Grotto Pizza debuts new menu items that fuse flavors

Pizza with a signature swirl is Grotto Pizza’s best-known dish, of course. But the Rehoboth Beach-based restaurant group’s menu is extensive, and new items this summer have pleasantly surprised some guests.

For instance, diners can start their meal with shiitake mushroom pot stickers – tidy packages of savory mushrooms, carrots and cabbage wrapped in a dumpling and fried until crisp.

“Many of our guests love to cross culinary borders, and the pot stickers have become incredibly popular in a short time,” said Jeff Gosnear, vice president of Grotto Pizza, which was founded in 1960 in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Also new is a spinach-and-artichoke dip, a satisfying blend of spinach, artichokes, and parmesan, Romano and cheddar cheeses served with house-made garlic-parmesan flatbread. New appetizers also include lightly crispy fried cheese ravioli served over marinara sauce.

“Our new items represent our continuing mission to provide our customers with interesting flavor profiles,” Gosnear said.

Meanwhile, the bestselling bruschetta appetizer is now served with garlic-parmesan flatbread.

“It’s a nice, easy-to-hold platform for the marinated tomatoes, basil, garlic and onions,” Gosnear said. “Plus, the flatbread is absolutely delicious.”

Dusted with parmesan, the golden-brown ravioli dish is perfect for sharing or as a light lunch, he added.

Signature items still include the generously sized antipasto, a refreshing mix of meats and cheese on salad greens, and Verdi Boli. Italian for green, “verdi” refers to the stuffing, which includes spinach marinated in extra virgin olive oil and cheese.

Grotto Pizza is also celebrated for award-winning jumbo chicken wings. Sauces include mild, hot, honey BBQ, sweet red chili, sweet garlic-soy sauce, and the Signature Grand Slam Sauce with hot sauce, garlic, butter and blue cheese.

And there is always the legacy dish – pizza. Options include the traditional with the swirl of sauce, and specialty pizzas covered in fresh toppings and melted cheese. Gluten-free crust is also available.

Grotto Pizza currently has 23 locations in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit grottopizza.com.