Rocco's Café

So happy this awesome neighborhood spot has a new Owner! Still some awesome classic dishes and the old tired items were happily retired! The owner and the staff are awesome. Grateful to have this near my Venue in SOMA.

Mark E. Sackett
TheBoxSF

What a tragedy. I guess the restaurant has changed hands. All the "old school" dishes have been replaced with a pared down menu of uninspired dishes.

I am not sure what the new owner was thinking, but if he was going to reinvent Rocco's, a bit more imagination should have been brought to bear.

In the hope of some remnant of the late, great Rocco's surviving, I order the Chicken Marsala (served over Fettucine - one if only two pasta choices) - not very good.

He should have bought the recipes too. Once it was a regular stop. Not anymore.

Service was good and fast - hence two stars, not one.

The refreshed Rocco's is awesome! New chef-owner, updated menu, longer hours, and cute and affordable wine list!

Service is warm, the chef is always there, and the food is better than ever.

Long live Rocco's!

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.

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.

I could place to have a good conversation. They've definitely lowered the lights for evening service, which creates greater intimacy. New ownership in the owners, quite friendly and also the quiche it seems. The table services frequent and they do check in on you and are quite friendly they're happy to refill your drinks as well, the soul was great very light and the broccolini was perfect. My friend had the fettuccine with scampi and ate it pretty quickly, so he just had a smile on his face and had a nice glass of wine. A nice place to have a good conversation with a nice staff and owner And a main stay in the neighborhood now with the expanded hours. This is a go to the neighborhood and so glad to have it back.

When I hear "Rocco" I used to think of the pet rock that Elmo had beef with but now I will think of this Italian restaurant. I will think about the warm and crackly bread that came with the whipped ricotta drizzled with chili oil and the pool of olive oil soothing the bite of crushed garlic resting at the bottom. I will think about the steaming shrimp gamberoni, the acidity of the tomatoes and the mildness of the mushrooms, the texture of the coated and sauteed shrimp. I will think about how every bite was perfect and took away the words in my chest. l will think about my how my partner bullied me into saying it clears maggianos. I know I can't even compare the two, very different vibes, but the most important thing to note is that rocco's fed me well and also gave me hope for the new eats I'll have in SF

Great food, service, and atmosphere. I will be back again. I recommend this restaurant highly.

Some days you will find this gem packed. And still, they are amazing. Friendly and to the point, good food and good service. If the kitchen is backed up, they warn you and work with you to get things out quick. Yet, the vibe is great and we all work together. So, their idea of a wait isn't bad, honestly.

Other times, it's not packed and they are still amazing. The specials are always worth checking out, but don't be fooled away from the main menu. Some dishes stand the test of time and they are on this menu.

I've not tried a steak here, but I can say that I might someday. Yep, it's a place to try it all.

BE AWARE: They are NOT serving dinner for the rest of 2023. They just want some nice time at home. I love thus place and think you will too.

I've been going to Rocco's for years and have celebrated my birthday there many times. Last week I was there to celebrate and I noticed many changes, kind of disappointing. Didn't realize it had changed owners until I was reading reviews, no wonder. The menu has been cut back a lot, no longer has the same choices. The chicken parmigiano recipe that used to be absolutely delicious has changed and you can't choose your side anymore it only comes with fettuccine. You now have to pay for the garlic dipping oil that used to be complimentary with the bread. It was always so full of people every time I have gone, it was pretty empty last week. At least it still looks the same and staff was nice. Will find a new place to celebrate.