Grotta Azzurra

- 8505 21st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214

Grotta Azzurra is a name with deep roots in New York City’s Italian dining landscape, and the Bensonhurst location in Brooklyn carries on a proud tradition of serving honest, high-quality Italian cuisine. While the original Grotta Azzurra in Little Italy dates back to 1908, the Bensonhurst establishment, located at 8505 21st Ave, has firmly cemented its own reputation as a beloved neighborhood institution since opening its doors in 1987.

More than just a pizza shop, Grotta Azzurra in Bensonhurst is a full-service Italian kitchen specializing in the kind of generous, flavorful comfort food that makes New Yorkers feel right at home. It’s a place where tradition meets everyday value, providing a dependable and delicious meal whether you're craving a quick slice or a full-course dinner. The restaurant's longevity in the vibrant Bensonhurst community is a testament to its commitment to quality ingredients, substantial portions, and friendly service.

For over three decades, this local gem has been the go-to spot for families, groups, and solo diners seeking authentic Italian flavors without the fuss. The menu is comprehensive, covering all the staples of classic Italian-American cuisine, from crispy-crusted pizzas and legendary heroes to baked pastas and satisfying dinner platters. Patrons often remark on the warmth of the atmosphere and the helpful, attentive staff, making every visit a pleasant experience.

When New Yorkers think of great neighborhood Italian food, they often think of an unpretentious spot that delivers on taste and value—Grotta Azzurra fits this description perfectly. The commitment to a fresh product is evident, from the well-prepared pizza crusts to the generous portions of pasta dishes like the beloved Spaghetti and Meatballs. It’s a cornerstone of the Bensonhurst dining scene, continuously serving up slices of Italy right in the heart of Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

Grotta Azzurra Pizzeria and Restaurant is strategically located in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, New York, making it easily accessible for local residents and those visiting the area. The restaurant can be found at: 8505 21st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA. The location benefits from being in a high-traffic neighborhood, ensuring it is a convenient stop for lunch or dinner.

For diners planning to visit, the restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere. The dining area includes several tables for those who wish to eat on-site. Accessibility is a key feature, as the establishment offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. While the neighborhood is busy, paid street parking is available, catering to those who drive to the location.

The core of the business revolves around traditional Italian-American cuisine, specifically a pizza restaurant format that has been cherished by the local crowd for years. The atmosphere is generally casual, perfect for a mid-day quick bite or a relaxed family dinner.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal at one of the restaurant's available tables in a casual, cozy atmosphere.
• Takeout: Orders can be picked up directly from the restaurant.
• Delivery: Conveniently receive food at home or work via no-contact delivery and standard delivery options.
• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick and safe order retrieval.
• Catering: Services are available for groups, perfect for local events, parties, or office luncheons.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is popular for both midday and evening dining.

Features / Highlights

• Local Landmark Since 1987: A long-standing, family-run institution in the Bensonhurst, Brooklyn community.
• Extensive Menu Variety: Offers a wide range of Italian-American comfort food, including a full selection of pizzas, calzones, heroes, pastas, and dinner platters.
• Customer-Favorite Heroes: Noteworthy menu items include the generously-sized Chicken Parmigiana Hero and other hero options like the classic Philly Cheesesteak Hero, Sausage and Pepper Hero, and Veal Cutlet Parmigiana Hero.
• Signature Pasta Dishes: Popular pasta options feature homemade classics such as Lasagna, Stuffed Shells, and the creamy Penne Alla Vodka.
• Authentic New York Pizza: Serves traditional Classic Cheese Pies and Sicilian 'Square' Pies, alongside specialty options like the Grandma Pie and Vodka Sauce Pie.
• Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a relaxed dining environment that is good for kids, groups, and solo dining.
• High-Value Portions: Customers frequently praise the large amount of food provided for the price, ensuring a satisfying meal.
• Accessibility: Features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating to accommodate all guests.
• Quick Bite Options: Perfect for a fast, delicious meal with options like the Cheese Slice, Stuffed Knot, and Baby Pizza.

Contact Information

Address: 8505 21st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA

Phone: (718) 265-3659

What is Worth Choosing at Grotta Azzurra

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of neighborhood Italian food, Grotta Azzurra in Bensonhurst offers a wealth of options that are worth the trip. The establishment has built its reputation on three key pillars: classic pizza, hearty heroes, and filling pasta and dinner platters. These offerings embody the definition of Italian comfort food, prepared with consistency and care. A plain cheese pizza pie here is often cited as having an excellent, well-prepared, and crisp crust—a benchmark for any great Brooklyn pizzeria. Ordering the Classic Cheese Pie is the essential starting point to appreciate their foundational excellence in pizza making.

Beyond the pies, the hero sandwiches are legendary for their size and filling, with the Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana Hero being a standout item. Customers consistently note that the hero sandwiches are served on a large Italian bread, perfectly housing the delicious fillings. For those craving a full meal, the dinner platters and pasta dishes are highly recommended. The Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic choice, featuring a generous portion of pasta. Other popular items that reflect the menu's diversity and quality include the Stuffed Shells, Lasagna, and the creamy, savory Penne Alla Vodka. The Chicken Cutlet Parm Dinner and Veal Cutlet Parmigiana also offer a hearty, satisfying dining experience. The value proposition here is strong, as repeat customers frequently comment on the generous size of the portions, ensuring a great meal at a reasonable price. Whether you’re grabbing a quick Vodka Slice or sitting down for an Eggplant Parm Dinner, Grotta Azzurra delivers a reliable and delicious piece of Brooklyn’s Italian heritage.

Grotta Azzurra

8505 21st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA