cuisine
Grassa Gramma Ristorante Italiano
TO P 5 D I N I N G
Ciao Down! Often ranked as the top national fare polled in the United States and worldwide, Italian food is comforting and familiar. These local ristorantes take this beloved cuisine to the next level in atmosphere, preparation, service, presentation, and flavor. Discover a new local favorite or get the latest update on a tried-and-true Louisville classic. Mangia! BY DAWN ANDERSON | PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEX ANDER
74 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
In January 2019, brand marketing expert and restaurateur Kevin Grangier added Grassa Gramma in Holiday Manor to his Belle Noble portfolio of Louisville restaurants, including The Village Anchor and Le Moo Steak House. Grassa Gramma translates to “plump grandma” and speaks to the familial love and the work that goes into Italian cooking, as exemplified by the matriarchal Italian grandmother, or Nonna. The restaurant serves authentic northern and southern Italian dishes among its dazzling art decor, tapestries, and marble reminiscent of old-world Italy. For example, the bar features a salvaged 18th-century Gothic church altarpiece. Grassa Gramma servers have extensive training in Italian food and wine. In addition to Executive Chef Ben Notess, Grassa Gramma’s pasta, pizza, and pastry chefs all work in-house. Owner Kevin Grangier selected some main dishes he likes to recommend this time of year. The Spaghetti & Meatballs has three of their famous meatballs atop hand-made spaghetti and San Marzano Pomodoro sauce. “Seven layers of house-made pasta and Ragù alla Bolognese spiked with house sausage and ricotta” make up the decadent Lasagna. The Sous Vide 8-oz Filet Mignon is served with crispy Tuscan potatoes, asparagus, and bordelaise. Be sure to ask about their featured ravioli as well!
