La Rocca Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in England

Went to lunch at this restaurant yesterday on a first visit to Cheddar Gorge and we were immediately impressed with the location of the restaurant with its picturesque view so we were happy to have found a free table. However, the problems started thereafter, if we hadn’t asked the waitress for menus we would not have been given them and ignored, she seemed flustered and mumbled something then returned with the menus. I couldn’t decide between the pollo dolce latte or the linguine primavera, so I opted for the linguine because this dish is supposed to be light. We place our orders and waited for our lunch, in the meantime the sun is beating on us so I asked if we could have a sun umbrella but was told by an unsmiling staff member that they don’t have any, this surprised me as its been quite hot and sunny recently, so to not be protecting their customers from the sun with umbrellas like most other establishments shows a lack of concern for their customers.

Our lunch was brought to the table without too long a wait and I wasn’t told that it would be piping hot and to be careful, so my first mouthful burns my tongue, it also looked dry on top which tells me it was heated in the microwave for a quick blast so that would explain the burning tongue and a quick blast in the microwave is a no no. My linguine primavera was supposed to have peas, broccoli and cherry tomatoes in it but there were hardly any on the plate, it was mostly linguine with a very strong cheesy, creamy sauce which I couldn’t finish because it was too strong! This dish is supposed to have a good amount of peas, broccoli and cherry tomatoes and the cream is supposed to be light not as laden full of dense strong cheesy cream which I couldn’t finish and made me feel quite sick after we left! My husband’s lunch had a thick layer of tomato paste covering all his food which looked wrong.

When the waitress came with the bill she unsmiling asked if everything was alright with the meal and when I said no she apologised but it didn’t seem genuine, she just seemed put out to hear my food was no good, when I asked if the chef was Italian she said yes and I was surprised because an Italian chef should know better than to make a mistake like that. A good waitress would have offered us a free dessert or drink or taken some money off the bill, but no that didn’t happen unfortunately. When we left we were shown where the toilets were and I couldn’t go in the ladies because there was a big streak of brown poo all over the toilet which none of the staff had bothered to check and clean so I couldn’t even go to the toilet. When we return for a proper visit to Cheddar Gorge and caves one day we will definitely have to avoid visiting La Rocca restaurant. Disappointing experience. It will be interesting to see if I get the same rude response that other reviewers...

This was an unknown to myself and arranged by the better half (and her lovely work mates). We arrived a little early to a very busy restaurant. Having set off early as parking was an unknown (parking spaces found within 5mins in abundance). We were welcomed and had a drink on a comfortable sofa by the door while we waited for the other additions to the evening. On sitting the environment had a pleasant bustle and staff with a bounce in their step. After enjoying a cheeky beer and coke for the long suffering driver the others arrived and we were directed to our table. It's a fresh restaurant with an open kitchen and well spaced. We all had starters consisting of scallops x2 (both found a little grit but this was a very little and they did taste fresh) a calamari and bruschetta (both enjoyed thoroughly). It was a soft drink bonanza as one is expecting and 2 driving so the drinks were tame... Other than my couple of beers and a little Jamesons and soda water for pudding in my case. Now back to the food, it was a very relaxed and enjoyable evening, I add this again as it was full, the staff seemed unfazed happy and organised 👏 (credit where it's due). Mains of duck, risotto x2 and a lasagne were devoured and the quiet nods were enough to acknowledge we were happy with our choices. All cleared away and now puddings to select in no hurried fashion. This is where I opt out and watch the group enjoy the sugar. A tirimasu, banoffee and mixed ice-cream (again all enjoyed. Banoffee only ordered for the vanilla cream apparently..... I'm always pleased to have a little adventure and food with friends, but the venue was also a welcomed surprise. For the overall experience I found it reasonably priced and excellent service. Another to recommend and revisit when...

Wow! The food here is delicious, the coffee full of rich flavour, and the staff welcoming. This is an amazing jewel in the crown of Cheddar. There are plenty of nice tea rooms or places to eat for visitors (if not closed) but La Rocca is on another level.

Did I mention how good the food, coffee, service, and cleanliness of La Rocca is yet? We rarely walk away from a restaurant with such enthusiasm about wanting to return. So many other places offer little, or nothing, to remember them by, and so it is nice to visit somewhere like La Rocca that jolts your senses in a positive way.

While we are on the subject of quality, the La Rocca team have taken COVID-19 seriously, adapted to the changes needed to make you feel safe. They have managed to provide an ambience while maintaining social distancing, that in other restaurants feels unwelcoming or contrived.

My father is very cautious about COVID-19 due to his health and age. At La Rocca, he was relaxed, thoroughly enjoyed himself and for a moment while sat talking with us, was able to forgot about his daily grind. Being relatively local I can imagine him returning here without us.

For our short time visiting Cheddar, and while dining at La Rocca, the five of us felt a sense of family togetherness. To all the staff at La Rocca...