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This is in response to the owner's response to my review. I know how long Rocco's has been around. I was a customer for more than 20 years. I stand by my review; the food was trash. No one was at the stove cooking in the front, so I assume you have a stove tucked in the back. I apologize. Now regarding the sauce, I know canned sauce when I see it, and that was canned sauce. I stand by that OPINION. I did not disparage the individual working in the restaurant and have no idea why you needed to bring that into the conversation. Your character is questionable to imply I was problematic. When that wasn't the case at all. You don't get to call my experience fictional. Good luck keeping your doors open. I give a few months at best.
Found this spot while trying to carb up before the sf marathon that needed to accommodate for a party of 6. We were able to make a reservation on Yelp, when we tried to call the number it was an AI answering machine but it all worked out. We walked over from our hotel and they sat us, we ordered everything via the qr app and our phones, we never got our foccocia bread but they took it out. We shared the bolognese fries, grilled polenta, and calamari. We all got different pastas, I got the grilled flank steak with eggplant caponata, we ordered a pesto to go, bolognese, fettuccine, penne pastas, chicken parm and we added proteins to them. Service was pretty quick and easy and it was kind of busy for a Friday night. We were stuffed and had leftovers. There's some street parking but it is a busy area. Looks small on the outside but accommodates a lot of people and bar seating, there were some seats outside.
I'm a regular at Rocco's, have been for years even before I moved to Soma in 2014. They reopened after Folsom street construction in April with a new menu and some updates to the decor. I have to say my favorite is now the lasagna with the bolognese sauce on top. My bestie calls it "a hug on a plate". The service staff is always warm and welcoming - Brian, Jessie and Michael are always making sure everything is just right. I can say I've sampled most everything on the menu at this point and been pleased with every dish. Glad to have them back in the neighborhood - definitely a Soma dining staple!
Came here a few months ago (before they closed I guess). Large portions of food but it was kind of mediocre. While our waitress was nice, she ended up ignoring us for a large part of our time there once she got caught up with chatting with some other customers. We chose to sit in the back for some privacy but that was a terrible choice because I just kept smelling the strong scents of cleaning supplies coming out of the bathroom back there. I know it's an old establishment, but I can see why it's now closed.
Wonderful service the waiter was very helpful and the food came fast I even ordered a pasta to go. I can't wait to get home and eat it.
Best late night food in SF. Atmosphere was great, we enjoyed the food here. Really good quality
Came here with some friends before GDC. Good: - They had an easy reservation system. - The polenta and tomato dish was a good portion size, and I liked the texture of the polenta and how it came with bread and butter and jam as well - It's quiet so it's easy to talk and catch up with people here. Bad: - It took about 30 minutes to get my order and there weren't many others in the restaurant so it just surprised me. - The food was okay, it wasn't anything special and it was quite expensive. - Pretty dim place and it feels a bit run down ambiance Overall this place was an okay spot but wouldn't come again.
The new Rocco's is great! Had the frittata which was really well done. Service was great and fun vibe!
Well so long to a great restaurant that once was. When it all started back when it was on Mission Street in the Excelsior district it was a great Italian and American restaurant. Since it moved to Folsom Street it was still great, but it was sold and now it is definitely not worth going back to. Besides the prices being over inflated and half of the original menu not available anymore. They don't even have a staple item that made them so great to patronize, ( Hamburger on a French Roll. I've been eating at Rocco's since 1980 Guess change isn't as good as people think !!!!!
Came for late night dinner service and surprisingly the restaurant was still packed towards the end of the night. We were greeted immediately and got seated right away. The place was quite dim creating a relaxing atmosphere, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the dinner experience and enjoy my meal. I also couldn't help but notice the array of photos and signed celeb posters scattered throughout the walls, giving it a true Italian restaurant feel. We were given a complementary basket of bread and butter after our server took our order. I ordered a half portion of the chicken marsala with fettuccine, which was still more than enough for myself. The sauce and ingredients complimented the pasta very well. My boyfriend ordered the clams in white sauce with fettuccine. Great portion of clams. Our server was friendly and checked in with us multiple times during the night. It seemed she was the only server that night, so big props to her! Overall, this is a great spot for authentic home-style Italian food. It's no wonder this spot has been featured for years!
This is a really cool space. There's a very good selection on the menu, the portions were well sized, and the vibe of the entire restaurant is friendly. The server lost track of us a little bit, with our cup of soup coming out right before the entree and no follow up to see how we were doing. We had to ask for the bill so we could leave well after we had finished. I feel like there was new staff that the server was looking after, so that could have been the reason. I look forward to going back.
I went for lunch, and Rocco's has casual vibes and standard fare you would expect at an Italian spot. It looked like only one server at lunch, but there weren't too many diners and plenty of seats available, so service was still great. The soup I got looked like it had exploded a bit in a microwave with how the sides were dripping with slightly dried out liquid. It didn't affect the taste and I was fine with how it looked since it came out hot. The bread is nothing special, but I appreciated the generous amount of butter to go with it. The half order of the chicken parmesan was a lot for one person. The full order must be a sharable plate if the size of the half portion is anything to go by. It's a perfectly fine place for lunch if you're close by. I wouldn't go out of my way to get here.
Sometime in mid-January, I stumbled upon an IG post from a sandwich staple in my work neighborhood about the ownership and management change here. I was out of town for the following week plus so I didn't have an opportunity to check this out until early February. On a recent Friday morning, I decided to call and order lunch. When I asked for my 'usual' meal choice, I was told that it was no longer on the menu. Given this, the lady who took my order helped me to pivot to another similar item which happened to be the special for that day. I drove up around noon to pick up my order, finding a parking space just a few doors down. Bringing my takeout order back to the office, I started with a cup of minestrone (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=zjajoqO12AProDl0tSEuLw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). The portion is generous for a cup and paired very well with the sourdough bread that came with my meal. For my main meal, I had the clams over fettuccine in white sauce (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WmjiPMm66x_e9HtyJxk6Dg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q); it was a bit creamier than I like and, being fettucine instead of linguine, this is on the heavier side. The flavors were good and I could only finish half along with that minestrone for lunch. When picking up my meal, a young gentleman helped me with my order and was very cheerful, helpful, and enthusiastic in telling me about the menu and their hours. I believe that he is likely the chef and/or partner in the business. I am saddened that the menu is pared down some though the plus is that they are open late nights to catch the post bar crowd flow. I'm glad that the chicken Marsala is still there and disappointed that I was unable to get my linguine with clams in red sauce (add mushrooms). Being a neighborhood spot near my workplace, I will come in as things get less busy in the office. Thanks, Michael, for introducing me to the new rendition of Rocco's.
30 days ago
2 months ago
The end of an era. Rocco's is dead. What used to be our favorite Sunday breakfast spot, rich in SF history and rich in hearty offerings, is no more. Oh, you'll still find a place called Rocco's on Folsom, but one step in and you'll know it's not THE Rocco's. From the boring walls devoid of the memorabilia, to the new menu, to the food itself, it's an entirely different restaurant that you shouldn't mistake for the OG RIP Rocco's read more
2 months ago
18 days ago
This is in response to the owner's response to my review. I know how long Rocco's has been around. I was a customer for more than 20 years. I stand by my review; the food was trash. No one was at the stove cooking in the front, so I assume you have a stove tucked in the back. I apologize. Now regarding the sauce, I know canned sauce when I see it, and that was canned sauce. I stand by that OPINION. I did not disparage the individual working in the restaurant and have no idea why you needed to bring that into the conversation. Your character is questionable to imply I was problematic. When that wasn't the case at all. You don't get to call my experience fictional. Good luck keeping your doors open. I give a few months at best. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
You’re absolutely entitled to say you didn’t enjoy your meal, but…
5 days ago
Found this spot while trying to carb up before the sf marathon that needed to accommodate for a party of 6. We were able to make a reservation on Yelp, when we tried to call the number it was an AI answering machine but it all worked out. We walked over from our hotel and they sat us, we ordered everything via the qr app and our phones, we never got our foccocia bread but they took it out. We shared the bolognese fries, grilled polenta, and calamari. We all got different pastas, I got the grilled flank steak with eggplant caponata, we ordered a pesto to go, bolognese, fettuccine, penne pastas, chicken parm and we added proteins to them. Service was pretty quick and easy and it was kind of busy for a Friday night. We were stuffed and had leftovers. There's some street parking but it is a busy area. Looks small on the outside but accommodates a lot of people and bar seating, there were some seats outside. read more
3 months ago
I'm a regular at Rocco's, have been for years even before I moved to Soma in 2014. They reopened after Folsom street construction in April with a new menu and some updates to the decor. I have to say my favorite is now the lasagna with the bolognese sauce on top. My bestie calls it "a hug on a plate". The service staff is always warm and welcoming - Brian, Jessie and Michael are always making sure everything is just right. I can say I've sampled most everything on the menu at this point and been pleased with every dish. Glad to have them back in the neighborhood - definitely a Soma dining staple! read more
6 days ago
14 days ago
2 months ago
Came here a few months ago (before they closed I guess). Large portions of food but it was kind of mediocre. While our waitress was nice, she ended up ignoring us for a large part of our time there once she got caught up with chatting with some other customers. We chose to sit in the back for some privacy but that was a terrible choice because I just kept smelling the strong scents of cleaning supplies coming out of the bathroom back there. I know it's an old establishment, but I can see why it's now closed. read more
4 months ago
Wonderful service the waiter was very helpful and the food came fast I even ordered a pasta to go. I can't wait to get home and eat it. read more
5 months ago
Best late night food in SF. Atmosphere was great, we enjoyed the food here. Really good quality read more
Came here with some friends before GDC. Good: - They had an easy reservation system. - The polenta and tomato dish was a good portion size, and I liked the texture of the polenta and how it came with bread and butter and jam as well - It's quiet so it's easy to talk and catch up with people here. Bad: - It took about 30 minutes to get my order and there weren't many others in the restaurant so it just surprised me. - The food was okay, it wasn't anything special and it was quite expensive. - Pretty dim place and it feels a bit run down ambiance Overall this place was an okay spot but wouldn't come again. read more
6 months ago
The new Rocco's is great! Had the frittata which was really well done. Service was great and fun vibe! read more
1 year ago
Well so long to a great restaurant that once was. When it all started back when it was on Mission Street in the Excelsior district it was a great Italian and American restaurant. Since it moved to Folsom Street it was still great, but it was sold and now it is definitely not worth going back to. Besides the prices being over inflated and half of the original menu not available anymore. They don't even have a staple item that made them so great to patronize, ( Hamburger on a French Roll. I've been eating at Rocco's since 1980 Guess change isn't as good as people think !!!!! read more
Came for late night dinner service and surprisingly the restaurant was still packed towards the end of the night. We were greeted immediately and got seated right away. The place was quite dim creating a relaxing atmosphere, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the dinner experience and enjoy my meal. I also couldn't help but notice the array of photos and signed celeb posters scattered throughout the walls, giving it a true Italian restaurant feel. We were given a complementary basket of bread and butter after our server took our order. I ordered a half portion of the chicken marsala with fettuccine, which was still more than enough for myself. The sauce and ingredients complimented the pasta very well. My boyfriend ordered the clams in white sauce with fettuccine. Great portion of clams. Our server was friendly and checked in with us multiple times during the night. It seemed she was the only server that night, so big props to her! Overall, this is a great spot for authentic home-style Italian food. It's no wonder this spot has been featured for years! read more
This is a really cool space. There's a very good selection on the menu, the portions were well sized, and the vibe of the entire restaurant is friendly. The server lost track of us a little bit, with our cup of soup coming out right before the entree and no follow up to see how we were doing. We had to ask for the bill so we could leave well after we had finished. I feel like there was new staff that the server was looking after, so that could have been the reason. I look forward to going back. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks for the review, hope to see you again soon
5 months ago
I went for lunch, and Rocco's has casual vibes and standard fare you would expect at an Italian spot. It looked like only one server at lunch, but there weren't too many diners and plenty of seats available, so service was still great. The soup I got looked like it had exploded a bit in a microwave with how the sides were dripping with slightly dried out liquid. It didn't affect the taste and I was fine with how it looked since it came out hot. The bread is nothing special, but I appreciated the generous amount of butter to go with it. The half order of the chicken parmesan was a lot for one person. The full order must be a sharable plate if the size of the half portion is anything to go by. It's a perfectly fine place for lunch if you're close by. I wouldn't go out of my way to get here. read more
5 months ago
Sometime in mid-January, I stumbled upon an IG post from a sandwich staple in my work neighborhood about the ownership and management change here. I was out of town for the following week plus so I didn't have an opportunity to check this out until early February. On a recent Friday morning, I decided to call and order lunch. When I asked for my 'usual' meal choice, I was told that it was no longer on the menu. Given this, the lady who took my order helped me to pivot to another similar item which happened to be the special for that day. I drove up around noon to pick up my order, finding a parking space just a few doors down. Bringing my takeout order back to the office, I started with a cup of minestrone (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=zjajoqO12AProDl0tSEuLw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). The portion is generous for a cup and paired very well with the sourdough bread that came with my meal. For my main meal, I had the clams over fettuccine in white sauce (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WmjiPMm66x_e9HtyJxk6Dg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q); it was a bit creamier than I like and, being fettucine instead of linguine, this is on the heavier side. The flavors were good and I could only finish half along with that minestrone for lunch. When picking up my meal, a young gentleman helped me with my order and was very cheerful, helpful, and enthusiastic in telling me about the menu and their hours. I believe that he is likely the chef and/or partner in the business. I am saddened that the menu is pared down some though the plus is that they are open late nights to catch the post bar crowd flow. I'm glad that the chicken Marsala is still there and disappointed that I was unable to get my linguine with clams in red sauce (add mushrooms). Being a neighborhood spot near my workplace, I will come in as things get less busy in the office. Thanks, Michael, for introducing me to the new rendition of Rocco's. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you for the kind and detailed review! We look forward to seeing…
My friend introduced me to Rocco's, and it didn't disappoint! The interior has pictures and other decorations that pay homage to the Italian restaurant, and gives the space a cozy feeling. Our server was very accommodating, and took our order promptly. I got the chicken parm, and it was cooked very nicely! The chicken was cut thin, and the pasta was perfect. The only thing that I would say is that I'm not sure that it's worth it at the price point of about $25. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks for the review, glad you enjoyed the chicken parm!
2 years ago
OK WOW! Came for a late brunch today and was totally taken aback by how delicious this meal was. The steak and eggs are the perfect way to jump into your day. The steak is marinated with balsamic and Calabrian chilis, DELICIOUS! Such a fabulous flavor combo, slight heat from the chili up against the acid in the balsamic made for a perfectly balanced steak. Eggs were sunny side up diner style and cooked to perfection. Sourdough baguette was crispy and came pre buttered (LOVE). And the fruit bowl!? When are there ever berries in a fruit bowl! I thought we were in a recession!? Service was really great as well. Water never went unfilled and my Diet Coke was crispy and refilled thrice. The decor is giving old school but not kitschy in a Mel's way, which I appreciate. Thankful I live a couple blocks away. I'll be back, Rocco's! read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon
4 months ago
was decent but didnt think anything too special. we wanted to try it as there were raving reviews + lots of generations to its name - but thought it was overpriced. surprisingly there was also barely anyone there on a friday evening for dinner time read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks for the harsh review, we are sorry to hear we didn't live up…
2 years ago
Stumbled upon this place while waiting for friends. The calamari and tiramisu is so good! The place is nice and cozy and the menu looks really good. Service is nice and helpful and lots of tables for groups. Portions are big and snooping around the other tables, the pasta looks amazing! Place closes at midnight too! Must come back to try more food. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you for the review! We hope to see you again soon
I actually have eaten here many times. This is one of my favorite places to eat at. I decided to come back here onne more time. My food tasted great. The food came out nice and hot and was cooked to perfection. The service was very friendly and the ambiance of the place was excellent. I highly recommend eating here and do not forget your credit card if you come here because they don't accept cash . I wish I could give Rocos 10 stars. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon
Some days you will find this gem packed. And still, they are amazing. Friendly and to the point, good food and good service. If the kitchen is backed up, they warn you and work with you to get things out quick. Yet, the vibe is great and we all work together. So, their idea of a wait isn't bad, honestly. Other times, it's not packed and they are still amazing. The specials are always worth checking out, but don't be fooled away from the main menu. Some dishes stand the test of time and they are on this menu. I've not tried a steak here, but I can say that I might someday. Yep, it's a place to try it all. BE AWARE: They are NOT serving dinner for the rest of 2023. They just want some nice time at home. I love thus place and think you will too. read more
2 years ago
Great brunch spot. Very romantic and relaxed with a good selection of brunch staples. The signature dishes though are definitely a step up. Sourdough French toast with strawberries and cream and the crab cake Benedict were excellent. Everything was very filling so maybe a good place to split a meal and a side. The inside is super cute. Service is relaxed and friendly. The food is a little pricy but the quality definitely backs it up and it makes sense for the location. 3 brunch entries and two coffee drinks with tip was about $95. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you for the kind review, we hope to see you again soon
This restaurant is so incredibly cute and charming. We came for brunch and we got the crab cake benedict and the strawberry French toast, along with a cappuccino. The benedict was very good. It is incredibly filing since the crab cake is fried, but you can definitely share it with two people. The strawberry french toast was excellent, and the cream on top was *chef's kiss*. The cappuccino was a nice combination with the meal. Really enjoyed our meal here and will be coming back for brunch again. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks so much for the very kind and detailed review! We hope to see…
This is actually one of my wife's favorite places but due to Covid, it was almost forgotten. What triggered her to remember was when I asked her where do they serve her favorite pasta? Linguine vongole with a tomato sauce.. after some thought, Rocco's! We dropped in on a Saturday night and it wasn't too busy. Maybe a little more than half full. We were seated quickly and after I got settled in I recall fond memories. It's a photos of American culture. From Joe Montana to Farah Fawcett, it spans my youth. More importantly, let get to the food. Their selection from Italian to Burger made it hard for me to choose. I went for the special which was spinach pasta with prawns. My wife had the linguine vongole red which isn't common. This is one of the few places that have it on the menu which is the reason why we came. Love the food and ambiance because it's real! read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks for the kind detailed review! Were glad to hear Jesse made…
6 months ago
1 year ago
the food is fantastic the location is historic the people are wonderful a real sf institution read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thanks for the kind review! We enjoyed meeting you
I could place to have a good conversation. They've definitely lowered the lights for evening service, which creates greater intimacy. New ownership in the owners, quite friendly and also the quiche it seems. The table services frequent and they do check in on you and are quite friendly they're happy to refill your drinks as well, the soul was great very light and the broccolini was perfect. My friend had the fettuccine with scampi and ate it pretty quickly, so he just had a smile on his face and had a nice glass of wine. A nice place to have a good conversation with a nice staff and owner And a main stay in the neighborhood now with the expanded hours. This is a go to the neighborhood and so glad to have it back. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you for the kind review! We look forward to seeing you again
2 years ago
A great place for authentic Italian food. The Chicken parmigiana was delicious, the atmosphere was perfect, and service was excellent. read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon
2 years ago
Love this Italian place in Soma :) the calamari was good portion size. Really tasty and fresh and crispy. The eggplant parm was so tasty and cheesy. The shrimp omelette was such a delight and surprisingly so good with the marinara sauce. Didn't realize you get an additional pasta on the Side if you order an entree dish. The bowl of soup is included. Would definitely come back !!! read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you so much for the kind review! We are so happy you enjoyed…
3 years ago
When I hear "Rocco" I used to think of the pet rock that Elmo had beef with but now I will think of this Italian restaurant. I will think about the warm and crackly bread that came with the whipped ricotta drizzled with chili oil and the pool of olive oil soothing the bite of crushed garlic resting at the bottom. I will think about the steaming shrimp gamberoni, the acidity of the tomatoes and the mildness of the mushrooms, the texture of the coated and sauteed shrimp. I will think about how every bite was perfect and took away the words in my chest. l will think about my how my partner bullied me into saying it clears maggianos. I know I can't even compare the two, very different vibes, but the most important thing to note is that rocco's fed me well and also gave me hope for the new eats I'll have in SF read more
Business owner information
Scott B.
Thank you so much for the kind, energetic review! We're so happy that…
Sizzler. That was in our young minds, the best place to get a steak! We were also there on many occasions for the "unlimited" all you can eat salad bar and would take chicken nuggets from the kids section! In our college years, We went to " Tad's Steak" on Powell St. We felt we were living the life! Rocco's is the place I go to around work to treat myself to a nice sizzling steak w/ mushrooms. For $28.95, you get a nice ribeye with a pile of mushrooms on top. It's oozing with flavor and juices. You can also get a side of plump raviolis or fries. Meatballs- housemade and it comes in two. By far, one of my favorite meatballs in the whole city! Nice, huge balls with texture and not dry at all. Your meal begins with complimentary bread and butter. But, you can request for the bread to be warmly toasted and also some olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip it in. The owner, Don is around to say hello and talk to you on most days. Due to staff shortages, customer service is slow as expected. Parking can be difficult They have many other hearty Italian American inspired dishes for a satisfying meal. read more
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More info about Rocco's Café
1131 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
SoMa
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(415) 941-3299
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http://www.roccoscafe.com
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