The Scene
You're not dining at Grotta Azzurra for the decor. The owners tried to fashion a cozy trattoria setting in a freestanding building that appears to have been a garage. But torn, stained carpeting, cheaply framed posters, a garish blue wall and non-descript blond furniture look shabby, not chic. Old-style Italian music is pleasant, and service is cheerful and enthusiastic.
The Food
Consistently great flavors are the highlight of a menu that mixes Americanized and traditional Italian dishes. Sauteed calamari fra diavolo is tender and tasty--use the good bread to sop up spicy marinara. Antipasto for two features a nice combination of sausage, cheeses, artichokes and olives. Risotto tends to blandness; opt instead for luscious saltinbocca al Romana--veal stuffed with provolone cheese and ham in a garlic wine sauce. Piquant eggplant parmigiana is also very good.