And yes, La Grotta's legendary tiramisu will be available in the new space. (Photo by: Jay Paul)
After more than 20 years in Shockoe Slip, one of Richmond's Italian-food stalwarts will move uptown to downtown later this summer. La Grotta, the beloved ristorante serving up Northern Italian cuisine from the subterranean kitchen at 1218 E. Cary St., is taking over the restaurant space in the lobby of the Hilton Richmond Downtown at 501 E. Broad St., the former Miller & Rhoads department store. It's an exciting move, which owner and chef Antonio Capece — and his wife and the restaurant's manager, Andrea — say was necessary for booking larger events.
“We have hosted many rehearsal dinners, weddings and engagement parties over the years and we invite our loyal patrons to join us now to reminisce and in the future for special events and other occasions,” Antonio says in a news release. “We are working to bring elements that people have come to know and love about La Grotta to the new space including the intimate setting. A new feature at the Hilton Richmond Downtown includes the option for outdoor seating on a large patio.”
In addition to that aforementioned patio upgrade, the space will offer more indoor room for guests, with 150 seats. But don't expect too much to change; guests will still find La Grotta's signature menu and prix fixe options, including the lauded tiramisu.
"We are just relocating," Andrea stresses.
La Grotta will function as a separate entity, and not be involved in the Hilton's day-to-day operations such as room service. The restaurant's last day of business in Shockoe Slip is Saturday, July 2, and is expected to launch in the Hilton Richmond Downtown space in early August.
