Our journey on where to eat in Rome continues with Le Grotte Restaurant, one of the most renowned places of the Dolce Vita. You can find it very close to the Spanish Steps and via Condotti. It is a warm and welcoming meeting place where you can taste authentic flavors. In fact, Italian and international cuisine, pizza, fresh fish every day are the flagships of Le Grotte Restaurant. Let’s find out more about it.

Le Grotte Restaurant – History

You can find Le Grotte Restaurant in Rome in Via della Vite, 37, a few steps from the beautiful Spanish Steps. In summer it is possible to eat outside on the outdoor terrace, but the inside is beautiful. The full name of the restaurant is Le grotte del piccione (Caves of the Pigeon) and it was opened in 1930 by Giovanni Gabrielli. He built it with the bricks recovered from the houses demolished by Mussolini to create Via dei Fori Imperiali. There are may frescoes with the most important Roman monuments, in order to display a sort of window of Rome. Although it was one of the favorite places for high society and important personalities such as Walt Disney, Eduardo De Filippo, Trilussa, during the World War I the British turned it into a canteen for the military.

Subsequently, in 1946, Piero Gabrielli resumed the family business in the years of the Dolce Vita, making it famous. In fact, there are many actors and famous people who ate at Le Grotte: Vittorio De Sica, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Mina, Nino Manfredi. It became one of the most famous night clubs in Rome where characters such as Fred Buscaglione but also Fred Buongusto played. Also Gigi Proietti performed in the club at the beginning of his career. After that, since 1990, the Caprioli family took the Restaurant and they have kept the culinary tradition and atmosphere high.

Le Grotte Restaurant – The cuisine

Small antlers are next to the wall, two concurrent rooms under a wonderful dome that creates a suggestive and classy atmosphere. The research and tradition of the cuisine of this restaurant only enhance the environment and the culinary experience. Particular attention is paid to raw materials, both as regards food and drinks. The cuisine, traditional and experimental, uses high quality raw materials, wisely chosen and modulated to create tasty dishes. You can find exquisite meats alongside traditional dishes, such as amatriciana and carbonara. Great attention is given to the typical products of the Lazio territories. The same goes for the wines: the cards are constantly updated and feature red, white, rosé, sparkling and passito wines. 

Le Grotte Restaurant – Review

Le Grotte Restaurant is the right place to eat in Rome if you want an atmosphere of class and culinary tradition. The staff is extremely nice and helpful. It will help you to choose between the dishes of the day and those on the menu. It is a restaurant suitable for dinners, birthdays, with the possibility of reserving private rooms. Exceptional wines that perfectly match the dishes. The value for money is impeccable. Tradition is combined with innovation with great attention to raw materials. We recommend both the traditional dishes and the hand-cut ham appetizer. The fish is also very fresh and you can find both first and second courses, as well as tartare.