My friend and I tried this place out Saturday. This was her first visit and my second. I had been here years ago with my husband. Back then we ate inside and it was busy. This weekend, my friend and I wanted to make sure we got an outside table so we met up at 4:30. When we went inside to ask for a table, it wasn't busy yet. Just 1 couple at the bar. We got our choice of the 4 tables outside. They asked if we had reservations, and we didn't. Their tables inside were all reserved for upcoming guests, so it actually worked out since we wanted to eat outdoors. It was around 76 degrees and perfect weather we enjoyed sitting, eating, chatting. This was a celebratory dinner for my friend's new job and we each enjoyed a glass of wine. We ordered the calamari frittes (fries) as an appetizer. They were fired perfectly and came with a sweet chili sauce. There wasn't much heat in the sauce but paired well. She ordered the shrimp scampi and that looked fabulous. I ordered the steak riggies. I enjoyed the flavor or my dish with tender steak bites, but had to bring some home as I was getting full. We had a nice time and our waitress was nice and attentive. We both ordered the creme brulee for dessert and it was perfect. It's both our fave dessert and we hadn't had it so long. A nice treat to end the meal. This place was a nice place to hang out with my friend and celebrate her new chapter in life. It was delicious food and I hope to bring my family here to eat outside as that seemed pretty safe during this pandemic. During our dinner there was only one other table outdoors that was taken by patrons. And they took the table two over from us. We did see a handful of diners enter to eat inside. read more

Grotto - Steak Riggies - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Grotto is a semi-upscale restaurant that opened in late October 2013 and has been serving Italian American cuisine to the CNY area ever since. Owner Nancy Ostuni helped run restaurant La Bella Vino in Cicero and previously worked at The Sports Page, giving her some experience in the restaurant scene of Central New York. With takeout, dine-in and catering options for lunch and dinner, Ostuni's Grotto is ready to serve customers anytime they are ready to eat. Grotto's menu features mostly seafood and meat options, so vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions might have a hard time finding options. The restaurant certainly looks upscale with it's huge bar in the front and the flickering dim lighting in the dining room shows the dark wooden details of the walls. The wife and I went for a birthday dinner. We also had a Groupon so we figured why not. Nice place inside. Was pretty empty when we walked in about 6 PM on a Friday, so we were able to sit immediately. We looked over the menu and the wife decided to go with their homemade special ravioli that night. I chose the steak riggies. Our food was brought in a timely manner. Our server was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed our dishes, but both felt they were a tad small. My wife's nightly special ravioli was only 3 ravioli, though they were larger than normal ravioli. While the food was decent, we were glad we had a Groupon to use, as most dishes are $25 and up, and while my riggies were good, I've had riggies plenty of other places just as good amthat didn't cost me $30. Everything was decent, we just don't feel it would be a place we would go again. While the food is good, we didn't feel it warranted the higher, upscale price tag. read more

Grotto - Grottos nightly special ravioli. - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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New to the area, first time here. Checked out the ratings and thought we'd give it a go. Small local place in North Syracuse with plenty of parking. We arrived on time and were greeted at the door by very friendly staff and promptly seated. Brianna was our server and she was excellent in every way. We asked some questions about the food and wine and she had every answer for us. Kudos Started with a very fresh and hot loaf of house-made bread with some great garlic oil. We were warned the bread would be hot and we listened, luckily. Appetizer: Crab stuffed "jumbo" shrimp. (4) These were excellent and we would get them again however, although the description said Jumbo, these were at best, Large. IMO Not complaining, as they were fantastic. My wife had the SEAFOOD FRA DIAVOLO, which was excellent and she would get it again. Very spicy but not over the top. I had the GEORGES BANK SCALLOPS over crab risotto. Also excellent Risotto was done just right and the scallops were very tender and seared perfectly. The portions were large and both entrees were well seasoned. The wine list was good and we took a couple deserts home and called it a night. Overall: excellent service, excellent food/flavor and priced accordingly. Make reservations folks, this place was packed and well worth the visit. We'll be back. read more

Grotto - STUFFED SHRIMP $14 Jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab, sweet herb butter sauce - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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I give Grotto Italian Restaurant located on corner of Church Street in No. Syracuse NY -5 stars. Brianna is a fun waitress. Food is excellent. Mahi Mahi fish or chicken dishes equally tasty with a variety of appetizers to choose from. A small restaurant with bar, casual/nice attire. It seat's about 50 to 60 people. It can get a bit noisy when people are chatting over each other. This noted; the atmosphere seems to bring out comfortable chatting from the diners. It has some interesting decor, a few things on the wall, a a shadow box frame full of various cork screws 3 framed noted sayings about food and gatherings and small rolling pin holders for noted specials. I suggest you check it out when in the area. read more

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This restaurant has incredible service. It was a Friday night around 8pm, my boyfriend and I didn't have reservations. The restaurant was kind enough to accept us and sit us down promptly.Two waiters immediately came by to check on us at our table. Their bread and olive oil was top tier. The chicken Florentine was a 10/10!! My boyfriend had the slow braised short ribs and cleaned his plate. We were both stuffed and ended up getting the lemon cheesecake w/ ginger snap crust- devoured!!! I was only visiting Syracuse but if I lived here, this restaurant would definitely be my go to spot. read more

I only recently learned about the Grotto and heard good things about it. Now that I've eaten there I question why. I will start by saying that we had a 6:30 reservation and by the time we left every table was full in the room we were seated in. There was a back room that I wasn't able to see so I can't comment on how busy the restaurant actually was. We were promptly seated at a corner table that gave us a full view of the room. In watching other diners there was a definite vibe of "regulars". I get the impression it's very much a neighborhood spot. Our waitress dropped off our menus, mentioned the specials and disappeared for a good 10 minutes. On her next visit she took our drink order and quickly walked away. She dropped our drinks off and on her 4th visit to the table she took our food order. By then there were tables near us that had already eaten. The meal was ok. Not great. Not bad. Just ok. I can't bash this restaurant but I can't rave about it either. The calamari fries were not my favorite and our entrees were quite forgettable. This is some place I'd go to for a glass of wine and a quick appetizer. It's a local spot and it's good to support our local businesses. You just have to know their limits. I would not come back for dinner nor would I go out of my way to recommend it. read more

We were happy to be seated despite not having a reservation. Our food did not take too long to come out either, which is always nice. Our meals were enjoyable, but I was a bit disappointed with my margarita. I would like to come back & try out other menu items! read more

Grotto - Grotto-rita 7/10: it was a bit too salty and was luke warm when I received it, which was odd? - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Was fortunate to stop in for a late dinner last week while visiting family in the Syracuse area. Charming warm and friendly place. Since I was alone I decided to eat at the bar. After a chat with the owner and some friendly patrons I ordered the meatballs, a salad and a beer. Everything was so tasty and well prepared. My mother was known for her meatballs and these rival my memories! Highly recommend this spot. I will return whenever I can. read more

Grotto - Fresh Green Salad - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Oh, Syracuse you've got an amazing place here. I was looking for some Italian food, and happened across Grotto. The service was as amazing as the food, my server, Julie, filled me in on the specials and provided top-notch, friendly service. I like to pick out a dish that is kind of universal, in Italian places it's linguine and red clam sauce. Needless to say theirs was perfect. The pasta was exactly as it should be; al dente and in a delicious sauce, lots of fresh clams and full of flavor! I also tried their New England clam chowder, delicious! Not thin and watery, plenty of veggies, clams and absolutely delicious! A word of warning, the warm olives are definitely meant to be shared, I have a "doggie bag" of olives . The desert I chose was a light, flavorful Triple Citrus cake. One word: Yum. I'll be back on my next trip to Syracuse. The price was also good, everything and a wedge salad for $40 and I was definitely full. Great value! read more

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We had heard about this restaurant and the menu looked like something to try! The ambience is lovely and wait staff were friendly. We had the seafood dish and mahi mahi which were both delicious. I might agree with a few of the reviews ... I would say the "regulars" seemed to be getting extra special attention annnnnd... our waitress at 2 separate occasions picked up wine glasses before either of us were finished. (Not just a little bit of wine left in the glass.) In short, we felt ushered out the door from about half way through the meal. My friend was still eating and was asked if she would like to take it with her. We can take a hint! read more

Everything was great: food, service, ambiance...they nailed it! Exceeded our expectations.

Grotto is a great place. Took my sister there for a pre-wedding meal. Chicken Marsala. Chicken francaise and chicken Milanese were all wonderful dishes. Desserts were also top notch. Mini cannolis lemon cheesecake and chocolate raspberry truffle cake Waiter BJ and owner Nancy were delightful and helpful read more

We were a party of 6 and we had an Amazing dinner at the Grotto . Anthony our server was a very hard working , friendly & accommodating server. We were So happy we got to have Anthony as our server after waiting almost a half hour after being seated to be acknowledged by a very rude waiter that apparently got annoyed with us that we asked for 3 checks for 3 different couples . Really bad start but thankfully the food and Anthony made it all better . Thx Anthony read more

Probably one of the lesser known little gems in north Syracuse very fancy for the area super welcoming hostess, great choice of wines fresh pasta and sauce and don't even get me started on the dessert, wear stretchy pants when attending this restaurant. read more

Cute place for date night or catching up with a friend. I went at 5:30 on a Friday night and it was quite empty but filled up throughout the evening. I stayed catching up with a friend for 3 hours and we were not rushed at all. The atmosphere is upscale but not too too fancy. The prices are on the higher end ($20+ per meal). The wine list was very reasonably priced. Good service too. Now for the food. I got the soup special for the day: crab and shrimp bisque. I was sad to see it was just a chowder rather than a bisque; a bit confusing. Taste was fine, nothing crazy. My friend liked her clam linguini. I loved the braised short rib SO much. There was plenty of tender meat, delicious mashed potatoes, and amazing roasted veggies. I ate every last bite. It was exactly the kind of meal I'd been craving. I would get it again some time! read more

Grotto - Braised short rib with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Restaurant only offers beer and wine but that is not deterrent. Hot bread with dipping oil. Calamari steak app perfectly cooked with dipping sauce. Chicken parm outstanding - not too much red sauce and just enough pasta. Service outstanding. Highly recommend read more

Delicious food! Knowledgeable staff highly recommend! Highly recommend the olives & filet read more

Grotto - Warm olive appetizer - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Grotto was a nice stop during our travel from Michigan to Massachusetts. All the food was great. The outside of the building really didn't look like much but inside was nice and comfortable. Staff was really nice. Only thing that was not appealing was the old disgusting A/C unit that was on the wall. it really needed cleaning. read more

Grotto came highly recommended to us and it didn't disappoint at all the Server Julie was awesome and the food was delicious. Can't wait to go back. read more

Grotto - Chicken Francaise & Chicken Florentine - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Grotto came recommended from my date's friend and we were so glad we tried it! Our server Julie (so sorry I called you the wrong name!!) was amazing, down to earth, perfectly attentive, knowledgeable of the menu, and tolerant of our shenanigans lol (my date kept joking with her and she was hilarious haha.) It's pretty small place and very busy, so expect to make reservations. The bar seems more quiet and intimate, so I might prefer to sit at a high top in that area next time. Now onto the best part! I started with the Chianti half bottle which I really liked! Sometimes Chianti can have a bit too much acidity/tannin for me, but this one was smooth and deliciously paired with my meal. We started with house salads with crumbly blue as we usually do, and we enjoyed their house dressing very much. I ordered the Braised short rib and was SO glad I did. The meat was tender and delicious and the cheesy mashed potatoes were everything. The sauce (maybe Bordelaise?) mixed with the everything so stupidly well that I could hardly focus on what my date was saying lol. My veggies were also perfectly cooked and outstanding with the sauce. He got the Seafood Fra Diavolo which he very much enjoyed as well. The seafood was fresh and large, and the sauce had a nice heat to it. For dessert we tried the cream-sickle cake and I had to get my signature after dinner espresso martini since I've been trying all the ones in the area. It was pretty good! I would have preferred the martini to be stronger and it tasted like it was missing an element, but it was not bad. We'll be back, the food and service was amazing!! read more

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Salmon - delicious and prompt attention from Patrick. We wish we lived in this neighborhood instead of 340 miles away so we could visit more often. read more

Grotto - Delicious salmon with rice and vegetables (crisp vegetables not soggy). - Italian Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Had a party of 11, no problem getting in and everyone enjoyed their food. Ravioli special with broccolini was delicious.

This restaurant was great! The only thing is they do not have any hard liquor. Food was really good.

We were diverted to Syracuse airport due to thunderstorms enveloping EWR. We decided to leave the airport and spend the night in Syracuse. We found the Grotto on Yelp. The Grotto is just a couple of miles from the airport. Great classic Italian vibe decorated with a brown hammered Tin ceiling. We started with the stuffed Shrimp - very large perfectly cooked Shrimp stuffed with Maryland blue Crab filling. We shared a Seafood Fra Diavolo and a Yellow Fin Tuna special. The Seafood Fra Diavolo had an amazing freshly prepared Fettuccine with perfectly cooked Scallops, Shrimp and Clams. The sauce was delicious, not at all greasy with a pleasantly mild heat to it. One of the best seafood pasta dishes we've had the privilege to enjoy. The Yellow Fin Tuna special was served with Gnocchi, Olives and pleasantly smoky sun- dried Tomatoes . Excellent Italian restaurant that could hold its own against NYC or PDX Italian restaurants. Service was fast, friendly and efficient. Another great Yelp find ! read more

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I've been here a few times for dinner and it never disappoints. Make a reservation because they are consistently busy. And they should be! The dining room area is packed tightly with clean and cutely decorated tables. It's a comfortable and classy setup that doesn't feel too classy, if that makes sense. Just really nice but not pretentious. Service here is always fantastic, you never wait for a drink refill or your bill when you're ready to go. Now, on to the food. It's great! Have ordered the calamari frites appetizer every time and they are so tasty; plus the dipping sauce that comes with them is awesome. Not your usual calamari appetizer. For dinner they have an impressive amount of choices and they have something for anyones's taste. We have tried a large variety of seafood and chicken dishes and everting has been tasty with large portions. My hubby absolutely swears by the George's Bank Scallops. Prices here are also very reasonable, with the previously mentioned large portions, highly recommended for a family dinner or date night. read more

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I went back for a second work dinner and this visit was even better than the last. I sampled the arancini which was crispy, creamy, and delicious. My main dish was a portobello ravioli which was amazing! It was buttery, earthy, filling, and even tasted great as leftovers the next day. The service was good and we enjoyed our leisurely dinner. read more

Six of us enjoyed, appetizers of jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab. Steamed clams with Pancetta, garlic, roasted red peppers, white wine garlic butter, grilled bread. Grotto Greens Sautéed escarole, prosciutto, hot peppers, garlic, toasted bread crumbs, parmesan cheese Main course of: Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle and Pecorino Romano Seafood Diavolo: Shrimp, scallops, clams, spicy tomato sauce, black pepper fettuccini Chicken parmigiana and Flat iron steak! Crème brûlée and tiramisu. From appetizers to desserts all was fantastic. The servers were attentive but not overbearing. The chef and owner came out and visited and asked how we enjoyed our experience. If you haven't been, give it a try. I rate our experience a 5*. Will definitely return read more

We went early Friday evening since they had no seating till 8, had great service and food we had Utica greens for starters, best we've had, just a little heat delicious, I had chicken Marsala with mixed veggies. Everything was great chicken was made with sweet Marsala wine. Husband had scallops, he loved them. My only issue was his meal came with risotto or potato only no side veggies. Since their meals don't come with a soup or salad it should have had a side veggie. Our waitress was excellent extremely efficient and friendly. Our waters were kept full. Will be returning soon for certain. read more

Welcoming, homey, food was adequate, waiter was excellent, they forgot to turn to heat on, but the biggest disappointment was no cocktails. Will I go back? Yes, but I will have my cocktail a home before leaving for the restaurant read more

First time visit. Very pleasant atmosphere. Friendly and courteous staff. Seated promptly and quite comfortably. Wait staff, Brianna, extremely courteous, knowledgeable and efficient. Very engaging. Food was delicious and we're ready to go back and try other menu offerings. read more

Had to give this place a try after everyone raves about it. Too busy taking to take pictures but I got the shrimp scampi which was good and the shrimp were pretty big. Had brownie a la mode for desert which was awesome. Other dishes at our table were the chicken which they said were good but Spicey, fra Diablo, and scallops with crab risotto. Everyone said their meals were good. And with one drink each and desert it was about $50 a piece. Overall I would try again. read more

Been there twice - both times with a group of 12 in the back room - and it was great. Good food, good service. We'll be back.

Excellent fine dining experience. Food is delicious, atmosphere is elegant and classy. Always enjoyed stopping in for a cocktail and a couple appetizers when Patrick was tending bar. He was awesome, I miss him. Great food and great service. What more could you ask for? Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys delicious made to order entrées. read more

We had reservations for a Sat at 5:30pm - I think you still may have been able to get in without them but the place was pretty full. We were promptly seated and water was brought. Our waiter came over and introduced himself and advised of the specials. One of the specials was braised short ribs. I don't know if he was trying to be thorough and give detail but he was either trying too hard or condescending. He spoke to me like i had never heard of or had short ribs before, even though I didn't ask for the details. He then asked if we wanted bread before he put it in. The bread is a mini baguette that is heated through. It is served with a plate of olive oil, balsamic and some herbs/spices. I ordered the scallops (market price = $29 that day). There were 3 that were a moderate size and were on a bed of crab/fennel risotto. I wish there was maybe another scallop and less risotto. My husband had the filet. It comes with herb mashed potatoes and asparagus. The nice thing was the mashed potatoes were more like smashed. Which I like - they didn't loaded it up with butter, cream, any other items to make them super smooth or runny. The dessert descriptions sounded good, though we didn't get any. I overhead the waiter describing them to others and he said that they were made by someone specifically for them. I did observe dishes that others had and it seemed like the servings were larger and they had leftovers to go. These appeared to be predominantly the pasta dishes. It's not at the top of my list, but I would probably return. One of my pet peeves is the waitstaff not keeping my water full, as I drink A LOT of water. I had to request that it be filled. read more

On a recent outing a friend flew in from out of town so we decided to try something near the airport. I had the scallops and risotto, and my friend the mushroom ravioli. Both dishes came out in a reasonable amount of time and were warm. My risotto was just okay, and perhaps I expected better given the reviews. All in all a good, but not outstanding meal.The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

My family and I had a wonderful dinner at Grotto's and we were really impressed with the place. I love eating on quiet places so I can eat in piece and mindful. Not to mention that food was absolutely spectacular. Unreal! Literally was melting in my mouth. Great service as well! We can't wait to go back again! read more

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Great food, outstanding service. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. Definitely a favorite. Bar area is a fun place to dine for two.

Kinda lousy food honestly was served lamb that was spoiled. Also the waiter was rude and inept. read more

Outstanding Italian cuisine. Fresh pasta made on the premises. Wow! Service was great. Ambiance good. We will go back here whenever we are in the area. read more

Went for dinner last night because my friend had been saying over and over how much she wanted to come back here. We had a reservation for 6:30 and were seated promptly. It wasn't very busy or packed so we were happy about that. We started off with drinks, I ordered the cosmopolitan, it was a little sweeter than I prefer but I used the lemon wedge garnish to add a little more citrus flavor to mine. I also ordered a strawberry margarita which was good and strong lol. We did 2 appetizers for the table, crab stuffed shrimp (AMAZING) and the cold water clams which was steamed clams in a garlic sauce covered with pancetta and red peppers (DELICIOUS). For my main course I ordered the George's banks scallops which are served over English pea and blue crab risotto. First of all it was sooooo good! The scallops were cooked perfectly (chef Ramsey would be so satisfied with those lol) and they were seasoned to perfection. The risotto was perfectly seasoned had great taste, it was a little undercooked and had a crunch to it but it still tasted good so I decided to overlook that part. I tried a little of everyone's meals and they were also very tasty. The short ribs were melt in your mouth tender and had perfect seasoning, the cheesy potatoes were delicious, the pork volcano was amazing. Also, one last thing I'd like to point out is the bread and garlic oil they bring you to start before you order is to die for!!! It's so good! I would definitely recommend this restaurant, delicious fresh food and a friendly staff. You can't ask for much more, check them out! read more

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