Grotto

I do not understand how this restaurant got so many good reviews? The meal started with a salad that was average. A very small amount of bread came next. It was hot and tasted fresh. It was served with a very cheap olive oil, low-​quality Parmesan cheese, and hot pepper flakes. My dining companion and I both got the Chicken Parmesan. The menu price for a Chicken Parmesan dinner was $ 17.00 You get served a single piece of chicken that is very small and pounded flat. It was dried out and greasy.
Some of the rigatoni’s were old, hard, and served at room temperature. We sent the pasta back, and the new pasta had the same problem. I did not know it was possible to screw up pasta since it is so simple to cook.
The sauce served with this meal was very strange. It was slightly milky was some type of cheese in it. It was very unappetizing. Since the meal was so bad we did not stick around for dessert. The people that rated this restaurant highly should feel severe shame.

Had the pleasure of dining here last Saturday night with friends and I can tell you; this place delivers. Six of us total with reservations at 6:30 and we were seated at 6:35 (nice) drink orders were taken, appetizers were ordered, and we were told about the specials within minutes of being seated.
Only 2 of us ordered the same thing so we had a nice mix of dishes to sample from and it was all good. Steak, scallops, shrimp, chicken, the sauces, the sides, it was all freshly prepared and made from scratch, no jar opening or can cracking here, it’s the real deal. If for any reason you dine at one of those food factory chains (Olv Grdn) that pump out hundreds of meals a night on a conveyor belt and think your eating a good meal then this place might not be for you.
However… if you want a change and want to support a local business with better food, atmosphere, and service, then this place is for you. We will defiantly be returning on a regular basis.

Great service, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you are ok. They started us with bread and oil. The oil could use a bit more herbs and garlic. I love bread and for me this loaf was the perfect combination of «crusty-​crust» and tender full body crumb. Our appetizer was the calamari. It was perfectly cooked, tender inside and crunchy outside, well seasoned (herb&spice-wise) but a little salty. Also, I would have appreciated more a lemon wedge and marinara sauce to go with, rather than the three aioli that it came with. I had the pappardelle bolognese. This was a hearty meal, rich sauce with shredded beef and all other typical bolognese ingredients. For dessert, I had a cannoli. I thought it was pretty good: smooth velvety filling and nice crunchy shell. This restaurant ambiance was good and can be improved by dimming the lights a notch. The three stars are based on better dining experiences in other Italian restaurants in the Syracuse area.

The service is good. Very attentive wait staff. Great atmosphere. Nice open set up. The calamari is a little too salty for my taste, but it has a great crunch, still tender in the inside. I ordered the duck breast. It was served over a bed of duck dark meat gnocchi ragout. The ragout was good, but my duck breast was just average. Furthermore it was unevenly cooked. One piece was rare the other piece medium rare and the third piece was medium. The chef came out and explained but I was not convinced. For dessert we ordered the cannoli. Sadly I wasn’t thrilled. The food is not bad. It is just not four stars. The service makes up some of it.

Nice atmosphere, friendly service. A little pricey for Italian served as well elsewhere locally. Surprising no capellini or angel hair with chicken and eggplant parm on the menu. Chicken Riggies and chicken parm were good. Nothing notable on the specials menu. Italian bread more baguette in size and dipping oil much balsamic no flavors. Ok but not notable.

I have to say that the Grotto is officially in my top 3 — if not my top favorite restaurant. If you don’t like waiting for food this place isn’t for you but I promise you the wait is worth it because everything is made to order. I haven’t had a meal at a nice restaurant that was still hot from the kitchen in a while and everything tastes amazing! Their menu is seasonal so you’ll never get tired of it and their salads are fun and unique (artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, etc…) Plus all the dressing are made in-​house! I don’t even like blue cheese dressings but theirs was fantastic! I would also come here just for their fresh-​baked bread which is piping hot and server with a dish of dipping oil drizzled over freshly cut basil and a delicious balsamic.
The service was wonderful and despite the fact that we ended up finishing our meal basically right at closing we weren’t rushed out and we were even offered dessert! The owner came out to chat with is too and was the sweetest person I’ve ever met.
I can’t recommend this place enough. You’re paying for incredibly fresh, made to order food so you’ll be waiting a little bit longer than some places but it’s entirely worth it. (Plus you get bread while you wait and that’s almost as good as the meal!)

I’ve been coming to Grotto for a long time now and finally got around to writing a review. The atmosphere is very nice, upscale but not stuffy in any way. The staff is excellent with attention to detail — the owners are always around and ensuring you have an excellent meal. There is no hard liquor due to their proximity to a church, but they do have wine-​based liquor that you can order a «vodka cranberry» and it tastes just like the real thing… and of course beer & wine which their selection of both is very good. Their menu changes with the season and I’ve tried their swordfish, salmon, filet, riggies, etc. all were excellent and very priced competitive. The meals are always enjoyable and I return often which is indication of a superb dining experience. The chefs are top notch and sometimes I will even «go out on a limb» because I know I’ll enjoy the culinary creation. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the Syracuse area for sure. Whether you’re going with friends, with family, business, by yourself, or for a romantic date… you can’t go wrong at Grotto.

My wife and I went and enjoyed our meal and service. The pacing of each course was good and we didn’t feel rushed at all. Food was delicious and our server Joe was excellent! I highly recommend.

We have gone to eat at the Grotto twice now and there is no doubt we will go back again and again. Food is outstanding and the service to match. 10 stars in my book!

Decided to try this restaurant based on good reviews I have read and was not disappointed. Got seated right away and was greeted by our server quick. We got drinks and ordered greens to start. Greens were good but not the best I have had. We all got salads as they were included with our dinners. Salads were good and had artichoke and roasted peppers on top which I thought was a nice touch. Dinner came out In the perfect amount of time after the salads. I had the chicken riggies witch were very good. The others at the table had the chicken parm and said it was excellent. The service was great the whole time. The only thing I did not like was that I observed one of the servers touching the forks and spoons and knives on the side that you eat off of with their fingers while setting the table. Overall it was a good meal and great service with an affordable price.

Our group of ten was warmly welcomed at the Grotto for a farewell dinner for friends from Germany. The owner was present, as well as her professional and friendly staff to help us start with drinks and appetizers. We had the antipasto, pork wings & stuffed long hots (peppers) to start. Appetizers & drinks were prompt but not rushed. Delivered with smiles and flair from our server, Anthony. I ordered the special (one of two), the NY dry aged strip steak. Ordered medium rare, it arrived at the perfect temperature. Accompanied by creamy whipped potatoes and french cut carrots, steamed and lightly sauteed. The steak was topped with mushrooms, onions and sweet red peppers, with a nice mound of melted provolone cheese. Tender, with the rich beef flavor that dry aging enhances… it was the best steak I’ve had in quite some time! My wife had the Veal Parmesan with rigatoni. Properly breaded and cooked, it too was absolutely delicious! The rest of our party was all smiles as they finished their food, no room for dessert! Thank you, Nancy, and the whole Grotto staff. It was a wonderful meal in the comfort of your fine restaurant!

Excellent…
Even though it is June, had the Hunter Stew soup du jour; flavorful, full of vegetables, and meat in a savory tomato based sauce, simple in preparation and delicious in flavor.
Dinner was the Pappardelle Bolognase; homemade noodle, tender and cooked perfectly; Bolognase full of meat, delicious pork and beef; excellent seasoning with outstanding slow cooked flavor.
Visited several times and yet to be disappointed!

I enjoy this little gem in North Syracuse. The bartender Amanda is so friendly and helpful! They have a great wine selection and the food is always good. The place has a great atmosphere it’s warm, friendly and inviting.

I had a great opportunity to have a dinner last night with my coworker and I must say that this place is outstanding in all areas — service, ambiance, food quality, taste and portion. I would recommend their Chicken Rigatoni, that was so delicious that I could eat that pretty much every day. Their salad is pretty good as well. What stood out is their hot fresh bread with the olive oil mix.
This place has beautiful warm décor, definitely classy and contemporary.
Additionally, the people over there are super-​sweet. Right from the host, server and also the owner and chef were very personable.
I would highly recommend this place to everyone.

Can’t not say enough good things about this place. First off, the food was fantastic. The mozzarella moons were amazing. The house sauce had just the right amount of kick to it. First time ever I went to a restaurant and asked for medium chicken riggies and actually got it. Phenomenal all around. The location is so perfect and the dining room area was so cute and romantic. Perfect date night spot.
The staff was also fabulous. I took my girlfriend there and surprised her by asking her to ball. I went to the restaurant earlier in the week to see if they could help me and Linda was very helpful. She knew just what I wanted. I called before hand to ask what their plan was and the entire staff knew me by name when I got into the restaurant. At dessert time she brought out a sundae, her favorite, and on top it had a little egg that she opened up with a note they wrote saying «will you be my date to ball?» She had no idea it was coming and was so pleased.
An amazing night that couldn’t have been made possible without the incredible staff there. I can not thank them enough. We will definitely be returning very soon.

Enjoyed a great meal at Grotto tonight. Service was friendly and very attentive. Food was amazing. We started with the long hots, stuffed with sausage, wrapped in prosciutto and finished with a beautiful sauce on top. They were tasty and not too spicy. Very creative appetizer. Salads were not your typical stale greens. It was fresh and full of great additions like roasted red peppers and an artichoke heart. Chicken Riggies we’re great. The menu was full of appealing choices. We will be back.

Upon our second visit to Grotto, the experience has been nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere is very warm and comfortable. This place is a «hidden gem». If you haven’t checked it out, then you are missing out! We started our meal with the long hots, as an appetizer. Wow!!! Delicious! Long hots, stuffed with sausage, provolone, wrapped in prosuttio. Highly recommended! We then shared Twin filets, and stuffed pork chops. But before that, fresh green salads. The filets are «melt in your mouth». Served with a creamy blue cheese Roquefort, and Cabernet sauces. The pork chop is of massive quantity, and quality! Oh wait, I forgot to mention the wonderful, yet attentive service from our new fav, Anthony. I have to say, there is nothing better than enjoying each course at your own pace. My biggest peave is when all of your food comes out at once. This is not an issue here. Our food has always come out when we are ready for it. Not to mention, cooked perfectly! In house made desserts are tough to pass up, even if you are stuffed. Highly recommend the tiramisu, out of this world! We have also had the pleasure to chat with one of the owners, Nancy. She is a true delight, and you can tell that she is passionate about her strong business and staff. I can certainly say that Grotto has acquired two new faithful customers!!!

Great new italian place in Syracuse. The interior is well decorated and clean, and we were very happy with the food and service. Chicken Riggies were delicious, as was the veal. My only complaint is that the chicken was a tad overdone in the riggies, leaving just the slightest burnt taste (I’m pretty picky with my riggies though).
Wine selection was great, and our waiter was helpful and fun. I’d absolutely return.

Italian-​American cuisine with a flair in the heart of north syracuse!
Contemporary recipes,
Warm and friendly atmosphere,
And the staff makes sure everything is well above and beyond an average dining experience. Five stars, always!

Lots of great things about the Grotto and a couple areas that can be improved, but nothing that wouldn’t keep me from going back!
First, the service was great. We had a nice waiter who answered our questions and was friendly and personable.
Nice wine selection, although we ordered a bottle of champagne at the end of the evening which was served in large red wine glasses. Sounds silly, but if you order champagne, you want it in flutes.
For the food, the appetizers were wonderful! We had the fried meatballs and crab cakes. They were both delicious and the stars of the evening!
For our entrees, they were all good and we each enjoyed our meals but I would definitely want to try other items. One thing that frustrated me, was I got their chicken marsala, the chicken and sauce of which were yummy. I asked for pasta for my «starch» and it came with red sauce on it. I was looking forward to the yummy marsala sauce all over the pasta. Maybe I should have asked for it that way!
All in all, a nice evening and I think we’ll try it again.