I was a little worried that the experience would be biased simply with the status of having a Michelin star. I was wrong. This was the best meal I've had in Tampa since moving here three years ago. And the service was top notch. Connor was our server (we had to ask for his name at the end of the meal but he was so kind and knowledgeable about the menu that he is absolutely worthy of mentioning.) Sharing is definitely caring in this establishment. Work your way through the menu and share a dish from each section. You won't regret it! Our meal was split two ways and it was a ton of food. We did order the bread as a starter. The quote of the night was "that's the best butter I've ever had in my life" as they serve the bread with a house-made lemon butter and finishing sea salt. We did do the caviar service - we've never had it and wanted to try it. Connor walked us through the service and explained that the sturgeon roe provided is more golden than most options in the Tampa area and prepared us for an olive-like briny flavor. We went with it and my heavens, this was ridiculously good. Course 2 was a pasta dish: Tortello alli' Uovo. It was a giant noodle filled with spinach, ricotta, and had an egg yolk center. So when you cut into the dish, the yolk bled onto the plate. (I missed the "insta worthy" video, so learn from my mistake and have your camera ready ) I'm not usually a pasta person and this was one of my favorite dishes I've ever had. Course 3: Pesce alla Ligure - the fish was a Branzino Sea Bass with roasted potatoes, olives and pine nuts. Absolutely divine. I can't explain it. Just try it. Course 4 (two desserts because we can) Pistachio Gelato - I underestimated this. The honey and lemon zest were game changers and I could have eaten an entire pint of this. Basil Custard with Macerated strawberries. Our server recommended this. He had yet to guide us down the wrong path so I had to try it. At first glance, I was a little disappointed, it looked thin. But when I tell you, this was one of the top 3 desserts I've ever had, I mean it. It literally made me speechless. The was light and decadent, with a finishing salt that just...made you appreciate and adore every bite. We had a 9:30 reservation and it was a bit loud, nothing out of control though. Super cute and trendy vibes with a lot of plants on light fixtures. And the lighting for photos is remarkable. Overall, Rocca was a massive hit and I absolutely recommend it. For the food and experience. Price points were honestly great for the experience and food quality. read more

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Definitely Michelin star worthy food. The table side mozzarella is so good. They have delicious pasta and drinks. Beautiful restaurant and really food for special occasions or date night. Service is great. read more

The service here is top notch, starting with Kyle who did our table side mozzarella service. This was probably my favorite part of the meal even though it is basically just a really good caprese. We ordered the signature duck with foie gras. The chef came to the table to sauce the duck and explain how it was prepared. It's probably the best duck you will ever have. If you want to order it, make an early reservation as it sells out most nights. It is enough to serve 3 or 4 people, especially if you order a pasta, to share also. For dessert we had gelatos which I highly recommend. It was a very expensive meal though - 2 cocktails, bread, mozzarella service, 1 pasta, 1 duck, 2 gelatos, 2 coffees and we spent about $400 with tip. You certainly can cut that in half just by eliminating the $155 duck and the $49 table side mozzarella; but it was all part of the experience. When you go, plan to choose multiple items to share because everything was served family style in the center of the table. read more

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The ambiance and the service are truly Michelin star quality. The food is equally on point, with everything we ordered being delicious. The table side preparation of mozzarella was fun and rewarding, but we would dial back the amount of olive oil on the mozzarella and ask for balsamic on the side. I think we approached ordering incorrectly. We should have focused on on the starters and pastas and skipped entrees The menu is well, different - there's a handful of starters and salads , the $46 table share mozzarella cart, eight pastas and three MUST table share entrees. The duck was stupendous but enough for four...and no one wanted to share. The $78 fish is overpriced and not really enough for 2 A wonderful dinner, deserving of its star status. read more

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Having dined at numerous Michelin starred restaurants around the world, I question how Rocca received its one star. Although our server was great, he was tentative and nicely explained things in details, the food was mostly not it. The best drink out of the 5 we've tried was the Ricotta E Melone. For apps, the broccolini stole the spotlight, might be the best thing we ordered the whole night. Then it's the carpaccio then crudo (it was missing some something, a bold flavor or something). Spaghetti Al limone was recommended by our server and it was sadly a miss. Texture was great but it was way too salty and the citrus note was too strong. The restaurant had extra duck legs confit from the original dried aged Rohan duck so we opted for that. The dish wasnt bad but $95 for 2 duck legs and few pieces on liver on a bed of polenta is a crime (coming from a New Yorker). The burnt cheesecake was also ok. This meal was not one of those cases where money was well spent for an experience or just a good meal in general. Good thing we didn't order the steak as well cause according to a table next to us, it 'sucked'. read more

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The service is incredible, the bartenders are fantastic. Our favorite apps include the pork, pate and the little gem salad is a fan favorite. The mozzarella cart is absolutely worth it, but save it for when you have 4+ people. Order bread with the cart, it's next level. Favorite pastas are the agnolotti, tortello and when in season the truffle. The duck will ruin all other ducks for you because it's THAT good. You can reserve your duck in advance, just call! read more

Rocca is a great spot! The mozzarella cart is an absolute must -- fresh, creamy, and seriously delicious. The rest of the menu is solid too, but that cart steals the show every time. read more

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Michelin Starred Embarrassment - Started with Perfection, Ended with an Epic Failure Restaurant: Rocca - Tampa, FL Having traveled to 68 countries on 6 continents and 38 states in the US, I have had the opportunity to eat at some of the finest establishments around the globe. I have also had the great pleasure of eating at 27 Michelin-starred restaurants, including dining with 8 Michelin-starred chefs. For any restaurant, obtaining a Michelin Star is often a soft-after dream that never comes true. For restaurants that get a Michelin Star, it's truly about living up to the level of what it means to have the star. The beginning of our dining experience was absolutely exceptional. We started with the Mozzarella Cart, presented by a skilled mozzarella server tableside with a cart full of fresh ingredients, including cheese curds, basil, tomatoes, and a 10-year-old balsamic. He displayed the process of pouring hot water on the curds and kneading them into a ball of mozzarella, which he sliced and curated the plate with the remaining ingredients. Second Course: Pasta. Our tabled order 4 of the 7 Pasta dishes, which brought different types of pasta (Taglioni, Angolotti, Gnocchi and Spaghetti al Limone) freshly made every day and some of the finest fresh ingredients. The finished product was some of the best homemade pasta that I have had the pleasure of eating in the US. Last Course (Epic Failure): Protein/Meat. This is where the restaurant completely misstepped, causing the entire party of guests to walk away completely dissatisfied. We ordered two of the Bistecca - 16-ounce 35-day aged Akoushi Wagyu beef strips. At $125 a piece ($250 total), the expectations for a restaurant at this level would be extremely high. When the Wagyu was brought to the table, it appeared to be a well-crafted dish with a strong appearance and presentation, highlighting the perfection of the temperature and showing the overall quality of the meat. However, once we started eating at the Wagyu, everyone noticed the same thing. SALT. Not just a LITTLE bit of SALT. A LOT OF SALT. So much salt that after drinking 3 glasses of water and walking away from dinner, I still tasted salt in my mouth. When I notified the manager of an issue with the meat, he took the meat back to the kitchen to ask the Sous Chef to taste the product. He came back out to tell us that it was cooked and seasoned exactly as it should have been. Here's a little tip - Fire the sous chef. Any Michelin-starred chef knows that a dry-aged steak will always have a naturally rich, concentrated flavor that sometimes people would describe as SLIGHTLY salty. In fact, any competent chef knows that when a steak has been aged for so many days, it's oftentimes better to go much lighter on the seasoning so the consumer can taste the natural umami and nutty notes of the steak. The level of expectations from a restaurant selling such an expensive cut of meat, you would think they would pay careful attention to how they prepare the product. The other issue is how the manager handled the situation. You don't come back to the table and tell the guests who are absolutely unsatisfied with the product that it was cooked perfectly. I don't care if the chef thinks it's perfect. The customer is always right, even when you think they are wrong. In addition, his lack of interest in rectifying the issue, even offering to take the $49 overpriced mozzarella cart off the bill, would have been a great solution had he offered it. He offered nothing. I have had the pleasure of working with people out of Michelin for years and have already contacted Florent Menegaux and Gwendal Poullennec at the Michelin Group to consider re-evaluating the Michelin Star awarded to this restaurant. If you are looking for an amazing appetizer and pasta experience - I would absolutely recommend the restaurant. However, do NOT spend the money on the proteins. It's NOT a good culinary experience. read more

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We went there to celebrate a birthday. We were greeted by the hostess and staff and from the minute we walked in the experience was amazing. The mozzarella cart is a must especially if your dining with a crowd. The quality of the food was great, and the portion sizes made it easy to share. If you're going to order the duck make sure you let them know as soon as you come in or even call ahead it sells out quickly. We were able to have the duck while we were there and it was phenomenal. The entire dining experience was amazing. This may be our new spot for anniversaries birthdays and special occasions. Highly recommended read more

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Rocca restaurant is a one-star Michelin Italian restaurant in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. It is located near Armature Works food court and at the ground level of The Pearl condo building. Make online reservations via Resy about 2-3 weeks in advance of your desired dining date. The parking situation is only street-metered, as Rocca does not have a private parking lot. Upon entrance, the hostess stand is immediately in the front. There is a full bar on the far left of the restaurant. The main dining room is vast with numerous tables, as the dining area extends to the far right room. The dim lighting, vast greenery, and cozy ambiance are perfect for a romantic dining experience. FOOD: 1. Dry Aged Steak Carpaccio (5/5, Mushrooms, Lemon): This is a must-get if you are dining. This is probably my favorite dish out of all the dishes I have tried. It is very fresh, and I love the lemon and thinly cut pieces of mushroom underneath the carpaccio. This order is perfect for 2 people. 2. Shrimp Fritti (4/5, Speck Ham, Herbes Beurre Blanc): This order is perfect for 2 people, as there are only 4 pieces in the dish. I love the addition of the ham slice with emulsified butter sauce and shallots, as these elevate a simple fried shrimp plate to another level. 3. Mozzarella Cart (5/5, Tomato, Basil, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil): Fresh mozzarella from New Jersey is pulled tableside. The server will prepare it in hot water, cut the tomatoes and basil, and then concoct the dish in front of you with drizzles of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It is about a 5-minute presentation that is worth the watch if you order it for the first time. This dish is perfectly shared between 3 people. 4. Agnolotti Pasta (3/5, Salame Calabrese Ricotta Filling, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic Breadcrumbs): This is OK. The breadcrumbs add a little crunch. There is a very mild spice that sneaks up at the end of the agnolotti pasta. Frankly, I enjoyed the cherry tomatoes and that was all. 5. Dry Aged Bistecca (3/5, NY strip 20 oz, Chianti Butter, Potatoes, and Greens): The bistecca steak is from young steer (vitellone) or heifer (scottona), part of the Tuscan cuisine. Overall, the steak was not that soft. We both agreed it was OK but would not order it again. It was nice with the potatoes and greens. The service was great. Our drinks, including water, never touched the bottom. Our server came promptly and recommended his favorites. Would I come back? I have, yes. read more

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Service was quick and attentive and appetizers were outstanding however the pastas and mains fell short of Michelin expectation. Highly recommend fir apps and cocktails but save your $ for Olivia on the main courses. read more

This was our first Michelin starred restaurant experience. We had heard very good things about this spot and were excited to try. We had a 5:15 reservation, got to the restaurant at 5 when they opened, but they didn't open the doors until somewhere between 5:05 and 5:07. Ambiance was modern, but somehow didn't feel upscale enough for the caliber of the restaurant. Service was excellent and our waiter checked on us every 5 min to refill waters. Cocktails were delicious, but at $16-$18 felt pricy for what we got. The appetizers were the star of the show. The wagyu steak carpaccio, shrimp fritti and house breads were all delicious. After reading many reviews, we opted to skip the protein course and just have pasta. We got the tagliolini al ragu and the agnolotti. While both were good, but again, for the price points and supposedly Michelin star quality, were nothing to write home about. We spent about $180 total on dinner for 2 and had a nice evening, but honestly we would pick other spots on town for date night. 3.5/5 read more

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The food... wow, incredible. Service? Also incredible. I feel like im not in Tampa because this place is too nice. I feel like im in a culinary movie because of the order and structure of employees and the dishes. Go here! Experience it! read more

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Rocca is such a great spot. We always have such a good experience every time we go. It's a great location and is a great space on the inside. The staff always very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of everything on the menu. They got a Michelin star for a reason. The food is always top notch. This is must try in Tampa. read more

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It's been a long time since I had a meal this good, I mean it was seriously so good I wanted to come back the next night, but alas I had to return home. First, I want to say that part of the reason I enjoyed the meal so much is because I had incredible company. One of my work associates and his wife joined me at dinner, in fact they even paid which made it that much nicer. This is one of their favorite restaurants, so they enjoyed showing me some of the dishes that Rocca specializes in. Second, I want to say that this is a Michelin Star restaurant and sometimes they do not live up to the hype. Thankfully, Rocca was even better than I expected. I am not sure I can recapture the foodie joy I experienced , but the food, service and ambiance were all incredible. Not only that, but each server clearly new the menu and made great recommendations for each course of our meal. But you want to hear about the food, don't you? Bread Service - good, especially the focaccia bread and butter. But there are other dishes much better, if you decide to skip it. Mozzarella - served tableside and you can see multiple videos of it on social media. It is really an interesting process and the mozzarella is fresh and amazing. It is mixed with tomatoes for a Caprese salad. If you want to impress someone, get this service. Scallops - this was the first dish that blew my mind, scallop belly cut into thin strips and served with a wasabi cream that was perfection. Pasta - I am not sure what this was, but my co-worker's wife said it was her favorite dish. I would have tried it, but she had a look like a momma bear has when she is protecting her cubs, so I steered clear of asking for a sample. Agnolotti - these were delicious pasta tubes filled with a slightly spicy liquid that was such a perfect choice. Gnocchi - another solid choice, really fantastic. Dry Aged Rohan Duck - their signature dish, and it did not disappoint. The sauce was incredible, and the duck itself was so tender you could cut it with your fork. This might be a life-changing dish. Basil Tart - I took this home to my kids, along with some of the duck because food this good should be shared. I am going to mention one more dish that blew my mind. It was a simple dish of pressed Melon and pressed Cantaloupe. It was so unexpectedly good that I paused after my first bite and I refused to take another bite until I talked to our server. I was having trouble understanding what I was eating. He was glad to explain that they add lemon juice, put it in a sous vide bag and let it sit. This process causes the fruit's juices to become more intense. Try it, I will pay for this course if you don't enjoy it (clearly I'm joking, but I really want you to try it). As I said, I can't remember when I've had a meal this good, it may have been in Italy, it may have been in France, maybe in London, but it was something not to be missed. Go expecting to spend a lot and you will agree it is so worth it. read more

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Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful restaurant. Service was okay and the reason I say that is because my friends and I didn't much enjoy the food. We were a bit sad because Tampa has underwhelmed us with their food scene but the ambiance they've really paid attention to the small details. Once our server realized we weren't having an enjoyable dining experience I think he started to stress out maybe thinking the kitchen's mistakes would have an effect on his tip. We still tipped him well because he's not in the back of the house he didn't cook the food. Our gnocchi was almost raw, and lemon butter pasta smelled so bad we couldn't even try it. The Ragu pasta just tasted like a basic spaghetti nothing special. We did the mozzarella cart and that was probably the best thing to hit the table. The restaurant was also very loud so we didn't talk to each other at the table much because we felt like we had to yell. read more

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I've been to Rocca several times and have always enjoy it, but this last visit was by far the most disappointing. For a Michelin-star restaurant, the food and service were completely off. The mozzarella cart, normally a highlight, was a letdown. The attendant had no energy or interest... When I asked about the tomatoes to break the ice, he barely responded. Then he cut the mozzarella into seven oversized slices for our table of four, which made no sense compared to the smaller, shareable portions I've had ever visit before. The Pork Arrosticini tasted more burnt than flavorful and the Wagyu Steak Carpaccio was piled together carelessly, making it hard to split or enjoy. My cocktail looked like the bar tender was in the middle of a science experiment with drink so I asked my waitress what was going on why they were pouring out my drink into a rocks glass and adding more ice. Management came to the table and questioned me about why I had asked what the bartender was doing with my drink (which is premade and on tap) The bartender who hadn't even made my drink was standing behind the bar, looking directly at me and trying to listen in. At that point I asked why the manager didn't just call him over if he was going to be part of the conversation, instead of dragging it out when he had nothing to do with the issue. What made it worse is that I brought a guest for their very first visit, hoping to impress them. Instead, the whole rest of the night felt off. I've had much better experiences here in the past, so hopefully this was just an off night. but the lack of consistency was really disappointing. read more

Everything we ate was excellent. We loved the table side mozzarella and we were lucky enough to order the duck on a whim (did not realize you usually need to reserve one as they go fast per the waiter). Both of these items would've been better to share with a larger group as it was just me and my husband. read more

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Definitely a Michelin star worthy restaurant. Make sure you make a reservation in advance because they book up quickly. We did the mozzarella cart experience which is pricey but delicious. It was also cool to see how they make it, the warm mozzarella caught me off guard but was yummy. Both pastas I tried were tasty but my favorite was the spaghetti al limone - really light and fresh. For the dessert, the pistachio gelato ice cream was devine. The service was exceptional, our waitress was really attentive and had great attention to detail. They also have a great selection of wines and after drinker drinks. Definitely will be back! read more

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The bread and mozzarella cart (which I suspected to be overrated) were *exceptional*, while the pasta--spaghetti al limone--was just as good as any fresh pasta I've had. It was nothing extraordinary. The pasta flavors were a combination I never had before and felt unfamiliar--not in a good way lol. So while I will stay away from any more entrees or pastas, I would like to go back even if it's just for the bread and mozzarella cart experience! I would also like to try out some of the desserts. read more

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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There's a particular kind of restaurant alchemy that's hard to define but impossible to miss when you find it. In Tampa, for me, that magic happens most reliably at Rocca. It's not just a meal; it feels like stepping into a space where care is palpable, woven into the fabric of the evening. If you find yourself in the city, willing to invest in an experience that lingers long after the last bite (think comfortably in the $150-$200 per person range, drinks included), this is where you should land. It transcends mere dining; it feels essential. Walking into Rocca, you immediately sense it's different. The interior hums with a sophisticated yet inviting energy - call it 'vibey' if you must, but it's more than that. It's warm, arching spaces hold an intimate buzz, the lighting is flattering, and there's an underlying current of genuine enthusiasm. You settle in, perhaps starting with one of their truly excellent cocktails - complex, balanced, setting the tone beautifully. Then comes the moment that crystallizes Rocca's charm: **The Mozzarella Cart.** It sounds simple, perhaps even quaint. But witnessing it is pure, quiet magic. A skilled attendant rolls a cart right to your table, transforming fresh curds and warm water into impossibly delicate, cloud-like buffalo mozzarella right before your eyes. The stretch, the tear, the gentle plop onto your plate - it's culinary theatre at its most deliciously authentic. The resulting cheese, still faintly warm, creamy and rich, pooling milky liquid on the plate... it's a revelation. Ordering this isn't just recommended; it feels like understanding the heart of the place. Balance that warm indulgence with their **Tartare.** It arrives cool, precise, clean. The flavors are sharp and bright, a necessary counterpoint to the mozzarella's decadence, showcasing a different kind of mastery with raw ingredients. But the soul of Rocca, truly, lies in the **pasta.** Handmade isn't just a buzzword here; it's evident in every bite. There's a soulfulness, a texture, a depth of flavor that machine extrusion simply can't replicate. Choosing just one feels like a disservice. Do yourself a favor: commit to **at least two.** Maybe it's a deeply comforting, slow-cooked ragu that hums with complexity, or perhaps something showcasing the Gulf's bounty - seafood so fresh it tastes like the ocean just delivered it. Each plate is a testament to craft, demanding attention and appreciation. Sharing is optional; the regret of not ordering more is almost guaranteed. Is it Tampa's best? Without hesitation, I'd place it firmly among the very top. Rocca isn't merely feeding you; it's offering an experience. It's the sum of that perfect atmosphere, the impeccable cocktails, the theatrical mozzarella, the vibrant tartare, and those soulful pastas. It's the feeling of being somewhere special, where care is evident in every detail. It reminds you why we seek out these places - not just for sustenance, but for that resonant hum of perfection, the shared joy of an exceptional meal. It's a restaurant that earns its reputation, plate by beautiful plate. If you go, go fully. Sit back, absorb it, and taste why it resonates so deeply. read more

Beautiful restaurant! Fantastic service! The grilled dirty martini was one of the best! The lavender haze was sweeter than I wanted. The mozzarella cart was a fun experience and tasted even better than I expected--warm cheese, sweet tomatoes, sea salt plus our server explained while he was preparing it. We decided on the stuffed pastas--the Agnolotti was spicy from the salame and the cream sauce was a good balance while the garlic breadcrumbs added the perfect crunch. The Raviolini del Plin was savory & earthy however I could have used more sauce, because the pasta is fresh & al dente and was a little dry. The bread service was awesome--focaccia & sourdough with incredible lemon butter. I would love to go again soon but because it is so pricey, this will have to be a special occasion restaurant for me. read more

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Everything about this place was exceptional. Ambiance, service, food, decor all spot on and provided the 5 star experience I was looking for. The staff was very attentive, knew the menu and could make the appropriate recommendations and pairings. The food was exquisite. Flavors were all bright and fresh very enjoyable overall. The blue crab in the spaghetti tasted like it just came out of the water before being put on the plate. I would definitely return should I find myself in Tampa again. read more

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The service was perfection. Nice place. Would we go back? Probably not. We had several of the apps including the table side mozzerella. We had 2 pasta entrees and finished the meal with the burnt cheesecake. My husband & I eat at a lot of restaurants and agreed there was not anything we loved that we would come back for. We were a little disappointed. read more

One of the first Michelin (1) star restaurants in Tampa and they do not disappoint. The food is obviously great especially the table side mozzarella dish which is a must. The service was great and the ambiance is casual but elevated - what you would expect in Florida for a fancy but not extravagant place - upscale neighborhood place is how I would describe it. It is not the type of 1 star Michelin restaurants you find in Europe or Asia who are all trying to vie for 3 stars, take that to mean what you want but I do prefer that. It is also not super expensive so I don't mind coming here often when I want good Italian. Worth the visit. read more

Rocca was phenomenal! The star of the show was the mozzarella cart, which they are deservedly popular for. The cheese was so fresh and melted nicely, and the tomatoes served as a great compliment to the cheese, which were equally fresh. Some of the pastas we got were a little on the saltier side, but I didn't mind that at all. The best pasta in my opinion was the TORTELLO All' UOVO, which has an egg yolk center- it had a good density to it, and the ricotta filling with maitake mushroom was delicious. The desserts were also amazing! My fave was the olive oil cake, which had a decadent orange marmalade on top, soooooo good- went well with the sponginess of the cake itself. Very fragrant dessert- which i love!!! The service was amazing and the staff were very knowledgeable about the dishes and ingredients, which is always nice. Also, we really enjoyed the vibe of the place, Rocca is upscale, but not uncomfortable. I see why it has a Michelin Star!! read more

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AMAZING!! I dined here with my wife for her birthday, and we had a great experience. Justin our server was very attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. He had great knowledge of the menu and offered us good drink recommendations. We ordered the table side mozzarella & tomatoes as our appetizer. A little pricey, but don't think twice. It is worth every penny. It could easily feed 3-4 people. They use the freshest ingredients and let you know where they source them from. The tomatoes were the sweetest Ive ever had and were from a place in plant city. They do a great job of explaining the process of making the mozzarella. I got the crab linguine? Not sure the exact name. It's a seasonal dish. But it was so different from traditional pasta dishes I've tried at other restaurants. I really enjoyed it. The hand crafted drinks were well made. Didn't get many pics after the appetizers because we were enjoying our time. But, a great experience overall. I'll be back! read more

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Absolutely Amazing! Beautiful restaurant, impeccable service. We chose five items on the menu to share. The server made sure they were coursed out. Pasta bolognese and crab and lemon pasta were fantastic! Rocca did not disappoint! Don't hesitate.. check it out! read more

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Absolutely amazing. My mom was visiting so of course I had to take her to one of the best restaurants in Tampa. The service was 10/10 every little detail was addressed. Even our napkins, someone would come and fold it for us when they see it on the table. Everyone was super friendly and easy to talk to. Everything that ordered was absolutely delicious. The Mozzarella cart is a must, not your typical caprese salad. The RAVIOLINI Del PLIN was spot on perfection. If I'm nitpicking I would say that the honey in the Pistachio Gelato was not needed also the orange marmalade was a bit too sweet for me. However, it was still one of the best olive oil cakes and pistachio gelatos that I've ever tried. I was notified in the end that everything is made in house. So, props to the chef and his team for maintaining the consistency between each dish, I love that. Overall, I 100% recommend. read more

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Very good Italian food. The menu though was a bit limited I would've rather some more options. However, the options that I chose, they were simply delicious. As well as the handcrafted drinks they are so good. The dessert was delightful. The restaurant is really nice bright and open . Our server was absolutely amazing. This is a great experience. You won't go wrong choosing this restaurant if you want Italian. read more

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from start to finish, we had a wonderful dinner on a Sunday nite (3/30). 845 pm reservations. Ryan, our waiter, was awesome! He gave great suggestions. I had one of their new cocktails, the Vodka Sour -- very refreshing and light. We had the sommelier suggest a bottle of Brunello - excellent. We started with the Asparagus (the saffron zabaione/black sauce? Was a little too pungent for us), Shrimp Fritti (awesome!!) and Japanese sea bream crudo (good). Couldn't decide btwn 3 pasta dishes and asked the waiter to choose for us, as a surprise. He brought out the spaghetti al limone w/ crab (light/unique flavors) and agnolotti (had a nice spiciness) pastas. We had the Branzino to finish - lovely dish with fingerling potatoes, olives, pine nuts and tomatoes. All of the dishes were perfectly paced; we didnt feel rushed nor did we feel we were waiting long for the next course. The table was always cleaned btwn plates. We were often checked on; I never had to refill our wine glasses or ask for water. The restaurant wasn't too loud; guests were not seated too close to each other so people could actually have conversations w/o yelling. Looking forward to going back to try other dishes! read more

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This is my first review of Rocca, and my second time dining at this restaurant. The food was excellent to taste; however, the presentation was less than stellar. Food on a plate with no appetizing eye appealing view, just stuff on a plate. The Burnt Cheesecake was a hit. Passed this 1st visit of, as to being new and popular, and still finding its grove. Second time Worse that the first time. This was an early dinner, so the restaurant was not yet full and humming with activity. Service was OK, nothing to brag about. When you have six people at a table don't bring four pieces of cheese, bring six or none at all. Wine steward was great, and very knowledgeable. The food is the same thing, with no visual appeal. Appetizers: The Beef Carpaccio served on a warm plate was disgusting. The Salmon Carpaccio blah and a bit fishy, served on a room temperature plate. The Foi Gra was the better part of the appetizers for taste and presentation; however, those two blobs of sauces/jellies were less than stellar. Dinner: Salad, great lettuce but way over dressed leaving a puddle of dressing at the bottom of the plate. Pasta was delicious, again, plating presentation is abysmal. Dessert: Burnt Cheesecake again since it was excellent the first time. Not this time, warm plate and runny like not fully cooked. Facility charge: At the cost of dinner at a supposedly Michelin Star restaurant 2% is nothing to just bury it as part of the cost of the meal. The worst part is that the staff does not take the time to tell you that it is there and what is for. You discover that yourself when you get the bill. I do not know the criteria for Michelin Star awards, but this is not it. Rocca will either change, or it will lose that star (if there really is a criterion other than paying for the award). They need a food stylist, tablecloths, and new crockery. Grandmas' plates look a little worn out. There will not be a third visit, unless I'm forced to go. Good luck in the future. read more

Food: Phenomenal food! Pasta was Al dente and the flavors were amazing! Service: Great service! Will be back again in the future! read more

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Everything was amazing. The beautiful women glittered like diamonds in red bottom shoes and the gentlemen quite put together, handsome. I was not disappointed- and I'm a high-nosed Hyde Park snob- so that's great! I belong here, so do you. read more

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Well worth the Michelin Star! Firstly, service and vibes are on point. Super friendly. AC made it cold though haha We tried three pastas, the duck, and olive oil cake. Portions are perfect - we were stuffed with leftovers for home. The pasta is freshly made and cooked al dente. The duck, though, was the star. Despite how full we were from the pasta, it still tasted amazing! Definitely get it if you can. The dessert was okay. The orange made it a little too bitter. Will be coming back many times in the future! read more

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Everything is awesome. Not joking but if you pass on the table side mozzarella you will live the rest of your life in regret. You've been warned read more

Wonderful Mother's Day dinner from my son and husband. Great table and service. Food was fun and delicious with great flavors. Incredible pork, pasta, Wagyu and desserts. Normally I'm a pistachio girl all the way but the orange sorbetto was the clear winner! read more

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We had heard great things about Rocca from some very sophisticated friends and finally got an opportunity to come for a meal. The fresh and innovative flavors were amazing and I absolutely loved the beautiful and unique plates they used for each course and the Italian glassware. We started with the beets with Kanpachi, fennel, and blood orange, a stunning dish and gorgeous presentation. I would have never thought of using beets and Kanpachi crudo together and could not get over how delicious it was. Then, the spaghetti al limone, which was topped with such a generous amount of sweet blue crab. I grew up loving blue crab from visits to my grandparents who lived on the Maryland shore and this dish really brought me back. It's a bright and sunny location which paired well with the food and is welcoming to all of those escaping the cold from outside of Florida. read more

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I have mixed feelings about my experience at Rocca. The service was great, I loved the entree I had (agnolotti) but Rocca left a lot to be desired. Everything tasted too lemony and tart. I was not a fan of the little gem salad, I was expecting it not to be so tart. The shrimp fritti went along with it, but nothing special. The entree, while delicious, was a tiny portion compared to the other pasta dishes. We didn't get dessert here and went next door to Jeni's for ice cream. Overall, not a place I'd likely seek my way to come back to. :( had really high hopes and expectations since they have a Michelin star but I don't think the star is well deserved. read more

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Great place with a modern take on Italian food. Need to reserve way ahead of time for a decent time slot as it fills quickly. Food was really good, enjoyed the beet appetizer and my black pasta with octopus. We ordered the mozzarella cart which gave us a nice photo but really wasn't worth the price. The restaurant is a little loud but not horrible. Our server was very good, the only thing I would have liked to see is the dirty dishes get cleared a little quicker. But overall no complaints and I would return. read more

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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