The sauce goes on top of the cheese. Not under it, on top, swirled across the whole pie like somebody signed their name in tomato.
That swirl started at a tiny take-out stand back when pizza was a stranger on this stretch of the Delaware coast. The founders handed out free samples, and one of them was only 18.
I love that kind of stubborn start. Giving food away until a whole beach town comes around takes real nerve, and probably a whole lot of dough.
Today the same avenue near the boardwalk still proves that gamble paid off. The menu has grown, the patio welcomes dogs, and the swirl hasn’t budged.
So why does an old-school slice keep pulling people back when there’s good pizza all over the rest of the state?
The Upside-Down Swirl Is The Whole Reason You Came
Most pizza follows a simple rule: sauce first, cheese second. Grotto Pizza flips that order and calls the result its signature swirl.
The sauce lands on top of the cheese in a spiral pattern. You can spot a Grotto pie from across the table, which is handy when you’re hungry and impatient.
Underneath that swirl sits an artisan cheddar cheese, a key part of the recipe. I like that the company names its cheese proudly instead of hiding it behind a vague label.
Why does the order matter so much? Putting sauce on top changes how each bite looks and lands, and it gives the pie a personality all its own.
The brand talks about its legendary taste, and the swirl is the clearest proof of that confidence. It’s been the calling card for decades, and nobody seems interested in changing it.
If you’re new, start with the Traditional before branching out. That way you meet the swirl without toppings stealing the spotlight.
Think of it as a handshake with the pizza. After that, the rest of the menu makes a lot more sense.
An 18-Year-Old Gave Pizza Away Until Rehoboth Said Yes
Back in 1960, pizza was not a household word in this corner of Delaware. That didn’t stop Dominick Pulieri, who was just 18 when he helped start Grotto Pizza.
He launched the business with his brother-in-law Joseph Paglianite and his sister Mary Jean Paglianite. Their first spot was a small take-out stand right on Rehoboth Avenue.
Here’s the bold part. Since few people in the area knew much about pizza, the founders handed out free samples to win folks over.
I can’t imagine many teenagers betting their summer on giving away food. Yet that family plan worked, one sample at a time.
That scrappy beginning explains a lot about the place today. It feels rooted in the town because the town basically learned pizza from it.
Knowing this story makes your slice taste a little more meaningful, at least in spirit. You’re eating a recipe that once had to earn every single fan.
So next time you grab a piece, give a small nod to that teenager and his family. Their stubborn generosity built a beach tradition that’s still going strong.
Steps From The Boardwalk On The Famous Ocean Block
Location is half the fun here. Grotto Pizza sits at 36 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, on the busy stretch locals call the ocean block.
That means the boardwalk is only a short stroll away. You can trade sandy feet for a pizza table without hiking across town.
The shop moved to this spot inside the Arcade Building in 1967. Before that, the original take-out stand operated elsewhere on the same avenue.
So this address has been feeding beachgoers for well over half a century. Not many restaurant addresses can brag about that kind of staying power.
Being downtown also makes it easy to fold into a bigger beach day. Grab lunch, wander the boardwalk, then circle back when hunger strikes again.
Parking near the ocean block can fill up during busy summer stretches. Leaving the car a few blocks away and walking in is often the calmer move.
Honestly, the walk works up a better appetite anyway. By the time you reach the door, that swirl will feel well deserved.
Pick Your Pie And Prepare For A Friendly Table Debate
Ten pizza styles sounds like a lot until your group starts arguing. Suddenly every option has a loyal defender.
The Baker’s Choice is the overachiever of the lineup. It piles on pepperoni, mushrooms, sweet peppers, sausage, onion, garlic, and extra cheese.
Craving something lighter? The Bianco is a white pizza with onion, while the Veggie Bianco and Margherita keep things fresh and simple.
Meat Lovers, Buffalo Chicken, and Hawaiian cover the bold crowd. Wild Mushroom brings an earthier option for anyone tired of the usual suspects.
Then there’s Mama Grotto, a thick, pan-baked, homestyle pizza. It’s a hearty change of pace from the classic swirl pie.
Gluten-free pizza is on the menu too. That’s a big deal for families who usually have to plan around one person’s needs.
My advice is to order one classic and one wild card. You’ll honor tradition and still have something new to talk about.
And if the table can’t agree, that’s what extra pies are for. Nobody ever complained about too many choices at the beach.
Somebody At Your Table Won’t Want Pizza, And That’s Fine
Every group has that one person who orders a burger at a pizza place. Good news: they won’t go hungry here.
The menu stretches far past the pie. Calzones and strombolis, cheekily called Grotto-bolis, give you pizza flavors in a different shape.
Appetizers include fried mozzarella, chicken tenders, traditional and boneless wings, and Beach Fries. That last one practically names itself for a sunburned afternoon.
Sub fans can choose from hot and cold options. Think Italian, Turkey, Tuna, Meatball, Cheesesteak, and Chicken Cheesesteak.
Pasta lovers get spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm and pasta, and pappardelle alfredo. Caesar and Greek salads, soups, burgers, and handheld sandwiches round things out.
Then comes dessert, which is where good intentions usually crumble. Gelato, chocolate lava cake, and cheesecake are all waiting.
I like a menu that keeps the peace at a crowded table. Nobody has to compromise, and the pizza purists stay happy too.
Save room for something sweet if you can. A scoop of gelato makes a cheerful closing act.
Your Dog Gets A Seat At The Patio Too
Four-legged beachgoers deserve pizza views as well. Grotto Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue offers a pet-friendly patio, so your pup doesn’t have to wait at the rental.
That’s a real win during a Delaware beach trip. Leaving a dog alone all evening never feels great, especially on vacation.
The outdoor setup gives you fresh air close to the boardwalk buzz. It’s a relaxed way to eat after a long, salty day.
Bring a leash, a little patience, and maybe a towel for sandy paws. Your fellow diners will thank you for keeping things tidy.
Sitting outside also suits families who like a bit more breathing room. Kids can people-watch while the pizza heads to the table.
I believe the best beach meals feel easy, not fussy. Eating outside with the whole crew, tail included, checks that box nicely.
Just remember that patio seats can go fast on nice days. Arriving a little earlier gives you a better shot at a spot outdoors.
Your dog won’t get a slice, of course. Still, the company is half the treat.
Summer Ends, But The Swirl Keeps Spinning
For its first years, Grotto Pizza closed when the beach crowds left. It ran seasonally, from May through October.
Then fans kept asking for more. In 1974, the business went year-round to meet that demand.
That shift matters if you love the off-season. A chilly November walk downtown can still end with a hot pizza.
Hours are generous too. It opens at 11 a.m. daily and stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 10 p.m. the rest of the week.
So a late lunch, early dinner, or post-sunset snack all work. Beach schedules are unpredictable, and this one plays along nicely.
Here’s a fun bonus fact for your next trivia night. Grotto Pizza was inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame in 2015.
Yes, a pizza hall of fame exists. And yes, a former summer stand from Delaware made it in.
I like knowing a place earned that honor by sticking around. Showing up every season for decades is its own kind of greatness.
Skip The Table And Still Get Your Swirl Fix
Sometimes the beach house couch wins. Thankfully, this location handles takeout and delivery, including orders through DoorDash.
That’s perfect after a long day of sun. Nobody wants to shower, dress, and wait for a table when everyone is tired.
Peak season can bring long lines here. Ordering ahead is a smart way to dodge that crowd and keep the evening moving.
Watching your wallet? The location advertises daily specials like the Value Trio and Lunch Deals.
Frequent visitors can also join the Swirl Rewards Club. If your family vacations here every summer, those visits can add up.
Planning a celebration is another option. The restaurant is available for small parties and gatherings, including birthday parties.
I can’t imagine a more beachy birthday than pizza a few steps from the boardwalk. Kids get excited, and parents skip the cleanup.
Double-check your order before heading out, especially on busy nights. A quick peek in the bag saves a return trip later.
Every Slice Quietly Helps The Community Around It
Good pizza is nice. Good pizza that gives back feels even better.
In 1985, the company started its Grotto Gives Back program. It has reportedly donated more than 15 million dollars to local communities through various efforts.
That’s a lot of support flowing back into the region. It fits a brand that began by handing out free samples to strangers.
Over the decades, Grotto has grown into a chain. You’ll find locations across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Still, the Rehoboth Avenue shop carries a special weight. This is the town where the whole story started.
Eating here feels like visiting the family homestead of a pizza empire. The newer spots are great, but this address has the roots.
So when you’re mapping out pizza across the First State, save a stop for the original neighborhood. The boardwalk, the swirl, and the history line up perfectly.
I believe that’s why this place keeps pulling people back. It tastes like a beach tradition that never forgot where it came from.
