If you’ve lived in Houston for any length of time you’ve probably dined at the Grotto’s located at Loop 610 and Westheimer. It’s kind of a Houston landmark! Well now there is a new Grotto in town located downtown on Avenida Las Americas and she’s a beauty!
This past Friday my friend Holly and I decided to go take in some of the sights downtown as our great city is in preparations for hosting Super Bowl LI this coming weekend. Hungry, as usual, and so many great times with friends are spent over food and a great glass of wine, we decided to pop into the new Grotto. I was impressed from the minute we walked in. It is a gorgeous, industrial, but warm atmosphere. Taupe-y grey stone floors mingling with graphic black and white tiles. Light woods. Dark woods. White subway tile. Taupe-y grey brick. Steel grey metals. Stainless steel. Exposed pipes. Edison light bulbs. Large black framed picture windows and pops of green from succulents. There is also an expansive outdoor patio, which features sleek fire pits, TVs, and a front row seat view to the energized downtown scene! There is even an area of communal seating inside! Love this! So “global”. Such a great way to enteract with and meet others! 😊 This downtown Grotto is a departure from the original Grotto we are used to here in Houston with it’s old-world trattoria feel. Not saying that the original Grotto isn’t nice, just a different feel… And, I like it! I knew in an instant that this was a restaurant atmosphere that exuded style! A style that I could settle into. That kind of style that says stay awhile and enjoy your wine and conversation with friends.
*Continue reading about the great food we had after the photos 🙂
The food definitely satisfied too with it’s newly expanded menu. It features nearly 20 small plates, unlike the original Grotto. And, Grotto on Avenida Las Americas boasts the largest Grappa menu in Downtown Houston!
Holly and I started with the Carciofi – fried artichokes with Parmesan aioli. I was happy to know that they used rice flour as I am gluten sensitive 😊 They were lightly crisped and perfect with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top and dipped in the aioli.
Next up was the infamous Grotto salad that always pleases with it’s fresh greens, tomatoes, olives, and cheese dressed in a light vinagarette.
Holly enjoyed a delectable Pasta Carbonara!
I opted for a gluten free dish of trout served with crispy Brussels sprouts, arugula, and acetate aioli!
It was a perfect lunch with a great friend! I can’t wait to return! It’s worth the quick trip Downtown. It was super easy to park ($15) in the the garage just across the street, though during Super Bowl week the garage is reserved for those with special parking passes only.
You should definitely put it on your list of reasturnats to try! The location is great if you’re headed to Discovery Green, a Rocket’s game or concert at Toyota Center, to Minute Maid Park to watch the Astros, or the BBVA Compass Stadium to watch the Dynamo soccer team.
Oh, and thanks Nicholas for the great service!
the ANGELA edit 
Looks delish!
LikeLike
The food WAS delish! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike