valentino, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 2525 South West Loop, and Le Peep for a variety of dining experiences.