Grotto Ristorante Westheimer

A warm and inviting upscale trattoria, Grotto serves authentic Southern Italian cuisine, specializing in traditional dishes from the Bay of Naples. This lively restaurant is set in the style of a contemporary villa, with brick arches, polished wooden beams and star-like lighting. Festive wall murals depict diners and masqueraders enjoying food and friends at the seaside.

The center of the room is occupied by Il Forno, the wood burning pizza oven, and Grotto's huge antipasto display. Antipasti are ordered per person and include your choice of vegetables, cheeses, shellfish and salami.

The menu reflects seasonal availabilities of the freshest ingredients from Italy and Houston and features an impressive array of fish, chicken, veal, shellfish and beef dishes. For a taste of old Napoli, try the ciambatta di frutti di mare, a traditional shellfish stew in an herbed pomodoro sauce. Save room for a sweet treat, like the strawberry and ricotta angel-food bombe.

• Named one of Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurants in America (1990).