Rocco
An intimate Italian osteria known for its old-world charm, unique charred bread, and carefully curated wine list.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Rocco
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate Italian osteria known for its old-world charm, unique charred bread, and carefully curated wine list.
"Experience the closest thing to being back in Italy with comforting, purposefully crafted food and romantic ambiance."
Book Ahead
With only 13 tables, reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot.
Ask for Recs
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you to standout dishes or unique wine selections.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Old-World Italian
Experience classic Italian dishes like lasagna pizzaola and perfectly cooked squid in an intimate osteria setting.
Charred Bread with Ricotta
Enjoy the unique contrast of perfectly blackened bread with bright, house-made ricotta.
Intimate Atmosphere
Cozy and romantic, this small eatery with only 13 tables offers a truly authentic Italian experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
With only 13 tables, reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot.
Ask for Recs
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you to standout dishes or unique wine selections.
Friday Porchetta
Don't miss the special Porchetta sandwich, available only on Friday afternoons.
Consider Off-Peak
Visit during quieter times for a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
With only 13 tables, reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot.
Ask for Recs
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you to standout dishes or unique wine selections.
Friday Porchetta
Don't miss the special Porchetta sandwich, available only on Friday afternoons.
Consider Off-Peak
Visit during quieter times for a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rocco offers an intimate Italian dining experience with some standout dishes, particularly their unique charred bread and pizzas. While many praise the attentive service and cozy atmosphere, some find the food inconsistent, with portions and preparation occasionally missing the mark. Noise levels can be high due to the small space, and prices are noted as being on the higher side.
"This place was outstanding. We literally picked it based on the pictures on Google maps. The pizza was delicious pepperoni and I added some garlic oil. The greens were very very crispy on the Caesar. Our friends had gnocchi with ham and peas and we're delighted. Linguine and clams got a major thumbs up. Too full for dessert"
Tracey Becker
"The appetizer was the standout at this restaurant, truly the only highlight. The pizza was average, and the lasagna was disappointing with no meat. The service was exceptional, and the table setup was charming, with a nice brick wall as a backdrop. However, the atmosphere was overwhelming—tables were packed too tightly, so you could hear every conversation around you. The loud, chaotic vibe made it unbearable. This isn’t a place I’d return to for a date. We ended up getting a much tastier pizza elsewhere, and the high prices here didn’t match the food or ambiance."
JueJue
"We were really disappointed with our visit. The food didn’t match our expectations in either taste or presentation, especially considering the high price point. The menu lacked clear descriptions, so we were surprised by what we received — and not in a good way.
The garlic bread was burnt and bitter. Almost every dish came overloaded with salad, including the grilled octopus (a very tiny portion) and the white fish, which was unexpectedly deep-fried in mostly batter and tasted off. If we had known that every main came with so much salad, we wouldn’t have ordered a separate salad appetizer.
The pasta was overly salty and lacked flavor. While the service was friendly, the overall dining experience just didn’t justify the price. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning."
Olivia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Rocco has only 13 tables, so reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
Standout dishes include charred bread with ricotta, lasagna pizzaola, smoked pork chops, and perfectly cooked squid. Pizzas are also a popular choice.
The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, suggesting a smart-casual dress code is appropriate.
Rocco is described as intimate, cozy, romantic, and like a traditional osteria, though some find it can be loud due to its size.
The restaurant is small with only 13 tables, so accommodating large groups might be challenging. It's best to call ahead to inquire.
Yes, the Porchetta sandwich is a special treat served on Friday afternoons.
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The 8 Most Outstanding Restaurants In Rochester, New York
Modelling itself on a traditional osteria, rocco is an intimate restaurant owned by local chef and restaurateur Marc Cupolo and his partner, Dan Richards. Rocco is one of the best places in town for simple, classic Italian eats. With just 13 tables, this restaurant is small and often busy, with delicious dishes like linguine with white clam sauce and tender sliced steak with Parmesan-creamed Swiss chard.
My favorite places for “dinner and drinks” in Rochester
Rocco is an experience that is all around comforting (while far surpassing the idea of “comfort food” in every sense), and food that tastes like it was made with love and with purpose, every time. This place is the closest thing to being back in Italy that I’ve ever experienced—straight-forward and cozy, and still so romantic. So although it’s not a place I’d recommend for a long and loud night out, it’s an ideal low-and-slow dinner and drinks kind of night.
The 24 Best Restaurants In Rochester (New York) You Must Visit Once
People who love simple, traditional Italian dishes must visit Rocco in Rochester — a small dining arrangement with just 13 tables. Taste authentic Italian dishes at Rocco like tender sliced steak with parmesan-creamed Swiss chard, linguine with white clam sauce, and various kinds of gourmet pizzas with unique toppings. Don’t forget to browse through the exotic wine list at Rocco.
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Rocco chef/owner Mark Cupolo is a guy with individual tastes, and one of these is for the bitter edge that controlled burning brings to many dishes. Cupolo’s bread is blackened to perfectly complement the clean, bright flavor of the house-made ricotta. Olive oil, herbs, black pepper and Pecorino add texture and aroma.
15 Best Italian restaurants in Rochester New York
Rocco, a classic Italian restaurant in Rochester, stands out for its delicious and authentic offerings. The menu features a variety of dishes, with some consistent favorites such as grilled octopus and ricotta crostini. These staple items showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition.
ROC Foodie Bucket List: A Guide To Everything & Everywhere A Food Lover Must Eat In Rochester, NY
Local Italian restaurants are a mix of these classic Italian-American restaurants that feature "Red Sunday Sauce" made from family recipes, red and white checkered table cloth topped by a fresh basket of bread, as well as fine dining options like Fiorella, Fiamma Centro, and Rocco's.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Rochester, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (149 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 165 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-3526- Read more on Tripadvisor
15 Best Restaurants in Rochester, NY for 2024 (Top Eats!)
165 Monroe Ave.Rochester, NY 14607(585) 454-3510 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Rocco, a small restaurant run by local chef and restaurateur Marc Cupolo and his partner Dan Richards, is modeled after a traditional osteria.
Unforgettable Date Night Ideas in Rochester, NY, for Every Couple • Mythical Escapes
Immerse yourselves in the authentic flavors of Italy at Rocco. This charming restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create traditional Italian dishes that will impress.
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