The Grotto Restaurant — Restaurant in Hopatcong

So my husband and I went here for a dinner date night the other night. We have gotten take out pizza before but never dine-in. We were seated and our waitress, Isabella, was amazing. When we got bread for the table there was more than enough butter pats included in the basket, which seems like a small detail but it’s a pet peeve when u get half a baguette and not nearly enough butter and have to keep asking for more. We love calamari but I have not had it in years because I am allergic to shellfish (developed later in life) and restaurants always fry the calamari in the same oil as shellfish since it is seafood. My husband ordered it for himself but asked if they fried it in the same oil as shrimp. Isabella started that they did but they had no problem frying it in another fryer this time as they have 3. I actually broke down crying and thanked her profusely as no restaurant has ever offered to do that. I then got to have the most delicious and melt in your mouth calamari I have ever had in my life with no reaction. I ordered a Stromboli and extra dipping sauce. I was not expecting the HUGE bowl of sauce I got (pictured). All food was amazing. Isabella...

Food is good but service is trash. Ordered on slice at 4:57, delivery was set to arrive at 5:38. Great 6pm rolls by no food. Contact slice and they say restaurant said it's on the way. Fantastic, it's close by. 6:15pm no food still reach out to slice again they assure us the restaurant told them it's on the way. We live under ten minutes away, so this is not sitting right with me. I call the restaurant myself at 6:19 they had not yet even STARTED our food. So either slice was lying or the restaurant, either way it had been over an hour and they hadn't made an order of French fries and two COLD subs. Used to frequently order but lately every delivery has been late and this just solidified that I will no longer be spending my money with them. Can't support local when the food...

Food used to be better. First the pizza was always burnt. Then the mozzarella cheese got too tough and chewy like they changed brands. My mother in law broke a denture eating their pie in february. Then I ordered carbonara one weekend and it had Betty Crocker Bacon bits instead of real bacon or prosciutto or even cooked salami would be better. We threw it away and never went back. Hopatcong sucks when it comes to finding good food and there's no supermarket. Eating out is a big deal. Found a better place to eat. Always liked this place now I go outta my way to get better food. Customers notice things and inconsistent food and cooking. They won't always complain sometimes they just don't come back. Bacon bits don't belong in an italian restaurant. Very...