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Easy to miss, this tucked away down-the-stairs restaurant is cozy and romantic. The garden is far away from its gritty Chinatown surroundings. We went on a quiet late-summer evening. It wasn't crowded so service was great. What the food may lack in innovation it makes up for in authenticity. It's like eating in southern Italy. The Arancino Cantanese (rice balls) appetizer was a standout. Drinks were delish, wines solid. We'll go again.

The food is way overpriced for what it is. But for any money, it was not good, mediocre at best. We ordered branzino and it came with… grilled onion and few crashed olives for $27!! For just a small size grilled fish? Which was over cooked? C’mon! Octopus was inedible and the salads are nothing to write home about. I liked the wine though! The service was very friendly but very slow also. Plus they mixed our orders… There are better places out there, skip this one.

I love the hidden gem quality of the place. If you don't know it's there, you may very well walk right past it. I have been a patron since it first opened many years ago. What I have come to expect of this place is consistency & quality. The design of the space is long & a bit narrow, but the ambience is always warm, intimate, and romantic. The food is always on point & delicious by virtue of it being simply...simple (a quality that is very sadly highly underrated in this Iron Chef worshipping age during which anyone who can't cook & does not cook with love and passion can be a chef, so long as you're willing to royally screw up what had potential to be an incredible (& simple) dish by adding enough unneccessary ingredients to mask what really is mediocre dish at best. For the quality you get, I find that the typical NYC prices applied are extremely reasonable. There is a decent wine selection, and the cheese plates & desserts never disappoint. N.B. There is also a lovely & atmospherically warm outdoor space in the back of the restaurant that is ideal for the summer nights & bigger parties.

Amazing drinks and incredible food. This is the type of place that knows how to treat their regulars. The staff is awesome. A great place to have dinner or just have drinks at the bar. LOVE Grotto!

If you're looking for an intimate, cozy place, this is it. Great food, service, almost never a wait and a great selection of wine. You'll never be rushed, take as much time as you need. I've been here so many times, definitely a hidden gem in NYC. A must go.