The Blue Grotto Restaurant

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210 Atwells Ave
Providence, RI 02903

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(401) 272-9030
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The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
The Blue Grotto Restaurant - Providence, RI
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Reviews
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Best

We went to the Blue Grotto last Thursday after passing a few other restaurants on Atwells Ave. The Blue Grotto just felt more relaxed and romantic than the others. We got a seat b...

Worst

We went out to Providence hoping to have a nice dinner and then a walk by the water fire. We arrived on time and ordered right away.We had a salad and each ordered the scampi. A...

Out of this World!! 4/23/2010

We went to the Blue Grotto last Thursday after passing a few other restaurants on Atwells Ave. The Blue Grotto just felt more relaxed and romantic than the others. We got a seat by the fireplace as it wasn't overly crowded. The restaurant was full but didn't seem like it because there wasn't another couple on top of us like at other restaurants. We had the Lobster Ravioli because it was in the ProJo a few months back as well as a Steak Diana. Both were exceptional. Such a wonderful time, will definitely come back for anniversaries and other special occasions but for a nice Thursday night with my husband it can not be beat. Pros: Wine List, Wine Flights, Extensive Menu, Romantic more

Exceptional! 12/21/2008

I have only been once, but found no complaints and can't wait to go again. I ordered a veal parm and my fiance ordered the gnocchi. The piece of veal I received was huge, both me and my fiance ate some and I still had leftovers for lunch. The piece was also so tender it just melted in your mouth. The gnocchi was also to die for! I love the sauces they used on both. The appetizer of calamari was clearly very fresh! The atmosphere was exceptionally clean, and I love all of the blue glass decorations. The best part, however, was the staff. The hostess promptly sat us (we had reservations), and waters were always promptly replenished. The best part, though was our waitress. We were celebrating our anniversary and when she found out she came out with a candle on the dessert we ordered for us to celebrate. Little touches are what make a night out worth remembering. We have been so very busy that we had not had time to go out lately, but can't wait to go back and I would recommend to everyone to go to the Blue Grotto. Pros: amibence, waitstaff, free valet, food, quantity more

Back again and again. 12/14/2008

We go out a lot, its hard not to in Providence with a great restaurant every 5 feet. We have our favorites and when we are in the mood for Italian we always end up back at the Blue Grotto on Federal Hill. Unlike some restaurants in the city the Blue Grotto is consistent and never fails to wow. They have the classic dishes you crave and new dishes you should try. I can't say enough about the service, they always have great suggestions and wine notes. The new renovations are lovely as well. We will continue to go back to the Blue Grotto again and again Pros: Space, Busy, Romantic, Bar, Wine List, Service, Ambiance Cons: None whatsoever more

A Wonderful Surprise 11/10/2008

I was in Providence for a Conference this past week and was totally blown away. Never have I seen so many great restaurants in one town. We tried a number but my favorite by far was the Blue Grotto. Our host said he hadn't been in years and it was totally different then his memories. Can't wait to come back in town and go to the Blue Grotto again. Thank you! Pros: Wine List, Food, Service, Space around the tables Cons: None what so ever more

Feel Like we Belong 10/2/2008

I don't usually write reviews, and I typically never write a good review; but I LOVE this restaurant and have always had the most wonderful experience. We are not part of the rich and famous; yet I have always felt like the most important person in the room. From the genuine friendly greeting at the door to the smile and welcome from the service staff and management, I felt like I belonged there. Try to make the Blue Grotto more than your special occasion restaurant; I think everyone deserves it. Everyone deserves to be treated like they belong, to be served great food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and to be appreciated for your business. It is one of the greatest reason?s to go to The Blue Grotto instead of so many other options out there; I always feel valued and I will always come back. Pros: Staff, Management, Food, Wine List, Desserts Cons: N/A more

Great Customer Service 9/5/2008

My husband, another couple and I had dinner her last Saturday night after visiting Waterfires. We wanted to have a nice, relaxing dinner and not to be rushed, just enjoy our friends and the rest of the evening. We had a great table by the window. The restaurant was busy, but we had reservations and were seated right on time. Our waitress was professional and very informative with helping us select our entrees. Our food took about a half an hour to arrive, but she had come to our table at least twice during that wait to check on us and apologize for the slow meals. We told her we were in no hurry and enjoying our conversation. The only thing that marred our evening was the couple next to us who complained the whole night-expecially the wife! Pros: great staff more

Place to be!! 9/4/2008

We've gone to the Blue Grotto a few times over the past months and it keeps getting busier and busier. Last Saturday night it was packed, we hadn't made reservations so we had to wait a little, but the bartender was great and the drink specials were fantastic. When we were seated, it was still quiet for how many people there were. There was a little wait for the food but our server was very good about it. I'm sure the kitchen was absolutely nuts. I would definitely recommend the Blue Grotto to anyone looking for a great night out. If you don't like the crowds I'd try to come during the week. Pros: Wine/Drink List, Bartender, FOOD!! Cons: N/A more

Worst service I have ever had at a restaurant. 9/1/2008

We went out to Providence hoping to have a nice dinner and then a walk by the water fire. We arrived on time and ordered right away.We had a salad and each ordered the scampi. After the salads,we literally sat there for an hour and 15 minutes waiting for our dinners to arrive. The four tables around us- all seated around the same time, sat there waiting as well. I am never one to complain,my wife gets mad at me because I don't complain, but this was the worst dinning experience I have ever had! Pros: In Downtown Providence Cons: sat there for 2 hours for salad and dinner. We didn't even order apps! more

BEST ON THE HILL 2/5/2008

We heard about the new ownership on the radio and having last been there a couple of years ago and being a little disappointed, we thought we would give it another shot - and wow were we glad we did. more

First visit willnot be our last. 2/4/2008

Attentive, unobtrusive, proactive service. Superb wines and cocktails. Martini?s are inventive and well done. Food is diverse and delicious. more

Another fine dining experience 2/4/2008

We always enjoy our meal at the Blue Grotto. I ordered the cod, which I never do out, but I was thrilled at how it was cooked and the inovative way it was served. The vegetables there are never overcooked and I loved the snappy asparagus that came with the fish. The service is always attentive and the staff is always able to recommend a great wine from the ample wine list. I am a repeat customer! more

Good food , warm ambienance 12/31/2006

Even amid the stiff competition of Italian restaurants on Federal Hill the Blue Grotto can hold its head high. more

just an hour from boston! 12/30/2006

well today was a great road trip . four of us CSI fans from boston decided to venture ""all the way to providence"" to see william pedersen at a trinity rep matinee. we'd heard alot about the federal hill restaurant area and decided to try dinner there after the performance. a friend told us that the blue grotto was a long time neighborhood favorite so that's where we went. it was a great choice. the service was very attentive but not intrusive. our waiter sensed our relaxed pace . the starters were surprisingly generous. the gorgonzola polenta and salad portions were nearly meals unto them selves. and delicious too. the mussels were to die for. for dinner there was osso buco you could cut with a fork, gnocchi that were outsanding and the salmon was prepared with a very tasty pomegrenate sauce that was artfully presented. our fourth diner had the daily fish special which was a fantastic talapia. overall the quality was superb , the ingredients fresh and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.. the dessert tray looked sinfully delicious but who had room! instead we relaxed with coffee and cappucino before ""heading all the way back to boston"" with smiles on our faces and a new favorite restaurant just an hour away. Pros: delicious and great service more

The Place To Be 9/11/2006

Under new management, this is the place to go to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or to treat yourself for any occasion for a dinner or lunch that is reasonably priced. The new owners will do what they can to make your visit more enjoyable. The new decor is handsome and relaxing, and the female soloist was as cute as her voice was crystal-clear. Pros: service Cons: parking more

Incredible dining experience 9/4/2006

With new management and a new menu, the Blue Grotto is truly an incredible dining experience. The atmopshere was beautiful, the entertainment was superb, and the food was impeccable! Perfect place to dine. We were not rushed at all, and felt we could enjoy our meal to the fullest. If you like to dine out this is defintiely the place to do it! Pros: all staff were highly professional and helpful and added to the overall enjoyment of the evening Cons: Parking is always an issue in the Federal Hill area more

Old Friends, New Food! 9/4/2006

It was at least 7 years ago when I happened upon the Blue Grotto in Providence during a business trip from Boston. Back then, it was a quick little place for a business lunch. So, when my friends suggested a trip to Providence for my partner's birthday, I was curious. Pros: Great food, fresh ingredients, delicous desserts more

AWFUL 1/31/2006

Well I certainly would not recommend this place on a chilly night. The moment we walked into the restaurant we were told by the woman ""standing gaurd"" it was against policy to hold onto our coats. They must be checked. The dinner left a lot to be desired the veal was tough and the steaks looked like boiled kangeroo chops and tasted it like it too. The wait staff did all they could do to try to convince our dinner party it was in fact beef. Our waiter was rude the only nice part of the evening was our bus boy who always made sure our water glasses were full. This was key in washing down our horrific meal. I would not recommend this place to anyone interested in good meal. more

Mixed Feelings 2/9/2003

I've eaten here a couple of times and am still not convinced the food is worth the price. Neither is the environment. The first time, my friend and I were seated in a corner table that smelled as if they'd had a water leak over there. The meal was decent, but not excellent. The second time I dined at the Grotto, we had a better table and meal as well. Maybe I'm a little too hard on this place because I've eaten at other Fed Hill restaurants which I consider excellent. Just a note for any vegetarians, some dishes seem like they might be meat-free, but really have a touch of chicken broth (for example), so be sure to inquire about ingredients. Pros: valet parking, knowledgeable servers Cons: servers can be rushed more

Pretty good food - traditional 10/24/2002

Very conservative traditional food - very tasty. Have tried three Federal hill resaurants since moving here and have been very pleased with all three. Grotto is pricey but nice to take your parents to or grandparents to. Not a hot spot for the younger crowd or a date for a younger couple. Heavy, buttery, thick, but very tasty. more
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Owner Message
  • January 15th - 28th is Restaurant Week ! Enjoy a three course lunch or dinner for a single pricethat will allow you to enjoy a great meal at even better price ! Lunch is offered at $14.95, while our 3 course dinner is just $29.95

Additional information
  • Hours: Lunch M-Friday 11:30-2 Saturday 12-3 Dinner M-Thursday 5-10 Friday 5-10:30 Saturday 4:30 until 10:30 Sunday 12-9 Private rooms available for parties of 8 to 100 people.
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Federal Hill
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