I don't get it. I really wanted to like this place since most of my local friends seem fond of it, but let's be honest here...the Ravioli ranks right up next to Chef Boyardee. When I tell the locals this, they are shocked and offended. They tell me I didn't try the Lasagna. I tell them that if it's made with the same sauce, I'm not interested. The Antipasto was drenched in an excessive amount of vinegar, and the pizza is better at Chuck E. Cheese. And as for the prices...ri.damn.diculous for the quality of the food. I rarely have "buyers remorse" when it comes to eating out, but I definitely felt cheated this time. The only positive thing that I can say about this place, (and the reason I even gave it 2 stars) is that the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. Which is why I'm sad that I didn't love it. read more

Everyone in the Valley absolutely raves about this place. I was excited to go to a family restaurant. They seated us in the back building, seating was tight, but I love small restaurants, so I didn't mind. Once the food came, however, I was greatly disappointed. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan & my husband ordered the Chicken Parmesan. It tasted like my sauce came straight out of the can, not fresh at all. The Eggplant & Chicken were flavorless. If you'd had Italian food at any place other than the Valley, this place is not acceptable. If you grew up here, you've had no other choices, so you would love it. read more

Lack of light, I needed my phone light to read the menu. The food is overpriced for a regulate plate of spaghetti. Why does the chicken in the fettuccine alfredo taste so much like limon? Do not recommend. read more

I'm a gourmet Italian food connoisseur. I got married in Italy and drove over 2000 miles through the countryside to try the finest restaurants. So I know authentic. Grasso's is not for someone looking to match that or find the best ingredients or most unique flavors. This place is an Imperial Valley tradition. You go in and order what you know you like and talk with everyone in the place while you're at it. It's unpretentious, intimate, predictable, and just plain fun. I'm never disappointed in the food or service. This is an American-style neighborhood Italian joint. Family owned and operated. They know your name, they know what you like, and they do it well. If you don't go in expecting something else, you'll keep going back. read more

Why all the haters? Is it authentic Italian cuisine? No, but no one is saying it is. Is it one of EC's best and delicious? Yes. I love Grasso's and although I'm grateful I don't live in El Centro anymore I often wish I could have a Grasso's in my hood. If your not from EC you probably wouldn't understand why we love it. Personally I love the huge portions. The bread is to die for and the owners treat you like your familia. read more

Like others I found the food marginal. I ordered the child's portion of spaghetti (to go) and they charged $7 for a Chinese food container of spaghetti. They made $6.50 profit on that meal. The garlic bread (I thought it came with the meal) was another $4. Absolute rip for the money. I have been to grasso's for many years. Thought I would give it a new try. This is my last visit. read more

This appears to be mexicans making frozen italian food. Pasta is over cooked and runny, portions are too big- which conceals the problem with quality. The tomato sauce is pumped out of a can, runny and not seasoned. If you know italian Food then just go get a burger at burgers and beer, this italian ain't good. It is for people in the area that just don't know better. Good service, old looking clean restaurant. I won't ever go back. Granted I was born in new york and both my parents are from Italy. read more

Very disapointed. There is a lot of in-town hype about this restaurant but it failed to live up to its reputation. The food is average and nothing like traditional Italian food. The restaurant is small and the additional seating is a four season room, badly done. read more

The food is great but why is it that every time I go I always spend more then 50$ for just two people and that's not including the tip. But when I go to Carino's it's half the price, that's why I only go twice a year if that. read more

Always reminds me of growing up in the Valley- Still great comfort food. Blows places like Olive Garden and Carino's out of the water. If you're looking for Americanized Italian Grasso's is the place. Garlic Bread is tasty and flavorful, their Salad and salad dressing is still the most unique and best. Fried Chicken and Spaghetti and Pizza is just different and delicious. I've lived in New York City, LA and traveled through Italy. Grassos is not fine dinning by any means but its still the Valley's best Italian, comfort food. I'm not comparing it to other fine Italian restaurants but the tastes are truly unique and belong to Grassos. It continues to be a Valley tradition. Hank and his parents are the nicest people you'll find and Mary still works her heart out giving everyone such great service. read more

To be fair the ambiance is good. It's supposed to be fine Italian dining. I had the over priced $14.00 spaghetti which was nothing more then canned sauce and noodles. Come on I'm not even Italian and I could make spaghetti and garlic bread a 100 times better without even thinking about it. I wanted to Literally run home and make a quick batch of sauce to enlighten what real spaghetti sauce should consist of and taste of. I'll do it one of these days. But sorry Olive Garden or Carrabas would be a much better taste and bang for the buck.... read more

I agree with G.F. This place is truly amazing. When I lived back home in El Centro this was the place to eat if you had a craving for Italian food. Mainly cause it was the only Italian Restaurant in the county. Then Johnny Carinos came into town and still Grasso's is by far some of the best Italian Food that I've had. I love Grasso's, especially cause they're restaurant looks like it used to be an old house from the early to mid 1900's. Its a small place and usually have to call and reserve a spot. The service is also great. They're only open during the evenings on certain days of the week. read more

Another one of my favorite local spots, I absolutely love their linguine with clam sauce. My wife goes for their Fried Chicken, believe it or not, they make damm good fried chicken! They say the gizzards are also good, but I'll pass and take their word for it. Great family atmosphere in the rear, and a nice little quieter dining in the front. Same Decor and ambiance, as I remember from many years past.... A definite local hangout! read more

Very classic, Italian-American. It was like going back in time to 1950. Super-friendly host, good service. Food was good and predictable. I had the manacotti -- nice -- melty cheese. Had some zin, house salad and soup. May be the best restaurant in El Centro. read more

Reasonable prices, delicious food, and great cozy atmosphere. Can see why it's so popular!

We go here for the friendly service, the pizza (thin crust), the garlic bread and the salad. We love it here and always enjoy our outing.

Nice Italian dining. Great loyalty from the locals. They seem to have grown up with the restaurant as part of their family memories, so the experience is more about sentiment than dining. A lovely and wonderful place for families. read more

Tried the take out sausage/fresh mushroom pizza and found it inedible. The thin crust is tasteless, the mushrooms tasted gamey, and the finely crumbled sausage tasted like hamburger. Obviously the locals are nostalgic for this place. It certainly has zero ambiance. I agree with another reviewer who stated that one would be better advised to keep on driving to Little Italy in San Diego and visit Buon Appetito. Lastly, $15 for a small, tasteless pizza? read more

Overpriced, food quality is barely decent, and the service was poor. Tables are seated so close it is very inconvenient to get to your table. read more

Our favorite place in El Cento for Italian food. Their garlic bread is the best! Nice variety of pastas, pizzas, steak, and seafood. Family-owned, friendly staff. Homemade salad dressing is delicious. Portions here are huge - you won't leave here hungry and you'll have leftovers to take home. read more

My parents have been taking me here for years and it's the best Italian restaurant I've ever been!!! I really recommend everything !!!

Not a fan, if you have had good Italian food then this place will leave you disappointed. Everybody around here raves about this place, but it is sub-standard and the dishes lack great flavors. Everything seemed soggy or greasy. read more

I'm still kicking myself for living in the Valley for so many years and never trying this place out! Seriously, don't waste your time and money at Carino's or Olive Garden. The food here was delicious and the staff very sweet. read more

As I'm sitting here at home with an empty stomach, wishing I was eating a giant plate of Grasso's chicken parmigiana, I come to the realization that I haven't yet posted a review of my favorite restaurant ever so- here it goes. I had my first Grasso's trip when I was only 6 years old accompanied by my father, mother and older sister. We sat in the front room which I immediately fell in love with even as a child. The ambiance and lighting were perfect and my sister and I felt "fancy" being there and sipping on our Shirley Temples. Before we received our entrees we each had a salad and soup as well as a basket of garlic bread. I immediately was obsessed with their minestrone. The best part is dipping the garlic bread in the minestrone! After we finished our soup, salad, and bread and we thought we couldn't possibly have room for more food we were brought our entrees and well... we made room. I ordered the chicken parmigiana and to this day it is my favorite food of all time. Fifteen years later and my family continues to eat at Grasso's a few times a year and we eagerly look forward to it whenever we make a reservation. If you haven't tried Grasso's you don't know what you're missing! It's a little pricey but the amount of food you get guarantees leftovers and nothing beats Grasso's leftovers. ;) read more

Love!! Everything is amazing!! My family loves to eat here;) the garlic bread and linguini with white clam sauce is a must!

Great atmosphere , great service and great food ! Love these people ! Best salad , garlic bread , fettuccini, fried shrimp, chicken Parmesan, raviolis and pizzas !! read more

Great food and friendly service! Hidden jem forsure! The garlic bread is a must here. Thanks for keepin' it classy Grassos

This is *not* traditional Italian dining - more like Italian-inspired, but still a really good place, especially for the pizza, which is cooked in unusual deep-dish concave pans and is *extremely* delicious. Add to that the truly wonderful, family-oriented atmosphere, and it's a real hard offer to refuse! read more

This place is delicious! My bf and i are new to the imperial valley and did not feel like carinos or olive garden so he suggested this place! It was quaint yet pretty busy for a Wednesday evening. The food was amazing! He got a shrimp pasta and i got the veal parm but the real star of the night was the garlic bread. It is amazing!! A couple bottles if wine later and he and i decided this is our newest place to eat!! Loved it. read more

I love the Food there, Actually drove from Orange County California with my wife checked in to the Holiday Inn, Did some shopping across the Border then a few drinks at Bull Dogs after which we had a great dinner at Grasso's and finished off the evening at Bull Dogs again which was great as it was walking distance from the Hotel. Great way to kill a weekend! read more

Much better than the Olive Garden that opened in Greater El Centro. Decent food, a little pricey, but lots to eat. It'll make you two meals. Very friendly staff. read more

I spent a lot of time in Italy and I can honestly say this is not real Italian food. This place has been a local staple for eons in the valley. Very pricey for the quality, though I admit the ambiance has a quaint appeal. I really like the pizza with all the garlic and jalapenos, however, this is not real, or traditional Italian pizza, which traditionally has a thin unleavened crust. None the less, it is really good and I like the chewy and greasy texture, this mixed with the garlic and peppers makes for a great meal. Although a bit pricey, this is the only dish that I would fork over $20 for at this restaurant. read more

Saying that it's the best Italian Restaurant in El Centro is like saying that your the strongest person on your debate team. Like someone said the food is predictable,,,, however the check is not. Overpriced and a middle of the road attempt towards American versions of Italian food. If your driving from anywhere USA to El Centro for Italian food then you have serious problems. And come on? 3/4/5 star ratings from people in San Diego? Do you have any clue that there's a Little Italy on India Street? Go to Buon Appetito there and then write your reviews of Italian cuisine off that place. I'm not trying to pass as an expert in food but I do know what italian food should taste like considering that I am 100% Italian and travel to and from Italy yearly to visit relatives along with having a very culinistic background. I've seen better versions of pizza at chucky cheese and better garlic bread at little caesars and their main dishes are so very poorly put together. Locals seem to back this place because it's a tradition. I think it's more because when the carne asada runs out options are very limited and a blind eye seems to overshadow your palates judgement. read more

Typically we enjoy the food here and visit a few times each year when we drive from San Diego to Glamis or AZ. Hands down they do have the best garlic bread, soup, and salad. over the last few visits the entrees have declined in quality yet prices continue to go up and up. Steaks are $29.... Tonight the water had a very funny taste, so much so that it in turn made the iced tea taste funny. When ordering salad, my husband asked if they happened to have blue cheese dressing, the gal said no but they did have blue cheese crumbles, would he like some, he said yes, she said I'll bring them on the side for you. Lasagna which is typically good, did not taste "right" either, had funny taste. Upon receiving the check we noticed a charge for $5 for a full cup of blue cheese, of which my husband sprinkled one teaspoon on to his salad. we were shocked with the amount and quantity of blue cheese given for the dinner salad. we should have been informed of the amount when ordering, it was "offered" to us, not presented as if there would be a charge, and $5? could have charged $1 and put some crumbles on the salad for us. tonight we left with literally a "funny" taste in our mouths. not sure it will a spot we stop at any more. Bummer because El Centro doesn't have many good high end restaurants. read more

Their best dishes just barely escape being nasty-tasting. The rest are inedible. Minnestrone from a can: really? Don't try to tell me it's not, because I recognize Campbell's when I taste it. And somebody teach the 'cook' to strain their pasta properly. Every time I've been dragged there, my dish looks like it could double as a jacuzzi for pasta. The taste is pretty close to jacuzzi water too, if you added about a cup of salt to each portion. The salads are over-dressed to a criminal degree and it's not even decent dressing! It's a tiny place, with tables crammed in to accommodate the customers who flock there (I think out of habit). If you like being poked, bumped or banged around every time some breathes deeply, then come on over. You may want a blind fold so's not to see the place. It looks the same as it did twenty years ago when it was decorated in extreme Kountry Kitsch or Die. If you've got asthma be sure to stay away from the dust repositories known as curtains and plastic flower-things. To top it all off, they charge too much, even if the food were good. read more

Food was okay but way over priced. Rarely go back. Cheese bread it's all that and they force you to try it and then charge you. Took over an hour last time to get food. read more

This restaurant has been an Imperial Valley landmark for over 40yrs. Most "valley people" love this place and believe it is true authentic Italian food. Sorry, not the case but that doesn't mean they don't have good plates of food. You have to try the galic bread and salad. Those two items are simply the best things on the menu. The only two dinners I would reccommend are the lasagna or fettucini ala Liz. read more

Stopped by on Saturday nite with 10 other flying buddies. Wanted some comfort food after a long airshow day. With 11 crazy airshow pilots & crew they made quick work of seating us. The minestrone soup was my favorite by far! Got the Lasagne for my main dish, good flavor but too much cheese. Nice side salads and the servers always kept our drinks full! Very friendly and efficient staff and this is now our new yearly tradition since we had a bad experience at our usual Mexican restaurant. Thanx Grasso's for a good meal! read more

Great Italian food and service. My only knock on the place is the price. For a mexican beer, an eggplant parmigiana, antipasto salad (basically a dinner salad with a few pieces of thin salami/pepperoni) you will shell out $36.25. Way too pricey for the level of quality. Great food, not cuisine nor fine dining. Love the owners, the service personnel, and the down home charm. read more

Grasso's serves the best fried chicken i have ever tasted. I love the combination of spaghetti and chicken. Their salad dressing is delicious too. Carino's can not compare to the food from Grasso's! read more