Hidden on the fringes of the Lower East Side and Chinatown a set of stairs bring you into a cozy space, filled with the scent of herbs, freshly prepared foods and hospitality.
Inspired by many summers in the south of Italy and the typical small island restaurants we turned an inconspicuous lower eastside souterain into a small cozy osteria with a romantic garden in the midst of our frenzied city. In 2003 “Grotto” was born. Amrei Schmitt-Fumian (proprietor) has applied her extensive culinary expertise and many of the recipes originally prepared by her grandmother to create a Mediterranean and Southern Italian inspired menu with an urban zest. Since its first baby steps “Grotto” has grown into a brimming neighborhood stronghold that welcomes the regulars as well as visitors from far away. Many reputable media outlets have discovered and featured Grotto since its opening days (press). In 2004 husband David Wiesner and Amrei Schmitt-Fumian founded the high-end catering company Monterone to compliment Grotto’s menu as well as to provide a wider range of services to their expanding clientele.