Very sweet Valentine's Dinner at La Grotta. My bf and I were just lucky that they still have a free table for Valentine's. The set menu was executed well. Service was friendly, despite being a fine dining place. The musicians were fun and sang song that fit the ambience. I had a great valentine's despite having no dinner plans.
The steak and lamb were cooked very well. 💃
Excellent service and great food. The ambience is very relaxed and cozy, perfect for good conversations over lunch. I’ll be back to try the other pizza and pasta options.
This is my first trip here out of India. People here suggested me to try this Italian restaurant as it serves really awesome food.
I ordered pasta and noodles. Pasta had amazing mixture and noodles were really good. I found it a little expensive but it was worth the experience.
I really enjoyed my food here and i definitely recommend this place. I had a great time .
Thank you so much la Grotaa.
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Perfect place for an intimate dinner with family or your special someone. This cozy and classic Italian restaurant has been around for the longest time and never ceases to fail to impress. The interior is old school and warm while at the same time well lit. The service is professional.
Their parking is at the back, so you’d have to go around, which is a bit hassle. But I appreciated how they let us pass through the kitchen to the dining area because my grandmother was with us, otherwise I assume we’d have to go around the block.
We were serenaded by a live acoustic band as we enjoyed our dinner. With the standard complimentary bread and its dips and spreads, we ordered their tomato soup which had the aroma of basil and their clam soup. We also had their paninis and their Italian cold cuts (the name is too long haha). Both are absolutely delicious! You need to eat the panini with their chili oil to truly appreciate its taste.
We had their pizzas: Bianca and Calabrese Piccante. The Calabrese Piccante was so flavorful and fresh! Their Bianca was delicious of course, but I prefer the Calabrese.
We had their pasta: Aglio Olio, hands down one of the best I’ve had. I love that they added bits of shrimp that was so delicious with the bits of garlic. Ravioli Di Soinaci, delicious and fragrant and filling! Tagliatelle di tartufo crudo, which is basically mushroom and truffle pasta! Delicious, never fails to impress and satisfy, must order! I love the solid pieces of fresh mushrooms there. Vongole, it was delicious with a generous amount of clams. Marinara, like the vongole had a generous amount of seafood in it, mussels and squid and shrimp.
Condito sogliola, their sole fish. The citrus flavors perfectly mingled with the fresh fish! It was actually a great main dish that stood out in the night surprisingly!
Risotto, full of flavor, mixed with slices of fresh mushroom. Perfect creaminess. It did not make you want to stop eating after some bites. Well balanced flavors and texture!
We had their Steak and their Lamb shank as well, which I can’t find in Zomato’s menu. Both are good. The steak was medium well, I’d prefer it medium rare, but delicious and well seasoned. The lamb shank was tender and packed with flavor from the tomato sauce.
Food: 5/5
Interior: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5 (Though expensive, the portions are generous and you will be full and get your money’s worth.)
I was invited by the company I work with to this restaurant and it has been a go back to it ever since. Even though is not close to my place the food it's simply delicious, the restaurant is small but well decorated and the staff is on top of their game. Steak is really good, along with pizzas, pastas and the desserts!
If you’re looking for a really nice restaurant for an Italian cuisine, La Grotta is the place. It offers authentic pasta and pizza; I recommend Tagliatelle di Tartufo Crudo (white sauce) for the pasta. Price is a bit high but just right for the high quality food they serve. Their staff is also attentive, giving the right service to the customers. Highly recommending this one! 👍🏻
Nice ambiance. What we ordered are all delicious. Prices are high but are worth every taste from salad to pasta to pizza and steak! Even not-so-veggie lovers will really love their dishes. Seem like all from their menu are specials!
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This quaint and charming restaurant is perfect for fancy date nights with your significant other or wine night with your fellow tita and tito friends. The food were reasonably priced, given the ambiance and servings of the dishes.
While waiting for our food to arrive, we were given a basket of freshly baked bread served with butter and pate, as well as olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We ordered Bianca Pizza , Ravioli Porcini (mushroom filled ravioli with cream sauce), and Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo (flat pasta in truffle cream sauce topped with parma ham). We also had Panna Cotta paired with Macchiato for dessert.
The Bianca Pizza was so good! They didn't skimp on the cheese (ricotta, gorgonzola, mozzarella) and prosciutto. Both Ravioli Porcini and Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo were equally good as well although we would recommend to substitute either of the two for a pasta with a red sauce instead. Two creamy white sauce pasta dishes were too much for our taste buds and we started to feel heavy midway our meal. Good thing that the panna cotta was light and not too sweet.
TIP: When ordering two pastas, you can ask them to put half of both pastas in one plate. We had half of Ravioli Porcini and half of Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo in each of our plates. The downside is it would look a bit strange so you may want to reconsider if you're going to take pretty pictures for your instagram/blog.
The ambience is nice, service is good and the food is really good, especially the:
Spaghetti alla Marinara Rosso - 👌🏻
Tagliatelle di Tartufo Crudo - 👌🏻👌🏻
Authentic Italian restaurant in Makati. A casual dining during day time. In the evening, there were musicians that serenades every table making it a romantic dining experience for everyone.
Before our order arrives, they serve us with some toasty and soft homemade bread, with olive oil and vinegar for dips. Their Panini and Spaghetti Marinara are incredibly delicious. An order of these two are already enough for 2 person. The serving size is quite big and we request them to split our order of spaghetti into two plates. Pizzas here are definitely worth a try too. Their pricing considering its location is just fine for me, not too expensive.
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Finally, we get to dine at La Grotta. Last Saturday, around past 6PM, there are few diners for early dinner.
The place appears to be old, but I can tell its a fancy place. Its like an Italian resto, I can see in the movies. Servers are extra attentive.
My date call the shots. And I trust him for this. La Grotta has big servings. We had:
Panini- focacia bread rolled with arugula, sundried tomato and shrimp- hmmm I can eat this everyday. Bread is warm when served, plus the cruch of arugula.. superb! And dipping it in a chili sauce.. its heaven!
Taglia Telle Di Tartufo Crudo- flat pasta mixed with porcini topped with parma ham in truffle cream sauce. - tartufo never fails my taste buds. Truffle cream sauce is great, but has an “umay” factor. Good thing we split the order in half, which is enough for me. One serving is good for two.
Verdict:
👻 food- big serving. Quality food. And all we had are satisfying. I highly recommend thw “panini”. Its my new favorite!
👻place- old yet classy. Perfect date place I shlould say. The place has performers, and I love the sound.
👻 all in all I enjoyed my dining♥️
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La Grotta is one of Makati City's pride and gems for its authentic Italian dishes. It's unpretentious and the quaint ambiance makes it more fascinating.
The Panini was an outrageous appetizer. The shrimps and sundried tomatoes were a total complement and the flavors were just amazing. Add chili oil and expect it be more lush.
Their Rigatoni Ragu Fornaia was heaven sent. The meat sauce was creamy and at the same time just as good as the Panini. Those al dente rigatonis had the perfect texture to it. Good bite!
Of course, no Italian lunch would be complete without the pizza. Decided to try their Favorito. Somewhat close to a four cheese type of pizza, but even better. The ricotta cheese was aplenty. The salami had this chorizo flavor to it which gave esch slice an explosion of flavors. The crust was perfectly baked and had the right thickness that would make each bite more pleasant.
Definitely not the last time. Thank god it's near our place. I loved the dining experience here. Delizioso! 😊
You want to talk about unassuming secrets in makati, you can't not mention La Grotta!
Amazing traditional Italian food, their service is amazing and the general ambiance is my favourite! Going here is like stepping into a Scorsese film like good fellows! Old style service, waiters in suits, and just good wholesome food!
The food comes out slow so take that into account but it makes for the experience. Put your phone down and chat to your friends Over wine while you wait!
From the outside, it looks like your run in the mill restos around Makati and sometimes it even blends in the background. We had our company lunch here only a few weeks ago.
From the inside it gives you that simple restaurant feels but do not be fooled - La Grotta Cucina Italiana is indeed a cave full of delectable Italian treasures so if you're looking for Authentic Italian food (seriously), La Grotta is the place to go!
Everything I've tried there tasted delicious (especially their lamb meal 'Stinco Al Brasato' and Bianca) so if you're in the area, this is a must-try!
I'm giving it a 4.5 as the aesthetics from the outside needs improvement but the food (which are reasonably priced), the ambience, the service, and everything else is definitely commendable.
(Let me tell you in advance that this is a fine dining place so expect the price to be quite pricey, plus was not able to take photos of the dishes served) While you wait for your orders, you get a basket of warm set of bread with a plate of balsamic vinegar, a butter, and liver spread which you can refill. Truffle Pasta (Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo, 430 Pesos) is amaaazing. You get a big serving of a creamy and really heavy dish topped with porcini that will satisfy your craving. The Pollo Vesuviana (big chicken breast in tomato sauce, 600 Pesos) does not disappoint, too, as it comes with some veggies on the side a portion of really tasty baby potatoes (but does not come with rice so you have to order a separate one). Ripe Mango shake was delicious as it should be. Just quite disappointed with the lamb chops (Costata di Agnello, 890 Pesos) as it had big bones rather than getting a bigger portion of meat.
the place is quiet and cozy. quite expensive
linguine alla vongole - caution: addictive, well depends on your tastebuds i guess
pizza bianca - a good pair with the vongole as it creates a balance to the taste
serving is fair.
price - willing to spend
Really good Italian resto that's not ultra expensive. We liked everything we ordered.
Insalata Caprino was a good light salad of greens and tomatoes in a balsamic dressing speckled with flavorful pecorino cheese and shreds of goat cheese. The pecorino really adds oomph. Had this with a decent brewed coffee.
For mains we shared Penne Bocelli pasta and Risotto Finanziera. The pasta was served with beef tenderloin strips in a lightly spicy tomato sauce. A seemingly simple dish but really flavorful. The Risotto is with chicken pieces and finished with mascarpone cheese. Again great flavor from the cheese.
We are a Tiramisu for dessert. Tasty but kinda too moist - possibly from microwaving a frozen cake. We had good Sangiovese wine and Red Sangria with our meal and shots of limoncello with dessert.
Give La Grotta a try when you're in the mood for Italian.
Definitely worth the money (around 500 to 800 per person). Pasta has just the right amount of tomato and salt. Perfect level of sourness and saltiness.
Parking available at the back of the building or on street during 7pm onwards, there is also a parking building nearby.
La Grotta will always have a special place in my heart! I just discovered the place early this year and have been coming back ever since. I don't mind going there every week if it means having a good and affordable Italian meal.
I personally love their Panini and Tagliatelle di Tartufo Crudo pasta!! It is so good you wouldn't mind gaining x calories in one sitting or meal! Even the pizza is good but I dont have any one favorite for that.
Visited this restaurant with a friend for dinner. The place looks really nice and seems perfect for romantic dates. The waiters are also helpful especially in choosing your food.
We tried the Tagliatelle di Tartufo Crudo and Calabrese Piccante. Both were really good and I think good for 3 people.
Quite pricey but the quality of food, ambiance and service will not disappoint.
Good food, great ambiance. Prices are on the above-400-peso range but servings can be shared. They also allowed one of my companions to order a Pesto Pasta even if it was not on their menu. They made it for us anyway and it was gooood.
Ive passed by this restaurant far too many times and didnt realize it was an italian restaurant till someone recommended this place to me. I would say thay this is a hidden gem within bustling Makati CBD. The place has excellent cozy interiors a perfect date place. I tried the truffle oil pasta and it was superb, best truffle oil pasta Ive tasted. Flavor was just right for you to taste the truffle oil in the past and he mushroom without it being too overpowering. The cheese pizza with proscuitto ham was thin light and a layered contrast of the cheese and prosciutto which made it really good. The only thing that held me back from giving a higher rating was the price. I felt its a little expensive, but what the heck if youre looking for a nice safe safe date place this is the place for you.
The Spaghetti Alla Marinara Rosso is faithful to its promise - top note of seafood can be tasted and tomatoes do not drown the ocean feel. But I commend their PANINI above all else! Something about the Arugula, Sundried Tomatoes, Shrimp and Cream! If you think that life is unfair, that Panini will give justice to your life! 👌🏻👌🏼
I've known this restaurant thru my boss when we had our team lunch together with our Regional CFO. My first experience was good so i ended up always going here when ever i craved for Italian foods. 🙊
My favorites here are Rigatoni Ragu Fornia pasta, Bianca Pizza and Frito Gamberi Oli (king prawns). The pasta can be shared by two people since it has a large serving 😉. The prawns is the best! Three large prawns and I can eat it all by myself! 👍🏻
Staff is very accomodating. You can also set an an intimate date here. ❤️
Kristine Merencillo-Avenida
+3.5
Their panini is sooo good and can feed 3 people. I can live with this alone. Not much of a fan of their Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo. Tastewise it is ok, may serve 2 people if you're getting something else but Va Bene's version is way better. Will try other dishes next time as this is just across our building.
Decided to try this resto after seeing a post from Facebook. And oh my goodness I'm so glad we did!! We ordered Lasagna and the pizza Bianca. Both were just heavenly meals! They even offer bread upon seating down. The place looks good and clean. But since Valentine's is just around the corner, the place was decorated with hearts which I didn't really like. This place is really a must try! Would like to try more of their food next time. And oh, this is a perfect place to have a romantic date too!
A nice place to dine with good music and good food. I would have wanted a more quiet place but the ambience is good and our spinach ravioli is
My friends and I love Italian food! And it's always great to find a restaurant that offers good-tasting, authentic Italian dishes.
Our orders that night were the Ravioli Porcini (mushroom), and Bianca Pizza (3-cheese pizza with proscuitto). While waiting for our orders, we were served a basket of bread with olive oil-balsamic vinegar-parmesan cheese dip. Even though La Grotta's dishes are a bit on the expensive side, the taste absolutely makes up for it.
I highly recommend this place for a romantic dinner with loved ones, or a catch-up session with friends and colleagues. One might miss this restaurant while passing by Rufino St., though, as its logo cannot be seen immediately or can be obstructed by other elements.
La Grotta has got to be my favorite italian resto in the metro. It is a nice quaint little resto in the heart of Makati city. The fact that it has been around for a decade only shows that they have mastered the art of Italian food. My go-to orders are their classics - Panini, red sauce seafood marinara and Margherita pizza. If you want something meaty, get their ribeye steak with delicious mashed potato and fresh vegetables on the side. Their chocolate truffle ice cream dessert is amazing as well as their coffee.
On thursdays and fridays, there is a nice band called Los Trios who would be more than happy to make you harana and belt out old but gold classic tunes. Perfect for dates, meetings, dining out with friends or just simply letting the horrendous Makati traffic pass.
Starting this September, they will be having a specials menu and plan to change it every 2 months. Definitely something to watch out for.
Another underrated restaurant in Legaspi Village. The place gives you an authentic Italian dining experience --from the food to the feel of the place. The restaurant is a bit hidden, but it gets crowded so it's best to make a reservation.
That amazing feeling your craving has finally been fulfilled! This unassuming Italian restaurant along Rufino has been around for over a decade and Im not surprised why. They have good Italian food! Started with the Composizione di Salumi Misti per tre and ye it was good for 3 people but I was more than happy to compensate :) for pasta had to try their Tagliatelle di Tartufo Crudo. It was delicious but pasta was not al dente (sadly). Our pizza pick was the Favorito with additional anchovies. Dining and being serenaded by a trio isnt bad, as well. Buon appetito!
I ordered the truffle pasta and it was amazing as always. Though during the later part I felt overwhelmed by the taste and needed something to neutralize the taste of the truffle. I felt they should have put more pieces of prosciutto in the truffle pasta just to neutralize the taste, but it is one delicious pasta.
Have enjoyed coming here with friends in the distant past and now enjoy bringing my family too. I liked the dim lights and intimate feel, the small space, good service and good food. Its no nonsense Italian with authentic ingredients. My fave here is the pasta with black squid ink sauce and pizza bianca. Servings are for sharing.
Best PASTA place in Legaspi Village. The facade of this restaurant is intriguing (yes, it looks like a shrine) but once you get inside, you will experience fine dining. Ordered their bestseller, the tagliatelle di tartufo crudo and boy, it was AWESOME!!! It has now become one of my all-time favorite pastas. They also serve vary tasty breads. Can't wait to try their pizza next time.
La Grotta is one of my favorite Italian restaurants of all time!
It is a place of fine dining, with excellent service and amazing food! I never leave that place without feeling full and satisfied with my meal.
They have one of the best 4-cheese pizzas and bolognese I have ever tasted! They come in very big servings and they're worth the price. The bread served in the appetizers are soft and freshly baked as well. The restaurant's specialty is their main courses, it is not really a go-to place for dessert. I recommend their pizza and pasta! The dessert was satisfactory.
They serve really good pasta. Tried the lasagna and seafood marinara (their best seller) and did not disappoint. A bit on the expensive side but the taste of the food and the fancy ambiance of the place really compensate.
schiacciatta is ❤️ also the other 2 pasta that we ate!! I can eat the whole pizza by myself ? ?.. The place is really cozy if you want to dine here for business meeting or a date its highly recommended...
Delizioso! Authentic Italian Dishes! As an Italian culture fanatic, you'll always look for the right twist and flick in the food you encounter everyday (especially when it claims to be Italian). And this, so far, is my little Italy in the Philippines!
- Authentic Italian Dishes
- Italian Music
- Italian Ambiance
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Isn’t their salad (Scaletta Napoletana) just simply gorgeous? I fell in love with the colors and the arrangement of this dish. This beautifully plated salad consisted of lettuce, olives, carrot strips, and tomatoes layered with mozarella and basil. The tomatoes were sprinkled with oregano. This was slightly drizzled with extra virgin olive oil which added to the fresh taste of this salad. Indeed, this was a good starter for our main dish.
GREAT. Just great. Their Spaghetti Alla Marinara Rosso really was! Another seemingly simple dish with fresh seafood and basil in tomato sauce. We had this split into two (so the photo above was my share). It had a generous amount of seafood, and the right amount of tomato sauce that make for one savory dish.
This place is an ideal place for quick meetings, dates, or simple bonding with good friends over wine and good food. The service here was good as they really attend to their customers’ needs. Properly dressed too with the whole vest and necktie (some were even wearing blazers. I felt underdressed! Ha!).
So if you’re craving for some Italian food, head on here and celebrate great Italian cuisine at La Grotta Cucina Italiana!
La Grotta on V.A. Rufino has quietly been serving good Italian food for many years. True, the linen is a little old and thin, the décor dated, but it has its charm and lots of energy still coming out of their kitchen.
We had the place all to ourselves, and in the evening, there is a trio of performers who knew their stuff and played just for us :) They all sing, and the guitar playing is filled with soul.
It’s hard to go wrong with what we ordered – a plate of rigatoni tossed in meat ragu, finished with melted mozzarella on top, and a creamy truffles and porcini pasta with parma ham on top. Hard not to sop up the delicious sauce with their homemade bread.
We had two fresh fruit shakes, a so-so tiramisu (I wouldn’t order this anymore), and a good cup of coffee.
It’s sort of expensive for pasta and pizza, but taste and presentation are of high quality.
You get what you pay for.
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