Trattoria La Grotta

Had bruschetta as starters, lovely. Tasted real good. Homemade pasta as main course, this gave this place thumbs up. Quiet place with possibilities for eating outside. A really nice place.

We were here 20 years ago, and then back this summer. Had a lovely lunch on their small outdoor area tucked just off one of the central piazzas of Cortona – so quieter but still lively. Started with the burratina, like a beautiful little drawstring purse of mozzarella cheese, firm but tender on the outside and gradually becoming creamier and creamier until it was nearly liquid at the center. Fabulous and delicate flavor that went very well with the intensely flavored tomato slices surrounding it. My DC had the spinach ricotta gnocchi (they made a friend cry with pleasure) – with truffle sauce. For us the truffle sauce was a bit rich, but the gnocchi were like clouds – we couldn’t figure out what held them together. Following that I had a thin delicate grilled veal steak, and my DC had grilled lamb steak – the lamb was flavorful if a bit tough, but the veal was perfect and so thin it was really quite light as a lunch. We also ordered the mixed grilled vegetables – which included grilled eggplant slices. I remember the inside is charming, but we were happy to be out of doors as much as possible. Service was just right – not interrupting (as Americans do), but also attentive enough that we could get more water when we needed it.

A hidden gem that’s underreviewed! Outside seating not so impressive for this little restaurant hidden away on an alley. But the inside is so charming, wonderful authentic food, great service from wonderful experienced Italian waiters. Can’t say enough positive things about this place. Just go you won’t be disappointed. We rely heavily on reviews and this was a roll of the dice that paid off big time!

This was the first place we ate at in Cortona and it was ok. The wine came in a cute pitcher with a sunflower symbol on it, a local artist ceramics. The pasta I had was really good, with a light red sauce, but I ordered a side of asparagas and they just killed it. I noticed that in Italy, they can make anything except cooked veggies, they kill them really bad, soggy, awful. My husband ordered a beef dish and was pleased with it. The service was okay. I think it was a little too pricey for what was served.

Leckere Pici alla Contadina und Zitronenkuchen. Hausgemachte Tiramisu.
Sehr empfehlenswert!

We stumbled into this place years ago on holiday, we just wanted a drink and some starters and the staff were happy with that and very obliging. I can’t remember what I had but my wife had the spinach gnocchi and she still goes on about it now! If you can make a dish that someone remembers and still talks about years after it must be good. If we’re ever in Cortona again we’ll head straight for The Grotto (with our 2 kids this time) and hope it’s as lovely as the last time.