Grotto Ristorante Debuts as a Highlight of New Downtown Restaurant Row

The newest Grotto Ristorante that just opened this past week in Downtown Houston , offers a trendy new twist to the restaurant that we have known with a fresh, modern warehouse style interior

The new Grotto Ristorante, opened on the soon-to-be hot place in town for many tourists and frequent downtown visitors, the Avenidas de las Americas, across the street from the new Marriott Marquis and so connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center that there is a back entrance from the restaurant into the Center. It’s adjacency also to Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center  and Discovery Green makes it a natural stop for those diners attending downtown venues that have a craving for some delish Italian fare!

The Restaurant will take on a fresh new look with a modern warehouse-style interior that includes communal seating , a casual social setting and a patio that seats 75 overlooking Minute Maid Park.

Chef’s Board……finest Italian meats and cheese charcuterie selection

Grotto’s new menu will offer many of the special dishes it has been known for including its famous thin crust Neapolitan pizzas and another Grotto favorite of mine, Artichoke Carciofi,  but will also include its own special antipasti charcuterie, as well as many new dishes that it’s new Chef Hochsten has added just for this opening. It boasts the largest Grappa collection in Downtown Houston and a choice of over 80 wine selections dominated by Italian entries from Tuscany, Piemonte, Sicilia and Friuli as well as a selection of curated craft beers.

A Grotto signature, Artichoke Carciofi

Italian dessert favorite, Zepoli, tiny Italian donuts to finish any meal and Prosciutto San Daniele

Gamberi Piastra Shrimp and Pasta Pollo Rucola

Salumi and Cheese Board

Meet Executive Chef, Sean Hochstein

Newly appointed Chef Hochstein will oversee the restaurant’s kitchen staff and daily culinary preparation of chef-crafted cuisine with Italian flair.

A native Texan with a passion for all things fresh and local, the new chef brings 25 years of culinary excellence to the Grotto Downtown. Originating from Sugarland, Texas, Hochstein began at 15 years of age, learning his craft and later went on  NYC’s French Culinary Institute where he stayed an mastered his craft at a Michelin 5-star restaurant. After working several other places in and out of Houston, he was able to land the position of Executive Chef at the new Grotto

Grotto Downtown is located at 1001 Avenidas de las Americas, Suite A. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, opening at 1:00 p.m.  For more details, check out their website www.grottorestaurants.com