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    Rocca

    4.4 (690 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Rocca Photos

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    ROCCA ATMOSPHERE

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    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Rocca

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    Reviews With Photos

    Lemon pasta. Amazing!
    Khena K.

    Decided to try another Michelin star rated restaurant and have to rate it against other Michelin star restaurants so will be more picky. First of all if you expect a romantic evening, this is not the place. It looks beautiful but is INSANELY LOUD. Sitting at a small table in the back we had a hard time hearing each other. Can't imagine what it would be like at a bigger table. Service was excellent, as expected. We started with the beef carpaccio which looked really bland but it wasn't. All of the capers and other blends were actually underneath it and it was amazing. We had to ask for shaved parmesan because surprisingly enough it didn't have any so a bit of a miss there. I had the AGNOLOTTI salame calabrese ricotta filling, cherry tomato, garlic breadcrumbs which was very good though a bit too spicy for my taste but the contrast of the crunchy breadcrumbs with the pasta was really good. She had SPAGHETTI al LIMONE blue crab, zucchini, and lemon. That was unbelievably good. Pasta cooked perfectly al dente and lemon was strong enough to be refreshing. We then decided to have the frozen cheesecake with meringue and honestly that was disappointing. Lacked flavors and also had a cookie that was very hard and took away from the taste. Everything together was just too busy with not enough flavor for the cheesecake. Overall, it was priced very well and not obnoxiously expensive like most Michelin star restaurants which means we will definitely be back. They even gave us a little card congratulating us on our anniversary and gave us a small celebration discount which was very nice and surprising. They obviously care about their customers. So 1 star lost for the desert, lack of cheese on carpaccio, bread, and being so loud but if this wasn't a Michelin star restaurant, it would be a 5 star!

    Broccolini starter
    Lisa R.

    Rocca was an absolute standout and the perfect spot for a special dinner with friends visiting from Chicago. From the moment we walked in, the moody atmosphere and low lighting set the tone for an intimate, elevated dining experience. We started with the broccolini and the bluefin tuna crudo, and both were incredible. The crudo was pristine and beautifully balanced, and the broccolini had so much depth of flavor for what might otherwise seem like a simple dish. For our mains, we ordered the Tagliolini al Ragu, Cappellacci all'Aragosta, and Spaghetti al Limone, and every single one was exceptional. The ragu was rich and comforting, the lobster cappellacci felt indulgent and perfectly executed, and the spaghetti al limone was bright and fresh in the best way. Each dish felt thoughtful and refined. Throughout the meal, the little touches made it even more special. We were given small samples of their aged Parmesan to try, warm bread that was perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce from our pasta dishes, and a lovely white chocolate square at the end of the meal with a surprising but delicious kick of pepper. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. We also enjoyed several wines from their extensive menu, which offers fantastic variety. Our server was impeccable, informative, attentive without hovering, and incredibly helpful with recommendations that truly enhanced our evening. Rocca delivers on food, ambiance, and service. A flawless experience from start to finish and we will absolutely be back.

    BROCCOLINI sweet potato, nduja vinaigrette, pecorino cream
    Brian F.

    Clearly a cut above normal restaurants. The food was clearly Italian, but in a way that was unique, innovative but most important of all, delicious. The presentation of my broccolini appetizer was colorful and made want to dig in, which is good because I discovered even more underneath. The shrimp fritti was equally good and almost filling enough to be a light meal. The beef ragu had a deep and complex beef flavor, the spaghetti was full of crab, no punches pulled here. If I have one complaint, it's that the portions are larger than expected and just an appetizer and pasta filled us up! We wisely didn't order more, but could not have eaten it if we did. Service was over the top. One of the checks I use for the thoughtfulness of the service is whether or not the restaurant can provide a black napkin which will not leave white lint on dark trousers. Our waitress notice how we were dressed when we were escorted in and was bringing them to us on the first visit. We could barely take a drink of water before it was being refilled again. If you have not been, go I cannot impress on you how great the restaurant is. Save up and go, you won't regret it.

    Victoria S.

    I was in Tampa and saw good reviews for Rocca so I decided to come for dinner. The restaurant is nice on the inside. They were busy, I definitely recommend making a reservation. Luckily it was just me and I was able to sit at the bar. They start off with a complimentary piece of cheese. I decided to start with the Wagyu Steak Carpaccio. This was the best carpaccio I've ever had! I ordered the Martini del Santo to drink, it was nice but definitely strong. Lastly I got the Agnolotti pasta. This was so good! It's a bit spicy and the breadcrumbs on top give great texture. I wish I had room for dessert! This was a great dining experience and the food was amazing. I would love to come back here and try their other menu items. If you're in Tampa, you should make it a point to come here.

    Cassandra R.

    The food was delicious. Our server Jeffery was awesome!!! We had 9pm reservations, didn't feel rushed. hope to return soon.

    Chocolate tart
    Christina G.

    Still one of the best places to eat in Tampa. My reviews are mainly for future me. I originally paid for two hours of parking on the street because the restaurant hours showed closing at 9:15 pm. Our reservations were at 8 pm. We ended up there until past 10 pm so I had to extend my parking. Definitely plan for this dinner to be at least two hours. Parking on the street pay per plate was $2.50 per hour so not bad. Since it was a Wednesday there was quite a bit of parking. We requested in our reservation the burnt cheesecake so they saved us a slice. Otherwise they sell out. If you like not super sweet dessert, this is for you. One of my friends who likes things really sweet wasn't the biggest fan so it's completely dependent on how sweet you like dessert. We got the mozzarella cart. This is why parties of four is perfect, because this appetizer is a good size for parties of four. It's the best thing here and I stand by recommending to always get it. We also got the bread. I'm not a huge bread person because it makes me sluggish. The focaccia is delicious and the butter amazing, but it's still not worth it to me. But if you like bread this is a good appetizer for you. For my main I got the linguine with blue crab because of my past review. Surprisingly I didn't love it this time. I felt like it tasted too much of lemon. I'll try something different next time. I got the ricotta e melon drink and it's still a favorite of mine. It's so unique with sweet cheese foam and cantaloupe. Because it's so special to Rocca I'll keep getting it. Overall I loved my meal here. Service is always fantastic and the atmosphere is upscale without feeling pretentious. I think it's worth the cost and I'll definitely be back.

    Carlie R.

    I went to Rocca last minute with some friends. I wasn't eating, just enjoying the wine, but I got to taste test everything they had and let me tell you, my mouth is watering. Everything was perfection. The restaurant was dim and moody in the evening. Our server was great, attentive, and professional. We ordered two bottles of white wine, both very good and delicious, and the servers kept our glasses topped off. We also ordered the bread, which I usually don't have high hopes for, and it was surprisingly very good. Even more surprising was the salad, I usually never order salads, but this one was incredible. Obviously, we got the fresh mozzarella cart, which is a must. It is just as good as it looks and entertaining table-side. We also tried two different pastas. The truffle pasta was on the expensive side, but if you love truffle, it was amazing. I can't wait to go back and try everything else!

    Samantha E.

    I visited Rocca for a holiday party in December with a group of 9. We made our reservation about 6 weeks in advance. Service, venue, food did not disappoint this crowd. We ordered everything to share for the table. We did not get the mozzarella tableside, but I have had that in the past and I would highly recommend.. Everything and I mean everything was phenomenal. Rocca is attainable, a value and excellent as a Michelin star restaurant. I have been to many Michelin star restaurants and I think this one offers the most bang for your buck. You don't leave disappointed. I will certainly return to Rocca.

    Fettucine al tartufo
    Samantha E.

    we ordered the mozzarella cart for the first time. We needed to see the hype! It was honestly so good. The mozzarella was nice and warm and the texture with the flaky sea salt. It was everything I needed in a cheese. The first few times I've ever come to Roca it's been about quantity of plates, but I think I've really narrowed it down to what I love. The little gem salad, and the pasta al limone, are just perfect and so consistent. Another first this time was the bistec which once again would recommend. It was cooked perfectly seasoned well. our waiter was wonderful. Great personality!

    Dry Aged Rohan Duck
    Chase B.

    I would rate this Michelin star restaurant a 3/5 at best. I will say the service was amazing, very attentive. We ordered the bread appetizer and that was incredible. The focaccia bread was super soft and airy and the sourdough was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the lemon butter that came with it was quite a different flavor but very yummy! We also got the mozzarella cart, the experience was cool since it is table side but I wish that the waiter offering that service talked a bit more and explained the process. I am disappointed in the fact that the tomatoes were so small. The ratio to the mozzarella was not enough, especially if you're paying $49 for it. The rohan duck had burnt skin and no flavor. The sauce was good and that made up for the lack of flavor. The fettuccine noodle texture was like rubber and it was cold. If you're wanting to get that at the price of $69, yes, $69 because of the truffle, I would definitely opt for something different. ESPECIALLY, since it is a pasta that doesn't include protein. But you have to like truffle because it is a distinct taste. The ragu was okay, if I'm being honest I've had better made at home. I liked the thickness of the noodles but unfortunately they were hard, as well. Which was a turn off. They definitely needed to be cooked a little bit longer. It lacked flavor and it probably needed more seasoning. The presentation was okay. If you see in the back room with the plants above you, there are roach traps. Which is great for prevention, but they definitely should have hidden it better. I know we live in Florida and deal with bugs plus they were real plants which is nice but I looked up and was kind of grossed out lol. It was my husband's birthday and they brought out a one scoop of honey ice cream with graham crackers and sprinkles. That was decent. For a Michelin star restaurant, I expected better. Especially at the price point everything is at.

    Agnolotti
    Tray

    Elevated Italian vibes with tableside mozzarella and a strong pasta focus sounded like the perfect night, and the cocktails really were great. The only downside was the atmosphere. It's loud like a sports bar and they had football playing on the TVs, which threw off the fine dining energy a bit. The rigatoni didn't blow me away, but the agnolotti was fantastic. I wish I was able to try the duck, unfortunately they ran out (must call in ahead to reserve). However, the bistecca (NY strip) surprised me. It came with string beans and cauliflower purée, and the veggies were honestly some of the best I've ever had. The real winner of the night was the chocolate custard. One of my top ten desserts. It tasted like a Ferrero Rocher with the perfect mix of crunch and thick mousse. Recs: agnolotti, chocolate custard

    Burnt Cheesecake
    Nicolas L.

    My wife recently treated me to dinner reservations at Rocca for my birthday and the meal was one of the best I have experienced in Tampa. I started with a cocktail, the Rocca Old Fashioned, which had quality bourbon, a hint of orange and was lightly sweet. Next we had an order of bread which was super airy and paired with a heavenly lightly salted creamy butter. Now, we wanted to save most of our bread for the next dish in order to soak up any escaping sauce. The Spaghetti Al Limone is possibly one of the best pasta dishes I have had in the US. Perfectly al dente pasta was marinated in a tangy buttery lemon sauce and mixed with flakey meaty lightly briny crab and strips of crisp zucchini. My stomach is rumbling as I think about this dish. Now the star of the show came next: the Dry Aged Rohan Duck. I had to reserve this dish in advance to make sure they didn't run out for our meal. The dish was massive and could have fed three or four people (We took about 1/3 of the dish home). Strips of super tender juicy duck breast had a thin layer of buttery crisp skin and topped with a flavorful sweet glaze. A pair of duck legs were super tender and rich and surrounded by a nice crisp skin. Rich buttery melt in your mouth foie gras paired nicely with the meat. The meat sat on a bed of savory creamy polenta which had a texture similar to grits. Finally, for dessert we had the Burnt Cheesecake. This airy creamy dessert was paired with tender lightly salted caramelized plantains. Overall, Rocca is well deserved in their Michelin star and is a must indulge in Tampa.

    Skye N.

    We had dinner here on a Friday night and it was the best date night. We made reservations well in advance, we were seated right when we arrived. It's dimly lit and intimate inside the restaurant. Our server was at our table within minutes of us sitting down and took our drink order and brought us water. He gave us a little highlight tour of the menu, we decided to start with the bread and the mozzarella cart. If there's anything I recommend experiencing at Rocca - it's the mozzarella cart. Watching them process the cheese curds into the mozzarella is just so cool and it's something you don't get tableside at just any restaurant. My husband ordered the Tagliolini al ragu and I ordered the tortello all' uovo - both are a 10/10, so mouth watering. For dessert we ordered the cheesecake with plantains for dessert - even if you're not the biggest fan of cheesecake, I recommend trying this. It's so light and fluffy, yet still so creamy and rich. And the plantains on the side that are drizzled in a syrup with sugar pair so perfectly with the cheesecake. Can't wait to visit again for another date night!

    Bluefin tuna crudo

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    Page 1 of 18

    Ask the Community - Rocca

    Can you bring your own wine for a corkage fee?

    Yes. This is the info on their wine menu: CORKAGE POLICY: We allow guests to bring in up to two 750ml bottles of wine. The fee is $40 per 750ml bottle.

    We are interested to sit at the bar for a drink and an appetizer. Can people eat at the bar?

    We have been lucky twice to eat at the bar

    Is this reservation only?

    Reservation highly recommended but you can walking in and seat at the bar if it's not already full! If you choose the bar, get there earlier...6.30pm latest

    Is there a parking lot?

    There is paid parking in the area for $10

    Is this place kid-friendly?

    No- not a good place for kids

    Is there a dress code?

    Nice Casual to slightly dressy. Formal not needed unless you want.

    Do you have outdoor seating?

    No they do not an outdoor space

    Is there a sit down bar area?

    Yes there is a bar

    Do you have gluten free options? How about gluten free pasta?

    Yes they can make them for you

    What's the corkage fee?

    $25 per bottle.

    View All 12 Questions

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    These are the coolest places in Fla. Secret cryptic entrances with a speakeasy like ambiance…read more Hidden passages and a clear throwback to the days of prohibition. With all that was going on, it's a wonder we could find the exit after all the drinks. The pirate theme was the caveat. A perfectly dimmed atmosphere and willing performers that can conjure up delicious delights. The red light and point on music only enhanced the experience. Plenty of signature drinks, a dozen different beers and even a few dishes are offered. They stir a nice whiskey sour. It's really what suits your fancy. Fear not. They have mocktails, too! 12/25

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    This post is based on my second visit to this restaurant. My husband and I did enjoy it the first…read moretime around and immediately thought of who to bring for our next visit, which was the reason for this visit. We originally planned on bringing some family here for their anniversary but that plan feel through so we made it into a friends catch up dinner. Right off the back LOVED our server Nimah. She was funny, helpful, and attentive. And they are on top of refilling your water so you will never go thirsty. I'm not much of a drinker, so I don't have much to say on that matter. The ambiance was nice. A lot of eclectic paintings on the walls. And loved the outfits of the servers. Very 20's speakeasy. There is a live jazz band that started performing at 7 pm. They were good but at some points it was a bit difficult to speak and listen to those at your table unless you got really close. My meal hit the spot. We started with a charcuterie board for the table. It had a lot of great options like dried apricots, actual honeycomb pieces, and my most favorite cheese, some Brie cheese. The only thing was there was only 4 pieces of bread, one for each of us, which wasn't enough but I guess it made sense not to fill us up too much. For my main meal I had the sweet potato salad which was very tasty and the sweet potato risotto, which a little spicy kick. The only thing I missed was the Brussels sprouts and potatoes but was told that was from the previous chef. But they serve you enough so you definitely will have left overs. Not a big fan of eating in the lounge areas, those are best just for drinks and maybe desserts. But it's definitely a great place to people watch. You will definitely have a meal and a show no matter what. Hopefully can schedule another time to bring my family because I know they would love it.

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    The bartenders really know what they're doing at Hotel Bar! I'm not usually a dirty martini person,…read morebut one of them took the time to ease me into it with just a slightly dirty version! You can tell they're skilled and actually care about your experience, not just making drinks. Oh and they have bar snacks now! It's not included with your drinks like in Europe. You have to order separately and they come in the most adorable tray for $5! The music is always on point, which honestly makes a huge difference in the overall vibe. Also, I love their hours...it's one of those places you can count on when you're not ready for the night to end.

    From the moment I walked in, I was treated like I wasn't wanted there. No greeting, no attempt to…read moretake my order, and no basic customer service whatsoever. I tried to be polite and patient, but the staff was rude from the very beginning and made it clear they didn't want to serve me. To make it worse, I was kicked out for absolutely no reason. They claimed I "argued" with them, which is completely false. I never raised my voice or caused an issue--I was simply responding to their hostility. Instead of owning their behavior, they chose to make something up and remove me. I've never experienced such unprofessional, disrespectful treatment at a bar. If you're looking for a place where you feel welcome or even acknowledged, this is definitely not it.

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    Place is such a vibe, moody, focus is on cocktails but the food does not miss either…read more You recieved a welcome drink (tiny but fun + cool unique feature) and hot tea towards the end. The service is always top tier. Chuck always is on top of things, as our server/bartender. There is another young lady, she didn't really listen to what I said to her and kinda seemed like a rehearsed dialog but she was kind nonetheless. I mentioned "I've been here before, I'd like an omakase drink-- i truly like the dressed to kill" which a spirit forward, clean herbal/floral drink ... she suggested I start light and then work my way towards that - when initially , I just wanted an omakase cocktail. The servers/bartenders tend to take care of you on the spot, so one server is not designated to your table. The chicken sandwich is my fave food to eat, It was kimchi on it. My family tried the duck leg and loved it with a side of mushrooms for a somewhat full meal! The kombucha menu was nice for my father who doesn't drink too much, as well. On other visits, I've tried the caviar board. The mini dorayaki and lemon crème fraiche ... amazing! Pretty pricey but if your having drinks and want something to munch on and split with the girls, it's a cute option.

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    $$$

    The vibes are there 100%. Cocktails were pretty okay,…read morenothing super great or crazy but still a solid drink. Fries were delicious with the herb salt on them and of course the dipping! But go for the ambiance.

    I really like this spot overall...Alter Ego has smaller, moody dark vibes that feel super cool,…read morewith good cocktails and great music. It's got that all-around fun, energetic atmosphere that makes it a solid choice for drinks. Not sure how it is during the week, but it would make for a fun date night spot to grab some cocktails. That said, I had a real hang-up the last time I went with my girlfriend around Christmas. They tried to hit us with a $10 cover just to get in, on top of $15-20 cocktails. I don't mind paying for a nice spot, but the cover felt absurd, especially since it wasn't even busy. The bouncer said we could make a reservation to avoid it, so I did...and then he made us stand outside forever before letting us in. At that point, we should've just left, but since my friend had never been, we stuck it out to try the themed Christmas cocktails. Once inside, there was a two-drink minimum per person, which is kind of crazy. It feels like they jip you either way...cover or no cover, minimum spend or not. While waiting outside (for no real reason, since it was empty), we chatted with a party of six who came straight from Ash (the sister restaurant upstairs). They'd just spent over $1,000 on their meal and were still getting charged a cover to enter Alter Ego. That's poor business, don't force extra fees to guarantee money when good music, drinks, and vibes should bring people in naturally and make them want to spend. There's plenty of places on Water Street with great (and I'd say better) cocktails where you're not forced into minimums or covers. The Christmas cocktail menu was disappointing too, poor selections and way too sugary. Love the potential here, but the strict policies really turned me off and made me want to go elsewhere next time.

    Photos
    Alter Ego - Smother fries

    Smother fries

    Alter Ego - Bramble and Rickey cocktails

    Bramble and Rickey cocktails

    Alter Ego - Lighting

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    Lighting

    Rocca - italian - Updated May 2026

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