Rocco’s Italian Café — Restaurant in Richardson

Rocco's Italian Cafe: A Culinary Gem in Richardson… 5 out of 5 stars

Nestled in the heart of Richardson, Texas, Rocco's Italian Cafe stands as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both heartwarming and unforgettable. From the moment you step through the doors, you are enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy trattoria in the heart of Italy. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces fills the air, teasing your taste buds and setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

Rocco's menu is a testament to their passion for Italian tradition, boasting an array of classic dishes that are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. Their spaghetti with meat sauce is a true masterpiece, featuring a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the al dente pasta. The meatballs, plump and juicy, add a delightful touch of texture and flavor to the dish, transporting you to the streets of Naples with every bite.

But Rocco's culinary prowess extends far beyond pasta. Their pizzas, crafted with a thin or medium crust and adorned with fresh, vibrant toppings, are a testament to their pizzaiolo's expertise. The Rocco's Special, with its generous helping of pepperoni, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, is a crowd-pleaser, while the Margherita, with its simple elegance of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is a symphony of flavors. And for those seeking a taste of the tropics, the Hawaiian pizza, with its combination of ham, pineapple, and bacon, is a delightful surprise.

The service at Rocco's is equally impressive, with a team of friendly and attentive staff who are genuinely invested in ensuring your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. They are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to assist with recommendations, making it easy to navigate the culinary delights that await.

Aside from the delectable cuisine and impeccable service, Rocco's Italian Cafe also boasts a charming and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's décor is reminiscent of a rustic Italian farmhouse, with warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and shelves lined with family heirlooms. The ambiance is both cozy and inviting, making it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a lively family gathering, or a casual evening with friends.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, Rocco's Italian Cafe is a culinary gem that will not disappoint. With its fresh, flavorful dishes, impeccable service, and charming atmosphere, Rocco's is a place where memories are made and taste buds are tantalized. So, gather your friends and family, venture into the heart of Richardson, and prepare to be swept away by the culinary magic of Rocco's...

Unfortunately, I had to come here to leave a review because I’ve contacted the chef Javier about my order that was catered for my wedding a couple of days ago. When I 1st came in for the tasting, the staff were very sweet!… HANDS DOWN! I’ll give them a 5 star on my 1st visit I will also add… The good tastes great.

But what went sour is I ordered crab cakes, which as you can see, BURNT! When I contacted his assistant and advised her it was burnt she replies “PER CHEF”- We are to turn the crab cakes and because we did NOT, they burned. That’s ABSOLUTELY incorrect because my dad was once a chef and as you can see, the crab cakes are sat up in a row (before a lot was throw out). They were all laid upward… If that was the case wouldn’t the edges be burnt… NOT THE FRONT AND THE BACK… So that’s LIE #1. Plus the pan underneath the aluminum had water, therefore the crab cakes wouldn’t have burned by any means… LIE #2.

I ordered “STRAWBERRY” dressing instead o received raspberry. When I mentioned that, all I received was an apology and the girl who packed it didn’t speak English so so ended up packing the wrong dressing.

I order salmon with mashed potatoes and asparagus as I was given during my tasting. Instead, I was given mix veggies. When I address this issue as well. Javier response was, Your dad wanted veggies when in fact my dad who came to my tasting with me NEVER asked for veggies. Let alone, we never were given veggies in the tasting so why would that even be sent to my wedding!

I also requested mixed rolls just not the sourdough bread. Instead just their house bread, ONLY!

When I addressed my concerns, his assistant asked, “How can we make it right?”… I was very generous and advised her to let Javier know and tell me what he think is reasonable. Instead, he said he can’t do anything but only can apologize!

WOW, that’s all YOU CAN DO! I provided proof of what all was wrong and all I was given was a lousy apology not even coming from him but he had his assistant speak for him. Way to handle customer service! I most definitely won’t be returning and will share my experiences with my extended friends and MOST...

My family and I have been coming to this restaurant since it first opened a couple of years ago, and each visit is consistently a great experience. Yes, the food is not necessarily authentic Italian, but the flavors and presentation are good! The prices are still decent, but it used to be cheaper with larger portion sizes. However, since they're a small business, I really can't blame them, especially during all the labor and supply shortages as well as COVID affecting the number of customers ordering out.

We typically get the Fried Calamari as the appetizer, and it is yummy! It is lightly seasoned and fried with sautéed onions in the dish and a side of homemade marinara. We have also ordered the wings, and they are very tender, juicy, and flavorful! Each entrée comes with a salad, and we opt for the house salad! Super fresh and crisp. The house dressing is really good, so I recommend trying that. Last but certainly not least, the garlic rolls. They are fat, moist, and delicious. I love dining in because you can get as many baskets of rolls as you want!

As for the entrees, we tend to stick to our favorites: Eggplant Parmesan (Vegetarian); Shrimp al Diablo; Chicken Primavera; and Vodka Chicken Pasta! I have not tried the pizzas, subs, or calzones yet, but based on the rest of the menu, I'm sure they're great choices too.

Overall, I do recommend Rocco's. It is a great family-owned, small business that is perfect as a casual dining option or an intimate...