Paul Michael James (10.07.2016 18:31)
I have eaten breakfast at La Grotta several times. I have gotten to know the weekend cook and the owner a little better and I've seen many of the regulars.
I really think La Grotta has a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to see how it will grow and evolve in the next 5 years. The place will be undergoing major renovations in July and August 2016 and the patio on the side and in the back lot will compliment the indoor dining room. There are alot of good things coming.
I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the owner and learn about his background, childhood, influences, vision and I saw first hand how passionate he is. This is not just a business for him. It was a dream, a bucket list item for him to have his own coffee shop but not just any coffee shop - an "Italian joint" if you will. The kind of place you can go to for a quick espresso or for a full meal or for quick appetizers before going out for the evening. During the week, the woman cooking in the kitchen is a nona type of cook - an old school Italian grandmother. In fact, she's the previous owner and the new owner insisted that she stay on board as part of the purchase deal.
Joe, the new owner, doesn't believe in cutting corners. He would rather cut back on his margins and offer you a better product then the other way around. For example, his espresso is made with around 15 grams of coffee, not the standard 7 or so grams, His lunch pasta is 150 grams of pasta, which is well above the average these days.
He's not managing the place from a corporate business perspective but rather from a personal and Italian perspective - delivering the best product possible with passion.
The more I go, the more I like La Grotta because of the people, the passion and the vision. La Grotta is evolving and growing and I like the direction it's taking.
I suggest you get to know the people there. Get to know Joe, the cooks, the staff and even the regulars. Just learning about how the espresso and cappuccino they make came to be is fascinating. But you won't get to enjoy the full experience unless you fully immerse yourself. Don't just come in, eat and leave and make up your mind based on one visit. Immerse yourself as though you were in Italy on vacation and if anything talk to Joe, the owner.
FYI - ask Joe to make your espresso or cappuccino. He takes it to a whole other level.
Gino Urbisci (12.06.2016 18:02)
Best espresso on Preston, they talk the talk but also walk the walk. Can't wait to try the Italian inspired breakfast, the menu looks amazing.
al mld (08.05.2016 01:23)
Had a wonderful lunch, great atmosphere, great food, homemade dessert
great service , staff, very friendly and attentive to detail. Can't wait to try
more from the diverse menu!! The veal was delicious!
Dinner on the patio ..... thank you and see you all soon! A. L.
Robert Charleau (12.04.2016 02:31)
I love their breakfast menu. Keeping to traditional Italian lunch menu is a hit.
Tim Doyle (13.12.2015 00:56)
Great place. I eat breakfast there all the time. Best in the city! Great hot drinks and great friendly service.