La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, an Atlanta tradition since 1978, offers fine dining in an intimate ambiance overlooking our beautiful courtyard garden located in the heart of Buckhead. La Grotta has been voted the Best Italian Restaurant by Atlanta Magazine for 18 consecutive years. They have also received the AAA Four Diamond Award recipient for the last 20 years, and long time winner of the Di Rona Award.
The exceptional dining experience from last night is still lingering in my sweet memories. The food and the service are both superb. Among all the fabulous Italian restaurants I have tried, La Grotta is one of the best.
La Grotta is located at the basement of a condo building on Peachtree St. It delivers an intimate, cozy ambiance within the dining room. You can also choose to sit at the “garden” as well, which would be very nice also. The service is excellent. There are two waitresses and a “bus boy” serving every table. Apart from catering to all our requests, they had shared some interesting, casual conversations with us.
What did we order?
We had white bean soup with drizzles with truffle oil as appetizer. The entree we ordered is grilled veal chop (added shaved French black truffles for $23/dish). The portion of the white bean soup is generous. I recommend sharing the soup between two people, so that you can save room for entree and desserts. The grilled veal chop is perfectly done. The veal comes out as “medium” temperature inside, and extremely juicy. Truffle shaving was done table-side.
Even though having dinner here is not the cheapest, we appreciate our moments here every time. I highly recommend La Grotta to anyone.
Reviewed by Fontaine C. on 02/2019, courtesy of YelpWe pulled up to a very suspicious looking old apartment building but the moment we were greeted by the friendly and helpful valet driver, we knew we were in the right spot. To be fair, my boyfriend and I, being in our early 30s, brought the average age for a Tuesday night out here, up by about a decade! But that didn’t bother us too much, the older crowd can sometimes be in a on secret that is we lads chasing fad dining might not even know exist! The evening started at the bar with a delicious cocktail, followed by quickly being seated 1/2hr before our reservation, out on the nice patio seating area for a lovely spring evening of outdoor dining. The bread was good but the olives here are worth the mention. They were delicious and I’m that girl who never eats the olives! We are them all.
The waiter, having only 6 days of experience (we’d come to find out later), was so wonderful and helpful when we were taking in the large menu. We ordered the prosciutto and melon, which was so very delicious, some of the best meat either of us had tried before and the melon, perfectly sweet to balance it out. Our waiter suggested the risotto as a second app, because we simply couldn’t decide what to order for dinner, which neither of us regretted! The risotto was tender and rich, just enough to make us hungry for more! My boyfriend ordered the Sacchetti, on recommendation of the waiter that this dish shouldn’t be missed…he could not have been more right about this dish! The “pasta pockets” of deliciousness will fill my dream until the time I get to try it again! So full of flavors and perfectly complemented cheeses and truffle flavors. Mind you, I hate a truffle flavor that becomes the only thing you taste, even loving mushrooms, but this was perfect. And the crunch of the walnuts, devine! You. Must. Try. This. Dish.
I ordered the Veal, Scaloppine di Vitello alla Grotta, which was also very tasty, the marsala sauce, so good! However, to be perfectly honest, I only wished I too had ordered the Sacchetti!
Needing no convincing we also order the housemade Tiramisu. WITH NO regrets! Perfectly fluffy and wonderfully presented. The only thing I regret is not taking more pictures! I love sharing my eating adventures via my Instagram, but I was so wonderfully distracted by my perfect date and the delicious food that I forgot all about my pictures. I’m thankful this place is less than five miles from my house! I will definitely return and hopefully with more friends to show what a gem we have in this restaurant!
This was simply an amazing experience. From the entrance to the table, everything felt really luxurious. The food itself was great, and the staff was so accommodating. They were prepared with recommendations, and had some ordering tips for us. I got to try the really delicious European black truffles. A lot of the food is seasonal, so it’s worth it to go back and try something new. Beautiful restaurant with a delicious menu. I’d highly recommend it!
Reviewed by Gerardo Cardenas on 11/2018, courtesy of GoogleWe were visiting from TN for the weekend and chose La Grotta for my husband’s birthday dinner (thanks to a recommendation I read on Reddit). Service was wonderful and the food was excellent. I had the sacchetti with black truffles and hubby got the steak with gorgonzola – My pasta was SO delicious I seriously contemplated licking the leftover sauce from my plate but that would have been inappropriate. Will 100% be coming back to this restaurant anytime we are back in Atlanta.
Reviewed by Tahreem Qureshi Vogelsberg on 07/2019, courtesy of GoogleLa Grotta is absolutely amazing. The service is impeccable. The food is some of the best in Atlanta. If you have the opportunity to go when truffles are in season DO NOT MISS OUT. The sachetti with shaved white truffles is my favorite meal. Perfect for a special occasion. We went for my husband’s birthday with a group of 11. Our glasses stayed full and we never wanted for a thing. It was just as intimate as a dinner date. We came back less than a week later because our dinner was so delicious. Can not recommend enough.
Reviewed by Allison Youngblood on 01/2019, courtesy of GoogleWhat an amazing experience! This restaurant is tucked away in Buckhead in the bottom floor of a residence. This restaurant has been around for 41 years with the original chef! We had snails, quail, and the lobster pasta. Each was delicious and just the right about of filling. The staff is extremely kind and humorous. The decor and ambiance is welcoming.
I’d suggest going during the week to avoid crowds but you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by Raquel Hoover Crump on 09/2019, courtesy of GoogleThe Basics: La Grotta is an Italian restaurant located in Buckhead. When you pull up to the restaurant, you may think you are at the wrong location (it is located on the bottom floor of a condo complex); however, you will see the valet up front and know you actually have arrived. You take the elevator downstairs and the restaurant is quaint and authentic. The food is delicious, the wait staff is energetic and wonderful, and the restaurant as a whole feels like a hidden gem in Atlanta.
Things I like: The food at La Grotta is authentic Italian food and is fresh and delicious. All of the pasta is homemade and the dishes are all delicious. They also have homemade limoncello! I have never had a bad meal here. One of my favorite dishes to order is the Gnocchi. The staff at La Grotta is also amazing. The waiters at the restaurant are often Italian and they all have big personalities that make you feel welcome. You will not be let down by the food or service here.
Things I didn’t like: Nothing! I have always loved my experience at La Grotta. However, it can be difficult to get a reservation here at times since the restaurant is small. I would suggest calling to make a reservation, some of the online booking sites are not accurate as to what their availability actually is on a given night.
Overall, La Grotta is the place to come for fresh and authentic Italian food in Atlanta. It has an old school feel and a quaint dining room which adds to the amazing dining experience.
Reviewed by Lauren G. on 10/2019, courtesy of YelpI’m not quite sure what else I could say about this place, other than it exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t know they could be exceeded.
Right off the bat, it is a fancy place. That means dress up, folks. The valet service was quick and you’re led underground to this fancy, dimly lit room of brick and smells.
My girlfriend had made reservations for two for my birthday, and we were sat down promptly. The menu had swirling cursive script and much of it was in Italian, but fear not, there is an English translation underneath. Our waiter was fantastic – we ordered a bottle of wine and some appetizers. I had the pesto calamari, and boy, I used the bread to soak up every last bit – that pesto had to be the best pesto I’ve ever had. My girlfriend got some sort of meat appetizer that was similarly very tasty.
The main course soon arrived: I had the truffle pasta, and my girlfriend ordered the quail. Let me tell you before that, I lamented to the waiter because I had wanted the Italian sausage of one dish into the truffle pasta I eventually got. He looked at me, and said “so what? Of course we can do it, you ask, and we serve.” I was incredulous, and sure enough, my truffle pasta had Italian sausage in addition to the pasta. And it was heavenly. I was in pure bliss, with real chunks of truffle simmering throughout the pasta…I couldn’t believe it was real.
This place is fantastic, probably my favorite Italian place in all of Atlanta. It deserves a 5 star rating for service, decor, and most importantly, that ridiculously delicious truffle pasta.
Reviewed by Lucas K. on 08/2019, courtesy of YelpI have a new favorite Italian restaurant. I’ve driven past this amazing place a million times, and I never noticed it. I wish had much earlier. This is what Italian should be.
The atmosphere is classic and intimate. You feel like you are in Italy. I recommend requesting a seat on the outdoor patio when the weather is nice. It is absolutely beautiful.
The service is what you expect in a good Italian place, but you rarely actually find it. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the food and drinks, so they can give you guidance on ordering one or both. My girlfriend and I ate there last night, and I wish I remember our waiter’s name. He was absolutely amazing. If you read this, sir, thank you!
Their wine list is fantastic. I love Italian wines, so I was in vino heaven. The food was, likewise, delicious. Our waiter helped guide us to the lamb chops with pesto, and my girlfriend and I opted for a side of linguine pasta. Best lamb chip I’ve ever eaten as a restaurant. Perfectly cooked. Not gamey. Tender and succulent. I will definitely get these again.
If you enjoy Italian food the way it should be done, check this place out!
My girlfriend and I have been back twice now. The food, service, and atmosphere have only continued to get better! This most recent visit, Billy and Brett were our guides through our experience. Billy’s knowledge and experience were invaluable, as he helped guide us to the veal chop, which is one of the best I’ve had. However, his personable nature was what really stood out. He was a pleasure to talk with. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed him. Brett was also quite personable and very helpful, always making sure our wine glasses were full and there was nothing that we needed. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Vincent as well. He, likewise, always makes sure that we are well taken care of. Thanks so much, again, for the amazing meal, great service, and fantastic atmosphere! See you soon!
BEST RESTAURANT IN ATLANTA. CHECK IT OUT!
Reviewed by John C. on 08/2019, courtesy of YelpAhhhh I love this place!! The food is consistently delicious, from pastas to entrees. The staff is very well versed in their menu and always make the best recommendation based on our preferences. The atmosphere is tranquil. Great place for a date night or to catch-up up a friend!
Big fan of the rack o lamb. They prepared it rightfully flavorful and not at all gamey. Very very few places can prepare it right, even at an old well known Italian restaurant in NY, I was left disappointed. So, I am so happy this restaurant is located right at home!!
I do hope that they add a squid ink pasta to the menu because I am currently driving across town to BoccaLupo for it :).
Reviewed by Anh T. on 07/2019, courtesy of YelpSuper yummy! I am glad I read the yelp reviews first, because it was a bit hard to find, as it is hidden in a condo complex. Once you arrive, they have free valet and multiple friendly people to greet you and guide you to the restaurant. At least 5 staff welcomed me and directed me to the right location. The food was great, I got a fresh pasta and enjoyed their outdoor patio. Awesome environment, really nice staff, and delicious food!
Reviewed by Becky L. on 07/2019, courtesy of YelpLa Grotta is our favorite Italian spot in Atlanta. We have gone every year for our anniversary since getting married and they always make it special.
At first, the location is a bit hard to find (it’s under ground and requires an elevator ride down) but once you get inside you are blown away by such a beautiful wine cellar atmosphere that oozes elegance.
The food is incredible- if you don’t choose a pasta dish you can always get a side of pasta to itch that need for carbs. We’ve had a lot of items on the menu and have never been disappointed. Our favorites include the quail, the gnocchi, and of course the tiramisu. We used to be cute and get one to share. But we’ve since learned to go ahead and order two. It’s that good.
Yes, La Grotta is pricey but I’ve never felt like we didn’t get what we paid for. The food is fantastic, service is impeccable, and the quiet atmosphere right off of Peachtree is unlike one you can get elsewhere in the city.
Reviewed by Hannah W. on 06/2019, courtesy of YelpThere is so much I could say about this restaurant. First and foremost this is a hidden gem in the heart of Buckhead. A good friend of mine decided to have her birthday gathering here. This place ONLY takes reservations no so walk-ins are allowed. The restaurant is actually on the lower level of the building. You take a elevator down to the ground floor in order to enter the restaurant. Once down on the floor it’s like you’ve walked into a restaurant in the middle of Rome. The ambiance, staff and menu are all Italian. They have the English meanings under the Italian name. This is a fancy upscale restaurant so you are given your wine, then appetizer, and then your main meal. For a wine, I chose a white wine and had their steamed calamari pesto dish as an appetizer. It was difficult to choose my main course. I ended up getting the lobster white wine pasta dish. When I tell you it was delicious, I savored every moment and still had leftovers. The server puts the napkin in your lap, puts your food in the to-go plates, and does it with a small on his face. Such a wonderful spot that everyone in the Greater Atlanta area should visit.
Reviewed by Kaila T. on 03/2019, courtesy of Yelp