A Repeat Visit To Rocca in Tampa Heights Impresses Once Again

Tampa Bay Food tours shared a delicious dinner with friends at Rocca Tampa.

We last visited in the fall of 2019 and are happy to report the quality and service have prevailed. The dining room is warm and inviting with additional seating at the bar.

Our dining companion had reserved the chef's table with a view of a hectic kitchen. This vantage point was entertaining and awe-inspiring as the rhythm of this team is impressive. On this visit we ordered off menu but are excited to go back and partake in their new experience.

Officina (noun)
[off-ish-eenuh]:
1. Workshop
2. Laboratory

This is new exclusive dining experience by Rocca's kitchen which is sure to be an even more elevated experience.

Our group begins the meal with the house bread basket, if you will. I seldom succumb to the carbs, but here it is well worth indulgence.

BREAD - with lemon butter, sea salt

One of Rocca's most authentic offerings is the tableside mozzarella. This was our first time experiencing the preparation (anywhere) and the end result was divine. This dish is meant to be shared, so you may want to bring some friends along.

MOZZARELLA CART - heirloom tomato, basil, 10-year aged balsamic vinegar

CARNE CRUDA - grass-fed steak tartare, sourdough, lemon

Being a group of eight this visit, we were able to do a family-style sampling of many of their house -made pastas.

TAGLIOLINI al RAGU - beef ragu, basil, 30-month Parmigiano

GNOCCHI - speck, walnuts, chives, taleggio fonduta

MEZZE RIGATONI - alla NORMA eggplant, tomato, basil, ricotta vecchio (vecchio means old).

The desserts are made in-house and are worth saving room for. Sorry, no photos as they were quickly devoured.

There are many great options for Italian food in Tampa. To my knowledge this is the only one that does the tableside Mozzarella making for a memorable experience and meal.

Stop by soon and tell them www.TampaBayFoodTours.com sent you.

Article contributed by Tampa Bay Food Tours- Eat. Drink. Local! We love showcasing local independent restaurants via walking food tours. We host food tours in downtown St. Pete / Tampa and Dunedin. Join the delicious fun!

Rocca Tampa
Address: 323 W. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 3360

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