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Welcome to Rocca

At Rocca, we celebrate the essence of Italian dining, nestled in the heart of Tampa. Our story is steeped in tradition, yet infused with a contemporary vibe, making each visit a memorable experience. We pride ourselves on offering a carefully curated menu that caters to vegan diners while providing limited options for vegetarians. The intimate and classy atmosphere is perfect for romantic dinners or lively gatherings. With outdoor seating and a full bar, every meal becomes a celebration. Our commitment to sustainability shines through in our use of reusable tableware, while the friendly service ensures you feel at home. Welcome to Rocca—where passion for Italian cuisine meets modern elegance.

Rocca: Reviews & Ratings

Jessica C.
Jessica C.

from start to finish, we had a wonderful dinner on a Sunday nite (3/30). 845 pm reservations. Ryan, our waiter, was awesome! He gave great suggestions. I had one of their new cocktails, the Vodka Sour -- very refreshing and light. We had the sommelier suggest a bottle of Brunello - excellent. We started with the Asparagus (the saffron zabaione/black sauce? Was a little too pungent for us), Shrimp Fritti (awesome!!) and Japanese sea bream crudo (good). Couldn't decide btwn 3 pasta dishes and asked the waiter to choose for us, as a surprise. He brought out the spaghetti al limone w/ crab (light/unique flavors) and agnolotti (had a nice spiciness) pastas. We had the Branzino to finish - lovely dish with fingerling potatoes, olives, pine nuts and tomatoes. All of the dishes were perfectly paced; we didnt feel rushed nor did we feel we were waiting long for the next course. The table was always cleaned btwn plates. We were often checked on; I never had to refill our wine glasses or ask for water. The restaurant wasn't too loud; guests were not seated too close to each other so people could actually have conversations w/o yelling. Looking forward to going back to try other dishes!

Christina M.
Christina M.

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!!

Genesis M.
Genesis M.

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.

Lori N.
Lori N.

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.

Samantha C.
Samantha C.

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!

Nikki A.
Nikki A.

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.

Megan S.
Megan S.

We had an amazing dinner at Roca! We started with the Shrimp Fritti (Speck with shrimp), which was crispy and so flavorful. Then came the focaccia bread: warm, soft, and perfect in every way. The chicken liver foie gras was next, and wow, it was the best I've ever had. So rich and buttery. It completely blew me away. For our main course, we both had the Agnolotti. It was smaller than we expected, but the flavors were incredible. I'd try a different dish next time due to the size of the rest of the dishes. Overall, it was such a great experience. The food, the atmosphere, and the service were all top-notch. We'll definitely be back!

Zeena A.
Zeena A.

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.

Michelle D.
Michelle D.

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.

Location

  • Rocca
    323 W Palm Ave Tampa, FL 33602 United States Hotline:

Welcome to Rocca, where authentic Italian cuisine meets a trendy and intimate atmosphere in the heart of Tampa. Located at 323 W Palm Ave, this charming eatery is not just a place to dine but a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Rocca stands out with its ability to blend sophistication and comfort. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends, boasting a chic yet inviting decor that sets the stage for a memorable meal. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with an ADA-compliant main entrance, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their visit. The limited noise level fosters conversation and connection, making every meal feel special.

Culinary Highlights

  • Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Rocca offers a selection of vegan dishes, making it an excellent choice for plant-based diners, though vegetarians may find their options limited.
  • Impressive Drink Selection: The full bar is not to be missed, featuring an array of wines, cocktails, and beers that perfectly complement Italian flavors.
  • Outdoor Seating: Enjoy al fresco dining, perfect for a breezy evening under the stars.
  • Happy Hour Specials: Make sure to take advantage of the delightful happy hour, an excellent opportunity to explore their menu at a more moderate price.

What takes the dining experience at Rocca to the next level is their commitment to quality. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, reminiscent of Italy's rich culinary heritage. From handmade pasta that dances on your palate to rich desserts that render you speechless, every plate tells a story. The waiter service is attentive and knowledgeable, guiding you through the menu with passion.

For those looking to host gatherings, Rocca also offers catering services, ensuring that your special events are memorable with an Italian flair. Plus, the use of reusable tableware emphasizes their commitment to sustainability.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a fine meal, Rocca's combination of classy elegance and unpretentious charm makes it a must-visit. With its proximity to on-site parking and street parking options, dining here is hassle-free.

Rocca is more than a restaurant—it's a destination. Stop by, savor the flavors of Italy, and let each bite transport you to a little slice of paradise. After all, great food is best enjoyed together!