Rocca Photos
Business Info
Rocca Popular Dishes
ROCCA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Rocca
Recommended Reviews - Rocca
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
This is highly rated for a reason. Everything from the minute you walk in to the time you leave is a great experience! The menu features a diverse options of Italian dishes. So if you love that this is the place for you. If you order the bread just know it's very filling and the butter that comes with it is a nice touch. The bluefin tuna was also good. I wasn't in the mood for seafood tonight but the flavor combinations were good. The AGNOLOTTI was my favorite and highly recommended! The CAPPELLACCI ALL'ARAGOSTA was also really delicious and flavorful so you can't go wrong with those two pasta dishes. They do have a separate dessert menu though. Just a heads up though it's like you're getting an authentic Italian dinner experience so don't expect to get in and out fast.
We recently came to Rocca for our anniversary dinner. Here is what I thought. Atmosphere: Rocca is located right next to Armature Works in Tampa, Florida. The inside space is simply decorated. I didn't notice any outdoor seating. The decorations are kept simple as the food does the talking! It was very cold inside the restaurant, almost uncomfortably cold. I highly recommend bringing a sweater. I had to put my napkin on to keep my arms warm and the table next to me asked the server to turn the temperature up. Bathrooms: I used their unisex bathroom. It sounds like they also have a mens and a women's bathroom too. The bathroom was nice and clean! Service: Our server Daniel was AMAZING! He was so kind, knowledgable, and passionate about his job. He was so warm and inviting. He gave us an excellent tour of the menu and was very knowledgeable about every single dish. Everyone we encountered was so friendly and professional. I have to give 4 stars for service because one of our bread knives was dirty and it took almost 30 minutes to get the drinks we ordered. As a Michelin star restaurant, you expect perfection. Food: We really loved all the dishes we ordered. I can definitely say that Rocca has very good / top notch food for Tampa. For our starters we ordered the 'Shrimp Fritti' and 'Broccolini'. The shrimp was very good, it was light and packed with lots of flavor. My favorite dish of the entire night was the broccolini. The dish was beautifully presented and had so many different flavors that melded together. It was so good. Highly recommend. We also ordered their bread which was so good, I loved the whipped butter that came with it. For entrees, we tried their 'Cappellacci all' Arrogosta' which I enjoyed. The pasta was a beautiful pink color and delicious. My husband tried their 'Tortello all' Uovo' which he enjoyed. I preferred his pasta dish to mine. The lobster pasta was a little on the sweet side for me but still delicious. For dessert, we tried their 'Burnt Cheesecake' and their 'Riso Al Latte' dessert. The burnt cheesecake was delicious, I would've been fine with the cheesecake alone. I didn't really get the plantains that came with it. The strawberry dessert was my favorite dessert. It was salty and sweet and had the perfect notes of basil mixed in. It definitely made us even more cold and itching to get out of the restaurant. We also received a lemon curd zeppole which was delicious and a caccio e Pepe chocolate with a blackberry candy at the end. Both were good. For drinks, I had the 'Watermelon Spritz' it was more on the savory side but good. I didn't like the thyme piece that keep hitting me in the face. My husband got their 'Lime In The Coconut' mocktail which he enjoyed. Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner here and would love to come back. We didn't try their meat dishes because they Iook like they are big enough to share with a party of 4! Also, bring a sweater if you're sensitive to cold spaces!
I will start off positive and pleasant for a few as the Host and Hostess are very pleasant and accommodating which sets the initial tone going in. The restaurant itself is nicely laid out with a nice bar and large walk in wine room. As we only saw the main dining area that's where my description stops. Ok, we always get that "server" for our meals. He was inattentive and had no personality at all. I watched the other tables and the servers interacting with the guests and checking on them frequently, our guy not so much. He did spend more time at his other tables and even though they were seated after us, seemed to be handled and served before us. Next the place had many managers milling about as I counted 5 or 6 constantly moving about the Resteraunt. Not one ever made an attempt to stop by our table during our service. I find that a huge negative for a Michelin Star designated restaurant. One note the table next to us of six sat down and for some reason the managers flocked onto that table all smiles and giggles so I'm guessing that was some VIP worthy of their attention. Let's talk food and drink now the bar menu selection is good and priced in par with other restaurants but it did have some high end offerings available. Menu is good not large but some good offerings. Bread service was good at $8.00 for 2 pieces of sourdough and two focaccia. The mozzarella cart was most likely the best part of the service. The server was engaging and it's interesting to watch the process (which we do at home and are familiar with it). The Tagliolini with Ragu was good the Angnolotti fair. We expected a better experience and left somewhat disappointed by the visit. On the bill there is a charge listed as a facility fee. Not quite sure what that is but it was 2% of the bill so why argue over it.
My friend and I had a quick dinner at Rocca prior to a candlenight performance. The restaurant was accommodating in finding us seating without a reservation. We immediately noticed how every table was enjoying their evening and some of the dishes we hope to try during our next visit. Even though we sat at the bar, the service was stellar. We shared the Bistecca, Akaushi Wagyu Beef Strip, Salsa Verde Insalata. It was incredible! We've concluded that our quick dinner was not sufficient, and we have to return for the full experience. I highly recommend!
Rocca was an absolute standout and the perfect spot for a special dinner with friends visiting from Chicago. From the moment we walked in, the moody atmosphere and low lighting set the tone for an intimate, elevated dining experience. We started with the broccolini and the bluefin tuna crudo, and both were incredible. The crudo was pristine and beautifully balanced, and the broccolini had so much depth of flavor for what might otherwise seem like a simple dish. For our mains, we ordered the Tagliolini al Ragu, Cappellacci all'Aragosta, and Spaghetti al Limone, and every single one was exceptional. The ragu was rich and comforting, the lobster cappellacci felt indulgent and perfectly executed, and the spaghetti al limone was bright and fresh in the best way. Each dish felt thoughtful and refined. Throughout the meal, the little touches made it even more special. We were given small samples of their aged Parmesan to try, warm bread that was perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce from our pasta dishes, and a lovely white chocolate square at the end of the meal with a surprising but delicious kick of pepper. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. We also enjoyed several wines from their extensive menu, which offers fantastic variety. Our server was impeccable, informative, attentive without hovering, and incredibly helpful with recommendations that truly enhanced our evening. Rocca delivers on food, ambiance, and service. A flawless experience from start to finish and we will absolutely be back.
Decided to try another Michelin star rated restaurant and have to rate it against other Michelin star restaurants so will be more picky. First of all if you expect a romantic evening, this is not the place. It looks beautiful but is INSANELY LOUD. Sitting at a small table in the back we had a hard time hearing each other. Can't imagine what it would be like at a bigger table. Service was excellent, as expected. We started with the beef carpaccio which looked really bland but it wasn't. All of the capers and other blends were actually underneath it and it was amazing. We had to ask for shaved parmesan because surprisingly enough it didn't have any so a bit of a miss there. I had the AGNOLOTTI salame calabrese ricotta filling, cherry tomato, garlic breadcrumbs which was very good though a bit too spicy for my taste but the contrast of the crunchy breadcrumbs with the pasta was really good. She had SPAGHETTI al LIMONE blue crab, zucchini, and lemon. That was unbelievably good. Pasta cooked perfectly al dente and lemon was strong enough to be refreshing. We then decided to have the frozen cheesecake with meringue and honestly that was disappointing. Lacked flavors and also had a cookie that was very hard and took away from the taste. Everything together was just too busy with not enough flavor for the cheesecake. Overall, it was priced very well and not obnoxiously expensive like most Michelin star restaurants which means we will definitely be back. They even gave us a little card congratulating us on our anniversary and gave us a small celebration discount which was very nice and surprising. They obviously care about their customers. So 1 star lost for the desert, lack of cheese on carpaccio, bread, and being so loud but if this wasn't a Michelin star restaurant, it would be a 5 star!
Clearly a cut above normal restaurants. The food was clearly Italian, but in a way that was unique, innovative but most important of all, delicious. The presentation of my broccolini appetizer was colorful and made want to dig in, which is good because I discovered even more underneath. The shrimp fritti was equally good and almost filling enough to be a light meal. The beef ragu had a deep and complex beef flavor, the spaghetti was full of crab, no punches pulled here. If I have one complaint, it's that the portions are larger than expected and just an appetizer and pasta filled us up! We wisely didn't order more, but could not have eaten it if we did. Service was over the top. One of the checks I use for the thoughtfulness of the service is whether or not the restaurant can provide a black napkin which will not leave white lint on dark trousers. Our waitress notice how we were dressed when we were escorted in and was bringing them to us on the first visit. We could barely take a drink of water before it was being refilled again. If you have not been, go I cannot impress on you how great the restaurant is. Save up and go, you won't regret it.
I was in Tampa and saw good reviews for Rocca so I decided to come for dinner. The restaurant is nice on the inside. They were busy, I definitely recommend making a reservation. Luckily it was just me and I was able to sit at the bar. They start off with a complimentary piece of cheese. I decided to start with the Wagyu Steak Carpaccio. This was the best carpaccio I've ever had! I ordered the Martini del Santo to drink, it was nice but definitely strong. Lastly I got the Agnolotti pasta. This was so good! It's a bit spicy and the breadcrumbs on top give great texture. I wish I had room for dessert! This was a great dining experience and the food was amazing. I would love to come back here and try their other menu items. If you're in Tampa, you should make it a point to come here.
Still one of the best places to eat in Tampa. My reviews are mainly for future me. I originally paid for two hours of parking on the street because the restaurant hours showed closing at 9:15 pm. Our reservations were at 8 pm. We ended up there until past 10 pm so I had to extend my parking. Definitely plan for this dinner to be at least two hours. Parking on the street pay per plate was $2.50 per hour so not bad. Since it was a Wednesday there was quite a bit of parking. We requested in our reservation the burnt cheesecake so they saved us a slice. Otherwise they sell out. If you like not super sweet dessert, this is for you. One of my friends who likes things really sweet wasn't the biggest fan so it's completely dependent on how sweet you like dessert. We got the mozzarella cart. This is why parties of four is perfect, because this appetizer is a good size for parties of four. It's the best thing here and I stand by recommending to always get it. We also got the bread. I'm not a huge bread person because it makes me sluggish. The focaccia is delicious and the butter amazing, but it's still not worth it to me. But if you like bread this is a good appetizer for you. For my main I got the linguine with blue crab because of my past review. Surprisingly I didn't love it this time. I felt like it tasted too much of lemon. I'll try something different next time. I got the ricotta e melon drink and it's still a favorite of mine. It's so unique with sweet cheese foam and cantaloupe. Because it's so special to Rocca I'll keep getting it. Overall I loved my meal here. Service is always fantastic and the atmosphere is upscale without feeling pretentious. I think it's worth the cost and I'll definitely be back.
I went to Rocca last minute with some friends. I wasn't eating, just enjoying the wine, but I got to taste test everything they had and let me tell you, my mouth is watering. Everything was perfection. The restaurant was dim and moody in the evening. Our server was great, attentive, and professional. We ordered two bottles of white wine, both very good and delicious, and the servers kept our glasses topped off. We also ordered the bread, which I usually don't have high hopes for, and it was surprisingly very good. Even more surprising was the salad, I usually never order salads, but this one was incredible. Obviously, we got the fresh mozzarella cart, which is a must. It is just as good as it looks and entertaining table-side. We also tried two different pastas. The truffle pasta was on the expensive side, but if you love truffle, it was amazing. I can't wait to go back and try everything else!
What a great dining experience at Rooca. A true 5 star experience in all areas. Service is impeccable as we lost count of how many team members were part of our dining experience! This was our first visit so we decided to try the table side mozzarella. It was fantastic watching the team. Member craft the mozzarella from scratch and then create a beautiful plate for us. We also had the Wagyu Carpaccio which was excellent. I love carpaccio, but was concerned about the mushroom relish it would serve with, but it turned out to be a highlight of the dish. For main courses, I enjoy Ragu and my wife had the quadretti pasta, which was an interesting take on a ravioli. A large square with many pockets of beet, pesto and goat cheese served with a light sauce with peas and guanciale! We ordered a bottle of wine from various expensive Italian selection. Have a product successfully we chose to stick with a bottle from that region and that Sommelier was very happy to come over and tell us about the wine winery. Wine service and selection is definitely a highlight for the restaurant. For dessert, we had a cheesecake that was spectacular, serve served with a burnt top and perfectly caramelized plantains! Kudos to our server Sarah for guiding us through the Menu!
I visited Rocca for a holiday party in December with a group of 9. We made our reservation about 6 weeks in advance. Service, venue, food did not disappoint this crowd. We ordered everything to share for the table. We did not get the mozzarella tableside, but I have had that in the past and I would highly recommend.. Everything and I mean everything was phenomenal. Rocca is attainable, a value and excellent as a Michelin star restaurant. I have been to many Michelin star restaurants and I think this one offers the most bang for your buck. You don't leave disappointed. I will certainly return to Rocca.
Don't you love it when a restaurant exceeds your expectations? That was the case when my friend took me to Rocca for my birthday dinner. She had made reservations (for the wrong date) but fortunately caught the error the day before we wanted to go, and was able to get a 5:15 pm reservation. Friendly greeting when we walked in, and lead right to our table. The restaurant was decorated in pleasing shades of blue and white, leaving a clean and cool impression. Our waiter came right over, and in no time we had our wine and champagne. Our waiter, Taylor, has to be one of the best servers I have ever had. His ability to describe things on the menu, and off the menu, was outstanding. So much detail you really felt like you knew what you would be getting. For our meal, we started with fresh bread, and the mozzarella cart. On busy nights they have 2 or even 3 carts going at a time. So fun to watch and hear all the steps involved in making a ball of mozzarella, and the caprese salad we were presented with at the end was fantastic. Our entree we decided to share the fresh catch of the day - we chose yellowtail snapper - that was pan fried and served with tomatoes, onions, olives and fingerling potatoes. Nice touch that when the fish is served, it is accompanied by a chef who pours the sauce over it in front of you. We also shared a smaller side of pomodoro, one of my favorite pasta dishes, and it was outstanding. I, of course, never leave without dessert, and this experience we chose the pistachio gelato with honey and lemon zest. Divine! They were also kind enough to bring me a vanilla scoop with sprinkles and a candle in it. Decaf cappuccino was perfect as well. 10 out of 10 for the food, and 10 of of 10 for the service - I absolutely can't wait to go back. read more
Finally made it to Rocca! And adding to the gazillions of reviews, ha. Reservation at 5pm and was seated quickly. The restaurant was quiet when we arrived and didn't get too noisy as it filled up. There were 4 in our party so we immediately started with the bread and table side mozzarella. Both were excellent and the server and mozzarella served were friendly and helpful. I was happy they had 2 non alcoholic beer options too! I read some reviews about just getting pasta dishes instead of proteins so that's what we. I had the gnocchi and it is easily now one of my top favorite meals. The salmon roe adds a little something to it that's unexpected. The ragu my friend ordered was also delicious. We each ordered a different dessert to try them all and I think the ricotta gelato was the standout. Rocca hit a great note of delicious food and a fun experience. read more
1 year ago
Excellent service by the staff from hostess to wait staff which made the experience wonderful. The restaurant is well decorated and allows for ample yet spacious seating. Food was excellent. My daughter and husband ended up having changing dishes since she found his to be more what she was in the mood for. Lovely dining experience. read more
5 days ago
Business owner information
Payton H.
Happy Anniversary, and thank you for choosing to celebrate with us!…
7 months ago
As an avid cheese lover, the mozzarella cart alone is worth the visit, easily deserving its own Michelin star. The carpaccio was the best I've ever had, and served over a bed of pickled mushrooms so flavorful it doesn't even need the bread. For the main course, we had the agnolotti, perfectly balanced with a subtle spicy kick. I'll definitely be back to try the burnt cheesecake, order it early before it sells out. The dark, moody ambiance paired with top-tier service makes this place an absolute Tampa gem. read more
I can't say enough good things about Rocca. While I miss the early days of not needing a reservation on the weekend, the recognition is well deserved. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing and clean. I've never had a meal from Rocca that was less than perfect. Now that we no longer live in Tampa, Rocca is a must every time we visit. read more
Finally made it out to Rocca, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Every pasta dish we tried was delicious, but the standouts for me were the agnolotti and the gnocchi. The agnolotti had a perfectly spicy kick from the salame calabrese ricotta filling, while the gnocchi was unlike anything I've had before--topped with trout roe, garlic cream, and potato crisps, it was both creative and incredibly flavorful. The real showstopper, though, was the Mozzarella Cart. They prepare the entire dish table-side, and it's not just for show--it was hands down some of the best caprese I've ever had. The service also stood out--our waiter was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail, which really elevated our experience. read more
1 year ago
We recently visited Rocca, one of Tampa's newer Michelin starred restaurants. We made a reservation about a month ago, which I recommend since they were very busy even on a Tuesday evening! We were seated right away and greeted with water as we waited for our friend to arrive. A few of us ordered drinks (rum punch and Prosecco) and the bread starter. The bread was very good with the lemon butter. We also ordered the mozzarella cart to share and highly recommend. It's essentially like table side caprese; the finished product is so good and it's cool to watch them make the mozzarella from curds! The menu description of our entrees is in each photos caption if you'd like to take a look. But I personally had the Agnolotti which was very good; heads up, it does have a bit of spice but I really enjoyed it. We all tried a bite of each entree so I can say that everything was very good; the pasta is made from scratch and you can absolutely tell. After our server took our checks he brought over a celebratory scoop of ice cream. We were all a bit surprised since we weren't overtly celebrating anything specific. Thats when our server mentioned he heard/saw us presenting our "bring your own celebration" cards and wanted to make it even more special - mission accomplished, we were all so touched by this! (And the ice cream was delicious ) Before we went, I looked up a few reviews for recommendations on food and drink and saw a few reviews mentioned the noise level of the restaurant. I would say I agree with some of the comments that it is a bit loud but with the type of flooring and having an open bar concept, it's not surprising. We struggled a bit to hear the gentleman preparing our mozzarella cart, otherwise we likely wouldn't have noticed the noise level. Overall, I highly recommend Rocca - the service was very attentive and the food was phenomenal. It is a bit pricey but absolutely worth it for the quality! read more
The food was delicious especially the Mozzarella cart! I thoroughly enjoyed the tortella although it was a little undercooked. Part of it was still a little hard, not Al dente. The bread was also tasty! The service was good. And the ambiance was trendy. The prices are very reasonable for a Michelin star restaurant. Will definitely go back! read more
4 months ago
Business owner information
Payton H.
Thanks, Uyen! We’re so glad the duck was worth the wait, it's…
9 months ago
I've really been wanting to try Rocca after hearing such fantastic reviews. I put in a pick up order for dinner and ordered the Torchio Nero entree. Oh my gosh, it was SO delicious! So flavorful and despite the small serving, pretty filling as well. I would love to return and enjoy the dine in service as the inside looked very elegant and perfect for a date night or celebration! read more
My in-laws are big fans of this place, so I have been excited to try it for awhile. Reservations are a must! This place books up in advance. Even with a reservation we found ourselves waiting a bit for our table. I am a lover of all things cheese. The mozzarella cart did not disappoint. The salumi was heavenly. The Cavolo Nero Kale (fall squash, pomegranate, honeycrisp apple, ricotta salata) was stunning to look at, and each bite was a thoughtful, fresh surprise. The pastas we tried were solid. The cocktails were delicious (the Love Buzz was a table favorite), the wine list overpriced. It is hands down the loudest Michelin Star restaurant I've ever been to, but the food makes up for the noise. read more
3 months ago
Not all Michelin star restaurants hold up to the recognition. Rocca certainly does!! celebrated my wife and I's 27 year wedding anniversary yesterday. Everything, from the advance service I receive from jenna managing a flower arrangement, had a concern about the flowers condition and reached out to me in advance, worked with the staff to bring the flowers at an appropriate time was the start of excellence service. Once we arrived, we were greeted and jenna knew it was me, and she arranged the table to include a menu that had a welcome 27th anniversary printed on the menu. The white staff was extra attentive, multiple coming by and saying congratulations. The food was exquisite! My wife and I, have had the fortunate opportunity to travel around the world and eat it unique and world, renowned restaurants, and being from Tampa and Rocca being here for six years and we have not been here yet we have heard mixed reviews, but we take those in stride depending on who's providing them. The food was so good that between us we actually added two additional entrées. For a total of four entrées, three appetizers and a dessert. The black truffle pasta was undeniably exquisite Their lobster pasta cream sauce was so balanced. We spooned the entire plate until nothing was left. Their chicken, liver pate, and Foi gras was outstanding! The simple salad, their version of a cesar was to die for. From our being received, the service, the staff, the food and presentation and delicate balance flavors. - there is no wonder why they are Michelin rated! read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Wow! Thanks for sharing such a detailed and heartfelt review. We are…
1 year ago
We had a friend recommend this place as our last night in Florida and it was well worth it. We didn't have a reservation so we asked how long until a spot open and they told us over an hour. We decided to get on the list and walked out for 4 minutes before we got a phone call that we can sit on the bar. I thought that was a bit odd as I've had experiences like that at other restaurants where we get told a long wait and then get on the list only to be called less than 5 minutes. Besides that moment in the beginning we were ecstatic to try the food! One of our favorite places to eat will always be at the bar. We met a lovely local that goes frequently and helped with recommendations. Both pasta dishes were super delicious and the salad as well. It was incredible service and loved the basque cheesecake with plantains. My coconut mock tail tasted exactly like this leche de coco cream and pineapple juice that my mother makes in the summer. Service was great and the place was beautiful. We look forward to visiting again. read more
3 months ago
Best recent dining experience in Tampa Bay that I can remember. The service was impeccable. All of the food was amazing! Dim lighting and nice seating. Super impressed. read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Deanna, thank you for such a kind review! We’re so glad dinner was…
11 days ago
Business owner information
Payton H.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're so happy to hear…
Hands down best strip steak I've had in my life. Been to many high end steak houses and this takes the cake by a mile. Excellent atmosphere for an anniversary dinner. Surprise winner of the night besides the steak is the broccolini, the spreads paired with the crispy beats were shockingly good! read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Tyler, that’s so great to hear! I’ll definitely pass along to Chef…
It's so difficult to get a reservation for Rocca and I can see why. My boyfriend and I had reservations for a Friday evening and started with the table side mozzarella. It's absolutely worth the $49. Just get it. We also tried three pastas and the spaghetti limone with crab ended up being our favorite. I was also surprised how much I liked the ricotta melone drink. It was refreshing and savory. read more
1 year ago
I absolutely love this place--it's definitely earned its Michelin star. My all-time favorite here is the Mozzarella Cart. The ingredients are so simple, yet I would come just for this dish alone. If you're in the mood for something other than mozzarella, here are a few standouts: For starters, I highly recommend the Dry Aged Steak, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo, and Shrimp Fritti. When it comes to pasta, you honestly can't go wrong with any of the options, but my top picks are the Tortello all'Uovo, Torchio Nero all'Arrabbiata, and Agnolotti. Just a heads-up--the pasta is served al dente, so if that's not your style, well... shrugs. If you're planning to order the Dry Aged Rohan Duck, and especially if you have a later reservation, I suggest calling ahead to reserve it. We had a 7pm reservation on a Sunday and got lucky to snag one--it was down to just two ducks left when we sat down! read more
1 year ago
The last time I went to Rocca, they didn't have their Michelin star yet and I was wondering why. This most recent time I went to Rocca, they do have their Michelin star and I'm wondering why/how long they'll be able to keep it with the decline in overall experience. My husband booked this reservation for my birthday... We were seated by a random side door leading to outside, so the ambiance suffered. Our server was very nice and attentive at first but then disappeared at the end of our meal and didn't reappear until our plates and water had been empty for around 20-30 minutes--so the prior attentiveness we'd experienced in the past, where our server never let our water glasses get even halfway empty, doesn't seem to exist here anymore. I ordered the $69 truffle pasta, described to have a "healthy portion of shaved truffles" which ended up being a quite small portion of grated truffles. If you are a fan of fresh truffle, you know there is a huge difference in experience/taste/texture between shaved and grated truffle. Something I wished I'd mentioned the one time our server checked on us after entrees had been served. When we first sat down, our server acknowledged it was my birthday, but by the end of the meal there was no candle , no anything at all to celebrate it. That was a very sad way to end a $300+ Michelin meal for two. I will also state some of the highlights, Our server , in the beginning, was fantastic at giving recommendations and led us to order the seasonal winter squash salad which we thoroughly enjoyed. The server who made our fresh Mozerella was a delightful person. Although, the last time we were here the fresh Mozerella came with heirloom tomatoes, and now they are kumatos--another huge downgrade in my opinion. The mocktails, just like the last time we were here, did not disappoint. I think the one I ordered was called "lime in the coconut" or something like that. It was very nice. And my husband enjoyed his Aperol spritz-ish mocktail. Overall, this visit, I'm sad to say, did not in the slightest live up to our previous experience & I fear the Michelin man may take his star back if things continue this way. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
What a beautiful and lovely restaurant. We've been excited to try it since we've they got their star. To start we got the chicken liver pate. Probably the best I've had in ages!! We did the truffle ravioli for our pasta dish which was so good, and our server Sebastian brought over some bread to soak up the sauce. Amazing. We finished with the steak. I'd say it could have used a pinch of salt, but overall amazing experience. read more
4 months ago
What an amazing treat this restaurant was awesome. All the food was very flavorful. The service was top class. Would highly recommend this to anybody looking for a great Italian meal one of my favorite experiences in a long time. read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Scott, thank you for such a thoughtful review! It makes us so happy…
Well Rocca has absolutely lived up to its name. The menu was small yes but what does that mean that every dish is executed to perfection if you're looking for tasty authentic Italian food I highly suggest coming here. This is a Michelin star restaurant with that being said I highly suggest making a reservation weeks in advance. The ambience is dark and moody and perfect for a date, special occasion or just a girls night. I recommend getting the mozzarella Cart, It was delicious and the best mozzarella I have ever had. They have a very large wine selection a little something for everyone. This restaurant is right across the street from armature Works. Therefore you can either park in that lot or use the offstreet parking. read more
4 months ago
We came here for our anniversary dinner. Absolutely amazing. We want to come back to Tampa just to eat here again. We talk about how amazing Rocco's was regularly. Nothing will compare. read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Wow, thank you so much for the amazing review! We hope you come back…
10 months ago
Went for my birthday (this is my 4th or 5th time eating here) and had the worst experience we have ever had. We were seated right by the door, so lots of people crowding our table waiting for theirs. Not to mention, it was so LOUD we could barely hear eachother. The server also did not mention my birthday once (it was made clear in our reservation). I ordered a dirty martini with blue cheese olives and turns out, they don't have blue cheese olives - big miss. How can you have a michelin star and not have blue cheese olives?!! We ordered mozzarella, caviar service and two pastas. Food was just alright. They could really use a refresh to their menu, feels tired. Probably won't be going back which is disappointing because this was our favorite restaurant in Tampa at one point! read more
1 year ago
27 days ago
Business owner information
Payton H.
Thank you so much! Sounds like your group had an amazing spread! We…
2 years ago
First time my girlfriend and I have dined in a Michelin star restaurant and let me tell you something.. AMAZING. It was worth every single penny I promise you. The restaurant had a refined blend of elegance and minimalism, where you can tell every detail is meticulously curated to enhance the dining experience. The food was the best food I've ever tasted. Every dish we got was a harmonious blend of high-quality ingredients, refined techniques, and artistic presentation. Flavors were bold yet balanced, with careful attention to texture, seasonality, and detail. I personally got the Tortello all' Uovo - it had a gorgeous egg yolk inside that complimented the filling, mushrooms and the Ravioli (or Ravioli-like) pasta itself. My girlfriend got the Raviolini del Plin. We shared two starters: Bread and the Dry Aged Steak Carpaccio. Needless to say, all delicious. Please see the pics I attached for a visual of all this. Service is impeccable, with waitstaff that move seamlessly between tables, their gestures precise and their timing impeccable, guiding you through each course with expertise and attention to detail. Our server was a BOSS. He answered all of our questions without stuttering and with full confidence. The overall atmosphere feels quiet yet lively, full of anticipation, as every element is designed to immerse you in an elevated sensory journey. Please do yourself a favor and make time to visit this place. You won't regret it. read more
I was hype by the the recommendation of friend and recent Michelin review. But all this hype did not surpass my expectations. Regarding my perspective expectations, it is in middle of the pack. This is due to value, taste, and quantity. We got the TORCHIO NERO all' ARRABBIATA. This is a squid ink pasta with octopus. You will notice the pasta is spread out flat on the plate with no pile up food. The red sauce on pasta is good. Quantity just enough for average hungry person not for really hungry person. The octopus on it is nice. I do taste some wine sauce on it. Our second dish is SPAGHETTI al LIMONE blue crab. This dish has crab meat on it. The spaghetti is home made. At least this dish has good enough quantity. The lemon is a bit overpowering. May be a little less lemon is good. Service is definitely excellent. Great for date night to impress your date. The restaurant provides open appetite cheeses and closing sweet. It is nice gesture. read more
Highly recommend making a reservation 2-4 weeks in advance as the dining room was full on a Wednesday night. Service is prompt and excellent. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and recommendations. The bread is a must. I would argue their sourdough is better than what I had in San Fransisco. The lemon butter is chef's kiss. You can't skip the mozzarella cart. Mozzarella is made tableside and presented in a caprese salad. Absolutely delicious. The pastas are al dente and well portioned as you'll be super full from the bread and mozzarella. read more
5 months ago
First time visit and for my birthday. It was cute to see they added "Happy Birthday" to my menu. Small things like that go a long way. Ambience, service, and food were delicious. The broccolini appetizer was my favorite of the apps we ordered. The mozzarella cart is a must for a first time visit. Interestingly, the tagliolini was the least impressive dish for me. It was tasty but I didn't absolutely love the sauce. We ordered one of each dessert (birthday priorities) and the chocolate custard was the favorite for the whole table. Split between 4 people, the price wasn't bad. Especially for a Michelin star spot. I hope to return soon. read more
Business owner information
Payton H.
Thanks for joining us for your birthday! We're glad the small touches…
If you enjoy fine dining, don't miss Rocca. The team here understands the dining experience... in a relaxed, modern setting you'll find fantastic chow, superb wines and excellent service. No wonder they've been recognized with a star from Michelin. I love the simple, modern décor... a great backdrop that lets the cuisine do the talking. There are a couple of showstoppers... the Mozzarella Cart, where they make the mozzarella right at your table, and the Dry Aged Rohan Duck, which has limited availability, so it needs to be ordered in advance. Since I love duck, I had to order it, and it was excellent. Slices of the duck breast were so good, I liked the confit preparation even more... the chef comes to the table to sauce the duck, and the sauce is amazing! As we were only a party of 2, we skipped the Mozzarella as we wanted to be able to check out some of the other menu items. Please don't feel you MUST have the duck or the mozzarella when you come as the entire menu is so impressive. We started with the Little Gem Salad, so fresh, perfectly dressed. The Crudo of Japanese Sea Bream was so perfect, delicate... this dish alone illustrates the talent in the kitchen. I'd order whatever crudo they are doing when you go. I was particularly excited about trying their pasta. The Agnolotti was excellent. I know many love it just like it is, but personally I'd prefer less heat in this dish. I really loved the Raviolini del Plin, really great! Just look at the photos! After the pasta we enjoyed the Duck, served tableside, something you don't see many places... really excellent. For wine, we stuck with various wines by the glass... all are well chosen offerings. Desserts are fantastic! The Burnt Cheesecake is incredible! The Chocolate Custard w/hazelnut, espresso, pizzelle also insanely great. We sat for a while and contemplated the greatness of the meal we just had as we continued to enjoy these 2 desserts and sip a little red. The kitchen is exceptional, but what really makes Rocca stand out for me is the personal, caring service. Chefs serve and explain some of the dishes, management keeps a watchful eye on the room, and our fantastic server, Taylor... was professional, attentive, and personable. I only wish I was closer than the 230 miles I am from Rocca. I'd pop in tonight, sit at the bar and enjoy Crudo, Raviolini del Plin, Burnt Cheesecake and a bit of wine. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more
11 months ago
Great experience, everything from bread, apps, to entrees was delicious! I would go back again. The service was very professional and attentive. The inside was darkly lit which make it ideal for a date or special occasion with someone. read more
5 months ago
3 months ago
Business owner information
Payton H.
Matt, I’m really sorry to read this and appreciate you taking the…
Great dining experience. Our reservations were late as it is difficult to get. Food was excellent. I got the gnocchi alla norma. This plate was much smaller than the others but was made with fresh tomato sauce and two tiny piece of eggplant. Dishes to try definitely the crudo, beet salad and all the desserts. See photos. My only complaint was the lack of utensils in sharing items. The mozzarella cart was a shareable item but no utensils provided. Also it was placed on the table filled with all our empty messy appetizer plates which were not removed until I finally asked them to do it. (Crudo, beets, 2 empty plates of breads) read more
Always a good time at Rocca. My wife and I came to celebrate our 12th anniversary. We love this restaurant, not only because it's in Michelin restaurant, but because of the ambience and the best waitstaff in Tampa. They are always prompt, polite and professional. We enjoyed our favorites--Shrimp Fritti and Agnolotti. The dishes were cooked to perfection, nicely plated and, well, it's why we come on special occasions. For dessert, we enjoyed the Pistachio Gelato and the Chocolate Custard Tart. read more
This is my first time trying a Michelin star restaurant and the experience is beyond my expectation, especially with how our server are super attentive to details in presenting our dishes and checking up on us. I was surprised as their prices are actually not bad. I did not expect to be full walking out but I was very full. They had a great selection of wine and cocktails. If you love floral cocktail, the Lavanda Haze would be perfect. The bread starter is great. The mozzarella table is a MUST, the tomatoes it came with were delightful. The Gnocchi came out looking beautiful but I actually prefer the Agnolotti as it had more flavor and a kick with spices. It was my birthday, so they gave me the ice-cream and a happy birthday card (at a small charge). We also ordered the burnt cheesecakes, which was incredible! They gave complimentary cheese and chocolate cubes. read more
More info about Rocca
323 W Palm Ave
Tampa, FL 33602
Directions
(813) 906-5445
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.roccatampa.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
More Info
Health Score
Ask the Community - Rocca
Can you bring your own wine for a corkage fee?
Yes. This is the info on their wine menu: CORKAGE POLICY: We allow guests to bring in up to two 750ml bottles of wine. The fee is $40 per 750ml bottle.
We are interested to sit at the bar for a drink and an appetizer. Can people eat at the bar?
We have been lucky twice to eat at the bar
Is this reservation only?
Reservation highly recommended but you can walking in and seat at the bar if it's not already full! If you choose the bar, get there earlier...6.30pm latest
Is there a dress code?
Nice Casual to slightly dressy. Formal not needed unless you want.
Do you have gluten free options? How about gluten free pasta?
Yes they can make them for you
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
39 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
7 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 months ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
4 months ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Rocca - italian - Updated June 2026
Best of Tampa
People found Rocca by searching for…
Michelin Star Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Rooftop Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Nice Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Birthday Dinner in Tampa, Florida
Hip New Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
Reservations in Tampa, Florida
Romantic Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Upscale Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
Free Birthday Meal in Tampa, Florida
Celebrity Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
Trendy Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Truffle Pasta in Tampa, Florida
Fresh Mozzarella in Tampa, Florida
Egg Yolk Ravioli in Tampa, Florida
Florentine Steak in Tampa, Florida
Trending Searches in Tampa, FL
Bars With Outdoor Seating near Rocca
Beachfront Restaurants near Rocca
Chicken Caesar Salad near Rocca
Chicken Parm Sandwich near Rocca
Family Friendly Restaurants near Rocca
Gluten Free Italian near Rocca
Non Alcoholic Drinks near Rocca
Old Fashioned Cocktails near Rocca
Restaurants Open July 4th near Rocca
Restaurants Open Sunday Night near Rocca
River View Restaurant near Rocca
Romantic Restaurants With A View near Rocca
Spaghetti And Meatballs near Rocca
Browse Nearby
BEST of Tampa, Florida Restaurants near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Coffee near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Things to Do near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Desserts near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Cocktail Bars near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Pizza near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Dinner near Rocca
BEST of Tampa, Florida Parking near Rocca
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Tampa, FL
Best Appetizers to Enjoy Around Tampa, Florida
Best Bagels Available in Tampa, Florida
Best Bar Food and Snacks Served in Tampa, Florida
Best Bar and Grill Experiences in Tampa, Florida
Best Clam Chowder Options in Tampa, Florida
Best Crawfish Restaurants and Vendors in Tampa, Florida
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in Tampa, Florida
Best Donuts to Try in Tampa, Florida Near You
Best Fish & Chips Restaurants Near Tampa, Florida
Best Fish Restaurants to Try in Tampa, Florida
Best Fish Tacos Served in Tampa, Florida
Best Happy Hour Bars to Visit in Tampa, Florida
Best Mac and Cheese Dishes Available in Tampa, Florida
Best Oyster Bars to Visit in Tampa, Florida
Best Places for Brunch in Tampa, Florida
Best Places for Margaritas in Tampa, Florida
Best Places for Poke in Tampa, Florida
Best Restaurants Outdoor Seating in Tampa, Florida
Best Sit Down Restaurant Options in Tampa, Florida
Best Soul Food Dishes in Tampa, Florida
Browse Popular Seafood Markets in Tampa, Florida
Cocktail Bars With Food Options in Tampa, Florida
Cocktails and Food Pairings in Tampa, Florida
Delicious Calzone Options to Try in Tampa, Florida
Delicious Ice Cream Treats in Tampa, Florida
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Tampa, Florida
Discover All You Can Eat Sushi Spots in Tampa, Florida
Discover Authentic French Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
Discover Authentic Italian Food in Tampa, Florida
Discover Authentic Italian in Tampa, Florida
Discover Coffee & Tea Options in Tampa, Florida
Discover Great Seafood Boil Spots in Tampa, Florida
Discover Pool Table Options in Tampa, Florida
Discover Popular Martini Bars in Tampa, Florida
Discover Top Fast Casual Spots in Tampa, Florida
Discover Top Mediterranean Food in Tampa, Florida
Discover Unique Speakeasies to Visit in Tampa, Florida
Discover the Best Breweries in Tampa, Florida Today
Discover the Best Craft Beer in Tampa, Florida
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Delicious Noodles in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Delicious Tapas Near Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks Deals in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Drinks and Appetizers Near Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Fast Food Favorites Across Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Fried Fish Specialties in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Patio Dining Options in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy Popular Day Drinking Venues in Tampa, Florida
Browse Articles
People who viewed Rocca also viewed
Timpano Hyde Park
906 reviews
Hyde Park
$$$
Forbici Modern Italian
782 reviews
Hyde Park
$$
Ash
126 reviews
Downtown Tampa
Donatello Restaurant
480 reviews
$$$
Driftlight Steakhouse
79 reviews
Downtown Tampa
La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano
299 reviews
Ybor City
$$
Osteria Natalina
521 reviews
South Tampa
$$
edison: food+drink lab
1020 reviews
Hyde Park
$$$
Jay Luigi
174 reviews
SoHo
$$
Oggi Italian
561 reviews
Davis Islands
$$