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

See all

Worth it. I've been wanting to go to Rocca for a while, but I was never able to get a good reservation time. But for whatever reason, I found a 7:45pm slot for a Friday, and I grabbed it! We arrived on time, and we waited about 5 minutes for our table. Our server was pretty prompt and attentive. The restaurant is all hard surfaces, so it is loud. It's not horrible, but it's not the calm setting that Bern's is. My husband doesn't care for mozzarella, so we started by sharing the gem salad and the shrimp fritti. Both were absolutely fantastic. My husband usually doesn't like sauces, but he was scooping up extra beurre blanc from the shrimp. We decided to stick to pasta for dinner, having heard from my father that the bistecca was only okay. My husband kept it simple with the ragu, I went with the squid ink torchio. The pasta was absolutely divine. I would definitely return to eat more of their lovely carbs. Their wine list is impressive. The waiter told us that they had Tampa's largest collection of Italian wines, and I believe it. We ended up bringing our own Brunello (corkage $40) that my husband has been saving for over a decade, and our waiter graciously brought us an appropriate decanter. We ended up too full for dessert, but the waiter brought two tiny pieces of white chocolate with pepper with the check. They were absolutely delicious. Prices are not much higher than most upscale Italian places in South Tampa, and the food quality is excellent. I'd definitely return. The only annoyance is the parking. It's valet or AW parking (both $20 on a Friday) or hoping for a spot on the street ($2/h). And then walking over uneven surfaces in heels. I know that's the issue with all the restaurants in the area, but I do miss the days of plentiful free parking in Tampa. 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

See all

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

See all

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

Rocca - Bread app and beef carpaccio - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

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

See all

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

See all

The food is beautiful. The people working are beautiful.. yes visually AND they were all so kind. I loved my experience

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

I don't usually leave negative reviews, but unfortunately this restaurant didn't live up to the hype. We started with two appetizers: the bread and a tuna dish. The bread looked great, but the texture and flavor was bland and stale, and the tuna was fine but not particularly memorable. For entrées, the menu felt pretty limited. Aside from pasta, there were only a few protein-forward options available: duck (which wasn't actually available), a fish dish priced at $100, and a single beef option. We ended up sharing a couple of pasta dishes, which were just okay and didn't match the level of quality we were expecting based on the restaurant's reputation and price. I'm only sharing this because at around $150 for the meal, I had hoped for a more standout experience. Others may feel differently, but for this price point there are several restaurants in Tampa that offer a stronger overall value and quality. The ambiance and service is nice, but this was my second time and I don't plan on going back. 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

See all

Insane food. Good every time & service is impeccable. The ambiance is also very earthly but modern & professional.

My first visit to this restaurant was unforgettable. I came with five girlfriends to celebrate a birthday, and Anthony took care of us. He did an amazing job--the mozzarella cart presentation and the duck were absolutely to die for. We even got a birthday dessert for the birthday girl, and the entire experience left a lasting impression. Months later, I returned with another friend group to celebrate my own birthday. I was excited to share the experience, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. Despite plenty of open tables, we were seated uncomfortably close to a loud party, making it hard to even hear each other. Our server--who never introduced himself--rushed us from the beginning and pressured us to place our drink, appetizer, and entrée orders all at once. It felt more like a fast-casual chain than a Michelin-starred restaurant. The mozzarella experience was nothing like the first time. There was no table-side presentation, no explanation, and the server didn't even pull the mozzarella as it's supposed to be done--so nothing special came out of it. The food came out cold, and we were urged to pack up our meal while we were still eating. There was no birthday acknowledgment, and the overall vibe felt rushed and impersonal. This was my second visit, but it was my friend's first--and sadly, likely their last. I had planned to bring my parents here in the future, but after this experience, I'll be looking elsewhere. read more

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Rocca is a culinary experience unlike anything I've had before. This Michelin star restaurant offers up an evening of deliciousness that looks as good as it tastes. My wife and I had 7pm reservations with our friends Joey and Brandi. We arrived on time and were sat immediately. The restaurant is dark and moody. The walls grayish, covered in thoughtful decorations. Books and art. Rich green plants hanging everywhere. They were real too, no fake plastic stuff. The dress code wasn't as fancy as I expected. Business casual works here. It was busy though and loud. Our server came around and welcomed us. He went over some things and explained some off menu items. We could barely hear him over the roar of patrons enjoying their evening. The menu here isn't extensive but it's still difficult to make a decision on what to eat. There are three main sections. The starters. The pastas and the mains. We had to employ a little bit of strategy to cover the entire menu and try as many things as possible. You are encouraged to order everything at once so the kitchen can properly prepare for each dish. They do a fantastic job of coursing everything out. We had to start with drinks though. I ordered the La Louisiane. Their take on what I know as a Sazerac. Rye whiskey, Benedictine, absinthe, vermouth and Peychauds bitters. The drink was strong but perfectly balanced. It had the spice of the rye, the herbal taste from the Benedictine, the anise and liquorish flavor from the absinthe. It all went well and I loved it. Also ordered at the table was the old fashioned and a mock tail. We enjoyed these. For our starters, we got the bread and the pork Arrosticini. The bread was freshly baked. The most light and airy focaccia I have ever had. The sourdough a little more dense with that perfect flavor that puckers your taste buds. The butter infused with lemon and sea salt added a level of flavor that elevated the bread. Simple but really showcased what deliciousness is to come. The Pork Arrosticini were two small skewers of the most tender, flavorful pork I have ever had. Sakura collar is considered the best cut from the pork shoulder. Known for its marbling and succulent flavor. This simple dish seasoned with marsala and chives was a standout for us and we could have easily ate multiple skewers a piece. We also sprung for the mozzarella cart during our visit. It was suggested to us by a few different people. A nice gentleman brought out a cart to the table. He began to prepare a dish with precision knife work right before our eyes. The mozzarella started out as curds in a bowl. Boiling water added and the cheese was worked, stretched, salted and made right on the spot. It was as fresh as it could get. It was beautifully plated with sliced tomatoes, drizzled with an aged balsamic and toped with fresh basil. Don't skip on this experience. Then our mains came out. Everyone at the table ordered a different pasta. We also ordered the dry aged Bistecca to share. I ordered the raviolini del Plin. These small pasta pockets were filled with tender, flavorful veal. A thick, tangy demi glace was over the top adding depth of flavor but not drowning out the flavor of the fresh pasta or the delectable filling it had. The dish was again simple, flavorful and beautifully plated. Also ordered at the table was the Tagliolini al Ragu, the Agnolotti and the Spaghetti al Limone. The dry aged Bistecca was a beautifully plated 20oz New York Strip, cooked medium-rare. It came with whole roasted cloves of garlic on top and a chimichurri sauce to dip. The dish also came with a side bowl of fried potatoes and greens that was out of this world. For dessert, we stuck with three items. The chocolate cake, the basil custard and the burnt cheesecake. All three were fantastic but the basil custard, something that took me by surprise, was the best. The chocolate cake has a unique presentation but was rich in flavor and chocolatey. The burnt cheesecake, also rich, didn't taste burnt but had a twist with the textured crunch on top. That basil custard though, not overly sweet but just perfect to end this meal. Throughout the entire meal the service was top-notch. Our main server was knowledgeable, friendly and offered personal feedback. He didn't write a single thing down and everything came out perfectly. Everything that was brought to the table was explained. Our plates and silverware were changed out three times to fit the current phase of our meal. The plate settings themselves were photo worthy. If you haven't been to Rocca, you need to go. Thoughtful, fresh, flavorful food prepared in a lively and relaxed environment that brings a bit of refinement to remind you, you are eating at a Michelin star restaurant. If I could give Rocca more than 5 stars here, I would. read more

See all

Very attentive, enthusiastic staff. Casual atmosphere. The mozzarella caprese cart was DELISH. The salumi plate was also yummy- husband loved the lime infused melons. We also had the pork arrosticini skewers - great flavor but they could have been crispier. The tagliolini pasta was great flavor, but I'm old and I like my pasta cooked- it was too al dente for me. The cheesecake! OMG the cheesecake! Delicious and fluffy!! read more

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

See all

We absolutely love Rocca! Their pasta is well made and always perfectly cooked. We have tried most of them and our favorites are the tagliolini ragu, agnolotti, and gnocchi (favorite gnocchi dish I have ever had). We have tried the raviolini del plin (veal)- it's good, but not one that I have thought I needed to get again. The agnolotti however is DELICIOUS with a spicy savory filling and a nice butter crunch- one of my favorites! The mozzarella cart is wonderful and fresh and a must try at least once! The shrimp fritti is also delicious- very light, crispy, and umami. Also, don't sleep on the bread!! Very good and fresh. Rocca is a Tampa favorite for us. Service is fantastic and the staff is very knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant itself is beautiful and perfect for a date night or special occasion! Wish it wasn't so difficult to get weekend reservations now! read more

See all

Just wow!!! The Rocca dining experience was 12 out of 10. Been on my list for some time then it became a Michelin star restaurant and I see why. The restaurant itself is very quaint. Bigger than i thought it would be. Service was on point. Our server Justin was amazing. We started with the mozzarella cart. Watching him make it from curds with those tomatoes that was sooo sweet. Definite must do if you're dining. We accompanied that with bread and shrimp Fritti. We were happy with our choices. Delicious. For our entree, the agnolotti was absolutely my favorite. There is a hint of spice but not overwhelming. Probably one of the best dishes I've ever had. The dessert. Oh em gee. That burnt cheesecake was not like a typical cheesecake. It was soft and melts in your mouth. The side of the plantains warm complimented it. The pistachio gelato was divine. This place is a must try if you're looking for a fine dining Italian. I can't wait to go back. read more

See all

on my list for a while, and it's worth the hype. The pasta is delightfully chewy, and the presentation is good. A Michelin star with great value $30 pasta. Not the quietest place, but great with a group of friends. DRY AGED ROHAN DUCK Best to reserve this. The skin is crispy, the meat tender, and the liver is a treat. The duck confit is super soft, served over corn polenta. Perfect for sharing. DRY AGED STEAK CARPACCIO Aged raw beef, way better than tartare for me. It comes on picked mushrooms. TAGLIOLINI al RAGU Beef ragu pasta. AGNOLOTTI Savory ricotta filling pasta. RAVIOLINI del PLIN Veal filling pasta with a savory touch. read more

See all

What an absolutely fantastic experience. I was able to try the newly released Michelin star restaurant. I acquired a reservation at 8:30 PM on a Friday night. This restaurant recently received their Michelin star last year, and they are pretty booked on a regular basis. So let's get into it, to start off with we ordered a nonalcoholic coconut mint beverage which reminded me a little bit of a coconut Mojito. It was absolutely delicious and I recommend asking for a straw to really stir up all the flavors at the bottom. For the appetizer, we ordered the prosciutto di Parma, which came with a side of chilled melon. The pieces of prosciutto laid on top of a warm bread like dough, which was so heavenly when you paired all three items together. The sweet chilled melon on top of the prosciutto and the fluffy bread encompass the balance of Sweet n Savory. For our main course, we ordered the brown butter gnocchi pasta, and the spaghetti al limone. I cannot describe how delicious both of these pasta dishes were! The gnocchi was so soft and butter like, paired with the crispiness of the sliced pears. The dish also contained trout roe, which to be honest, threw me off, but somehow all the flavors worked. To be fair, I do not want trout row in my pasta dishes but this is a Michelin star restaurant and they do experiment with flavors. Now the spaghetti al limone had a nice lovely butter, garlic flavor to it and contained zucchini and blue crab. I will warn you that if you are a picky eater, these combinations might throw you off, but I assure you that the chefs really know what they're doing. Another thing I want to note as the service that they provided was top-tier, and I really appreciated how they removed the old silverware and cleaned up the table before bringing new silverware, and the next dishes. The prices were pretty reasonable for everything we ordered. To top it all off I love the personal touch when they gifted me a card saying thank you for celebrating with us. I thought that was so sweet, and I will mention that they also gave complementary pieces of chocolate to try. I will be coming back soon. read more

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Overpriced and management could care less what you think The best thing about this restaurant is the tableside mozzarella. At $49 one could quibble about the price but this was hands down excellent and far exceeded expectations. The hanging plants and ambiance is nice as well, with exception to the quite loud music piped in over speakers. Unfortunately, that's about as far as the exceeding expectations went. If you have reservations at the start of service hours you should know that they don't actually unlock and open their doors until several minutes after, so expect to stand outside if you arrive earlier than several minutes later than your reservation (despite the strict 10 minute reservation grace period the restaurant imposes). The wagyu steak at $125 was neither melt in your mouth nor was it seasoned well. The paired oil & herb sauce was equally underwhelming with the flavor it brought. We tried several of the pasta dishes which were fine, but not exceptional in flavor or originality. Frankly the only thing Michelin Star about this was the wait staff to patron ratio (someone came over to fold my friend's napkin while she was visiting the lady's room) and the prices. I sent some polite feedback to the restaurant and never received a response which outside of a rude response is about as comfirmatory as you can get that management doesn't care for the opinion of their customers. I'll be making my own mozzarella if I ever get a hankering for the best of this experience again, which as it turns out is extremely simple and inexpensive to do and quite the party trick for guests. How do I square my experience with the overhwelming 5/5 star reviews? The only way I can explain it is people coping with the amount of money they spent on what was likely a special occasion. read more

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

See all

Not worth a Michelin star. Food was mediocre, nothing special. A few appetizers and some pasta choices, everything was very bland. service was pretty bad as in slow and unorganized. Nice casual ambiance. Will not return. read more

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

See all

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

See all

This place is such a treat- great ambiance, lovely service and food you will still be talking about days later. Our table of 5 had some inventive cocktails, shared the shrimp app and salad as well as the delicious mozzarella cart (a must). For dinner we shared the large whole branzino and a couple pastas- all incredible. The bill was the best part (it was easily a 1/3 of what this dinner would be in the NY/NJ area)-well earned Michelin star- if you are in the area GO!! read more

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

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

See all

We went there for our anniversary and it was spectacular. The service is second to none. The food was amazing the fresh mozzarella cart fabulous and they make it right at your table.. if you want to celebrate a special occasion this is the place it's a bit pricey but worth every penny. Outstanding read more

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

Rocca - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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

See all

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

See all

Alexis was the best server ever!!! She was so sweet and attentive and helpful! 10/10 would come again!!!! Would request Alexis!