Trattoria La Grotta In Cortona

When in Cortona, don't miss this restaurant tucked away off the main piazza (Piazza digli Repubblica) at the end of an alley street right between Piano B and Molesini Enoteca. The food is excellent with matching, friendly service. Having been closed while ownership shifted, it has recently reopened with the food comparable to previous iteration (according to locals). The mixed antipasti makes for a perfect shareable appetizer with a variety of samplings. The Zuppa Inglese is a nice deviation from the typical tiramisu more commonly found on dessert menus and also offered here. Different desserts but this one, equally delicious!

An amazing happenstance for our group of 6. We were unknowingly the first dinner guests- opening night. We had a variety of primos (pastas, gnocchi, pork shank) that were all perfect, followed by a secondi of Florentine biefsteak. As the first night, the new owner (Francesco), didn't have the first red wine I ordered and also realized one shelf of wine was out of reach behind our table. (Opening night snags). He was mortified. Nothing to worry about. I was happy because i was ordering based on grapes (sangiovesse) and now he could pick perfect wines for us. (They were!) The cost seemed so small for the meal and experience we enjoyed. All capped off by some limmoncelle(?) or grapa with herbs from Lilli's (owner /wife) garden. I can't imagine how you get better than we had. So we'll have to try their other restaurant where all the snags have been cleared and everything is practiced.

Very nice place, very friendly staff, and excellent food. We came on Sunday for lunch, even though it was 2 pm, they let us eat without any problems. I highly recommend it!

Decided to try out Las Grotta since it just reopened this past Wednesday and we are so glad we did. From the moment we walked in the door, we were first greeted by Lily who now owns the restaurant with her husband Francesco. The hospitality from both of them could not have been better! Friendly, amicable, and welcoming the entire time we were there. The food…..top-shelf…..we both ordered homemade Pici and home made ravioli, followed by grilled lamb and braised veal…..outstanding food!! I made sure on the way out I stuck my head into the kitchen to let the chef know how much we enjoyed our dinner. Prices are very fair and the atmosphere in this restaurant is very “Italian”….. you definitely know you are in Italy. Bottom line is this……stop by and check this place out….you will not be disappointed at all! Thank you to both Lily and Francesco for the great job you both did….plan on being in business for a very long time!!

A lovely restaurant, which was quite cold at first (we were there in early March), but it warmed up as the evening progressed. The service was very good and the food was delicious. Prices were slightly higher than usual for Italian restaurants, but still reasonable. The ambiance was charming. It's a great place to spend a pleasant evening.

Nice atmosphere, delicious food and good service

Great restaurant with fantastic food. We ate there on our first evening in Cortona and tried several dishes. Everything was delicious and freshly prepared. The only downside was the service: a long wait due to the small kitchen, and we weren't asked how we wanted our meat cooked. However, the coffee was complimentary. We'd gladly return!

A truly delightful experience in the heart of Cortona. We started with a classic Fonterutoli Chianti, delicious and served with class. The main courses, the "smoked" spaghetti and the pici, were excellent. A very special moment. We highly recommend the place.