If your taste is one where you enjoy the hole in the wall that delievers the goods, then look no further. Food is amazing, the serive is great, and the cool feeling you get in the resturant will relax and sooth the soul. Try the Guisada plate or the jalisco style pork...you will not be disappointed. don't forget to ask for the green sauce if you are into spicey food. And when the daughter is working, order the margaritas on the rocks...she has a awesome tequilia hand :p Discovered the place about a month ago and have been back 4-5 times already. This place is all about being small yet bringing in some big taste. Great eats. read more

We went here one day not expecting much because we've never been to a place serving both Italian and Mexican before. In fact, we live several miles south and only went here because the movie we were going to see was sold out... It quickly became our favorite Mexican restaurant - quiet, amazing food, and good service. A great alternative to many of the more popular places here when you're looking for a quiet meal, a few drinks, and amazing food on an otherwise busy night. read more

As soon as I got here, I checked in and wrote "Veek made me do it," because of her review and stamp of approval. In a weird turn of events, Jack and Veek happened to be having dinner here at the same time we were. So, La Cocina. How do I describe you? First the decor. The decor takes the theme of Mexitalian literally. On the inside it looks like a Mexican party favor store and Olive Garden had a baby. In the case of La Cocina, this is a case where you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. The chips are flaky and warm and the salsa is chunky and delicious. The garlic bread was tasty, but my personal preference is for toasted garlic bread. I had the lasagna, which, IMHO is the best lasagna in the greater Austin area. My dining companion had the Italian enchiladas, which totally worked. The waitstaff was attentive and my water glass was never empty. The water glass is what I judge all waitstaff by. My only issue? Some kid at the next table was staring at us the entire time. It got kind of creepy even. Jeez. read more

A great little Gem in Round Rock. One of my favorite places to eat. I have eaten both types of food, Italian and Mexican. The Grandma's pork is incredible. So tender and flavorful. Also must try the Enchilada Italiana - what a tasty creation!! The drinks are amazing as well. Most people have driven by this place a million times and did not know where it is. My wife and I have been here several times over the years and never been disappointed. Friendly staff and great environment. This place is a unique experience with the marriage of two great cuisines. TRY the Garlic Bread, soooo good. Give it a try!! read more

We've been several times in the last few months and everything was fabulous. La Cocina has an extensive menu, a great atmosphere and reasonable prices. This restaurant is a little gem! read more

Well we found it! haha Here are the highlights: -Got seated really fast in the area we requested. -Chips are served warm and the salsa although good, was very spicy. Wait for your drinks before you dive into that stuff. -Strawberry margarita was far from the best I've ever had especially when I compare them to the ones I make from scratch. La Cocina's tasted like they used a premade strawberry mix. -Husbands tea was good. -"Maria's Enchilada's" was really good but the rice and beans weren't. - "Enchilada's Verde" was really good. Hubby didn't like his rice and beans either though. -Waitress was nice and they all were very attentive. -Queso, was okaaaay but you knew it was Velveeta cheese. -Food came out at a reasonable pace. -Total bill was $33 for all of the above. Not bad at all! We'll go back but I'm hoping we find a place that has a better margarita and better rice and beans. read more

This quaint and cozy restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a very small strip center, and thus has limited parking. Beyond that, I don't have anything negative to say about La Cocina. Granted, I've only been one time, and I should get out of the habit of writing reviews based on one meal, but I can't help it in this case. You get the typical chips and salsa but the salsa is anything but typical. It's chunky and tastes so fresh, as if the waitress chopped up some tomatoes and onions and threw it in the bowl on her way out of the kitchen and to your table. I ordered the enchiladas verdes, and the chicken was very flavorful. I'm less of a fan of the Spanish rice that comes as a side, but that's my problem, not theirs. My husband had the penne pasta with sausage and spicy marinara, and said it was delicious. Halfway through his plate he decided he needed some garlic bread. Too bad we hadn't ordered that to begin with - it's amazing. The service was awesome, the casual transition from quiet Spanish guitar to the Godfather soundtrack set a nice ambiance, and the food was way better than we ever expected it to be. We hope to go again soon. read more

Before I moved here anything in a strip mall was off limits. Now that I live here anything is a strip mall is possible. Finally decided to look up this place after being told about it no less then ten times. Who knew I drive by it every day. The food was excellent. My red enchilada was fresh and my beans were actually beans instead of regurgitated baby food. The salsa was fantastic. Really fresh, loaded with spice and everything nice. -1 because the service was pretty slow. I don't care if my food takes a long time but I do expect my Margarita glass to be tended to. I was shocked to see that this place is actually a little dressy. Considering the strip mall it's in and it's location between liquor store, storage units and a gas station it's deceiving. -0 because it's a little pricy for my normal lunch fare, good place for dinner though. Finally Round Rock has some decent food to offer! read more

Went there for lunch while I was in town for business. I was a bit under the weather and I had the most fantastic soup I've ver had! It was simply delicious. All the food we had was simple, yet fresh and authentic. And very tasty. It's clearly a family owned business and I respect that. Encourage local, help build the community. Good people too. I give it a 4 because the decor is perhaps too authentic for my taste, but the food was solid. read more

Mexican??? Italian??? What the hell? We had to go to check it out. How many Mexican/Italian places have I ever eaten at? None before now. My expectations were not high, that's for sure. It was more curiosity than anything else that made us eat there. The Italian was pretty good. Certainly better than any of the chain so-called Italian restaurants where pasta is served in a pool of sauce. The Mexican wasn't bad either. An odd mix of food but bottom line is I would definitely go there again. read more

Love the food. The people are nice as well. Great place for when the family can't decide between Italian and Mexican. read more

La Cocina - Pasta Arrabiata - Mexican Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

Hidden gem that you'd never know existed if it were for sites like Yelp. I've never been to a restaurant that offered half Italian and half Mexican on the menu, but it makes perfect sense as the two options compliment one-another so well. The Shrimp Diablo is my favorite dish and the Chicago Pasta is a close second. Coming from the Northeast from places like Philadelphia, central-PA and Providence, I have been exposed to some excellent Italian food in my life. La Cocina holds its own and is the best option in Round Rock for quality Italian. The portions are extremely generous, service is fast and the ambiance is intimate, but kid friendly. The owners are also extremely friendly. We love it! read more

Ok, I think my taste is very different than anyone else- I had the cheese tortellini- it was mushy and the marinara tasted store bought, my husband got the guisado de puerco- it tasted too much like sweet barbecue for his taste, and the garlic bread was disappointing, as well as the store-bought tortillas. My daughter had the pasta carbonara which was much better than both of our choices. On the upside, the people are super nice and efficient, which is worth the two stars alone in the RR/ATX area. Sorry to disagree with all my yelpmates- this was not somewhere I would come back too. read more

(#76) Been eyeing this place for awhile...Upon walking in, first thing I thought..Am I dressed fright for this place...very dark, and quaint...would even say it was "Fancy" looking...Wife even said it would be great for a first date type of place...and this is in a small strip mall...They have a mixed menu of Italian/Mexican fair...A lot to choose from...The Italian side seams a bit $$$ for the lunch time menu..They do close at 3 and open at 5 again for dinner, usually resulting in higher prices...We started with chip, Salsa and Queso...Salsa was the Bomb!!...fresh and spicy...chips were light and fresh...Queso...well it starts off good, but clumps as it cools...Price was fair for the food we got...Wife got the beef enchiladas with a smoky mole sauce, which was really good...The rice was unique in taste something different for sure and good at that...Mine was the chicken verde enchiladas, beans and rice...Chicken was a little bland by itself, good with the verde sauce..Bean were ok...a chucky creamy refried mix....The size of the plates threw up for a loop..just huge plates...makes the portions look small...We do want to get back and try the Italian side of the menu... read more

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Just had lunch at La Cocina, and left the place pretty unimpressed. It has Italian and Mexican cuisine on menu, me and my lunch partner ordered one of each. The sauce for both was not freshly prepared, it tasted like it was out of a can- too much sodium taste. The after taste is bitter. read more

My wife had a craving for gooey-cheesy Mexican food, so we thought we would check another one of our local Round Rock places out. La Cocina has been on the list "to try" for quite a while. Let me start off by saying this: I don't like pot-luck dinners. I like my food to "match", and part of the reason it has taken us so long to come here is the idea of Mexican and Italian being offered at the same time. I had Maria's Enchilada's, which was one each of beef, chicken, and cheese enchilada served with rice and beans. The side items were good, and I was okay with the enchiladas, but there was something about the red mole sauce that I found slightly odd. Not unpleasant, just not what I was expecting. The service was friendly enough. They met all the minimum requirements. The decor was... potluck. I'm not sure what was going on, and the music switching back and forth between Mexican and Italian was... interesting. Overall, I thought La Cocina was "A-OK" - I'm not in a hurry to go back, and if someone else wanted to go I'd tag along without reservation. read more

Well here it is, my very first 5 STAR review. There is really nothing negative to say about La Cocina. Our waitress (the daughter of the owner and chef) was charming and wonderful. Decore has a wonderful yet simple feel. Murals with a blending of Mexico and Italy, A blend of Italian and Mexican food. Where else can you go and get awesome mexican foods with homemade salsa's, and lasagna or spagetti, well look no further.. With family heritage from Mexico on one side of the family and Italian on the other, this combination / fusion really works. And their Salsa's and mole's Incredible. ask for that right from the start and mix it with the salsa for an extra kick. The plus's incredible diverse menu good prices great service full bar nice decore The Minus's NONE 5 stars Lunch for 3 under 40 bucks will be back many times finding good eats and great treats read more

Wonderful mix of Italian and Mexican cuisine. The service was friendly and the prices aren't bad either. I'd definitely recommend this place to all. read more

I will not expound upon the greatness that is this little slice of awesome, mexican-italian fusion restaurant. I will, however, ask that you do not inform Guy Fieri. Someone told him about the Noble Pig and I can't get in when I visit home anymore. P.S. Try the lasagna. P.S.S. And other stuff. read more

First I have to say, this is a solid 3 star rating. Service was courteous and efficient, just not very friendly. (I never got the idea they were happy to see two new patrons in a barely filled restaurant.) They kept my iced tea filled and the chips and salsa coming. The menu had some great options and I had to do that eenie, meenie, minie, mo option to choose. I ended up with a pork burrito and my dinner partner a carne guisada plate. The serving sizes were not large (my burrito did not come with rice and beans) but there was definitely enough there. My burrito could have used a little more cilantro or flavor, but the pork was tender and ample. The carne guisada did have the right amount of meat to gravy and it was flavorful. If I were to go back I would try something on the Italian side of the menu! read more

Weird but awesome. (Much like most of my friends) Chips and Salsa to start the meal and then a hard choice going thru the menu - Should I have Mexican or Italian? Yes, they have both and I can say their eggplant parm - is perfect. It came out steaming hot with a side of pasta and the sauce on both was so tasty. The atmosphere is kinda romantic but the prices won't break your wallet. I'm not sure why the place wasn't packed - people need to find this locally owned gem and support it. read more

This is one of my family's favorite places to eat - after we found it on Yelp. We have been going for a few years now. It does seem crazy that they would do both Mexican and Italian cuisine really well, but they do. That's why it's great for our family, because when my kids get tired of Tex-Mex, they can just choose Italian here. They also have a few dishes where they mix the two cultural flavors together. We do personally like their salsa, and my hubby asks for a spicier version that they can provide on request. Keep in mind, if you are planning to eat Italian, you may want to ask that they don't put the chips 'n salsa on your table because once you start munching on them, you might be swayed toward the Mexican! My top picks are their Enchiladas Verdes, Shrimp Enchiladas (sometimes a special, not on the regular menu), and 'Grandmother's Recipe' (Carne Guisada). I like that their enchiladas always seem lighter than other restaurants - leaving me not feeling so STUFFED. My hubby favors their Carne Asada, which he is usually picky about the meat quality. The family that works and runs this place is always pleasant, and is good with their service. Keep in mind that the dishes are made fresh, so sometimes the food can take a little longer than a traditional Tex-Mex restaurant. Our family enjoys the relaxing dining experience, as it is a small space that is very nicely decorated, and more quiet than most restaurants where you have to yell to hold a conversation at your table. They have a full bar as well, and hubby says they make good Mexican Martinis. read more

Great hole in the wall Mexican/Italian food restaurant. Don't let the funky location for you. This food is legit! Will be returning soon!

Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic, FANTASTIC. La Cocina is quite the find, your classic hole in the wall strip mall restaurant that you barely know is there, but once you find it and go in you will keep coming back. Our family of 5 visited last night for the first time and it is quite the unique place. As others have mentioned, you can get either mexican, italian or a combination of both on some dishes. It sounds odd, but it just works. The decor is unique, but inviting and relaxing. We arrived and were seated promptly. You are served hot and fresh chips when you are seated with fresh homemade salsa. It was a pleasure to eat a salsa where the tomatoes are garden fresh and still has just enough kick to it. My wife and mother in law ordered the Enchiladas Verde, my father in law ordered the Enchiladas with red sauce, I ordered the hardshell taco plate and our 2 year old had the chicken quesa meal. All of our meals were of the Mexican variety, so they were served with fresh beans and rice. Everything we ordered had excellent flavor, texture, and was served in large enough portions that we had leftovers for lunch. La Cocina uses glasses and very large plates that are very nice and not what you usually see in restaurants. Our waters and drinks were constantly re-filled and the owners wife checked on us personally. For being in such a tucked away (yet easily accessible) location, there was a constant flow of people. Seems to be one of those best kept secret neighborhood spots. The best thing of the whole night was the price. With 4 meals, 1 kids meal, ice tea, and a couple of coffee's after diner for the in-laws, the total bill with a nice tip was $52. Not bad at all. We can't wait to get back to La Cocina to try the Italian side. Highly recommended. read more

I will start to say the place was a surprise,warm and inviting Italian Mexican decor. The chips were fine,and the salsa was very tasty. I ordered the Maria's enchiladas with the mole sauce, since I don't care for tomatillo sauce which was the other choice. It is beyond me why they don't offer traditional enchilada sauce,because the mole sauce is too thick and heavy tasting IMO, and tasted canned somehow. The beans tasted ok,and the rice was fine,but was soupier and mushier than what I am accustomed to. There are no combination plates in the evening. They do not bring tortillas with the meal ,and I ordered 3 for 1.25 that were the consistency of rice paper and not at all appetizing or tasty. All in all,it was just ok, nothing to merit the stellar reviews in my opinion. read more

Our new favorite Mexican/Italian restaurant! Chips and salsa were amazing - chips were light and crunchy and salsa flavorful & spicy but not too spicy. We ordered the calmari appetizer and were not disappointed - generous portion of lightly coated calmari done to perfection. I had the chicken enchiladas suizas - moist tasty chicken inside, lightly spicy tomatillo sauce outside. It came with a side of beans and rice - beans were good and the rice was light, fluffy and seasoned perfectly. Hubby had the Burrito Ahogado - tender flavorful beef inside, covered in a rich, delicious mole sauce. Kiddos had pasta which is usually nothing special but the Fettucine Alfredo's sauce was obviously not from a can/jar. Service was just as good as the food! Our drinks were never empty for more than a minute. We will definitely be back! read more

This place is sorta in a weird place, right across the street from the railroad tracks, (I know because we heard a train pass by while we were eating) and its decor is also a unique blend of Latino and Italian. This shouldn't work, but for some reason it does. The foods pretty good, I got a Italian pasta dish and my wife got an enchilada plate. Neither were very spicy which was a disappointment but not exactly a deal breaker. Kinda weird that the Italian is better than the Mexican food, given we are in Texas. We haven't been back, but that's because easy to miss while driving down I-35 towards Austin. It's definitely a place to check out at least once. read more

What makes La Cocina (or just La as it is now referred to in my family) are the great sauces... the green sauce, chipotle, red mole, creamy gorgonzola, spicy marinara, suiza, vodka marinara... Mexican or Italian all are delectable! Their Pastor is a treat their carnitas are amazing but their lasagna is truly the best I've ever had. The spinach salad is also delicious with a warm bacon vinaigrette... Really whatever you order you just can't go wrong! A great family owned local place that's humble appearance from outside hides the gem of what it has to offer. The owners are wonderful and very helpful in helping decide what to order. read more

Let's see... a Mexican/Italian joint in the corner of a neighborhood strip mall. Simply the best fresh pasta I've ever had, anywhere. We've been here about 9 or 10 times now, and have yet to find anything that wasn't excellent. Family run, the owner/chef will check on you, when he asks if you're enjoying everything, but the only thing you'll do is smile and chew faster. Save room for real Spumoni. Family friendly, reasonably priced. I love this place. read more

The combination of Mexican and Italian just has me scratching my head. While I too love both, I'd prefer them at separate dining establishments. Both the decor and the music are a mix of the two cultures. Even some of the food crosses lines though it mostly seems Mexican. The food itself was pretty good. My Enchiladas Verdes were delicious as was the rice and beans on the side. We all enjoyed the chips and salsa. The atmosphere was entirely too subdued and there wasn't much personality in the two ladies working that evening. Food was okay but all in all I would prefer more atmosphere to go with my food. read more

Okay, so the decor might be a bit off... but don't let that stop you from the food. Oh my gosh, the food is delicious. Everything I've had off the menu is fabulous - Raviolis, lasagna, enchiladas, carne asada, carnitas... it's all amazing. I try to talk my husband into going here allllll the time. It's my date night of choice. read more

La Cocina offers Mexican and Italian dishes, which would seem at first thought to be an odd combination. But after you've sampled a little of both cultures on their menu, you realize that they can execute both equally well. We ate here with family and had items from both sides of the menu and each meal was excellently prepared. The service was friendly, the atmosphere is small, comfortable and quiet. So it's also a great place for a business lunch when you want to hear your colleagues. We will be returning again soon to La Cocina and bringing more friends to introduce them to this place. read more

I offered to buy a couple of co-workers lunch at popular Mexican restaurant in Round Rock(E. Palm Valley area) due to their famous Tuesday's $4.39 Taco plate! But, my co-worker suggested La Cocina due to it just being a few blocks from work, avoid traffic, make it back on time and he's eaten there! I looked up of what's available of the restaurant online due to not having a website and found their menu on a blog from a prior patron and what I found were dinner prices of $13+ The day we arrived I see a sign next to the door "Lunch: 12PM - 2PM; Alright, maybe there is a lunch menu? When a very soft spoken waitress/server handed us the menu, sure enough, Dinner prices!! I asked the server do you folks have a Lunch menu, she responds with " Yeah..... but, the only difference is a few dollars!" Ahhh yeah.... I know that!! That's why I'm asking for the lunch menu! After all you have a sign posted outside "Lunch: 12PM-2PM" What's funny is I can hear her digging in her hostess podium slamming cabinet drawers or doors looking for the menu AND when she arrives, only brings one (for me) instead of three!! Anyway...... $30+ for lunch for three people instead of $18. Food was decent, but I've had better for $6 lunch Mexican plates at other decent places! Maybe just maybe I'll go for dinner on a date one evening? Environment is somewhat romantic with the mixture of the Italian decor and they seem to have a very good wine selection but, as for lunch............. NOOooo way ever again! read more

Always satisfies. My kids love the lasagna, I'm a fan of the Chicago. Only problem is no delivery to my area of Round Rock.

As others have mentioned, the concept sounds weird - Mexican and Italian food in the same restaurant? And it's tucked away in a strip center in an out of the way corner of Round Rock. Ignore the location and the exterior and go on in - the food is delicious! We have been in a few times, and tried several of the Italian and the Mexican dishes. It's all good! They advertise wine and beer on the menu, but they also have a full-service bar. Plus the variety makes for a great kids' menu, so you don't have to worry so much about what they're in the mood to eat. read more

Good service, good food, but smaller than average servings. It was just enough for me, but my husband wants to stop at Steak n Shake after. :/ I have no idea who our waitress is because everyone working here came to our table. We ordered the chicken enchiladas and chicken & beef fajitas. Beef fajitas were definitely less food than what we both expected. read more

Mexican food is awesome here. Never had the italian personally, but friends said the lasagna was good. All the sauces and salsas are delicious and the meat quality seems top notch. Get al pastor... End of story. Ps: every now and then the service gets a little slow, but mostly Fridays. read more

This place is fantastic - as long as you get real food. We went there with my ridiculously picky family and actually really enjoyed it. First the good: My Cajun Tilapia, though just a touch dry, was seasoned extremely well and came with top notch rice and beans. (The beans were a free add-on by the friendly staff). My brother-in-law's Pasta Chicago was really top notch. Some of the best pasta I've ever had. The not so good: The fake stuff. It's not so good. My sister had some sort of cheese pasta with special-order alfredo sauce. It was bland and tasteless, but rich and creamy. A little like Olive Garden Alfredo, without as much pizazz, though even she admits that the pasta was really good. My nephew's frys also weren't the best in the world. So, if you want to order real italian food, this place is fantastic. On the other hand, if you want tamed down Americanized Italian food, look elsewhere. read more

Just finished dinner. We had the eggplant Parmesan and the Maria's enchiladas, a bowl of Cchile con queso and the house Margaritas on the rocks. The case I was buttering and flavorful. The chips were light and airy with a great crisp. The salsa had a nice blend of garlic flavoring with the other spices. The red mole a sauce on the enchiladas was amazing. The three enchiladas with chicken beef and cheese. The beans were flavorful and delicious. The eggplant Parmesan was delicious. The sauce was rich and not too sour not too sweet. It was a great experience. read more

La Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

This place is a hidden gem! It is some of the best Mexican and Italian food I've had in a long time. The lasagna is amazing! I love that you can get both. it's family owned and being a small business my self. I absolutely love the atmosphere and the feel. All the staff is fantastic and very nice, Even though it's my first time they treated me like I was a regular. I will be back very soon! read more