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First time here and I really enjoyed my experience. I had the blueberry lemon & mango passion fruit gelato with some topping. The attendant was very informative and kind. Wish they had more flavors!
Aesthetically pleasing, but that's about all it had going for it. So expensive for such a small portion, and not a great flavor selection. Also the toppings were trying too hard.
Located in the uptown region of Houston, Rocambolesc serves excellent gelato, drinks, and snacks. It allows unlimited choice of toppings that you would find in a frozen yogurt shop, except it is not charged by weight. First time ever going to a gelato shop that does this...we loved it. This is the only Rocambolesc (meaning extraordinary and unlikely in Spanish) gelato shop in the U.S. with six other locations found around Spain. It is owned by Jordi Roca, a 3 star Michelin pastry chef, and his wife, Ale Rivas. They have a very playful and informative web site that I browsed after my visit. It is located in a series of upscale shops, surrounded by a large parking lot. It is a typical ice cream shoppe process, where you get in line to order and pay. You then walk to the other side of the counter, where the servers will prescoop the gelato for you and then ask you what toppings you want. I got a small mango & passion fruit ($6.95) and my nephew got a large strawberry & lime ($9.95). He let me taste his and it was refreshing, neither flavor was overpowering. I was happy to see that they had popping boba available so got both flavors (strawberry and mango) of that , and then added some whole fresh berries (raz and blue). They also have cake and fudge chunks. It's all done by the server and they do a nice job of layering. The result is a work of art that tasted so good, especially if you like different flavors of fruit. Obviously, the amount of toppings is limited to what will 'safely' fit on top of the gelato. It's one of the few times where I finished the whole thing straightaway, with the proportions being just right to make every bite be exactly what I wanted. Definitely a place to go for dessert after eating at the many restaurants using the same large parking lot, or even coming just for it, if you have an ice cream lover in your party looking for a unique experience.
It was a cute little shop and the perfect location for an after dinner treat. They have little tables outside that you can sit and enjoy the view. They also have inside tables. You can sample the flavors and once you pick your gelato, the toppings are as many as you want no additional charge. I went for the tart yogurt bc it's a difficult thing to find in the city these days. To me it wasn't very tart at all and had a full almost cheesecake type flavor. It felt heavy and more like ice cream to me. So, it depends on what you're looking for. I definitely recommend the small size bc it's oddly very filling. Staff was helpful, friendly and didn't rush you. Cool little place to check out, probably
My wife was super thrilled to try this place and we finally had the chance to do so today. It's in Uptown Park which is a nice area. There's plenty of parking, and there's other shops and food places to go to which makes this place a good after meal treat. I didn't know much about this place, but I was surprised to find out it's not a regular gelato place. I was expecting to get a basic pistachio gelato, but they unfortunately don't have it. They have soft serve gelato, which I've never had before - but still no pistachio though. I got the chocolate soft serve which happens to be the most popular flavor according to the nice guy that helped us. It also comes with unlimited toppings. I'm pretty indecisive so I let them pick the toppings for me. Now it might just be because I was expecting a traditional gelato, but I wasn't a fan of it. I actually wasn't able to finish my small cup. Another thing we didn't like was the steep price. For the price you'll pay you can get a better tasting treat at Van Leeuwen in the same plaza. The place is super cute, and the workers there are super nice. They are a chain from Spain by a Michelin star chef. With that being said, we probably won't be returning.
Went to Rocambolsec w my son and we LOVED the gelato. I got the blood orange which was delicious and my son got chocolate with two kinds of butter cookie topping. Both were really good. Also love that they have a program where they hire differently abled young adults. Great work. Great place for gelato!
We were seeking a dessert place after having dinner in Uptown Park, and while making our way to Van Leeuwen's, my dining partner pointed this place out as a dessert option instead. I had never heard of it before, but I'm always up for a new dessert place! I was a bit skeptical walking in. I wasn't aware they offered "soft serve gelato" which I had never heard of. The prices were pretty steep, and there were only six flavor options. I went ahead and sampled the strawberry and mango sorbets, and the yogurt. The mango was very nice, but that yogurt was surprisingly awesome! I was informed that it was made with goat milk, which gave it that unique tasty flavor. Each order choice of three toppings with your order, so I went with the melted chocolate with crispy rice, popping boba, and purple marshmallow. My friend ordered the chocolate and peanut butter mix swirl and thoroughly enjoyed his. We both went for the medium size which was $8.25 apiece before taxes and still rather small. I enjoyed it to the last bite. Texture wise it just tasted like soft served ice cream, but it was still delicious. Also offered here are small popsicles, waffles, cakes, toast, chocolates, and other delectables, so there's something for everyone. Outside on the patio there's two cute swings for that perfect Instagram photo as well as more seating. Apparently the owner was featured on a Netflix food show, but I hadn't seen it. Overall nice place if you're willing to spend a little more for a tasty product.
Yummm!! Small and quaint place! Very refreshing! Was able to try different flavors before deciding...very friendly staff
This is a small gelato place tucked in the Highland Village area. Parking was easy this evening, assuming since it's Sunday evening, but shocking since it's the eve of the beginning of Spring Break. When we entered, we noticed a handful of families seated and eating their gelato. The ordering seems a bit backwards as you pay first and then they make your order - in other places, you pick your gelato/ice cream along with toppings and THEN pay. This establishment is a bit pricey coming in at over $6 a pop - just for a small gelato. As you select larger sizes, the price increases. I ordered the vanilla gelato with baked apple (pictured). While it tasted good, I don't feel as though it was worth the steep cost. What I do commend them doing is hiring those with disabilities. That is amazing! While it does take a bit longer to order and checkout, it is commendable that they're giving these young adults the experience!
Stumbling into this place when I got out of Etoile restaurant next door to it. Surprisingly their gelato is good and I'm not a fan of gelato. Price range is very reasonable compare to an uptown place. They have some cute "popsicle" ice cream with different shape.
Pretty good but expensive compared to other places. There were only 6 flavor options, and they do soft serve gelato, which I've never seen before. You can get a bunch of toppings as well.
Ever since Pinkberry closed I've been trying to find a new frozen yogurt place. This hit the spot. The yogurt is very good flavor and loved the unlimited toppings. I did dock a star off because the price is a little much but would come back.
Cute and quirky gelateria - two flavors without milk product today, strawberry and violet. Staff person helpful and so many toppings to choose from! We loved the marshmallow, crispy raspberry, and green crispy white chocolate the most. One friend was able to get a mixed swirl of the gelato. The gelato has a nice, smooth texture - almost like frozen yogurt - and it also tasted light and not too sweet. Our group of 7 just loved the atmosphere and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Restroom also spotless. Highly recommended for dessert!! It was $45 pre tip for 7 people today. Inside Uptown Park, plenty free parking and valet is also available.
Rocambolesc has only one location in the US, Houston! They have three locations in Spain and one fine dining restaurant called El Celler de Can Roca. It was very exciting to try this ice cream spot and it did not disappoint. I was more creative than usual to try something new and it was perfect. Great service, funky colorful indoor, I will be back and will visit when in Spain. read more
6 months ago
Rocambolesc has great but pricey soft serve gelato. Trying to escape the Houston heat, I decided to drop by Rocambolesc because I had heard so many great things about their location in Spain. The chain is headed by a three Michelin star chef Jordi Roca who is believed by some to be one of the best pastry chefs in the world. While this is not necessarily pastry, I wanted to see what he would do with desserts. When you first step in, there is definitely a childlike whimsy to the decor of the place. They have plenty of seats inside as well as outside. I was hoping to see unique flavors, but I did like the few flavors they did sample. Beyond the soft serve gelato, they do have coffee and few prepackaged sweets to buy. When you order, you do get the soft serve gelato with unlimited toppings, which I wish I knew that so I could better select the combination. I did get mango passionfruit (4,5/5) which was super smooth and creamy with the right amount of tartness from the passionfruit and sweetness from mango. The fruits and nuts I got to add were a nice combination. My favorite was the nutella drizzle on top... smooth with little crunchy pieces. My only complaint was the price... While I did enjoy it, I am not sure it was worth the cost... The service was pretty friendly. Located in the Uptown Park plaza, there was parking readily available when I went on a weekday, but could vary depending on how the plaza gets. Overall, Rocambolesc offers great soft serve gelato with unlimited toppings but may be reserved for a special occassion. read more
Not just a gelato spot, not just a coffee spot, something more. Very good and tasty selection. I went in with 15 students as we were preparing for a Christmas concert and every single one was happy with their selection. Gelato seems steep until you consider that all mix-ins are already included in the price. Biggest regret is not getting the hot ice cream sandwich. Considering how many of us there were, with one person behind the counter, things were quicker than you'd expect. The holiday decor was very cute and timely. read more
4 months ago
First time here and I really enjoyed my experience. I had the blueberry lemon & mango passion fruit gelato with some topping. The attendant was very informative and kind. Wish they had more flavors! read more
5 months ago
Aesthetically pleasing, but that's about all it had going for it. So expensive for such a small portion, and not a great flavor selection. Also the toppings were trying too hard. read more
Located in the uptown region of Houston, Rocambolesc serves excellent gelato, drinks, and snacks. It allows unlimited choice of toppings that you would find in a frozen yogurt shop, except it is not charged by weight. First time ever going to a gelato shop that does this...we loved it. This is the only Rocambolesc (meaning extraordinary and unlikely in Spanish) gelato shop in the U.S. with six other locations found around Spain. It is owned by Jordi Roca, a 3 star Michelin pastry chef, and his wife, Ale Rivas. They have a very playful and informative web site that I browsed after my visit. It is located in a series of upscale shops, surrounded by a large parking lot. It is a typical ice cream shoppe process, where you get in line to order and pay. You then walk to the other side of the counter, where the servers will prescoop the gelato for you and then ask you what toppings you want. I got a small mango & passion fruit ($6.95) and my nephew got a large strawberry & lime ($9.95). He let me taste his and it was refreshing, neither flavor was overpowering. I was happy to see that they had popping boba available so got both flavors (strawberry and mango) of that , and then added some whole fresh berries (raz and blue). They also have cake and fudge chunks. It's all done by the server and they do a nice job of layering. The result is a work of art that tasted so good, especially if you like different flavors of fruit. Obviously, the amount of toppings is limited to what will 'safely' fit on top of the gelato. It's one of the few times where I finished the whole thing straightaway, with the proportions being just right to make every bite be exactly what I wanted. Definitely a place to go for dessert after eating at the many restaurants using the same large parking lot, or even coming just for it, if you have an ice cream lover in your party looking for a unique experience. read more
It was a cute little shop and the perfect location for an after dinner treat. They have little tables outside that you can sit and enjoy the view. They also have inside tables. You can sample the flavors and once you pick your gelato, the toppings are as many as you want no additional charge. I went for the tart yogurt bc it's a difficult thing to find in the city these days. To me it wasn't very tart at all and had a full almost cheesecake type flavor. It felt heavy and more like ice cream to me. So, it depends on what you're looking for. I definitely recommend the small size bc it's oddly very filling. Staff was helpful, friendly and didn't rush you. Cool little place to check out, probably read more
My wife was super thrilled to try this place and we finally had the chance to do so today. It's in Uptown Park which is a nice area. There's plenty of parking, and there's other shops and food places to go to which makes this place a good after meal treat. I didn't know much about this place, but I was surprised to find out it's not a regular gelato place. I was expecting to get a basic pistachio gelato, but they unfortunately don't have it. They have soft serve gelato, which I've never had before - but still no pistachio though. I got the chocolate soft serve which happens to be the most popular flavor according to the nice guy that helped us. It also comes with unlimited toppings. I'm pretty indecisive so I let them pick the toppings for me. Now it might just be because I was expecting a traditional gelato, but I wasn't a fan of it. I actually wasn't able to finish my small cup. Another thing we didn't like was the steep price. For the price you'll pay you can get a better tasting treat at Van Leeuwen in the same plaza. The place is super cute, and the workers there are super nice. They are a chain from Spain by a Michelin star chef. With that being said, we probably won't be returning. read more
2 years ago
Went to Rocambolsec w my son and we LOVED the gelato. I got the blood orange which was delicious and my son got chocolate with two kinds of butter cookie topping. Both were really good. Also love that they have a program where they hire differently abled young adults. Great work. Great place for gelato! read more
We were seeking a dessert place after having dinner in Uptown Park, and while making our way to Van Leeuwen's, my dining partner pointed this place out as a dessert option instead. I had never heard of it before, but I'm always up for a new dessert place! I was a bit skeptical walking in. I wasn't aware they offered "soft serve gelato" which I had never heard of. The prices were pretty steep, and there were only six flavor options. I went ahead and sampled the strawberry and mango sorbets, and the yogurt. The mango was very nice, but that yogurt was surprisingly awesome! I was informed that it was made with goat milk, which gave it that unique tasty flavor. Each order choice of three toppings with your order, so I went with the melted chocolate with crispy rice, popping boba, and purple marshmallow. My friend ordered the chocolate and peanut butter mix swirl and thoroughly enjoyed his. We both went for the medium size which was $8.25 apiece before taxes and still rather small. I enjoyed it to the last bite. Texture wise it just tasted like soft served ice cream, but it was still delicious. Also offered here are small popsicles, waffles, cakes, toast, chocolates, and other delectables, so there's something for everyone. Outside on the patio there's two cute swings for that perfect Instagram photo as well as more seating. Apparently the owner was featured on a Netflix food show, but I hadn't seen it. Overall nice place if you're willing to spend a little more for a tasty product. read more
1 year ago
Yummm!! Small and quaint place! Very refreshing! Was able to try different flavors before deciding...very friendly staff read more
3 years ago
This is a small gelato place tucked in the Highland Village area. Parking was easy this evening, assuming since it's Sunday evening, but shocking since it's the eve of the beginning of Spring Break. When we entered, we noticed a handful of families seated and eating their gelato. The ordering seems a bit backwards as you pay first and then they make your order - in other places, you pick your gelato/ice cream along with toppings and THEN pay. This establishment is a bit pricey coming in at over $6 a pop - just for a small gelato. As you select larger sizes, the price increases. I ordered the vanilla gelato with baked apple (pictured). While it tasted good, I don't feel as though it was worth the steep cost. What I do commend them doing is hiring those with disabilities. That is amazing! While it does take a bit longer to order and checkout, it is commendable that they're giving these young adults the experience! read more
Stumbling into this place when I got out of Etoile restaurant next door to it. Surprisingly their gelato is good and I'm not a fan of gelato. Price range is very reasonable compare to an uptown place. They have some cute "popsicle" ice cream with different shape. read more
2 years ago
Pretty good but expensive compared to other places. There were only 6 flavor options, and they do soft serve gelato, which I've never seen before. You can get a bunch of toppings as well. read more
Ever since Pinkberry closed I've been trying to find a new frozen yogurt place. This hit the spot. The yogurt is very good flavor and loved the unlimited toppings. I did dock a star off because the price is a little much but would come back. read more
4 years ago
Cute and quirky gelateria - two flavors without milk product today, strawberry and violet. Staff person helpful and so many toppings to choose from! We loved the marshmallow, crispy raspberry, and green crispy white chocolate the most. One friend was able to get a mixed swirl of the gelato. The gelato has a nice, smooth texture - almost like frozen yogurt - and it also tasted light and not too sweet. Our group of 7 just loved the atmosphere and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Restroom also spotless. Highly recommended for dessert!! It was $45 pre tip for 7 people today. Inside Uptown Park, plenty free parking and valet is also available. read more
We stopped by here for a sweet treat after a meal next door. The store itself is cute and they sell fun items to go. I am used to gelato being displayed and scooped to serve, but this was a soft serve kind of place. First for me. The staff kind of just stood there as we perused the menu. No pleasantries were exchanged or help offered, they just stared blankly at us. I decided on the strawberry gelato and wanted a few toppings. If I did not take a closer look at the menu, I would never have known they offer three toppings at no extra charge. Some of the toppings were new to me and I asked about them, and they employee basically did not know either and gave very vague answers just to appease me. What I did get was tasty and refreshing on that summer day. Would I come back? Eh, only if someone really wanted to come here and I did not have a choice. Way to many other places in town to satisfy this sweet tooth. read more
They get a 10/10 in presentation. Location is very cute and they have lots of toppings options. The kids enjoyed their ice cream but I didn't . It didn't tasted like gelato to me . It was more of a soft serve ice cream. Being our first time there we had high expectations. Service was meh, the guy seemed annoyed by the questions asked . A bit pricey IMO. read more
7 months ago
I got the medium with the strawberry and vanilla while my friend got the chocolate. There are no signs that tell you that you are only allowed three toppings. Thankfully I read Ariyani's review on Yelp so I knew what to expect. I didn't know that this was a gelato soft serve. I went in with the expectations that I would get some kind of a gelato. While I was not a fan of my strawberry sugar high, I did love the chocolate. Way too overpriced and didn't really have any wow factor except for perhaps the presentation. The frozen stuff that I didn't buy looked very ig worthy. Maybe if I go on a different time I won't feel so rushed but going around 8:30 on a Friday is not recommended. read more
4 years ago
Van Leeuwen Uptown has new rival perhaps? Although you won't find mac and cheese ice cream at this joint, you will find some equally creative creations nestled in Wonkaesque decor. I'm sure I'm not the only one who sauntered in wondering "what is this wonderland". Here's the skinny (ha, the irony of the phrase in this context): If you're looking for ice cream, they offer about 6 base flavors dispensed from soft serve/ froyo style vats + about 6 Rec flavor combinations. If you're uninspired, you can also go rogue (like yours truly) and build your own treat BUT you are limited to 3 add in items. I tried the: *Ultravioleta- an ice forward ice cream with flavorful, creative toppings. The marshmallow was my personal favorite. *Chocolate build your own with hazelnut dust, cocoa nibs and a dark chocolate shell- a rich, flavorful chocolate ice cream base. Highly recommend. If you're craving diversity, they also offer waffles, savory sandwiches, toasts, cookies, cake, Wonka bars (ehh, their version of them), Instagramable popsicles and a TV marketing their specialty goods. While unique, this place is definitely not everyone's flavor, but it's nice to see some Uptown (sugar and) spice. read more
Another nice ice cream shop is always a welcome sight. I first visited Rocambolesc a few years ago in Girona, Spain and was blown away by the ice cream flavors and unusual toppings; including their cotton candy and freeze dried fruits. As of this review, the shop recently opened up in Houston's Uptown Park shopping center. I first tried the apple pie and chocolate soft-serve options with their cake toppings. Everything was great. The flavors were super rich and only slightly strong for my taste. read more
It was nuts coming here, everyone wants the hype and everyone wants the smoke! Including me! Line was long, but you can quickly find the end of the line. Not to mention, in efforts to keep the line moving, an employee came by each person to answer any questions about the menu. This was great because every single person had questions! Super cute and whimsical inside, on the left side is a little freezer that has additional popsicles that are creative and fun looking! Indoor and outdoor seating available- very instagrammable as well! Two swings outside for anyone that wants a photo for the gram. My photo is in there too! Max 3 toppings - ice cream melts fast on the cone. If you want more than one flavor, get the cup. Plenty of parking, one bathroom stall available- check the door on the left of cash wrap. Enjoy the gelato! Coffee available as well! read more
4 years ago
I happened to be in the area and noticed this place was open, so of course I could not pass up the chance to try it out. Fortunately, there wasn't much of a line, but I could see where this place would get very busy given that each dessert is hand-crafted. I opted for the pre-set Strawberry Shortcake gelato with a strawberry ice cream base topped with freeze dried fruit, shortcake pieces, and whipped cream. It was certainly delicious and enjoyable, but a medium rang up at just over $8, which I find a bit steep for ice cream (this is a special place and it is located in Uptown Park, so the price point isn't too surprising). But, it was a great experience and I would come back to try some other flavors or their other desserts on offer. Great ambiance - very colorful, and as some other reviewers point out, Wonka-esque. Definitely a place where you can let your inner child out to splurge. There are a few tables inside and a good number of tables on the patio for you to sit and enjoy your treats. read more
3 years ago
My friend and I were looking for an ice cream place to take her kid after being out in the heat. A quick Google search brought us here and we were glad it did. I wasn't planning on getting anything but the ice cream filled pastry was hard to deny and let me tell you - no regrets!! It was so good. They toast it so it's warm on the outside and cold on the inside. You get to add a few toppings to the ice cream as well. They don't have a lot of ice cream options and the service was a little awkward and cold. I would've liked to have more personable service with a warm welcome. They felt very task-oriented like what do you want. They have cool swings outside that's totally IG worthy. Overall, it's a cute place and I recommend and would go back for that yummy treat. read more
Business owner information
Carmen L.
Hi Neema,…
1 year ago
High end gelato store in the uptown park area. The gelato was very high quality, smooth and creamy. Can pick an unlimited number of toppings too, loved the caramelized apples and brownie bites! Only downside is that the gelato is quite pricey, the small size is $7 and the cup is small so it's hard to fit a lot of toppings. It's not self serve either, wish there were more toppings. read more
Been there on a couple of occasions. The decor is beautiful, but sometimes, napkins or other necessities aren't supplied. I tried almost all their flavors and enjoyed them all. I thought the price point was quite high for the portion. The waffle with gelato was ok...I felt the carb to ice cream ratio was too high. The 2nd time, I got a cone, and that was better. Their toppings are innovative. Overall, it was a nice experience, but I think there are other options in town that I would more readily frequent. read more
We enjoyed our visit and the cool atmosphere. As for the ice cream itself, it wasn't the first texture I would expect for gelato but more like soft-serve frozen yogurt. But it was a cool atmosphere and the flavors were good and the ice cream dense. Not disappointed in the least. read more
3 years ago
Brandon was so precise with adding these toppings. Also, my date was very impressed with this place. read more
4 years ago
Great gelato and snack place. Such a cute place To take the kids for a treat. We enjoyed the yogurt and want to try the smoothies and shakes next time. read more
4 years ago
Yummm! Delicious velvety gelatos! First of all, the place is so cute! It has a candy shop feel and it's seriously a sweet lover's dream! My fiancé and I tried the chocolate and vanilla gelatos each with 3 toppings (butter cookie, cocoa nibs, and almonds). We highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a sweet treat! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
I had high hopes for this place since Michelin star chef and all. We ordered the large with strawberry, coco and violet, and apple pie. The toppings were som freeze dried strawberries, cinnamon cookie crumble, and some marshmallow. The apple pie flavor is so sweet I couldn't eat more than a couple bites. The coco and violet lacked flavor. The strawberry hibiscus was the shining star in this whole bowl. I wish I knew that you could sample the flavors, so definitely try before you buy. The cashier was nice and helpful in informing us that you could get as many flavors you want in the cup size. The inside is so colorful and reminds me of Willy wonka. It is quiet and tucked into a strip of other restaurants. read more
Business owner information
Carmen L.
Hi Allison,…
1 year ago
3 years ago
We enjoyed some soft serve gelato after dinner. I went with the milk chocolate which was very rich but not overbearing. I really liked the variety of toppings available. However, there isn't too much that it's overwhelming. The pricing was a little higher than I would've expected but it's not enough to keep me from coming back. Also, get bigger spoons please! read more
Tried their new flavor, peanut butter gelato, it is very rich and fluffy, peanut butter lovers will definitely appreciate it. You get three toppings of your choice with your gelato, I recommend trying their violent marshmallow, it's very unique and interesting. Gelato itself is okay tasting, it's not cold, somewhat lukewarm; it's very soft and fluffy, I almost feel like I'm eating whipped cream. It's definitely aesthetically pleasing and Insgram worthy. read more
Customer Service, customer service, customer service has so much room for growth at this locale. Having followed the Roca brother's trajectory and their Michelin Star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, i had very high expectations for this place. However, I am very surprised at the apathy and sheer unpleasantness of the staff I have encountered here. This is my fourth visit and never have I had a pleasant, well-informed staffer. Despite the fact that they have an original product in a lovely locale with very high prices, they have not made any effort to make customers feel valued, at home or even happy to give a tip. Dear servers: Please smile more, serve with pleasure, educate yourselves about the product you sell and make interactions with patrons pleasant. read more
Business owner information
Carmen L.
Dear Elbey,…
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