Rio Linda is about to welcome a brand-new addition to its culinary scene. The Grotto, an Italian-American comfort food restaurant, is set to open in the MarVal Plaza, marking a significant milestone for the community. The restaurant is the brainchild of Natalee and Jeremy Price, owners of the highly regarded A Taste of Tuscany in Antelope.
A Homecoming for Natalee Price
For Natalee, this is more than just a business venture—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in Rio Linda, she attended Elverta Elementary and Alpha Middle School before spending her freshman year at Rio Linda High School in 1997. Her family moved to Missouri following the tragic death of Michelle Montoya, but Natalee found her way back to the Sacramento area after graduating in 2000.
She now lives in Citrus Heights, where she serves on the city’s planning commission and is an active member of the Antelope Lions Club. But her heart has always been with Rio Linda, a place she describes as uniquely tight-knit.
“People here take the time for each other,” Natalee shared. “You walk into Creekside Diner, and you’ll see someone sitting alone with a cup of coffee, and before long, others join in. That sense of community is what I love. These are my people.”
The Vision for The Grotto
The Grotto is designed to be a cozy yet versatile space, equally suited for family dinners, date nights, or post-football celebrations. “I want this to be a place where you can grab an appetizer and a beer after work or celebrate homecoming in a nice setting without having to drive out of town,” Natalee said.
With booth seating that can be expanded for larger gatherings and plans for live performances, storytelling nights, and community events, The Grotto is poised to become a hub for Rio Linda residents.
The positive ideas flowed during our hour-long discussion- Al fresco Sunday Brunch, bringing in the RLHS Jazz Band and Choir for performances and sharing the revenue, inviting local churches to bring their congregation to The Grotto for an early Sunday service before opening for Sunday brunch. “And I want to do a Soul Sunday, I want a gospel choir in here on Sunday. A gospel brunch.” says Natalee.
The Menu: Comfort Meets Diversity
While the menu has roots in Italian cuisine, it’s been thoughtfully expanded to include a wide variety of dishes to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Alongside pizza and pasta, you’ll find options like shepherd’s pie, Brie and apple paninis, and Osso Buco. The Prices have worked hard to ensure there’s something for everyone, from carnivores to vegans, and everything in between.
“My background in cultural anthropology really influenced the menu,” Natalee explained. “I wanted to reflect the diversity of people and their preferences. Whether it’s providing fish on Fridays or avoiding pork in certain dishes, the goal is inclusivity.”
Although brunch isn’t part of the initial rollout, it’s in the pipeline, with plans to feature items like Natalee’s favorite dish: strata—a savory bread pudding with sausage, caramelized onions, and a custardy base.
Overcoming Challenges
Opening The Grotto hasn’t been without its hurdles. Natalee had initially hoped for a “walk-in ready” space but quickly discovered that the reality was far from that. From broken floorboards and tiles to outdated equipment, the renovation process has been painstaking.
Another challenge has been navigating Sacramento County’s permitting process. “I can’t just order equipment and install it,” she explained. “I have to submit specs, wait for approval, and then have inspectors come out to confirm everything.” Despite these delays, the restaurant is now in the final stages of health permitting, with hopes of opening in January.
Hiring and Building a Team
Natalee is carefully assembling her team, aiming to hire five to eight employees for both the front and back of the house. Pay will range from $17 to $20 per hour, depending on experience and position.
“I want upbeat, positive people,” she said. “I’m a ‘Positive Polly,’ and I work best with people who share that energy. I’m also bringing over my executive chef from Taste of Tuscany, Jonni Lutz, who’s not only culinary-trained but also shares my passion for creating comforting, high-quality food.”
Community Focus
Natalee envisions The Grotto as more than just a restaurant; she wants it to be a resource for the community. The restaurant will close on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow the space to be used for events, fundraisers, and other gatherings.
During the pandemic, Natalee and her team at Taste of Tuscany partnered with local organizations to feed over 10,000 people. She hopes to bring that same spirit of giving to Rio Linda. “When a community comes together, great things happen,” she said.
Looking Ahead
While there are no plans for major promotional events at the start, Natalee is excited about the ribbon-cutting ceremony and soft openings for friends, family, and key community members.
“Opening night is for my immediate circle—people who will forgive us if something goes wrong,” she joked. “The next soft opening will be for Rio Linda locals, and after that, we’ll go all out with a big ribbon-cutting event.”
Natalee and Jeremy Price are pouring their hearts into making The Grotto a place that reflects the best of Rio Linda: warmth, resilience, and community spirit. Whether it’s a meal after a long day or a celebration of life’s milestones, The Grotto promises to be a restaurant where memories are made.
The Grotto is currently selling VP gift vouchers that fit nicely in a Christmas stocking or holiday greeting card. You can find out more by visiting the website at https://thegrotto.restaurant/ or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568599739069
The Grotto is located at the former Papa’s Pizzaria/Famous Pizza location at 960 Oak Lane in Rio Linda, at the MarVal Plaza.
