La Bocca Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Jonesboro

We dined as a party of four for a late Saturday lunch and were seated immediately. The atmosphere was nice. We were delighted to be seated at the first table within the main dining area because we were close enough to see the TV at the bar (big baseball fans here) without it interrupting our conversations.

We received the complementary bread and oil, which was tasty. We started with the toasted ravioli appetizer and ordered extra marinara sauce to share. The ravioli was delicious and the marinara sauce was a nice extra for the remaining bread. For our meal, we each ordered a different pasta dish that included a side salad. We received the salads almost immediately with a combination of the House and Caesar. The salads were just okay, as they were mostly lettuce with minimal toppings. The salad dressing was served on the side and was just the right amount. The entrees arrived very soon after. They were great and we each had plenty of leftovers to take home. I personally recommend the Rigatoni Alla Carbonara. However, it is listed on the menu as grilled chicken. The chicken seemed to be boiled but still good. The sauce and bacon were the stars of the dish and made it a standout. The other dishes ordered were The Works, Chicken Parmigiana, and the Shrimp Scampi. The Works received the highest praise. Unfortunately none of us took photos of any of the food.

April was our server and she was the highlight of the meal, as she was attentive, helpful, and kind. She provided great food recommendations and our drinks were never empty. She checked on us just enough that we always had what we needed but was never too intrusive. Ask for her next time you’re there, as you won’t regret it!

We will certainly return to La Bocca for another meal soon. The prices were a bit high but well worth it for the portion sizes and the great service we received. If you are in the Jonesboro area, I recommend...

The Jonesboro location has been open for a few weeks, and we finally tried it yesterday around 11:15 am. (Opens at 11 am). We were greeted graciously at the door/desk, chatted about the sign on door that Pastors eat free on Sunday (my husband is a pastor, but, tries to keep the Sabbath Holy), and were led promptly to our table!!! What a beautiful restaurant, from the white linen tablecloths, to the lovely, and soothing operatic background music, to the framed scenes of the gorgeous Italian landscape, we were impressed!!! Our visit included a pleasant, accommodating wait staff of three, who spoke with inviting smiles, and who listened patiently to our many requests!!! First, we received a basket of tasty garlic knots & pesto, as we looked over the tempting menu of delectable Italian offerings!!! My husband ordered a little marinara, to dip the bread (he loves a good marinara!!), and they brought out a huge handmade "tilted" bowl of sauce that he enjoyed thoroughly during our visit. We both ordered tea, mine sweetened, his, unsweetened. For our meals, he decided on a Calzone, made to order, with spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, and spices. I chose lasagna with a Caesar salad from the lunch menu. Marinara sauce is usually too strong and "tomatoey" for me, so I asked for a small taste of Alfredo sauce, which they also handmade and brought out in a huge tilted bowl...it perfected my lasagna and we both devoured half of our scrumptious meals and saved the other half to take home!!! It was my turn to pay, and I was expecting a sizable bill, but, for what we ordered, along with the extras, and how accommodating everyone was to our requests, I didn't mind the $45. It was so nice to have a relaxing, quiet, unhurried meal together!!! We will definitely be back!!! Maybe even on a Sunday, real soon!!! 😉 I suggest you try La Boca, ASAP...such a nice addition to Jonesboro...I hope they...

La Bocca is an Italian restaurant that recently opened up here in Jonesboro. I am given to understand that the two owners who are also the chefs come straight from Italy. This would explain the crucial level of attention to detail in their food and the upscale atmosphere that presents itself to guests. My wife and I enjoyed the stylings of Frank Sinatra Jr in the background though we noted a gorgeous Baby Grand piano begging to be played in the entryway.

We sampled a couple of their appetizers; the bruschetta and the stuffed mushrooms. Both were excellently prepared but it is clear that the stuffed mushrooms were the superior choice as a great level of passion went into the sauce that accompanied the mushrooms.

For main course we tried a little of everything with the Tour of Italy, which includes lasagna, a portion of fettuccine alfredo, and chicken parm. We also sampled the Chicken marsala. Wow. Wow wow wow. First thing to note is that a proper sauce like this, when done right, takes hours on hours to do right, sometimes days. I spoke with the owners and found out that they do indeed take 2 days to make it which I found incredible. Another thing to note was that the chicken was cooked masterfully and I was able to cut through it with a spoon. All of our meals were brimming with flavor and the portions were very generous for the low cost. Together we spent under 80 for a romantic Italian date night we won't soon forget.

If there is anything that La Bocca could improve, I would like to see them offer old fashions and I would suggest to dim or remove the white lighting and solely rely on the beautiful amber lights which would create a more dimly lit, more personal atmosphere.

Thank you for the wonderful experience tonight. We will...