Hidden on the fringes of the Lower East Side and Chinatown a set of stairs bring you into a cozy space, filled with the scent of herbs, freshly prepared foods and hospitality.
Inspired by many summers in the south of Italy and the typical small island restaurants we turned an inconspicuous lower eastside souterain into a small cozy osteria with a romantic garden in the midst of our frenzied city. In 2003 “Grotto” was born. Amrei Schmitt-Fumian (proprietor) has applied her extensive culinary expertise and many of the recipes originally prepared by her grandmother to create a Mediterranean and Southern Italian inspired menu with an urban zest. Since its first baby steps “Grotto” has grown into a brimming neighborhood stronghold that welcomes the regulars as well as visitors from far away. Many reputable media outlets have discovered and featured Grotto since its opening days (press). In 2004 husband David Wiesner and Amrei Schmitt-Fumian founded the high-end catering company Monterone to compliment Grotto’s menu as well as to provide a wider range of services to their expanding clientele.

The Propietors

Amrei Schmitt-Fumian:
Born in Munich, Germany; she has been a professional interior architect in New York for over 13 years with extensive experience in the retail, residential, and hospitality Design.

David Wiesner:
Born in Munich, Germany, a trained musician with an MBA in music entertainment he has performed for over 20 years world wide and has produced music for a wide variety of international advertising campaigns, records and TV-shows.

Steven Gaetjen:
A well known German TV host and producer and most of all a dear friend of Amrei and David’s, Steven has been an integral part in realizing the expansion of Grotto.