I'm giving an average rating on our experience because of the service. The food was a solid 4.5 to 5 stars. The buffalo mozzarella capresé salad was lovely. The mozzarella was creamy and the tomatoes were perfectly ripe. My husband loved his seafood stew and my fettuccine with tiger prawns was wonderful. The prawns were just touch over done but the fettuccine was a perfectly al denté. The service was 1 star. Our waitress seemed frazzled and was less than attentive. I don't want a server to hover but I don't like having to flag one down either. We shared the capresé salad and had to ask for an extra plate. She rattled off the specials so fast, it made my head spin. She mangled opening the bottle of wine. She seemed much more interested in another table on the patio than waiting on us. When I am spending $100+ on a meal at a supposedly elegant restaurant, I expect much better. One more thing - attention to detail. Have the cleaning staff work on the cobwebs in the corners of the dining room. read more

Perfect date night spot. It's romantic, has great lighting and ambience both inside and out. The outside patio is beautiful and a must on a nice night. The service is wonderful with the staff being attentive and willing to do everything they can to make your night perfect. Don't even get me started on the food. I will never not go there and stuff my face with their bread because it is heaven sent. They have an extensive menu and there's something for everyone there! Being originally from NY, the home of Italian-American food, this was the first Italian spot in Minnesota that won my stamp of approval. By far my favorite restaurant in Minnesota! read more

Their Cartoccio seafood dish is truly outstanding and this is my absolute favorite dish! We also had the CAPESANTE appetizer which from their menu is "Mexican diver sea scallops wrapped in angel hair, lightly deep-fried. Served with lobster sauce and basil oil". This was also amazing. The lobster sauce was very addicting and delicious read more

La Grolla - Their delicious cannolis. Perfect amount of crispy and creamy textures - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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With all of the choices available in the Twin Cities, I can't imagine why anyone would go to La Grolla. The food is not offensive, but nothing imaginative or particularly good. I imagine it is a lot like Olive Garden. And if that were the end of it I would just write this place off as appealing to a certain demographic and leave it at that, but the prices!! The prices rival some of the higher-priced restaurants in town, and that's outrageous. The space is cozy, Italian kitsch -- quite loud. This could be a fun place to get unimaginative comfort food -- if the price were about a third of what it is. read more

I was here last week. Had outdoor reservations due to COVID-19. Was pouring rain outside so I called ahead asking if they had room indoors at 50% capacity and they said yes, there was still room inside. Every single table was full when I was moved inside and the restaurant was operating at 100% capacity with no social distancing measures in place whatsoever. The restaurant did not have a contingency plan for rain, and I would have happily moved my reservations to a different day but I was assured when I called indoor dining would be fine. I anticipated the tables would be 6 feet apart and it would be at 50% capacity. Not at all. It has been a week and I now have an onset of a cough and fever. Getting a coronavirus test tomorrow. The only time I have been in public this week was at La Grolla. Likely this will be the next hotspot you see in newspapers of a restaurant not following CDC guidelines. Stay safe-- don't go here. read more

Didn't have a reservation so we grabbed seats at the bar for dinner. I tend to love sitting at the bar and this experience was pretty good but my main complaint was that it was a tad bit too crowded. We were okay at first until a group waiting for their table came to have drinks and were literally standing over me, I couldn't move. Maybe remove a couple of the chairs to provide more standing room? Overall the atmosphere was nice and our bartender/waitress was good. Our food was also very good but it was missing that je ne ses quoi quality to take it to the level of craveable. I took my leftovers (CAPPELLETTI AI QUATTRO FORMAGGI) home and dressed them up with wilted spinach and some balsamic glaze, that really took it over the top, I would recommend it as an everyday option, yumm. read more

This restaurant reminds me a lot of Topo Gigio in Chicago's Old Town. Without the cute mouse. It's a nice place to spend the evening and I can't wait for the weather to get better and stay better, because I can envision a few nights out on the patio tossing back a few Montepulcianos and eating way too much bread dunked in olive oil. The food is very good. We started out with their Capesante appetizer, which sounds very odd - two scallops coated with a halo of angel hair, then deep-fried and served over a divine buttery lobster sauce with greens and a touch of pesto. Contrary to my husband's doubts, the dish was not greasy or deep-fried-tasting in the least, but really crispy and light. I've spent the last half-hour trying to find a similar recipe online..."capesante" just means "scallops" which is not helpful... I like that they lump together the pasta courses with the secondi piatti, because honestly I just can't do a separate pasta course. (I've tried a five-course Italian meal once and had to repair the button that popped off my pants afterward.) Hubby enjoyed his crab ravioli in lobster cream sauce. I found my halibut special a tad bland, but did enjoy its tomato-olive sauce. We were way too full to tackle dessert, which is reason enough to go back and visit! read more

I waited to write this for more than a week in order to be sure how I felt. To sum up, there was nothing about our experience that would entice us back. The evening started by having to wait over a half an hour to be seated, despite having long standing reservations. I felt it was just an excuse to have us stand up to the bar and spend our money. We were offered the bar more than once instead of being seated on time. Finally getting our seats I was surprised at how crowded we were. I was closer to the next table than I was to my wife! We ordered an appetizer, a salad and an entree. The order in which we received our food was salad, entree, appetizer. Disappointing indeed! I usually order standard food for the type of restaurant on our first visit in order to judge the quality of the chef. Considering the price, the spaghetti bolognese I had was less than average. My wife ordered the grouper. What she got was not grouper. While it might have been a sea bass that is allowed to be called grouper it was not what we might think of as that sweet tasting white fish we enjoy on our trips to Florida. All in all the food was a less than average disappointment. Considering everything, we believe that La Grolla is cashing in on an old reputation and doing everything to squeeze cash from it's customers. We will not return. read more

Yummy food and great service. My only complaint is it's a little on the upscale side so I tend to hang at the bar (which is miniature). Overall tho a cool little spot on selby! read more

I've been twice in the last week, food was spectacular, but both times the waiter would be gone for so long, you'd have to flag him down in transition often finishing our food before he'd could even ask if we were enjoying it . read more

You all are way too good for this. We have never not tipped before but there's a first time. No attention to our order, no care about what we got. Seriously disappointed. We have family dinners here--that won't happen again!!!! read more

Very weird experience on Saturday Sept 29 2018 in mid-afternoon (around 2 pm). Food was excellent, but server came out and announced to restaurant that she had just been fired because she had asked to be paid overtime, that the owner doesn't pay the staff and generally treats them poorly. A few minutes later she came out and announced that the owner was calling the police. I don't know what the "truth" of the matter was but it put a somber end to our meal. read more

Like the other reviews, don't go here if you think COVID is real and would like to stay safe while dining out. Booked a reservation for a Monday night and was told that the first-come-first-served patio would be chill on that day and time. Nope! It was absolutely packed and nobody but the servers was wearing a mask. We immediately felt uncomfortable and unsafe with the sheer volume of people, but it got worse when an entire family stopped to chat for several minutes with another family while standing a foot from us--none of whom were wearing masks. Servers should have politely asked them to move along to maintain six feet of distance between customers per the very clear guidance for restaurants. Their setup kinda misses the point of the 50% capacity rule. While they may have been at 50% or less capacity, EVERYONE was packed into the outdoor seating area. Our server was very nice about it, had noticed the family standing there for too long (just catching up while standing on top of us, like it's not a global pandemic or anything), and gladly put in our order to go, for which we waited on the sidewalk. From the timing of the other reviews, it sounds like maybe La Grolla needs an inspector to come through and remind them of the responsibility they have to their customers if they wish to safely operate during COVID-19 (and beyond). And on top of all of that, the food is meh. It was fine, it was hot, there was a massive amount of it, but it was bland, unsophisticated and highly Americanized. You can do better (and safer) cooking for yourself at home or heading to Broders' or Mucci. read more

Excellent food, great service! The fresh pasta selection alone makes La Grolla St. Paul's finest Italian destination. Try the ravioli di granchio! The outdoor seating is a plus. Indoors felt somewhat cramped and noisy during our visit. If you haven't tried La Grolla you need to make a reservation today. read more

LaGrolla is a marvelous little trattoria on Selby Avenue. The risotto and pastas are delectable, and the bread... well, I could make a meal of just their house bread dunked in olive oil alone. I've never had anything but a wonderful Italian meal at La Grolla. It seems like I always get the same waiter whenever I've been here; I'm not sure of his name, but he's a great waiter-- very attentive, knowledgeable about the food selections, and friendly. The prices are very reasonable. Do try the outdoor patio if it's nice outside. After a wonderful meal, walk one block south and take a walk down Laurel Avenue, which features many swoon-worthy Victorian homes. read more

So I don't love Italian food...I clearly haven't lived the food was phenomenal!!! We had the scallops appetizer, my wife had the crab/shrimp and lobster sauce ravioli, I had the linguine Bolognese. The most outstanding italian food I've had since little Italy in San Diego. Great portions, amazing flavor combinations! Also, the iced tea! Not sure why it's so good, but get the iced tea. read more

Super cute inside seating, patio seating looked nice but I didn't go out there. I got the Fettuccine Alfredo and it was yummy, the noodles were al dente and we're cooked really well. Dinner is served with warm bread. Would definitely come back! read more

Honestly, I'm not sure how this place gets 4 stars. On a recent visit, the service was horrible, slow and in-accurate. Also, who can't split a check for Pete's sake? The food was mediocre at best, the antipasti plate was drab an uninspired, the salami and proccuto (sp) were not very flavorful and could have come from an package. The artichokes, mushrooms, and red peppers tasted like they came from an off the shelf can. The veal scallopinii Picata was nearly flavorless. I could go on, but you think I get the point. I will not return. read more

My husband and I went on a whim (we don't get out much) and called to find out they had a cancellation that just came in. The host and hostess greeted us immediately with a friendly smile and sincere welcome. We were seated in the front which is pretty tight but we weren't going to complain as people were packing in quickly (Busy restaurant means good food). If a restaurant isn't busy at prime time, walk out immediately. You may as well had them your money and walk out because you will be disappointed. My husband ordered the special which was all the fresh seafood in house and I ordered the Spaghetti Puttanesca. Freaking amazing. My husband and I remember how our meals tasted a week later. Delish, delish, delish. Best of all we walked out spending $60 plus a tip. You can spend $60 at Apple Bees. Support a small business and leave loving your full bully not regret it. read more

I went here on a date a few weeks ago on a "spur of the moment" and was very pleased by the food and the service. To be honest we were under dressed and didn't have reservation but they were not too busy that evening. I felt a bit intimidated actually, seeing that I have never been to a restaurant that nice. We got calamari, which was absolutely was amazing I love calamari and was pleased by the breading and the texture but I wish it had been fried a bit crunchier to be honest. Then two different pasta dishes which I found mine to do be good and I believe my date thought his was alright. If I hadn't gone with someone who knew Italian cuisine i probably would have been lost even more than I was. It was an overall good experience and would eat there again. read more

We've been to this restaurant for several 'special occasions' over the years, and it never disappoints. Excellent service and wonderful food. It is hard to hear a table talk to each other on a busy night, however. If you are reserving for a special occasion, I highly recommend calling ahead to request seating that's not in the bar. Thry pack you in REALLY tight, and the people waiting for tables feel like they are practically on top of you. The food (we ALWAYS start with the capesante scallop appetizer) is always top notch. read more

Amazing ambiance so warm and romantic. Farfelle Sanremo was incredible such depth of flavor read more

I think I had a big expectation of this place based on location and the beautiful atmosphere....The food was decent but not among the best Italian I have had and I felt a little crowded with the other people dining as they tend to sit you close to everybody else which could be fun if it was a rowdy place but I think they are trying to create fine dining romantic experience and that just didn't happen for me....You may perhaps see some famous pro athletes (vikings!) eating here because each time I go there I have seen one of them getting their carb on... read more

This place use to be the best...like the best. It has lost it... We have never not tipped...until today...one of two meals edible...service sucked ....use to be the best... read more

Great patio, excellent food and fun staff. I loved the capesante- scallops wrapped in fried angel hair with a lobster sauce. My wife had a strawberry, goat cheese and spinach salad, and lived the wine list. I well definitely be back!! read more

La Grolla - Nice, quaint bar - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Come hungry! We loved our visit to La Grolla. The mussels appetizer was enormously large and quite fishy tasting, but the rest of dinner was fabulous. The patio and ambience is worth a visit in and of itself. read more

The best part of this place is the atmosphere. Inside is beautiful. Their patio is wonderful. For food, I started with the Insalata di spinaci ~ a spinach salad with croutons, goat cheese, and a honey walnut vinaigrette. I loved that you can order a small version of any of the salads to go with an entree (versus just being able to get a garden salad). For my entree, I ordered Farfalle Sanremo (pasta with sausage, sun dried tomato, spinach). My entree was good but nothing completely out of the ordinary. I will say that everyone I was with enjoyed what they ordered. And I took a bite of one of the appetizers (the cepasante) and it was amazing. One issue I did have was that the staff seemed to have issue that my group had 2.5 year old with us. Keep in mind that the kid is cute as can be, and as well behaved as can be...but they staff seemed to have to point everything she did. read more

Had a great birthday dinner tonight! The restaurant was busy, yet our service was great! Christine was a fantastic server and made sure we had everything needed for a wonderful experience. read more

Been coming here for years love ! Always have great service exceptional food brought some friends from out of town the other night they couldn't believe it but they've never heard of this They will be back read more

What a nice place. Most friendliest waitresses we ever meet. Good food, nice place. Will come back.

Fantastic service, food and ambience! Didn't have reservations but called for our group of 10-by the time we walked 2 blocks they had our table set and were prepared for our group! All dishes were delicious and great dining experience! We will be back! Thank you read more

Based on my dinner companion's past experiences here (well over a year ago) I had some modestly good expectations. Starting at the bar while waiting for a table the bartender did a fine job with our drinks (despite not being aware of what liquor was on the shelf behind him), but the problems began when we asked to sit at a table in the bar instead of waiting for a table outside. First off, the hostess said the table we wanted to sit at would be "slow" service, while one two tables away would be much faster. Scratching my head, I recommended the waiter or bartender ask for some assistance. Some observations: 1. We sat at our table for about 15 minutes before anyone came by with menus or water. 2. When I recommended some additional assistance to our server and the hostesses, they replied very nonchalantly that "that's how sitting in the bar works" with no sense of urgency. 3. Our San Pellegrino was dropped off with no glasses 4. The calamari our server said was "the best in town" was greasy, had no flavor, and to be honest I've had better calamari at generic chain restaurants for half the price. We were famished so we ate it. 5. Dishes and glasses were left on the table and not bussed until I went to the bar and asked. 6. The main entrees (halibut special and tagliatelle) were decent, although the bolognese sauce was flavorless. 7. The "best in town" tiramisu was beaten by the Olive Garden frankly in regards to depth of flavor and taste. 8. The bartender appeared to not know his own stock (old overholt rye - which I prefer in a Manhattan vs. Bulleit and Glenmorangie Lasanta). Lastly, I think the main reason for this rating and why I would not return to this establishment is the perceived acceptance of providing subpar service to to its guests. Extremely Disappointing. read more

To rate their food I would say just go to the seventh Row of your cub foods and buy a frozen Italian dinner it would either be better or the same.... let's talk about service Terrible! fingers in our water, glasses were dirty and it took him 15 min to even come over to our table to give us water..... there was only a few patrons in the establishment needless to say it was not a good experience.....ps now I have diarrhea thanks shitolla read more

Wonderful evening at La Grolla for my friends Birthday event. They accommodated everyone (30/40 guest) to the max. Great staff/service, food and decor. Thank you! read more

One of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. Pasta and sauces are all delish, bread is great. Service and the fact that you're a little crammed in the space are my only reasons for giving this 4 stars. I would highly recommend it! read more

We used to go to LG quite frequently when we lived on Cathedral Hill. In the year or so since we were last there, not much has changed, which is both good and bad. First, the good. The room itself is cozy and comfortable. Unlike some otherwise excellent area restaurants, the noise level here is acceptable. A great place for a cool, rainy evening. They've improved the entrance so the wind no longer blows directly into the bar area, which used to be a major issue. The wait staff are pleasant and reasonably efficient. Our reservation (earlyish) was honored on time. The bad isn't really so bad. We had a pasta dish and the zuppa de pesce and some salads. There was noting really wrong with them, but they seemed to lack a certain freshness in execution. Maybe a bit too much salt in the zuppa (and I like salt). The menu seems to be completely unchanged, so maybe they've just gotten bored in the kitchen? Again, nothing terrible here, just not particularly inspiring. I still like LG, but I think it's time for them to pick their game up a notch. read more

Very cool atmosphere and a nice restaurant overall. The service was pretty good but the food took almost 45 minutes to get to the table for me and my date. I ordered the lasagna della nonna but I wouldn't order it again. The food all around me looked delicious though. read more

I've been to La Grolla many times. Typically, the food is very good. I'm a frequently traveerl to Italy and find La Grolla's food on par with my favorite restaurants in Rome. I've only experienced one major disappointment, but every kitchen has an occasional bad service. It has always been the first choice to host birthdays, anniversaries and guests from out of town. My guests have always raved about the food. So why three stars? The uneven service. Service ranges from excellent to mediocre to rude. When the service is good, it's very, very good. When it's rude, it is shocking.. I have multiple stories of really bad service. Everything from a server announcing that she was supposed to go home and really didn't appreciate having to stay and serve us to servers that just disappeared. On our last visit a few weeks ago was an impromptu "I'm don't want to cook, let's go out for dinner" trip. It may be our last. We ordered a bottle of wine. As our server uncorked it, the cork broke. It was dry from poor storage. We refused it and asked for a different bottle. The hostess brought us a second bottle of wine that was completely different than what we had originally ordered and announced that if she uncorked this one we had to buy it. She indicated that she couldn't afford to have us refuse another bottle. Really? If the bottle is bad we still need to pay for it? I don't know if we will go back. I love the food, but it's ridiculous to pay to be treated like a bother. read more

I love this place. Not only is it close to home, but I somehow manage to get a table there when all odds are against it, given the time and day of the week. In the past month, I've taken two friends on separate occasions for last-minute dinners and they both LOVED it. As did I. The service is warm and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy without feeling crowded. And then, there's the food. Please, please try the mussels in the white wine sauce. This is dinner with a nice salad. I finished all my mussels and asked to take the broth home with me. I made an amazing clam chowder with that as the base. My BF had the Zuppa di Pesce which he loved. Unfortunately, he mopped up all the broth with the delicious bread so that couldn't be added to the chowder base. The sacrifices we make for love... My other dining companion order a special ravioli filled with mushrooms and whatnot. She also ended the meal smearing her plate with bread to pick up the last of the sauce. My favorite salad is the Funghi Misti - pan seared mushrooms over arugula. Sooo good. The Roquefort and pear salad is also top notch. I'm reluctant to praise La Grolla so highly because my last minute tables might not be available, but this place deserves it. Please support your independent owner-operated local restaurants! read more

Two couples for dinner. Great ambiance. Had a nice bottle of Tomassi Amarone wine. Three of us ordered fish/seafood, I had the lamb chops. All four dinners were listed as specials for the evening. The best of the four dinners was the seafood risotto. Second place went to the halibut, third to the shrimp Linguine. My lamb was tasty but a bit chewy. Overall, this is a great trendy neighborhood dining spot. read more