La Grolla | St. Paul's Cozy Northern Italian Hideaway

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Selby Avenue in St. Paul's historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood, La Grolla is a warm, intimate, and wonderfully authentic Northern Italian restaurant that feels like stumbling into a hidden trattoria in the Italian Alps. This is not a red-sauce joint; it's a sophisticated yet approachable spot where handmade pasta, regional Italian wines, and genuine hospitality come together in a setting that's equal parts romantic and convivial. ✨ The La Grolla Experience: The atmosphere is pure, unhurried European charm—think exposed brick walls, warm candlelight flickering on intimate tables, a cozy bar perfect for solo dining, and the gentle hum of conversation in a space that feels both elegant and welcoming. The name "La Grolla" refers to a traditional wooden drinking vessel used for sharing wine in the Aosta Valley—a nod to the restaurant's Northern Italian focus and its emphasis on communal enjoyment. The menu celebrates the cuisine of Northern Italy, with particular emphasis on the Alpine regions bordering France and Switzerland—think heartier, richer dishes than their Southern counterparts, with more butter, cream, and polenta, and a reverence for truffles, mushrooms, and game. The pasta is handmade and extraordinary. The tajarin (thin egg noodles) are a specialty, often served simply with butter and truffles—the perfect showcase for the pasta's delicate texture and the truffle's earthy luxury. The agnolotti are little pillows of joy, filled with braised meats or ricotta and spinach, served in a brown butter sauce that demands you sop up every drop. The risotto is cooked with patience and precision, each grain creamy but distinct. The mushroom risotto captures the essence of the forest, the seafood risotto tastes of the Adriatic. The polenta is creamy and comforting, the perfect bed for braised meats and rich sauces. Beyond pasta, the kitchen demonstrates range and respect for Northern Italian traditions. The osso buco is a winter masterpiece—veal shank braised until surrender, served with saffron risotto that soaks up the rich sauce. The vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal with tuna-caper sauce) is a classic summer dish, light and surprisingly delicious. The bollito misto (mixed boiled meats with sauces) is a Piedmontese tradition, hearty and satisfying. The antipasti set the stage beautifully. The carpaccio is paper-thin, dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The burrata arrives creamy and decadent, served with roasted tomatoes and good olive oil. The mushroom and truffle crostini are pure umami. The wine list is a love letter to Northern Italy, with particular strength in Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Alpine regions. Barolos, Barbarescos, and Super Tuscans sit alongside more obscure regional gems. The staff are genuine wine lovers who can guide you to the perfect bottle without pretension. The service is warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely Italian in spirit—hospitable without being hovering, happy to explain dishes and make recommendations, and clearly proud of the food they're serving. The patio, when weather permits, offers a charming al fresco option on historic Selby Avenue, perfect for lingering over wine and pasta as the neighborhood settles in. It's a place designed for romantic dates where conversation flows as easily as the wine, for catching up with friends over shared plates, and for anyone who believes that great Italian cooking is about letting quality ingredients speak for themselves—no tricks, no gimmicks, just love on a plate. 📝 Short Social Media Caption: “Found my Northern Italian soulmate on Selby Avenue. 🇮🇹✨ La Grolla is everything—handmade tajarin with truffles that haunt dreams, a wine list that'll take you through Piedmont, and that warm, candlelit glow that makes every meal feel special. St. Paul's little slice of the Italian Alps. #LaGrolla #StPaulEats #ItalianFood #NorthernItalian #SelbyAvenue #CathedralHill #HandmadePasta #WineBar #TwinCitiesEats #MNFoodie