Grotto Tavern
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Last night, I had the immense pleasure of dining again at Grotto Tower, a Michelin-starred gem that truly lives up to its reputation. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was sophisticated yet inviting, blending modern elegance with a touch of rustic charm that perfectly set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Service: The staff at Grotto Tower are the epitome of professionalism and warmth. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered excellent recommendations. Each course was delivered with impeccable timing, and the care taken to ensure our dining experience was flawless did not go unnoticed. Cuisine: The food at Grotto Tower is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was a masterpiece, both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. We began with the house special appetizer—a delightful blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients that set a high bar for the evening. The main course was an exquisite symphony of tastes and textures; the chef’s talent for balancing flavors is truly remarkable. Every bite was a revelation, from the tender, perfectly cooked protein to the inventive and delicious accompaniments. Wine Pairing: The wine selection was equally impressive. The sommelier’s recommendations were spot-on, enhancing each course and providing a harmonious balance to the meal. It was clear that great thought and care had gone into curating the wine list to complement the chef's creations. Dessert: Dessert was the perfect conclusion to an outstanding meal. It was a delicate, decadent treat that managed to be both indulgent and light, leaving us completely satisfied. Overall Experience: Dining at Grotto Tower was worth every penny and more. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that engages all your senses and leaves you with a deep appreciation for the art of fine dining. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to an exceptional evening, Grotto Tower is the place to go. Highly recommend and looking forward to our next visit!
Robert CassarRobert Cassar
00
The Grotto Tavern has a single restaurant front with beautiful red canopy on street level. It opens up underground spreading across 2 levels & multiple, quaint areas. We chose the Grotto to dine for the evening, it was everything we expected & more. We entered down the stairs & were kindly greeted by Michael. Michael led us to our seats, explaining each area in detail. Through the delightful Garden Room, which is incredibly luminous considering it's subterranean location. Past the wifi room, a chic, conservatory-style day room, & down another small flight of stairs. The Grotto is a marvel to behold & the interior has been designed to accentuate the dramatic scenery - Red candles in muted, gold candelabras, antique bottles & stately furniture - The atmosphere resembles scenes from Phantom of the Opera & is just spectacular! The Grotto Experience is a 5 course partially set menu & we were happy to have some flexibility & choice within the menu (starter, main & dessert courses were flexible). When the first course arrived we met Greg who assisted Michael with our care & comfort for the evening. Greg & Michael explained the dishes in great detail & it was fascinating to hear about the homemade food & all of the fresh, organic ingredients. The chef definitely used exceptional ingredients to create fabulous infused & balanced flavours. Everything was painstakingly made from scratch, presented with great flair & every bite was bursting & alive. Bravo chef & thank you for the edible art we received! The 5 courses took us 3 hours to enjoy & the service was fantastic all night. The drinks were also thoughtfully balanced & created beautifully. Thank you Michael, Greg & other staff members who catered to our needs, the service really made the evening extra enjoyable. Over 2000 years of history lie in this Cave of Wonders & I must say it felt very special to be here! Certainly the finest & most delicious food I have ever encountered. Everybody needs to visit this special place. P.S. Preserved Aubergine is an absolute winner :)!
R WR W
00
First of all - quick summary: the food is normal - but with pricing comes a standard which is not there. The service is like you’re being observed in an uncomfortable way and the ambiance is very nice. Total: Important to know is, that you can’t freely choose which menu you order. The cave room only allows you to choose between the 5-corse and the 7-corse menu. After a discussion with two of the servants I was able to get an a-la-carte menu to choose freely. The arrogance of the servants is incredible when you think of the fact that it’s a (unjustified) Michelin restaurant and you’re a paying guest. The servants look down on you - that’s hilarious. The portion sizes are quite normal for a Michelin star restaurant. For starter we had tome brûlée - the composition and texture were not able to match the standard of this dish - the cheese of corse is good since it’s about the purchase. The rest is middle class. As a main we had the beef sirloin. Good meat quality - again depending on the purchase. The preparation of the meat was hilarious and low standard. The plating is something you can expect from a low priced side restaurant. As desserts we had calvados&apple and gianduja chocolate. Overloaded and cheap sweetness meets middle school plate setting - that’s how you can sum it up. The servants have been arrogant during all the the dining time - talking from above and without any sympathy or kindness. Refilling the glasses or asking for a feedback is only part of their job when they feel to do it or can expect positive feedback. The chef is coming down the cave every 30 min to look aggressively to the guests and checks if they ate what they‘ve ordered - that makes the atmosphere worse. After we’ve been finished we payed and even then they did not ask for any feedback or how the dinner has been. Luckily the ambiance is not an important factor for a Michelin star restaurant. Poor restaurant with more poor staff. Since I’m rating Michelin star restaurants in a very frequent basis - this is worth an escalation to the Michelin Guide.
Mehmet AltunayMehmet Altunay
30
The wife found this place by chance and after reading the reviews, we decided to try it out. Plus how often do you get to eat in an actual cave! To say the least, not only did it meet our expectations, this place by far exceeded it. From the 5 course meal (with an option for a 7 course), to a great selection of wines, and its amazing staff, it is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The foods had such a spectacular array of taste, that your taste buds went into sensory overload. (In a good way, lol) The cave, with all the candles, relaxed lighting and great music, makes it a truly intimate experience. With that being said, the best part was Greg and Malla who started out as wait staff, but by the end they were like family. Initially they explained the food, it's ingredients and preparation, but by the end of the night, they were so personable that we were talking about families, travels and swapping life stories. They were so great that while in between courses, Greg showed us a small opening at the corner of the cave. Once we went through the opening, it was a makeshift bunker used during WW2. Looking at the walls and the engravings left by the troops puts into perspective what they endured during the war. You won't get that experience in any other restaurant. The whole experience from start to end was memorable and one that won't be forgotten anytime soon. Thanks Greg and Malla
Richard CRichard C
00
The Grotto Tavern offers an absolutely amazing dining experience. We were celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday, and the staff went above and beyond to make it unforgettable. The food quality was exceptional, with each course curated to perfection. The combinations of flavors in every dish were truly remarkable, showcasing the chef’s creativity and attention to detail. The service was equally impressive, with each dish explained with so much care and love for the details. What truly touched us was the surprise they prepared for my boyfriend. They brought out a personalized birthday card with his name, complete with a candle in his dessert and sang song, and even presented us with a birthday cake specially made for him. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made our evening incredibly special. The Grotto experience is a perfect blend of exquisite food and heartfelt hospitality. Highly recommended for any occasion!
Anne GruberAnne Gruber
00
I go on a regular basis once or twice a week for a good cappuccino. They have comfortable chairs outside with large umbrellas. I don't care for the folding mini tables as it can awkward for my legs. I normally go either Sunday mornings or mornings during the week. Sunday and public holidays they're very busy and you'll be lucky to find a seat. Cappuccinos are excellent as are their teas. We prefer the English tradition of having tea in a pot, that doesn't happen here but the cup is large. They have quite a good menu on hand. Hot meals cooked in the kitchen and brought up to you. Plus an assortment of ftira bread dishes. We had a muffin and Carrot cake recently and it was very fresh. Service always with a smile. Toilet facilities are inside down a few steps so impossible for a wheelchair. Outside is pet friendly and they provide a bowl of water for my dog.
Michael TantiMichael Tanti
00
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(333 reviews)
Phone
+356 2145 3258
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Website
grottotavern.net
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