By Jean Totti
There are some places where you walk in, and you immediately feel welcome. That is the first impression you get at Rocco's Italian Kitchen.
The new owner and her team make sure your meal is exactly as you want it, and the time spent at their restaurant is one that allows you to enjoy it in their relaxed atmosphere. A former sports bar location is now an exciting arena with large black and white murals depicting Italian life and landmarks. So you can start your dining experience by sitting down, looking up, and basking in the wonder of photography that brings Italy to life.
We were greeted at the door, and after a few minutes, our server was ready at our table to get us started on a fantastic meal.
Fresh Homemade Bread with Roasted Garlic in olive oil is the starting point while you check through the vast menu and decide what your first course will be. Cocktails, beer or soda are all on the menu, but you can probably guess what I went for.
A Basil Grapefruit Martini was my first selection being that I'm a martini fan. The martini and cocktail menu varies from time to time, but you will always find a Negroni, a Fugazi or a Smoked Fallen Angel Old Fashioned on the menu.
We moved on to appetizers and chose the Grilled Octopus, pan-seared and served with an olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. This was perfection to the bite with two large arms of the octopus perfectly tenderized and charred.
Other appetizers you will find on their menu are Mussels or Clams in your choice of preparation, such as Provencal, Pesto, or Fra Diavolo, an Antipasto Board with artisanal cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives, or a large plate of Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Roasted Peppers.
Our entrees followed, and I couldn't help but have what they call Rocco's Bowls. The bowls come in three variations: Meatball Bowl, Sausage, Peppers and Onion Bowl, and Eggplant Bowl. It's somewhat of an upside-down pizza served in an iron skillet. There was no doubt that would be my choice, since you don't find it in hardly any restaurant, and I last enjoyed a version of this dish more than fifteen years ago.
I had the Meatball Bowl, and it was filled with delicious homemade meatballs covered in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. I loved every bit of it.
We also ordered the Lasagna Bolognese with ricotta and four other cheeses, slow-baked in marinara sauce. Again, it was the perfect example of authentic southern Italian food that warms you inside.
I couldn't go without dessert and had to try their Tiramisu. A huge slice of deliciousness with layers of lady finger pastry, coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa. This is one you can share, although it's not a problem getting through it all yourself, thanks to its smooth consistency and incredible taste.
That took our dinner to its conclusion, but not without another chat with the owner, manager, and final notes from our server. We got a hint during our visit that smaller or �piccolo� portions will be available on their menu soon.
One of my favorite things about Rocco's Italian Kitchen is that they make everyone feel very welcome and treat you like a friend. This restaurant surpassed all my expectations and experiences. I highly recommend it.
Rocco's Italian Kitchen is located at:
3561 53rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 201-4449
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tags
