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    Rocco's Café

    4.0 (1.2k reviews)
    Special Hours
    Sat 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Sun 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Rocco's Café Reservations

    Order Rocco's Café Takeout or Delivery

    Rocco's Café Photos

    Business Info

    ROCCO'S CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Rocco's Café

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    Flank Steak Press
    Molly R.

    The new Rocco's is great! Had the frittata which was really well done. Service was great and fun vibe!

    Naomi W.

    Came here a few months ago (before they closed I guess). Large portions of food but it was kind of mediocre. While our waitress was nice, she ended up ignoring us for a large part of our time there once she got caught up with chatting with some other customers. We chose to sit in the back for some privacy but that was a terrible choice because I just kept smelling the strong scents of cleaning supplies coming out of the bathroom back there. I know it's an old establishment, but I can see why it's now closed.

    Pollen
    Jenny X.

    Came here with some friends before GDC. Good: - They had an easy reservation system. - The polenta and tomato dish was a good portion size, and I liked the texture of the polenta and how it came with bread and butter and jam as well - It's quiet so it's easy to talk and catch up with people here. Bad: - It took about 30 minutes to get my order and there weren't many others in the restaurant so it just surprised me. - The food was okay, it wasn't anything special and it was quite expensive. - Pretty dim place and it feels a bit run down ambiance Overall this place was an okay spot but wouldn't come again.

    Edward S.

    Well so long to a great restaurant that once was. When it all started back when it was on Mission Street in the Excelsior district it was a great Italian and American restaurant. Since it moved to Folsom Street it was still great, but it was sold and now it is definitely not worth going back to. Besides the prices being over inflated and half of the original menu not available anymore. They don't even have a staple item that made them so great to patronize, ( Hamburger on a French Roll. I've been eating at Rocco's since 1980 Guess change isn't as good as people think !!!!!

    Chicken Marsala Half Portion
    Lisa T.

    Came for late night dinner service and surprisingly the restaurant was still packed towards the end of the night. We were greeted immediately and got seated right away. The place was quite dim creating a relaxing atmosphere, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the dinner experience and enjoy my meal. I also couldn't help but notice the array of photos and signed celeb posters scattered throughout the walls, giving it a true Italian restaurant feel. We were given a complementary basket of bread and butter after our server took our order. I ordered a half portion of the chicken marsala with fettuccine, which was still more than enough for myself. The sauce and ingredients complimented the pasta very well. My boyfriend ordered the clams in white sauce with fettuccine. Great portion of clams. Our server was friendly and checked in with us multiple times during the night. It seemed she was the only server that night, so big props to her! Overall, this is a great spot for authentic home-style Italian food. It's no wonder this spot has been featured for years!

    J.P. W.

    This is a really cool space. There's a very good selection on the menu, the portions were well sized, and the vibe of the entire restaurant is friendly. The server lost track of us a little bit, with our cup of soup coming out right before the entree and no follow up to see how we were doing. We had to ask for the bill so we could leave well after we had finished. I feel like there was new staff that the server was looking after, so that could have been the reason. I look forward to going back.

    Soup, which looks like it exploded briefly in a microwave
    Lyee C.

    I went for lunch, and Rocco's has casual vibes and standard fare you would expect at an Italian spot. It looked like only one server at lunch, but there weren't too many diners and plenty of seats available, so service was still great. The soup I got looked like it had exploded a bit in a microwave with how the sides were dripping with slightly dried out liquid. It didn't affect the taste and I was fine with how it looked since it came out hot. The bread is nothing special, but I appreciated the generous amount of butter to go with it. The half order of the chicken parmesan was a lot for one person. The full order must be a sharable plate if the size of the half portion is anything to go by. It's a perfectly fine place for lunch if you're close by. I wouldn't go out of my way to get here.

    Lunch menu, 2/16/24
    Mike C.

    Sometime in mid-January, I stumbled upon an IG post from a sandwich staple in my work neighborhood about the ownership and management change here. I was out of town for the following week plus so I didn't have an opportunity to check this out until early February. On a recent Friday morning, I decided to call and order lunch. When I asked for my 'usual' meal choice, I was told that it was no longer on the menu. Given this, the lady who took my order helped me to pivot to another similar item which happened to be the special for that day. I drove up around noon to pick up my order, finding a parking space just a few doors down. Bringing my takeout order back to the office, I started with a cup of minestrone (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=zjajoqO12AProDl0tSEuLw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). The portion is generous for a cup and paired very well with the sourdough bread that came with my meal. For my main meal, I had the clams over fettuccine in white sauce (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WmjiPMm66x_e9HtyJxk6Dg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q); it was a bit creamier than I like and, being fettucine instead of linguine, this is on the heavier side. The flavors were good and I could only finish half along with that minestrone for lunch. When picking up my meal, a young gentleman helped me with my order and was very cheerful, helpful, and enthusiastic in telling me about the menu and their hours. I believe that he is likely the chef and/or partner in the business. I am saddened that the menu is pared down some though the plus is that they are open late nights to catch the post bar crowd flow. I'm glad that the chicken Marsala is still there and disappointed that I was unable to get my linguine with clams in red sauce (add mushrooms). Being a neighborhood spot near my workplace, I will come in as things get less busy in the office. Thanks, Michael, for introducing me to the new rendition of Rocco's.

    Steak & Eggs
    Regen W.

    OK WOW! Came for a late brunch today and was totally taken aback by how delicious this meal was. The steak and eggs are the perfect way to jump into your day. The steak is marinated with balsamic and Calabrian chilis, DELICIOUS! Such a fabulous flavor combo, slight heat from the chili up against the acid in the balsamic made for a perfectly balanced steak. Eggs were sunny side up diner style and cooked to perfection. Sourdough baguette was crispy and came pre buttered (LOVE). And the fruit bowl!? When are there ever berries in a fruit bowl! I thought we were in a recession!? Service was really great as well. Water never went unfilled and my Diet Coke was crispy and refilled thrice. The decor is giving old school but not kitschy in a Mel's way, which I appreciate. Thankful I live a couple blocks away. I'll be back, Rocco's!

    Eunice Y.

    was decent but didnt think anything too special. we wanted to try it as there were raving reviews + lots of generations to its name - but thought it was overpriced. surprisingly there was also barely anyone there on a friday evening for dinner time

    Nathan Y.

    My friend introduced me to Rocco's, and it didn't disappoint! The interior has pictures and other decorations that pay homage to the Italian restaurant, and gives the space a cozy feeling. Our server was very accommodating, and took our order promptly. I got the chicken parm, and it was cooked very nicely! The chicken was cut thin, and the pasta was perfect. The only thing that I would say is that I'm not sure that it's worth it at the price point of about $25.

    Fried Calamari
    katrina a.

    Stumbled upon this place while waiting for friends. The calamari and tiramisu is so good! The place is nice and cozy and the menu looks really good. Service is nice and helpful and lots of tables for groups. Portions are big and snooping around the other tables, the pasta looks amazing! Place closes at midnight too! Must come back to try more food.

    Chicken Parmesan
    Steven S.

    I actually have eaten here many times. This is one of my favorite places to eat at. I decided to come back here onne more time. My food tasted great. The food came out nice and hot and was cooked to perfection. The service was very friendly and the ambiance of the place was excellent. I highly recommend eating here and do not forget your credit card if you come here because they don't accept cash . I wish I could give Rocos 10 stars.

    Shrimp cake Benedict

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    2 years ago

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    Scott B.

    Thanks for the review, hope to see you again soon

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Scott B.

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    1 year ago

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    Scott B.

    Thank you so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon

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    Scott B.

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    Scott B.

    Thanks for the review, glad you enjoyed the chicken parm!

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    2 years ago

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    Scott B.

    Thank you for the review! We hope to see you again soon

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    2 years ago

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    Scott B.

    Thanks so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon

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    Scott B.

    Thank you for the kind review, we hope to see you again soon

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    Scott B.

    Thanks for the kind review! We enjoyed meeting you

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    Scott B.

    Thank you so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon

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    Scott B.

    Thank you for the kind review! We look forward to seeing you again

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    Scott B.

    Thank you so much for the kind review! We hope to see you again soon

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    1 year ago

    Make sure you have dessert(s)! The staff is friendly and the ambiance has a great neighborhood feel.

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    Scott B.

    Thanks for the kind review! Come by anytime

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    Page 1 of 31

    Rocco's Café Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rocco's Café

    Is there convenient parking nearby?

    Yes i always get parking on Folsom

    Hamburger sounds good - is it flat grilled or charbroil grill?

    Flat grilled

    View All 4 Questions

    Itria

    Itria

    4.3
    (441 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    10/10 loved! The food was fabulous and flavors were unique and well done-- not just "good" food,…read morebut memorable. My favorites were: the chef's choice crudo, specially the tuna and hamachi(?). The tuna was rich and smokey in a great milky and fragrant fennel sauce. The hamachi in the root veggie wrap with a slight kick, awesome! And the scallop was good too! My boyfriend liked that one, but I thought the chip on top was over powering. My other favorite, the lamb pasta! Loved that texture. Flavor wise, savory and spicy. It was cold out and really warmed me up. Loved the experience. Our waitress was also awesome and patience. She let me try a few of the wine before settling down on a full body red that went very well with my pasta. Oh and the affogato, yum!! Exactly what we were looking for. Milky, almost sticky gelato, with a great bitter espresso

    Came here for dinner and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We were seated at the communal table, which…read moreended up being a fun place to people-watch. The standing area next to the bar was also a cute spot to wait while our table was getting ready. Food-wise, we tried the crudo tasting while the other crudos were fine, they didn't stand out nearly as much as the scallop. The corn and mushroom pasta was very tasty, especially the sauce. We also tried the pesto pasta, which also had excellent texture, but the sauce tasted a bit more charred than I would have liked. Overall, I thought the atmosphere and dining experience were stronger than any individual dish. The communal seating and lively dining area gave the restaurant a great energy. I can see why this place is popular, and the tasting menu is a fun way to try a variety.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Glazed Lamb Belly w/ date mostarda, warm panzanella ($45)
    Glazed Lamb Belly w/ date mostarda, warm panzanella ($45)
    Crochette Di Patate w/ roast pork belly, fermented radish, calabrian chili aioli (3 pc - $25)

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    Crochette Di Patate w/ roast pork belly, fermented radish, calabrian chili aioli (3 pc - $25)
    Luisa's Restaurant

    Luisa's Restaurant

    4.7
    (184 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    My friend snagged a same-day reservation at Luisa's Restaurant for Saturday evening. This was…read moresurprisingly easy, considering we were a party of 6. The interior had simple decor and a swirl of little lights across ceiling. For drinks, we shared a bottle of Chianti, which was excellent. We also ordered a few appetizers for the table - Garlic Bread and Buratta. The Garlic Bread wasn't particularly memorable for me, but the Buratta was very tasty with the fresh pesto on top. I loved that most pasta dishes could be prepared with a choice of sauce, and ordered the Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce. This was so tasty and surprisingly filling! My friends all enjoyed their dishes as well, including the Linguini Tuttomare, Penne Gorgonzola, and Chicken Parmigiana. Service was friendly and quick. Would happily return for more!

    Really solid Italian restaurant with surprisingly good gnocchi…read more Caesar salad: 3.5/5. To "anchovy" for my taste. Next time I will ask them to leave out the anchovies or pick a different salad. otherwise the salad was quite good. Spaghetti carbonara: 3.5/5. A solid version of this dish, but not exceptional. Great pasta, nice texture, but the meat could have stood out better. It sort of hid in the shadows. Gnocchi: 4.5/5. Since I make my own gnocchi this is a very high rating from me. Excellent texture and taste for this gnocchi and the vodka sauce complemented it really well. I would definitely have this again.

    Photos
    Luisa's Restaurant
    Garlic Bread
    Garlic Bread
    ORTOLANA PIZZA

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    ORTOLANA PIZZA
    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

    4.2
    (986 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$
    Gift cards during COVID-19

    We came to Emmy's on a Friday night around 10:30 PM after struggling to find anywhere still open,…read moreand I'm so glad we stumbled in. The service was incredibly friendly from the start, and the vibe was so cool -- think Italian hipster. Every dish we ordered was genuinely amazing. The meatballs, spicy Caesar and the Rigatoni Carbonara pasta were the standouts for me, but honestly you can't go wrong here. I'd come back every week if I could.

    Did Emmy's change ownership? The food was so appalling that I'm still stunned…read more The Cauliflower Balls were burnt. Still, we scraped the burnt part off one of them to try it. The white sauce that came with it was sour and off. It tasted like fish. The Spaghetti with 3 Meatballs was mushy. The meatballs were also mushy and filled with small green pieces, maybe lentils? The Semolina Garlic Bread was a toasted roll akin to French bread rather than the sliced semolina bread they've always used. We ordered it with cheese and sauce, but that didn't even happen. The Chocolate Truffle Cake was more like a fudge cake and had whip cream on it. This used to be a small cake and is supposed to come with a berry sauce and ice cream as described on the menu. This is the worst meal I've had in years. I've been a customer of Emmy's since they opened. I've eaten there, taken friends there, and ordered from there countless times. We tried a bite of everything and then threw it all out.

    Photos
    VIBE
    VIBE
    Shrimp Scampi
    Shrimp Scampi
    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

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    Delfina

    Delfina

    4.0
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Delfina is always 5 stars. The ambiance and the friendly and knowledgeable servers are…read moreunparalleled. The pesto fazzoletti pasta was wonderful - the sauce wasn't too overpowering and the noodles were perfectly al dente. The beef cheek agnolottis were so fun and tender with a hearty sauce. But my goodness ... the porcini pizza was NOT it. When it originally came out, it smelled like I was in the Tenderloin and it was really hard to get over that. Once it cooled down, the smell tampered down but the taste was really "funky". We ate it, but the choices were: 1) eat terrible smelling pizza or 2) lukewarm and still not great tasting pizza. Sorry, but it wasn't a great end to our meal. :(

    I came in with a table of 6. We ordered 4 appetizers and 6 entrees. I don't recommend this spot for…read morepeople with big appetites, the bill goes up pretty quickly. The food is good but everything we tried is not worth a drive to the city for. Appetizers The pane a pala with the +$9 ricotta was delicious. The calamari was also tasty. The Chicken Liver Crostini was a big hit for the table. Many of us said it tasted like Vietnamese Pate. I'd pass on the Fresh-Cured Anchovies Nostrani. It wasn't anything crazy flavor wise. Entrees I wasn't a fan of the Bucatini & Fava Bean Sugo. My boyfriend said it was not bad. The Spring Pea Triangoli was good but the butter like sauce that's on the plate doesn't do much to complement the dish. The restaurant is very modern. They also have 2 restrooms.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Mushroom pizza
    Mushroom pizza
    Panna cotta

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    Panna cotta
    Arcana

    Arcana

    4.4
    (270 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    If you love plants you'll adore Arcana in San Francisco because it's a beautiful sanctuary of…read moreplants and cool vibes. Located in the legendary Mission District of San Francisco, this wine bar is a great spot to catch up with friends and enjoy small bites and yummy crafted cocktails. Their decor is very chic and I especially loved all of the hardware, glasses, tables, and benches. This place was styled by a great design artist. Even though the place was pretty packed and can be kind of noisy, I still felt very calm amongst all the healthy plants and loved the sophisticated 70s inspired glassware. Another great feature of this place is that you can buy most of the plants because they have some for sale so after a couple of cocktails, I was ready to redecorate my whole house with all the plants. I ordered a yummy Rose blend that was super crisp. Also enjoyed the Truffle Fungi! A delicious Shiitake and oyster mushrooms with parmesan and arugula on toasted bread. Their Spanish inspired potatoes were delicious with their dipping sauce. They have lots of gatherings there and DJ sets on the weekends. Lastly, a photographer would die to take pictures here. There is no bad shot as the design artist made sure every section of this cute wine bar was picture perfect. Loved all my photos and videos. I look forward to returning to this exquisite wine bar!

    Came here on a Saturday night after dinner for a girls night out. There is a cool photo booth…read moreoutside, which was high-quality and even gave you a video of your session. I love the decor of this space! It is definitely intentionally and tastefully decorated. Loved the lighting and plants. They had Lord of the Rings playing on the wall. The vibe is artsy, warm, a little dark, and overall a cool place to mingle. The bathrooms and tables were kept clean. I liked it that the DJ was live mixing. Getting a drink was fast and easy. The high top tables were a bit wobbly, so we spilled half a drink on there. The drinks are strong. I recommend going upstairs to sit instead if you want to hear your friends better. The tables are bigger up there too. The rooftop was closed off but I'd like to check it out sometime.

    Photos
    Downstairs
    Downstairs
    Arcana
    Arcana

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    Rocco's Café - italian - Updated July 2026

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