Floods of messages have poured in after La Grotta in Broadmead announced it would be serving its last meal this week. The family-run Italian restaurant on Union Street is to close today (Saturday, June 3) after almost 50 years.
"After over 50 years of trading from our Union Street home, we are closing. From life as the Bali and my Papa Alfonso being waiter, to La Grotta as it is today, we have met amazing people and staff," the restaurant said in a statement.
La Grotta - which means cave in Italian - claimed to be one of Bristol's oldest restaurants pairing traditional Italian cooking and a welcoming atmosphere. It has been run by the same family for the past 35 years - having previously been called The Bali - and was often used as a space for events, parties and celebrations for diners over the years.
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Many regulars rushed to book a table to score one last meal at the family-run Italian restaurant. It was known for its freshly made pizzas, traditional pasta dishes and weekly cheesecake specials.
BristolLive readers have shared their memories of the restaurant over the years and thanked the staff for the good times had. Web user gilera man said: "Sad for me, I built it, along with other Italian restaurants three Bottelinos. An end to an era served good food."
On Facebook, Mark ES wrote: "I remember visiting over 40 years ago with my Dad who knew the owners. There was a Greek waiter there and I had the best chips ever."
Sharon Watkins said: "So so sad, had my 21st there many moons ago."
Ian Smith commented: "Fantastic restaurant ran by lovely welcoming people thank you you'll be missed cracking Italian amazing food." Lorraine Browne added: "Sad news to our family. We all loved the best pizza in Bristol there... Had the best times there and many of them."
Richard Perrett said: "Sorry to read La Grotta closing, been going there for over 45 years. Traditional recipe for Spaghetti Bolognaise still our favourite."
La Grotta's last day of service is on Saturday, June 3, 2023
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