Grotto - Downtown Houston

4.4

1466 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

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Conveniently located at Avenida Houston and connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Grotto Downtown offers a chic, vibrant dining experience in the heart of Houston—within walking distance to Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and Discovery Green. Unlike any other Grotto, Downtown offers a new look with a rustic, warehouse style interior and exposed brick. From small and shareable plates, fresh and local salads to refreshing and dynamic Italian cuisine, Grotto’s menu also offers a selection of curated craft beers, Grappa and wine—the ideal place for any occasion whether it’s lunch, happy hour, a business meeting or dinner in the city. Valet is available at the entrance of Grotto Downtown for $11 cash, or it can be added to your check inside. Self-parking is also available at the Avenida North parking garage, directly across the street on Rusk, where we will validate up to 3 hours for free.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Unspecified
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 11:30 am–9:00 pm Thu, Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(713) 658-0752
Website
http://www.grottorestaurants.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
Conveniently located Downtown Houston in the Convention District, Grotto is ideal for your next event. Within walking distance of Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park & Toyota Center, our Italian inspired fares offer plates for all to enjoy.
Private party contact
Katelynn Bass: (713) 658-0752

Location
1001 Avenida de las Americas, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010
Neighborhood
Downtown
Parking details
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

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What 1,466 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

1,466 Reviews

JJ
JJones
Houston
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food1service4ambience3
The snapper was truly awful and over $40 for the plate. The mussels were over-garliced but edible.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
Food is just ok!! Service was good, but they didn't know the menu well
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Will make it a regular spot! Really enjoyed the food and the decor!
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a
apickyfoody
Houston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was delicious and the service was good, just a little slow, - you have to call him to table for ordering bring the check. The room lights was too dim, very hard to read the menu.
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F
Foodie
Calgary
96 reviews
vip
4.0
96 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Our first time here - quality food and excellent service. As week, a very good selection of wine.
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AM
AlbertoM
Houston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service, great service, attentive and respectful. Food: best wild mushroom pizza. Pasta pescatore, not impressed. The amount served was like an appetizer size. Also, the smell was fishy, and fresh seafood should never smell, for that I give a two star.
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DM
DeirdreM
Las Vegas
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our reservation was for 7pm but had to wait 40 minutes for our table so we did not start off on a good foot. Our server was great and the food excellent. We started with arancini which came with a robust tomato sauce. We then had the Garmberoni with shrimp which was excellent . We managed to share the maple cream brûlée, yum! We will go back again and just hope the reservation issues was a one off
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CM
ChrisM
Houston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lobster bisque and the Pescatore were both outstanding dishes!!
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CV
CarlaV
Houston
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
I had point to use on my Landry's card and I was not asked to use it - the server just assumed and used my points. My meal wasn't even $25 and I lost some of my reward. Servers should always ask and not assume.
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AB
AmandaB
Houston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Enjoyed a lovely work dinner while attending a conference at the Marriott Marquis.
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JJ
JeremyJ
Philadelphia
363 reviews
vip
5.0
363 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good menu items, good drinks and good service.
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m
musiclover58
Denver
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
Everyone who eats here complains about the loud music. It is so loud you can't hear what others at your table are saying. The music is loud so people talk louder and pretty soon the whole place is ridiculously loud. We asked to turn the music down a notch but were told that 'management' does not allow them to adjust the volume. The second time we ate here we had to eat outside to escape the noise. The music was still piped outdoors but it was not as bad, but instead we had to deal with the wind and rain and humidity. Being attached to a convention center where people gather to do business, why would you want to make it impossible to have a business meal?
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JJ
JeremyJ
Philadelphia
363 reviews
vip
5.0
363 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food and really good menu. Good drinks too.
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P
Phillycliff
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
1.0
29 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Absolutely awful. Between the service and time spent waiting for food we were there for 3 house with a party of 7. Food was just OK. Wish I could say dessert was good but every time we ordered something they were out. It was 7pm on a Sunday night. No apologies for time spent waiting. Will definitely not be back.
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m
musiclover58
Denver
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
Everyone who eats here complains about the loud music. It is so loud you can't hear what others at your table are saying. The music is loud so people talk louder and pretty soon the whole place is ridiculously loud. We asked to turn the music down a notch but were told that 'management' does not allow them to adjust the volume. The second time we ate here we had to eat outside to escape the noise. The music was still piped outdoors but it was not as bad, but instead we had to deal with the wind and rain and humidity. Being attached to a convention center where people gather to do business, why would you want to make it impossible to have a business meal?
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Corpus Christi
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great & fast service. Food had very fresh ingredients and was awesome.
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NK
NaushadK
Houston
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience3
I went to Grottos before the baseball game on Sunday and Monday. The service on the patio was extremely slow. Sunday night one of my dishes was never ordered. Drinks were very slow to come out. Monday night the food took 45 mins to come out and people who came after us got their food before us. One of the drinks was horrible and did not even drink it and no remorse was shown by the staff. I also come before games at Toyota Center and MM Park but will not be coming back for a while and will try other establishments that offer better service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
So disappointed Grotto use to be one of our favorite restaurants. Not anymore ( I understand now why many have closed) so many changes.. No bread baskets, good quality extremely poor. Service hated her job was extremely rude from beginning to end. Out of 4 entrees only 2 were eaten. Ordered a bottle of wine opened and poured every glass. Which is fine it’s like being at home just 4 times the cost for the bottle. Don’t do coffee drinks or cookies. It’s sad when you have enjoyed this restaurant for about 10 years and now won’t return. Safe your money and your time.
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KD
KevinD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful atmosphere, great service, amazing food! Triple threat, can’t go wrong here….
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KB
KirstinB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Such great review for food, this was not our experience. Most of our dishes were unusually sweet; bruschetta on Texas toast style bread that was sweet (didn’t work at all), red sauce in pastas, pizza and meatballs … sweet; rib appetizer was just so so. Entire party was disappointed, one of our colleagues also there the same night and had same food experience. They said - super cool ambiance …. Just need to get the food right.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The gluten-free pasta was so good! It was a relief to be able to eat more than just salad for a change.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and a great atmosphere. I highly recommend!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was Alexander, great service!! The Bruchetta Trio was amazing!
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DT
DocTamS
Washington DC
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service was very nice but food was not very good. We all had a seafood pasta (more expensive items on menu) and they were subpar. The service was quick and friendly
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
AMAZING food and wonderful value! My husband and I shared two small plates and a main entree and we were stuffed. We both had two nice drinks and also had a dessert. Total bill was only $115! Super great value! We've traveled to Italy before and this pasta was comparable to what we had in Rome. Will definitely eat again
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T
Tolentino
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and appetizer bread was delicious! Amazing service
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AC
ACAHA
Houston
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We absolutely love dining at Grotto every time we go to a concert or any other event at the Toyota Center or anywhere nearby. The food never disappoints at Grotto. We love the tuna bruschetta, the mussles, the calamari, the pescatore pasta and the margherita pizza. So delicious, it's hard to try different items from the menu, as our favorite are consistently outstanding! Every single drink we've tried, has been mouthwatering and perfectly prepared. Excellent mixology! This time we had the ginger mule & loved it! Food & drinks at Grotto: A+++. Service is sometimes great, other times not so great.
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P
Paris
Houston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Grotto is my new Italian favorite restaurant ! The food is great , the Serice is good and not really noisy restaurant
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D
Deca
Seattle
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
High energy atmosphere, great food not overly priced.
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CA
ChocolateAnything
Houston
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience1
We have dined in Grotto locations many times and actually held our wedding reception at on in The Woodlands before it was replaced by another Landry’s restaurant. First time in this location, however. Immediately we were hit by the noise level as we could barely hear the greeter when we arrived, the din was so great. We asked to be seated in a less noisy area. We were given a booth next to a table of about 9 people. The space between us and them was maybe nine inches. The noise carried straight into our booth and the poor acoustics amplified their conversations - one fellow sounded like he was yelling. This distracted our whole experience as while we were there, the next door diners’ noises kept us from being able to hear each other at times. Service was attentive and that was a positive. Food was so-so. One diner’s pasta was overcooked and dry. We ordered the shared sampler starter. Warning that the pepper spread was extremely picante, two of us nearly were overcome by that (surprised). Caramel popcorn? That was weird. The quality if the food was not up to what we remembered from our past Grotto experiences. Would we return? Probably not. The noise level was just too overwhelming for having a business discussion at the table where we were seated. Poorly designed acoustics in this location don’t yield any sort of cozy Italian ambiance. It’s more like a noisy bar.
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BG
BambiG
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
I was hosting a business meeting downtown and invited colleagues to the Grotto. I was embarrassed by the event. The service was SO SLOW and although both the waiter and the manager apologized - that really doesn’t make it right. The portions served to one guest were ridiculous (about 5 strands of fettucine with none of the promised vegetables). I literally apologized to the guests. I won’t be returning.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Everything was good. My pasta needed more seasoning. My wife liked everything
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JR
JohnR
Austin
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good and service was excellent! Perfect dinner before Astros game.
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TF
TangoFoxtrot
Atlanta Metro
132 reviews
vip
4.0
132 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
No doubt a neighborhood gem. Excellent wait staff. Highly recommended!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience5
The food was ok but highly forgettable. There are too many restaurants in Houston to select a location with mediocre food. The hostess was amazing, super nice, and welcoming.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner. The atmosphere and vibe was great.
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AE
ArelisE
San Antonio
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely experience at The Grotto. The menu was packed with enticing options. The wine list was robust with many strong options. Our server Alex was attentive and knowledgeable. The ambience is chill and stylish. We would certainly go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
After reading reviews decided to give Grotto the benefit of the doubt. However I should have listened to my gut. Service was mediocre at best. We had reservations and were sat right away but it took about 15-20 to just get our drinks ordered. Ordered a few different apps which were good about half way through our apps we ordered another round of drinks….25 mins later they showed up. Ordered entrees which came out at in a timely manor, my husband ordered the snapper, when it was brought to the table it was the worst smelling fish I have EVER smelled. We will likely not be back. Sorry not sorry
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SY
SharonY
Orlando
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We had small plates and the salad, mussels and meatballs were very tasty. Drinks were well made: aperol spritz and sangria. Would like to come again for dinner. Very good service considering there was an Astros game and concert in the neighborhood.
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LG
LoriG
Houston
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
I made this reservation a month ago anticipating high volume. We were seated at a table at the kitchen entrance AND the waiters' screen station. My party did not appreciate being in the middle of the swirl of crazed waiters.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Grotto - Downtown Houston using the Order Online button. Grotto - Downtown Houston also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (713) 658-0752.

Grotto - Downtown Houston is rated 4.4 stars by 1466 OpenTable diners.

Grotto - Downtown Houston does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Grotto - Downtown Houston

1001 Avenida de las Americas, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 11:30 am–9:00 pm Thu, Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.grottorestaurants.com/
Phone number
(713) 658-0752
Private party facilities
Conveniently located Downtown Houston in the Convention District, Grotto is ideal for your next event. Within walking distance of Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park & Toyota Center, our Italian inspired fares offer plates for all to enjoy.
Private party contact
Katelynn Bass: (713) 658-0752

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Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Grotto - Downtown Houston

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

Discover Trending Restaurants in Houston

Gift card

Menu

What 1,466 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Grotto - Downtown Houston offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Grotto - Downtown Houston restaurant rated?

Does Grotto - Downtown Houston offer gift cards?

Is Grotto - Downtown Houston currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Discover Trending Restaurants in Houston

Gift card