Excellent food excellent service Good wine more people should go there to enjoy their dinner read more

First time dining here. Quaint place with cute decor. Plenty of seating. We were warmly greeted by Heather our server. Had the capellini pasta with eggplant, mushroom and arugula with a modified sauce ( requested it be a white Chardonnay). They were very accommodating. Tasted homemade. Very good. Thank you! read more

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Amazing service, food and drinks. Heather was so accommodating, personable and made us feel so welcomed! If you want a place with many options especially if you're a vegetarian like me, and want caring service, check this place out!! If we lived closer, we'd be regulars! It was very relaxing for us which is what we needed. read more

My wife and I decided to try this restaurant. It has a wonderful warm, cozy ambiance with a sort of European flavor in its design. We ordered two dishes: the Paella Grata (Spanish rice served with chicken, sausage, calamari, shrimps, clams, asparagus, and sweet peppers in a saffron broth), and Capellini Capagnole (with sauteed shallots, mushrooms, eggplant, diced Roma tomatoes, arugula and goat cheese). Both dishes were substantial, with fresh ingredients, and they were delicious. Our waitress was very nice but the service was slow. It took awhile before our dishes were served. The payoff was excellent food but it would have been helpful if the waitress told us that there would be a wait. I could see that we put in our order after everyone else in the restaurant so the wait was understandable, but more communication would have been helpful. They do have specials on different days of the week and I would be interested in trying them. read more

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Quaint little restaurant. Has so much potential Wonderful service by our waitress/bartender. The food was not really the best though. My husband and I agreed that it is just mediocre. I've never had sweet alfredo sauce. We did not like it. The Ceasar salad was a bit soggy. The tiramisu dessert was yummy though. We both had the runs (I know...TMI) when we got back home. We won't be back. read more

On Thursday June 5th 2025, Rocco's played host to our celebration of our oldest daughter's graduation from San Clemente High School. The staff and management took a collaborative approach to creating a customized menu that met the diverse needs of our guests, both adults and children, within a reasonable budget. As one of the larger groups, with 30 in attendance, we appreciated the layout of the restaurant, which afforded us a sense of privacy, as well as the attentive service provided by the staff. Additionally, the generous food portions ensured that there were plenty of leftovers despite our guests' healthy appetites. We would like to thank the owner, Lorena , Heather and all the staff for helping make this a remarkable night that we will always remember. read more

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I contacted Rocco's to inquire about a large party reservation the very next day. Heather truly went the extra mile to accommodate our group and worked hard to make the dinner very special. We had such a nice time and enjoyed the food, as well! Our group loved the appetizers, garlic bread, and pappardelle pasta! Thank you, Rocco's! read more

Wow! Do yourself a huge favor and have dinner here. The quality is still some of the best in San Clemente. The new ownership (RIP Rocco) is holding Rocco's legacy so well. I'm very impressed. The food was out of this world, service. super great! They did a small remodel that actually open the space making it even more inviting - fresh and clean. The food is still out of this world. I'm so happy to have had dinner here tonight. read more

Stop in for a little breakfast. Food was good My daughter and I had a mimosa with our food, Thank you, I highly recommend read more

It's back!!!!!! Rocco's restaurant is back. Everything tastes the same. Same chefs. Service and food are superior. I love this restaurant. Cesar really took care of us. He is the best. read more

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When you visit or is in San Clemente. Come check out this Italian restaurant. I apologize I didn't take any pictures of the food we got. The food was so good we ate it all before we even snap a picture. I got the Pappardelle alla Vodka. This was so flavorful. The sauce was not too creamy or acidic. My boyfriend got the Spicy Penne Pasta with Italian sausage. He normally don't eat spicy food but he say it was not too spicy for him. The service staff is very attentive and kind. They were willing to explain the menu and do allow for you to add or trade out the protein. Next time we visit, we will be back. read more

Our favorite place to go for date night or company dinners. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere and service delightful! read more

Rocco's Restaurant - Escargot - Modern European Near Me - San Clemente, California

Good service, delicious wine and delicious food W'll be back Glad they were open for Christmas read more

I have always loved Rocco's. Its menu and food are fabulous. I was a little Disappointed with their NYE dishes. It was a take out, but I don't think that was the problem. This won't keep me from going again though. Could have just been a crazy night? read more

Great food! Happy they have some of the same items on the menu! Wishing the new owner well!! We miss Rocco!! We will be back soon!! read more

Got invited to the grand reopening and as a foodie i had to try it out. I don't remember the names of the plates but I'll tell you this, everything tasted fresh and it was filling. Although the empanadas are a bit over priced for the size, i would had felt ok about it, if the portion had 6 BUT they was good. The chimichuri sauce was a perfect mix. The tiramisu desert was a great shareable item for 3 I think the Music could be a little lower to blend with the type of restaurant, as it got hard to converse with my family but i get it, the excited was there, the food was on point, the environment and service was great. $140 with tip for 3 ‍ read more

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Rocco's in San Clemente is where carbs and happiness collide with a great, welcoming vibe! We kicked things off with warm, lightly grilled bread and marinara so good it should come with a warning label. The Caesar salad was crunchy, fresh, and dressed to impress. But the risotto? Total showstopper -- mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, asparagus, and the moistest chicken I've had in forever. The light, flavorful sauce tied it all together like a chef's kiss. The stuffed artichoke with goat cheese? A fun surprise -- rich, tangy, and totally worth trying. And Cesar, our server, was a rockstar: friendly, full of great recs, and checked in just the right amount. Highly recommend. Bring your appetite and maybe stretchy pants. read more

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It's been a few months since we have been to Roccos which is under new ownership. We were served by Heather who was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. We had our Rocco Favorite for over 12 years escargot, salad, ahi tuna tartar and the spaghetti's Lucia. Paired with a couple glasses Rombauer Chardonnay and a Woodford Old Fashiion. read more

Heather was fantastic and the food amazing. Plan to come often! The restaurant atmosphere was calm and relaxing.

While a lot of other places are overcrowded and overpriced, Rocco's prices are fair and their food delicious. Also no waiting for the table. Definitely worth going! read more

Amazing food still!!!! Homemade Pappardelle Alla Vodka pasta is legit! Cesar was a fantastic bartender. Ambiance chill and romantic. Will be back soon read more

This restaurant has the most amazing menu and best chef!!! There's sooooo much to chose from, you will want to eat here every night!!! Best around for sure. read more

In town from Scottsdale and went to Rocco's for a outstanding dinner. Had the veal saltimbocca, salmon with crabmeat and chicken marsala. Can't leave out the dirty martinis. Boy, do they pour a great drink! Highly recommend Rocco's for an evening meal. Service with Cesar was spectacular. read more

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My husband and I had a great dinner at the reopened Rocco's in San Clemente. we chose the appetizer, Calabrese. Grilled eggplant with Roma tomatoes and Buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil. our entrees were Penne Lucia ( nothing was left) and Spaghetti Pescatore(their generous portions had me bringing some home for another great meal. The service was perfect and the meal timed beautifully! the ambiance was relaxed and friendly. The menu had changed somewhat but the choices are exceptional! I would like to have added the new menu but am unable to post the picture. Thank you Sam and Nancy. read more

Absolutely amazing food tonight: Thank you Roccos for a lovely evening. Delicious Veal Piccata, Veal Marsala and Chicken Marsala. staff is attentive and welcoming, chef is amazing. Great wine selection and Generous pour. Rocco's never disappoints. read more

Ambience is great, food was served hot and was made to order with a little customization without attitude to accommodate gluten-free. Cesar suggested the love cup, If you have a sweet tooth, this will definitely satisfy !! read more

Wow use to love this place! Would come all the time. They changed owners and has fell apart! It took 2 hours to get food out garlic breed was a little margarine on bread no garlic, barely cooked. Finally had to ask for water all night, was completely overlooked. Then when food came out, not even sure what is was I always get the risotto with salmon. It tasted like overcooked white rice. And salmon that was old and tasted like nothing. Didn't even eat. Super sad this restaurant had changed. Well last time I will be eating there. Old owners come back and make it good again. read more

The best restaurant in San Clemente. Veal, Lamb, Steak , short ribs, pork chop all cooked in the finest sauces. Your taste buds will explode. How about Escargot and Ahi Tartare for happy hour. My favorite steak tartare. There isn't a broader menu in town. read more

I am sincerely sorry to have to write this review, but under the circumstances, I think it is only fair to let people know what to expect when they are spending a fair amount of money on a dinner out. I know that Rocco's is a local staple of the community and that they have experienced their share of set backs in the last couple of years, but there is no way to excuse the experience we had there last night. I get that it was New Years Eve, but it should be noted that the restaurant was no more busy than it would be on any weekend. If anything when we arrived there were several empty tables. Our friends made reservations to celebrate their daughters birthday and our Wedding anniversary. First of all we were seated right next to the service area....not 3-4 feet from where the bussers would very loudly throw dishes into the buckets. At one point it was so loud my husband had to step outside just to get away from it all. It took close to 30 minutes for us to place a drink order and more than 30 more minutes to get those drinks....one of them didn't make it to the table for over an hour. Our waitress was new, only 3 days on the job, so we are not faulting her in the least...that was managements decision to throw her into the fire like that. It took, an hour and a half to be served our dinner, and one of the dinners never made it to the table. I have posted a video of how everyone was nearly done with their meal while the birthday girls meal was never brought to the table. They offered to give her the meal to go and comp it, but really; is that truly compensation? I could see the writing on the wall immediately so I ordered the spicy penne which I figured they could not mess up. I was wrong. It can only be described as tasting like Chef Boyardee pasta and sauce. I took 2 bites and set it aside. They did take it off the bill. Our friends described their meals as "good for cafeteria food" Just because they did not charge us for bad food, or for food that never arrived hardly seems worth a pass. With so many other great options in town and close by neighboring towns, they gave us no reason to ever come back. read more

Since we just sent out only kid to college in August, our grand plans for an out of this world 25th Anniversary trip left along with my check to the college for tuition, room and board. So, a stay-versary it was! Early start with a nice walk and then breakfast at the Bagel Shack (San Clemente). Then in the afternoon went to the relatively new theaters in town and saw Bulletin Train, which was great. Next on the agenda was dinner at Rocco's and that was a great choice for a wonderful, delicious evening. Once we arrived, we could select where we wanted to sit, as it was still a bit empty since it was 5:30 pm on a Tuesday. It did fill up nicely as the evening went on. We like to take it slowly when celebrating and started with a couple of cocktails, shown in the pictures. My go-to is dry, Ketel One martini, up with a couple olives. My wife had the raspberry lemon drop. Both filled to the brim and excellently made. In fact they were so full, the waiter had to bring one at a time to try not to spill any. We then looked at the menu for an appetizer to share and ended up with artichokes stuffed with goat cheese. All in all, it was OK and would not have it again. I regret not trying the escargot and will do so next time, and there will be a next time. As our appetizer arrived, we ordered another round of full to the brim cocktails. We finished our appetizer and as we continued drinking our cocktails, we finally looked at the menu to find out what we would have for dinner. We also ordered a Caesar salad to split. As we ate our salad, I went back and forth between several choices, as I always do, sending Zack our server back several times to give me more time to select. I ended up choosing the spaghetti pescattore. The wife ordered the aragosta which is lobster with risotto. Unfortunately, Zack came back and said they were out of the lobster. She quickly pivoted to the Filetto Daphne, adding gorgonzola to the top of the filet. This dish also had a couple of good size shrimp as well. See picture of the wife's food and of course I completely forgot to take a snap of mine. As we waited for our meal and finished our cocktails, I decided that my full water glass should be tipped over and broken on the table covering it with water and glass shards. Could have been the mega martini or just an uncoordinated me. Ha! The staff quickly moved us to another table and accepted my multiple apologies for being a klutz. My spaghetti pescattore was excellent with lots of seafood and I loved all of it. I did resist the urge to lick the bowl! The wife's filet and shrimp were perfectly cooked and she enjoyed them. Our entrees were accompanied by a fantastic super Tuscan wine, Villa Antinori. To top it all off, we ordered the chocolate cream brûlée. It was very good, but I do have to say that I am a bigger fan of the original crème brûlée. As you can see from the picture, we liked it enough to clear the ramekin. We poured ourselves into an Uber and closed out our 25th Anniversary celebration. The service by our server (Zack) and the bartender and any others we dealt with was great. We will be back again and again. Go. Have Fun. Eat Well! read more

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New ownership. Food was outstanding and delicious. Our waiter was great and super attentive 10 stars!!! read more

Very nice staff, super friendly. As this was our first time there, we had questions and Heather answered them all without hesitation. Food was delicious. Cocktails tasted great. Definitely will go back again. read more

Food was excellent and the service was friendly and pleasant. Love how the place is set up.

I had the Risotto Palacio it was amazing! Cesar made dirty martinis with blue cheese olives they were delicious...love this place so much will deffinitly go back again! read more

This used to be fine dining Italian but now you'll pay fine dining for Olive Garden italian. First off - the service was very good. The wine list is small but OK. Problems are in the kitchen. I understand al dente pasta but it has to be cooked. Pasta seemed to be prepped to finish but they didn't finish it. My bowl included a 1/4 cup of melted butter. At the table I added the box parmesan and salt that was kindly provided. Not worth the price. read more

It's "BAAACK", in Rocco's honor and legacy. His food lives on! We had a great dinner...4 of us all had different entries, all delish! Charming ambience, and great service from Heather! Happy Hour drinks and apps available to 6:00 pm! Give Rocco's a try! read more

Make a reservation!!! You don't want to wait or hang around... The food was sooooo great and tasty! Love the potions! The bread basket doesn't come with your table, you have to order it. The food arrived hot and nicely designed!!! The servers were very pleasant and attentive! Definitely top notch service! Full bar service and a medium selection of wine (no Malbec). Everything was super clean with some upscale ambiance! Great place for any occasion. Most recommend for date night! The food is a pricey, but special! Parking isn't available, but lots of streets with parking!!! read more

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I would never return to this restaurant. The one server for the entire restaurant was also the bartender so the service was horrible. The menus looks good but small. I ordered three items and they were out of all three. I settled for filet mignon figuring it was safe. The steak was overcooked and not served hot and hard to cut thru. It took two hours to be finished with our meal. There were 6 people in our party and no one felt their meal was very good. None of the food was served hot. I never give bad reviews but please beware. read more

Great spot! We absolutely loved the food. The pescatore and the paella were honestly amazing. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. It was quiet and cozy too. We wished we lived closer so we could go back more often. Highly recommend it to anyone in the area! read more

We went to Rocco's tonight and had a great time. The meal was superb and Cesar did a great job of serving us. Our compliments to the chefs. Everything was made from scratch and was so delicious. We highly recommend giving the new owner your business. You will be so happy you did. read more