If you're looking for a lovely, cozy atmosphere for a special occasion,this is a great choice. Great service and the food is amazing. We had bruschetta, (fantastic), Lobster Ravioli, Lasagne and Tiramisu. OMG! All delicious. We went for our anniversary. Couldn't have been better. read more

I will start off by saying I am not the kind of person who writes bad reviews especially for local restaurants but unfortunately our experience warrants one. We started our evening out wonderfully. The waiter was attentive and gave us time to think on what we wanted. He explained and tried to sell us on certain dishes for the night. One of the people in our party ordered the Zuppa Di Pesce. This dish is shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams over pasta. The food arrived everything fine. The waiter came to ask how everything was and we altered him that the all of clams in the dish weren't opened which typically is a sign not to eat them. There was one clam that was slightly opened enough to use a knife but had a bleach/ chlorine smell and taste which is a sign that the clams are not fresh and treated with chemicals as a preservative. The waiter went to get the owner...the owner came over and asked rather rudely what the issue was. We told him most of the clams weren't open to which he responded use a knife! We let him know of the taste and smell and offered him one to try. He grabbed the clam, struggled to open it with his fingers, raised his voice and said "it smells and taste like clams" turned to the rest of the tabled and asked if anyone else would like to try. We realized we weren't getting anywhere and he walked away. We continued with our meal and were mid conversation when he returned with a box of frozen mussels and said all our mussels and clams are frozen and pre-cooked, showing us the box. He also did not show us the clams box, which is what we were talking about. The owner continued to be standoffish and rude throughout the conversation. Despite the seafood being frozen, according to the FDA any clams or mussels that are not opened by themselves should not be eaten! After awhile the waiter returned to let us know that the owner was giving a 10% discount on that dish but by that time the meal had been ruined. The owner didn't try to make amends and the rest of the food was mediocre at best. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!! read more

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Husband been getting Pizza there quite often. He is Old Forge PA Pizza snob. Something has happened to the pizza chef, he picked up a burned not hand tossed pizza no cheese. Could have bought frozen Pizza and it would be better. So very sad we have been spreading the news all around to the New Yorkers about the outstanding Pizza and now a big left down. I know times are tough but something has happened to this hand tossed New York Pizza, Guess will be will frequenting the Villages more often. Such a disappointment. read more

This place is the Bomb! Great service,exceptionally clean and the Pizza was some of the best that I have eaten. I would recommend that if your in the area this is a must of your like simply great food! read more

I order a personal cheese pizza, after waiting a bit the food finally got to us, and my order was the wrong pizza. The sever went to talk to the manager or possible owner, "He said you get what you ordered" , my party thinks the food is overpriced and mediocre at best. read more

I ordered the rack of lamb, it was suggested to have it cooked medium. It came out over cooked, almost burned. The waiter showed the cook but not the manager, who has been busy cooking as well. I decided to order creme brule, and instead of coming back to inform that they were out he didn't bother to inform me until he brought me the check. My husband ordered the coffee with his dessert, it had been sitting on the burner to long and had a bitter burnt taste to it. The waiter should have talked to the manager about my meal, also he should have told me at the time that they did not have my dessert. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN. read more

Great food, friendly service and great ambience. The pasta was al dente, mussels are tasty (the sauce was perfect for the bread), pizza is thin crust and pretty authentic. It was a bummer we were too full to try tiramisu or any dessert. I would recommend this place if you're looking for a real and authentic Italian food/experience. read more

Just picked up a personal cheese and a personal pepperoni, sausage and onions, along with a bruschetta..... unbelievable ( upscale Italian restaurant ) we love the food u can't beat it in Citrus county, glad we found excellent Italian food being from Boston and all. Kinda wish I could afford to eat here every night. Last week had veal milanese, great portions considering I got full off it twice! Keep up the good work Tommy low cash read more

Best pizza in the area. Goodbye Pizza Hut, so long Brothers pizza...couldn't believe how hot and crispy my pizza was. And only $10.99! We will definitely be back! read more

Rocco's Pizza & Cafe - Great pizza! - Pizza Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

Who in the world would think Italian food in Crystal River. No offense Crystal River. This is a hidden gem. Moderate priced, large portions and delicious. If in the area I highly recommend the visit. Enjoy! read more

Rocco's Pizza & Cafe - Pizza Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

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We were there today about 2:00, and ordered Lobster lasa for my wife and me a house salad and waitress forgot it. My wife did not find any lobster, just some hard pieces of shrimp, and I found the orange sauce on the meal very strong tasting Waitress was very nice and she brought the manager over, but all he told us that they sell lots of it and walked away. We both had a few bits, paid for it and left We were there a while back, had pizza and it was ok. read more

Went there last night. Everything we ordered from appetizers to desert were horrible. Everything tasted like anchioves. We ordered cannoli for desert the ricotta filing tasted sour. Dont go there. 3 meals, 1 appetizer, 1 soda. 1 ice tea 1 drink 2 deserts bill came out to be 158.00 read more

These jack asses closed right as we were walking up at 9:10 because they were slow and clearly didn't want work until 10 as advertised. There was one car in the parking lot and they literally ran and locked the door and turned the "open" light off. What jerks! If you don't wanna be open until 10pm then change your hours! Avoid at all costs, why would you want to give business to people who treat people like this? read more

Another great surprise in Crystal River -- who would have expected excellent Italian in a small town like this. Rocco's is a true gem. What a find. The service was exception. The menu had something for everyone's palette. The meals were prepared perfectly. From pasta to veal parm to the house Chianti, it was all perfect. The only negatives were their charging $4 for a kids chocolate milk and $4 for a kids scoop of ice cream. Ouch. read more

Rocco's Pizza & Cafe - Rocco's Cafe after snorkeling with manatees ( photo courtesy of SNORKELINGDIVES.COM ) - Pizza Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

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I cannot say enough good things about Rocco's. Each evening they have different specialties and last night's was veal Marsala. I had my usual of eggplant rollatini with a side of pasta with meat sauce. The chicken parm was amazing and eggplant parm wonderful. The pasta carbonara was rich, smooth and l flavorful. Who would go to a chain restaurant when there are such classy independently owned places. When you enter Rocco's there is a counter display with all of their offerings. Some nights, they have entertainment in the larger dining room. The place is clean and bathrooms well stocked and tastefully decorated. Make it a Rocco's night! read more

This is real Sicilian pizza. I feel so blessed to have real pizza in Crystal River. It smelled just like my parents bakery in there. I can't wait to try the other food. The lemoncello was delicious. I can go on and on about the fresh quality. But this was comfort food for me. read more

Brought an out of town guest. We are Local and had been there many times. Had the Most Horrible experience we have ever had at any restaurant in the State of Florida. We don't know if the horrible waitress forgot to put our order in or they just didn't get to our order. After waiting an hour and a half we finally got food. After we asked to speak to the Owner, he was Arrogant and never apologized or offered any kind of adjustment on bill or free desert for our inconvenience. Then they couldn't even use any credit card as their machine was not working. After two hours and fifteen minutes we finally escaped to never return. read more

This is a wonderful restaurant. Great atmosphere and staff. Owner was there and greeted us. The food was AMAZING!!!!! Huge portions, I made 3 meals out of mine. It's classy, but casual. Expensive looking and tasting food without expensive prices. We love this restaurant and will go back every time we are in Crystal River. Almost forgot to mention the bread......oie, the bread, I think I'd go there just for the bread. read more

Rocco's Pizza & Cafe - Eggplant Rollatini and Meat Lasagna - Pizza Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

Had Father's Day Brunch at Rocco's & it was the best dining experience ever! The food was fantastic & our waiter, Joe, went above & beyond to insure we had a great time. Joe, your the BEST! read more

Our story- New Years 2022, reservations at Rocco's pizza & café was made for 5:30, we arrived at 5:30. Seated upon arrival, took a bit of time for our order to be taken. It was OK because Restaurant was busy. Special occasion night so we patiently waited. UNTIl, we noticed a table that had been seated long after us was being served appetizer & later their meal. We decided no longer waiting, hubby goes to server at register to say we want to pay for appetizer & salad we were leaving . This was 7ish. She pretty much ignored him. While hubby was still standing at register. Our order came to table, I stopped Mr.? Saying we are getting our ticket for appetizer & salad because we are leaving. Hubby shows up to say we had been waiting 1 1/2 hour. Mr. ? says to me "this is not McDonald's & we are busy" still holding two plates of food. I was stunned at his comment. To which I said, I know it's not McDonald's that's why we made reservations here. Mr.? Hastily turns & walks away. As I was reaching for my purse I heard a bang at the pizza oven. I guess Mr.? Got a bit upset. (no we did not walk out without placing money on our table for salad, garlic bread plus tip). The guests at table beside us said "I don't blame you, you were seated soon after us & we are finished eating". We came home, I'm fixing a bologna sandwich. Happy New Year read more

The atmosphere is very nice. The food was excellent. The waitress was very knowledgeable and friendly had a pleasant dining experience. If paying with a credit card they do charge a fee. read more

Always delicious, the service is fabulous. Sit down, order yourself an antipasta, a bottle of wine, some eggplant rollatini, and let the staff spoil you. This place has fabulous sauce, cheese, pasta, salads, and cannoli. Never have we been disappointed here at Rocco's. read more

Bruschetta Pizza Cannot wait to eat here again. Such a comfortable and beautiful decorated restaurant. So relaxing and friendly staff. read more

I think this place is on its way out. Food served cold and was tough like it had been made a few days or more earlier. ( veal parmigiana and chicken franchaise) Place was empty at 12:30 on a Tuesday . Biggest issue was the barbershop guys next door lingering 12 feet from Roccos front door and they were all chain smoking . Ashtrays full show it's their hangout spot. Problem is you have to walk right past it and through it. Horrible . Rocco seemed uninterested and disconnected when we politely mentioned it. Florida law makes it illegal to smoke within 25 feet of a front door to a restaurant. He won't do anothing about it . I'll not be going back . Defintely not what the place used to be . Last 3 visits all equal I finally had to say something. Fell on deaf ears read more

I would do ZERO if I could. Reserved a group reservation there weeks ago. At noon of the day we were to go the owner, Joe, called me and told me that he could only offer 4 dishes. I was upset that he did that 5 hours before we were to arrive. After speaking with some of our guests, some wanted pizza which was not one of the choices. I called back and had to speak with one of the staff and was told that we could do pizza as long as we ordered it as soon as we arrived. After waiting a long time for drinks and to have our order taken. Then we waited 2 hours for our food. I was told that the owner, Joe, wanted to speak with me. He proceeded to yell at me in the middle of the restaurant for ordering pizza. This is a pizza shop! Why wasn't he yelling at his staff who told me that it was ok ??? A very RUDE and unappreciative person!! The food was cold and the alfredo was tasteless. That owner is a POS !!! NEVER will go back. read more

The best veal and dinners in Florida. Clean, the best of employees and just the freshest best restaurant in all of Florida. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience,Roccos Pizza & Cafe. Oh! DO NOT FORGET DESSERT!! read more

Service was the worst, never asked to refill drinks, no offer of desserts. I heard that this was the best Italian food in Citrus County?? Being of Italian descent I find that offensive. Also way over priced for what you get! read more

Ordered the Prime rib med rare. Should have been at least pink inside.. No..Gray and cold. Tough enough that I questioned the sharpness of my knife. Rubber..The one bite I dared to try was so chewy I had to spit in my napkin. Owner argued 'Not tough..not cold." and went back to making pizzas in an undershirt and shorts. I hear that the pizza is good..I'm Not going to try his sweaty pizza..and of course we won't be back!! read more

Awesome pizza ! Simple, delicious, thin crust pie with flavorful toppings. Good antipasto salad.

Horrible service!!!!!!!! Ordered a Take Out. I went to pick up my order and it was given to the Door Dash by mistake. I had to wait 25 minutes for them to make a new order. NEVER...a sorry by the owner (manager). He is extremely rude. No amends. He blamed it on Door Dash. The women who ordered the Door Dash had to return the incorrect order and pick up her own correct order. She did not receive an apology either. I hope she can at least get her money back from Door Dash. Never again!!!!! read more

the food took forever to be served and one of the pizzas were burnt and in all it wasn't that good of food and is expensive for no reason.

Service was very slow. I think they pretty much forgot about us and forgot to bring a bread basket until we asked for 1. But I think they were really busy on the other side of the dining room or just understaffed, because the servers were running around like crazy. So that is forgivable, but unfortunately the food just wasn't good. We both had variations of eggplant, which had a strange fishy taste. We wont be back. read more

Had several people tell me Rocco's Pizza was really good. Decided to venture out and try them...wasn't impressed. Got the large Supreme...was salty and very soggy in the middle. Won't go back. read more

If you're looking for just OK food and the slowest service ever look no further! Went to Rocco's at 5:30 , place practically empty..left after 8 PM and it wasn't from us gabbing and holding the server up! I ordered the honey glazed Caesar salad. The salad was way overdressed and the salmon had so much honey I couldn't taste the actual salmon!! The molten lava cake (where urging INTO the cake is the best part) is served in a martini glass with 2 big scoops of ice cream on top. My daughters cake was actually so hard on top she was unable to cut into it! And when you have to flag down a server after a half hour of staring at your empty appetizer plates you know they aren't very attentive. I think they also need a proofreader on their dessert menu as there were multiple misspellings. Save your money and find someplace else. read more

Just stopped in for dinner. Place wasn't overly busy, a waitress directed us to sit in a side room and said someone would be with us shortly. After 15 minutes of multiple waiters/waitresses walking by us without asking for our beverage order or even to check in, we got up and left. Not impressed. Went down the road to Brother's Pizza (which was packed with customers) and were seated right away and had our order taken within seconds of sitting down. Won't be back to Rocco's. I wouldn't even give it one star but I had to just to post this review. read more

We have eaten at this restaurant since 2016. Until recently it was a good restaurant good food. Sure the owner is not friendly but that's OK. The food was good that's all that mattered. But now we had our anniversary dinner there and spent over $300, one meal was raw and another was very bland no flavor whatsoever. The Caesar salad was saturated and wilted and dressing. We had a take-home meal for the children and when we got that home the steak was raw and again another bland tasteless chicken piccata. Unfortunately I will never go back there again. We like to have good food and will pay for it. But the owner doesn't seem to be concerned because when I was there I couldn't find about The fish being wrong, they took it off my bill sure that's the right thing to do but the owner never apologize never said a word yet his cook sent out another Romeo and another tasteless. Chicken piccata. Order at your own risk the pizzas might be good I don't know I don't eat pizza. read more

Owner didn't seem interested in seating our party, which had a reservation. Was 10 minutes before our server came for drink orders. My wife's wine arrived with lipstick on the glass. I put down some cash on the table to cover the drinks and we left. No one tried to stop us. Won't be trying this place again, ever. read more

European People are likely to be more picky when it comes to Italian food. We are used to the authentic real Stuff. We actually enjoyed the pizza's very much. For us, it was a strange experience to have the onions and peppers sauteed. Overall rating: good! read more

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A group of about 35 of us went there.. There were only 3 choices on the menu.. We arrived at 5:30 pm. I ordered a glass of wine.. It took 45 minutes to get my glass of wine.. I then ordered a personal sized pizza.. The pizza took 90 minutes to get.. The food was EXTREMELY OVERPRICED.. ($26 for a glass of wine and a personal sized pizza) the food was mediocre at best.. I've honestly had MUCH better pizza at Pizza hut or Dominoes.. For a fraction of the price.. This whole ordeal took 3 hours.. From the time I sat down, until I got my check.. I eat out several times a week, and this place is one of the worst places that I've ever been to.. read more

We have dined at Rocco's several times since moving to the area from Lutz ( north Tampa). Being Italian, I had hoped to find an authentic, friendly, family owned restaurant similar to our favorite located in Lutz. At Rocco's the food is good. Not as good as we were used to, but good enough to have kept us going back. The wait staff has always been friendly and attentive. If possible, we will go out of our way to compliment the owner of an establishment. Even attempt to establish a friendly relationship. I'm not sure that is possible with the owner. Or perhaps it just takes a while for him to warm up to be friendly? We went out of our way on two occasions complimenting him on his establishment. We will sometimes stop in the cafe on a whim if we are in the area, as we did this past Saturday. It was at about 2 in the afternoon. There were no cars out front. But the open sign was lit, we dined at that time previously, and the door was open. We put on our masks and walked in. The owner, as we sometimes find him, was sitting at the back table, with his back to the wall, facing the door. No one else was in the dining room. We could hear voices coming from the kitchen. We walked past the first table and waited to be recognized. He certainly would have seen us. He's facing us. The dining room lighting is not bright, but with a sunny day behind us as we walked in the door, we would be hard to miss. We waited. My husband and I spoke to each other, which the owner certainly should have heard our voices, asking each other "are they open?" Every indication, including our previous visits on Saturdays at that time would tell us yes. He's not telling us they are closed. We continue to stand... waiting. Will he greet us? Will he move from his seat and tell someone in the back they have a customer? We know we could speak up and ask if they are open. Or "can we be seated?" Being business owners ourselves, we are stubborn about certain things. One being that we expect to be treated in the same manner we would treat our own customers. So we turned around and walked out. Right through the door that when opened brings in bright light one can't miss. Will he come out after us? No. We figured he must not need the business. Even during this pandemic. Too bad. We know there are places who will appreciate it. read more