Grotta Azzurra Restaurant

From brunch to lunch and dinners I absolutely love coming to Grotta Azzurra! The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re in Italy! I love their French toast, eggs Benedict and chicken parmigiana with pasta!

If you want to time travel.. This place will bring you back to the good ole days.. It’s now under new management and will adapt to the times… Better things ahead. A new lounge in the works. The food as well as hospitality is like being with family 🙌💕 and don’t forget to order pizza… Heaven sent.

My family and I have been here twice the past year, and each time has been a pleasure. The food and service were impeccable. The staff were friendly and helpful. On our last visit our son stayed at the table (we were seated outside) while my partner and I went down to the rest room. The line was long and there was no phone reception. The staff kindly spoke with our son and the hostess came down to ensure we were okay. Their kindness and empathy went above and beyond.

Definitely visit when you're downtown.

A great place in little Italy. Been here for years. Delicious home made food, perfectly prepared and waiters know what they are doing.

We stumbled in here by chance - we saw their sign for espresso martini & aperol, so glad we did. We were served by Israel at the bar (FIVE STAR from his service alone) delicious drinks - we got the Aperol Paloma (delicious!) an Espresso martini, and a smooth criminal (recommended by Israel and is officially one of my favorite drinks ever - the mezcal and peach purée 🤌🏽)
Nice chill atmosphere, spacious inside and have nice jazz music playing. Can’t wait to go back!

One of the best and oldest in Little Italy. Since it was the last ‘hot’ summer evening of the year, we chose to sit outside. It was spacious and other guests were in good manners (not loud or smoking). We ordered a couple of frozen margaritas and moscato, which were so appropriate for the day! They gave us some complimentary yum bread with olive oil. After that we ordered pizza with prosciutto and seafood risotto. Portion was generous and taste was very classy, just like what you have in Italy. Price was good for such amazing outdoor space and friendly service. It was a lovely evening seeing people walk and enjoy their time. Would definitely recommend this place.

Food was very...average. Nothing spectacular.

Fried calamari was one of the most crispy calamari I've had. But couldn't really taste the octopus. My pasta was light, not much seasoning. The pork risotto-like dish (can't remember the name) was tender. The complimentary bread and butter was the part.

One thing I would like to note is the ambiance. Low lighting and good windows with a bar area made this place a nice spot for a dinner date.

Recalling my visit to Grotta Azzurra Restaurant in 2020 brings to mind an enchanting and authentic Italian dining experience. Nestled in a charming corner, the restaurant's ambiance transported me to the streets of Italy. The dim lighting, cobblestone walls, and warm tones created a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The menu showcased a delightful array of Italian classics, promising a journey through traditional flavors. The pasta dishes were a true standout; each bite transported me to the heart of Italian cuisine. The house-made pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauces were rich and bursting with authentic tastes.

The seafood offerings also shone bright. The freshness of the ingredients in dishes like the linguine with clams and the seafood risotto was evident, and the flavors were expertly balanced. It was a true celebration of the sea's bounty.

The service was attentive and knowledgeable, with the staff providing recommendations and ensuring a seamless dining experience. The wine list was extensive, featuring a curated selection of Italian wines that complemented the dishes beautifully.

The only minor setback was the noise level, as the restaurant tended to get quite busy, making conversations a bit challenging at times. However, this was a testament to the restaurant's popularity and the demand for its delectable cuisine.

In conclusion, Grotta Azzurra Restaurant provided a captivating Italian culinary journey during my 2020 visit. From the charming ambiance to the expertly prepared dishes, it was a feast for the senses. If you're seeking an authentic taste of Italy and don't mind a lively atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit gem.