La Grolla, St. Paul, MN

Decidedly Upscale Food in a Warm,
Inviting Atmosphere

Citysearch Editorial Profile
By Wendy Webb

The Scene

Walk into La Grolla, and you'll feel as though you've stumbled upon a family-owned restaurant in the Tuscan hills - decidedly upscale food in a warm, inviting atmosphere. There's none of the cool pretension you'll find at many other trendy Italian restaurants in the Twin Cities. Instead, you'll get a welcoming feel from the the distressed yellow stucco walls, the long marble bar that invites lingering over a glass of wine, friendly service, and generous portions of food and wine. Dress up or down -- shorts and t-shirts dine alongside the Prada here.

The Food

If there's such a thing as gourmet home cooking, you'll find it here. The kitchen turns out a pleasing mix of adventurous dishes and Italian comfort food. Winners include fork-tender gnocchi in a rich, mild cheese sauce and rigatoni in a hearty tomato sauce, brimming with chicken or beef. An appetizer special, grilled asparagus with polenta, pairs the smoky taste of the grill with a warm, tangy gorgonzola sauce.

Try the specials. Owner-Chef Antonio Tettamanzi is known for whipping up interesting dishes with whatever he has on hand.

Try the restaurant's namesake drink. La Grolla is a "friendship cup," a communal sipping cup that contains coffee and grappa, a traditional Italian liqueur. It's designed to be passed among friends. Read the Citysearch editorial profile >

Chef
Antonio Tettamanzi

La Grolla
452 Selby Avenue
 St. Paul, MN 55102
(Directions to La Grolla)
 (651) 221-1061
Reservations Recommended

Chef Antonio Tettamanzi opened La Grolla in St. Paul in the summer of 2002 with the vision of an inviting, upscale restaurant where patrons felt embraced by the Italian cuisine, surroundings, and staff. His success with La Grolla stems from a lifelong passion for cuisine and knack for creating a relaxed, hip ambiance.

La Grolla Menu >
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