If you're wandering around the historic waterfront or just finishing up a tour of the Mayflower II, you've probably seen the sign for Grotto. It's tucked away, almost like a secret, which fits the name. Honestly, people get confused because there are "Grotto" restaurants all over the place—from the pizza chain in Delaware to high-end spots in Boston. But the Grotto in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and the local vibes of the South Shore spots are different beasts entirely. Let's get into the grotto restaurant plymouth menu and what actually makes it worth your time.
You've probably been burned by "tourist trap" Italian before. You know the type: watery sauce, overcooked pasta, and a bill that makes you want to cry. Grotto isn't that. It’s a mix of elevated comfort and that classic "red sauce" nostalgia that makes you feel like you're sitting in a kitchen in the North End, minus the impossible parking.
The Appetizers: Don't Skip the Small Stuff
Most people head straight for the pasta. Big mistake. The grotto restaurant plymouth menu has some of its best gems hidden in the "Piccoli Piatti" or small plates section.
Kinda surprisingly, the Arancini is a heavy hitter here. We’re talking homemade risotto balls stuffed with a five-cheese blend and fresh basil. They fry them until they’re actually crispy—not that soggy, oil-soaked mess you get at the fair—and serve them with a marinara that actually tastes like tomatoes, not sugar water. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, the Calamari Speziato is the move. It’s tossed with banana peppers in a spicy garlic butter. It’s got a kick. It’s messy. It’s perfect.
Then there are the Meatballs & Ricotta. These aren't those bouncy, rubbery things from a frozen bag. They’re house-made, swimming in red sauce, and topped with a dollop of cold ricotta that cuts through the heat. Seriously, order extra bread. You’re going to want to swipe every last drop of that sauce off the plate.
The Main Event: Pasta and Beyond
When it comes to the heart of the grotto restaurant plymouth menu, you’re looking at a "build your own" situation or some very specific house specialties.
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The Pasta Builder is basically a dream for picky eaters or people who just know what they want. You pick a sauce—Bolognese, Alfredo, Creme Rosa, or even a spicy Picatta—then add your protein and your pasta shape.
- Bucatini is the elite choice here. It’s thick, hollow, and holds onto the sauce better than anything else.
- Gemelli is the go-to if you need something gluten-free.
- Veal Parmigiana as an add-on? It’s a lot of food, but if you’re starving after a day on the Cape, go for it.
If you don’t feel like making decisions, just order the Straw & Hay (Paglia e Fieno). It’s egg and spinach fettuccine with chicken, prosciutto, peas, and mushrooms in a parmesan cream sauce. It’s rich. Like, "I might need a nap in the booth" rich. The saltiness of the prosciutto against the creamy sauce is basically a hug in a bowl.
For something a bit lighter, or at least as light as Italian food gets, the Shrimp & Crab Capellini is a solid bet. They use jumbo lump crab and a bianco sauce that doesn't overwhelm the seafood.
Why the Pizza Matters
Look, you’re in New England. Pizza is a lifestyle. The grotto restaurant plymouth menu features Neapolitan-style thin-crust pies that actually have some char on them.
The Chicken Bianca is the one people talk about. It’s got grilled chicken, bacon, and a "parmesan ranch" base, finished with chili honey. That sweet-and-spicy thing is everywhere right now, but they do it well here. If you're a purist, the Margherita with Roma tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is the litmus test. If a place can't do a Margherita, they shouldn't be making pizza. Grotto passes.
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Subs and Sandwiches: The Lunch Hustle
If you're hitting this place for lunch, the subs are the secret MVP. The Chicken Caprese Sub is basically a salad on a roll—grilled chicken, balsamic glaze, and thick slices of mozzarella. It’s fresh.
But if you want the real "I’m in a coastal town" experience, look for the Steak & Cheese New England Style. It’s loaded with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. It’s not a Philly cheesesteak; it’s its own thing.
The "Is It Worth It?" Factor
Pricing is pretty middle-of-the-road for the area. You’re looking at $15-$20 for a decent pizza and $25-$35 for the heavier pasta dishes and entrees like the Cioppino (that’s the Italian seafood stew for those not in the know).
One thing to keep in mind: the atmosphere matters. Whether you're at the Plymouth, NH location or looking at the broader Grotto brand influence, these spots thrive on being "cozy." It’s not a white-tablecloth, "don't-touch-the-art" kind of place. It’s loud, it smells like garlic, and the service is usually pretty fast.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse this Grotto with the Grotto Pizza chain. While that chain is legendary for its swirl of sauce, the Grotto we’re talking about in the Plymouth context leans much more into the "ristorante" side of things. You’re getting more scratch-made components and a more diverse menu than just "pizza and wings."
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Also, don't expect a massive wine list like you're at a sommelier convention. They have a solid selection of Italian and domestic wines, but it’s curated to pair with the food, not to be the main attraction.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
To get the most out of your meal, follow these few "insider" tips:
- Ask for the daily specials. The kitchen often experiments with seasonal ingredients like local mushrooms or fresh-catch seafood that isn't on the printed menu.
- Share the apps. The portions are big. If two of you order full pasta entrees and two appetizers, you're going home with a heavy bag of leftovers.
- Check the hours. Some locations have a gap between lunch and dinner service, especially on weekdays. Don't show up at 3:30 PM expecting a full meal without checking first.
- Try the signature sauces. If you’re doing the pasta builder, the Creme Rosa is a perfect middle ground between the heavy Alfredo and the acidic Marinara.
When you're looking at the grotto restaurant plymouth menu, the move is to embrace the "elevated comfort" vibe. Start with the Arancini, grab a specialty pizza for the table to share, and dive into a handmade pasta dish. It's the kind of meal that reminds you why Italian food is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Before you go, make sure to check their website or call ahead for the most current pricing, as supply chain shifts in 2026 have caused many local spots to adjust their rates seasonally.