RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - A new culinary destination has officially opened its doors in Rio Linda, bringing a fusion of Italian and American comfort food to the community. 

The Grotto, tucked away at 960 Oak Lane in Mar Val Plaza, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 16. 

Many community members attended the grand opening, including Rio Linda Lions Club members, Rio Linda- Elverta Chamber of Commerce members and new District 4 Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez. 

The Grotto is the project of Natalee Price, a Rio Linda native and current Citrus Heights resident, who has remained an active Rio Linda community member. Price was recently a judge in the Rio Linda Christmas Light Parade and is involved in many community organizations, including the Antelope Lions Club. She and her husband, Jeremy, own A Taste of Tuscany restaurant in Antelope, leading her into the endeavor of creating a restaurant in Rio Linda that reflects the town’s values of warmth and community.

Flanked by balloons and coworkers, Price spoke at the ribbon-cutting and thanked those who supported her journey to open a restaurant. 

“I was the brains and the heart behind The Grotto, but like all good things in life, nobody can do it alone,” Price said. “I have a beautiful team.” 

Price thanked Rio Linda Lions Club Secretary Gene Kypke, who was sporting a Grotto T-shirt. Kypke, whom Price called a “fixologist,” played a crucial role in the restaurant’s opening by helping Price with numerous tasks. 

“He takes the dream and makes it happen,” Price said, tearing up. “And that is what Mr. Kypke has done for me. This dream would not be here if wasn’t for the time that this man dedicated for my family in building this.”

Lastly, Price thanked the Sheet family for their financial support in opening a restaurant. 

“A dream takes a community,” Price said. “God was telling me that I was supposed to be here, and we didn’t have a way financially to make this happen but a member of your community stepped up and said, ‘I believe in you.’” 

Lastly, Supervisor Rodriguez presented Price with a plaque of recognition from Sacramento County, marking Rodriguez’s first ribbon-cutting as a county supervisor. 

“I know how hard it is to open a business,” Rodriguez said. “I wish you all the best.”

Once the ribbon was cut, the restaurant opened for business and tables immediately began to fill. Inside The Grotto, visitors are greeted by friendly staff and a sign defining what “grotto” means: “a grotto is a small cave, the kind of place where you feel comfortable, cozy, and protected from the harsh realities outside.” 

The Grotto menu offers a wide array of dishes that combine the best of Italian and American food favorites. Guests can enjoy individual and shareable appetizers, flatbread pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, hearty pasta dishes and flavorful entrees. An early Grotto favorite is the Shrimp Michaelangelo, mentioned by Chamber of Commerce members. For those with a sweet tooth, a selection of desserts is available. 

“Comfort food, elevated” is The Grotto’s tagline, referring to the restaurant's unique approach to traditional dishes.

According to Price, The Grotto’s beer and wine application has not yet been approved, so it is currently an alcohol-free restaurant but that is subject to change. 

More than just a place to eat, The Grotto aims to be a hub of community activity. 

The restaurant's website describes it as “a full-service restaurant serving a fusion of Italian and American comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. More than a dining room, we are a difference room. Whether you come for the eclectic food, the loving service, the comforting ambiance, or one of our memory-making open mic nights, when you support The Grotto, you are supporting our philanthropic community efforts.”

According to Kypke, the restaurant plans on having frequent live music and open-mic performances on the indoor stage. 

The Grotto is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, to view the full menu or to inquire about employment, residents can contact The Grotto at 916-238-4063 or its website at https://thegrotto.restaurant/.