Rocco's Cafe Reviews

After reading all the good reviews we decided to try Rocco's for dinner. The service was very bad even for a dinner style place. The food was even worse. We tried to order the Ribeye steak - but even though the evening had just started and there where only a few people, the waiter told us that they where out. In all a very poor experience.

I haven't been more disappointed by prior reviews then during this experience. I honestly can't believe that the past reviews are actually about this restaurant. The staff were friendly, service was average and it definitely feels like a joint that has been around for many decades. However the food was HORRIBLE. I had the chicken and vegetables but my chicken wasn't just grilled, it was charred ! My guest tried to order one of the dishes on the menu only to be told, "actually almost no one orders that so we don't have the ingredients to make it", which says to me 'time to update your menu'! It is rare I ever say this, but honestly I couldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone.

After having been very disappointed with my previous night's dinner, I was in need of a great meal. We found Rocco's through trip advisor. It was simply great!. It is very casual. The food was excellent. The waitress was awesome. Rocco's is near a lot of the design studios near Folsom. Parking is a bit difficult but our pursuit of parking was well worth the reward that awaited us at the restaurant. If you are looking for a great casual Italian meal. I would strongly recommend Rocco's Cafe!! The chicken marsala was tremendous!!

My husband and I really enjoyed our dinner. They served the fresh bread warm. I am vegan and the pasta primavera had a wonderful marinara sauce with lots of garlic and the perfect amount of hot spice. I would have liked it if they offered more healthy whole wheat pasta as a choice. My husband really liked his spaghetti with meatballs and meat sauce. A family run place. The owner came over and chatted with us. The walls are covered with pictures of celebrities and memorabilia from the past.

Great little neighborhood spot. Comfortable atmosphere, delicious food, super-friendly service. If I lived nearby, I'd be a regular. Besides, you have to love a place where you walk in to hear the sounds of Elton John and Kiki Dee playing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart!" Be sure to check this place out.

Solid comfort food. I had the chicken Marsala and it was so delicious. The chicken was the most tender I have ever had. The clam vongale was tasty and rich. Excellent. Fast friendly service. I would definitely go back.

Awesome ! excellent and great welcome! the combos are really filling, plentiful and the staff are adorable really recommended

We are in the city for the weekend and were walking Folsom Street when we saw the full house at Rocco’s. We sat at the sidewalk table, and were greeted quickly by a wait person. My dining partner ordered the green salad with avocado, while I opted for the 15 ounce cheeseburger The food arrived in a timely manner, and was visually very appealing. The tastes were as good as the visuals, with my dining partner expressing his pleasure at the variety and quality of the salad components The burger was served on a crusty bread, cooked perfectly, and was accompanied by thick cut fries that were excellent We were both very pleased with our choices, and felt we had found a wonderful casual spot to dine.

We saw Rocco's on Diners Drive ins and Dives, so when we found our hotel was very near we had to find it. The first night we just had a drink and were fascinated by the collection of pictures, newspaper cuttings, adverts you name it and it was on the wall, a little American museum. We met the owner who was very friendly and chatted to us for quite a long time. The next night we had dinner and it had to be the best Italian food we have ever had. The waitress sat with us and went through the menu as the only Italian food we have had is at home in England - no comparison!!!! Best good, best service and you can see your food being cooked from scratch. If you are in San Francisco do not miss this place, it is exceptional. Wish he would open a restaurant in UK!!!!!!

ROCCO'S IS really nice place to have breakfast and also to see a restaurant that has a lot of history. This was a family outing and my son did some research and selected Rocco's. It was on a Saturday morning and we came right at 8 am and got a table for six right by the window. The waitress was unbelievably helpful and told us all about the breakfast specials, and described items in great detail. Two of us had the French toast which was excellent, and others had three egg omelets which they said were superb. The walls are full of historic photographs and some sports items too. The restaurant filled up quickly and there appeared to be many regulars. It made me want to go back for lunch which I will do when I return to san Francisco. Saturday was also easy to find a parking spot.

Ambiance was nice. Food not as tasty as I expected. There was a group of us and we were tucked in a tight little corner. All preset much agreed the food was just above average. Desserts were delicious. Service was awesome.

Rocco's is a neighborhood restaurant outside the tourists area of San Francisco, yet only a short distance from downtown. An artist friend suggested lunch there after I visited his gallery. The restaurant is decorated with metal signs and other memorabilia. Around 2:00 PM in the afternoon, it was pretty busy. After gems told "everything is good" my guest suggested the marinated grilled chicken salad. This included strips of chicken on top of interesting greens with a good dressing. He had the Minestrone Soup, served with locally baked bread. I recall we had water with the meal, followed by coffee, yet I learned they serve wine and beer. This last point isn't immediately obvious, so it's good to know. Looking around the crowded room a saw several police officers having lunch. I guess it really is a beige proof place.

For traditional American \Italian chains you don't get much better. Good quality great tasting food no matter what the meal. Have been for breakfast and dinner and both were fantastic. Newsstand outs for me were the steak eggs and home fries for breakfast. For dinner the chicken picatta is a knockout with a side of their garlic fries!!

Had 2 breakfast and 2 evening meals here. Food was so good and value for money for San Francisco. Clean premises and atte tive friendly staff. Will go home with a full belly and a lovely feeling inside.

We chose Rocco's for a late breakfast after seeing so many great reviews. We ended up choosing lunch items upon their recommendation. The chicken marsala was delicious and my husband loved the seafood pasta. Friendly staff. We would definitely visit again! The only trouble we ran into was walking there. It was our first time in San Fran and we were walking from Hotel Palomar and ended up walking through a pretty sketchy area. If you are a tourist, just be aware of the streets your are taking.

Excellent service, atmosphere, and food. While we were there, at least 3 other people complimented the chef on his dishes

I went to this wonderful Italian cafe for dinner. I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana Sautéed in Marinara with Melted Provolone. The eggplant was very tender and the Marinara sauce was very flavorful without being heavy. I started with a bowl of Pastina since I had never tried this type of soup before. It was good with very tiny pieces of pasta that could be scooped up from the bottom of the bowl. I also had a taste of the Sauteed Chicken Parmigiana which I liked even more than the eggplant. I highly recommend the Sauteed Chicken Parmigiana. This cafe has a descent beer and wine list with wine by the glass as well. I liked the fact that the neighborhood is not touristy, and is filled with mostly locals just enjoying good food. There was a big-screen T.V. yet the sound was muted, making for a relaxing dining experience conducive to carrying on a conversation. The staff was fairly attentive even though all the tables were full on this weekend night. Parking on the street is a possibility although I went there by private car and was dropped off. I would definitely return to Rocco's on my next trip to San Francisco!

We ate here 3 times while visiting SFO recently. This place is amazing along with the Staff. Ann and Ruby are great! We felt like we were part of the family! The French Toast is incredible!!

Rocco's is in an commercial area of SF, surrounded by warehouses and small/medium businesses. It's not a touristy place because it's off the beaten path. Rocco's flourishes because of a devoted local following. The decor is lots of fun -- every inch of wall space is covered with photos and other memorabilia from SF's past. It's worth a trip here just for that! You could easy spend an hour just absorbing all of the images. The restaurant has tables but also a very large counter seating area. The food is prepared right in front of your eyes. It's a broad menu, with breakfast served until 3 PM. There are lots of Italian dishes, and offerings like burger and patty melts. Every time I've been there the servers have been both friendly and efficient. When the weather is good, they have about 4 sidewalk tables. Chef Don maintains a strong community outreach with a newsletter and a very robust Web site. You might have seen Don and his restaurant on the Diners and Dives TV show. I should mention that the place is always super clean and well maintained. If you find yourself hungry in the area of Folsom and 8th Street, you now know where to go!

Just happened to be in SanFrancisco 3 days after seeing Rocco's on Triple D. Because Linguine with white clam sauce is one of my favorites, and I'm on a mission to find the best, this was a must try. The atmosphere was great, the service even better, but the dish was good but not wonderful. Gambrinus (Quebec City and now closed) and Pasta d'Arte (Chicago) are still far ahead in this competition. That said, the bean soup was outstanding and a good time was had by all.

Great big portions. The Rocco Frittata was FANTASTIC. Fast friendly service. Good place for a business meeting. Prices we fair.. about average for the area and cheaper than hotels.

This place is in my neighborhood and I go there often as it's my husband and I's choice for breakfast when we need something. I think their blueberry pancakes are quite good. I get their frittatas. It's large and well made but nothing too special. It's no frills and decent portions. And I like that our food gets to us pretty fast. I think they need a few more things like corned beef and hash. I think their potatoes need a lift as it's average. But in general it's a good neighborhood breakfast place. I rarely go for lunch or dinner so I wouldn't know what to say except I usually get pasta for dinner!!!

Chose this restaurant because its breakfast menu had a lot of Vegetarian choices and saw that it was on drive ins, diners and dives. About a 15 - 20 minute walk from Chinatown (Hotel des Arts) through a bit of the sketchier areas of SF (AVOID going down 6th, the restaurant is between 7th and 8th anyway). The decor was kind of cute and the staff seemed pretty nice. The one cook seemed to have a cold, was sweaty (not from cooking kind) and coughing a bit which was a bit off putting. The food (mushroom/onion/chz fritatta and chz/tomato/avocado omlette) was under flavoured and a bit bland and there was no salt or pepper on the table, the breakfast potatoes were very good though! Very average breakfast. If you are close then go for it, but don't make the trip out of your way if its breakfast you are after.

Being new to the neighborhood we stopped for lunch at this Italian cafe on a recent Saturday afternoon. The menu is very extensive however I opted for the classic eggplant parmigiana with a side garden salad. My partner had grilled chicken over angel hair. My eggplant was superb. It was sautéed and smothered with mozzarella. The sauce was little spicy. The salad had crumbled blue cheese and the house vinaigrette dressing. There was nothing left on my plate. We also had the house Italian primitivo red wine. It was pretty good. The service was excellent as all of the employees seemed to work as a team. Our meal was so good we returned a few days later. Looking forward to trying more menu items. This place has become our new neighborhood ‘go to’ for Italian comfort food. You won’t be disappointed.

Went after saw on DDD. I like hitting good local places and this did not disappoint. Large menu with choices for everyone. All food prepared fresh and with care and nicely presented. Had good dinner sized Caesar Salad and chicken parm, and both we're very good sized portions. Attentive service. Place is small, as are the tables and spots at the counter. I would definitely return.

After seeing this place on Diners,Drive-In's & Dives. I decided to try it out. WOW !!!!!! After a short walk down from Sutter st. we found Rocco's Cafe. We tried 2 of the dishes that were featured on the show and both were outstanding. I ordered the Chicken Picatta & my wife ordered the Polenta w/ Veggies. The restaurant is decorated in nostalgic items and is well worth the visit. Very friendly staff and very Good Food !!!!!

We were in San Fran and tried to hit up as many Triple D places we could and this was on the list. We made reservations online and we arrive early anticipating a wait even with the reservation. Turned out that they were filming some show there so we had to wait an extra 20 minutes. Were met by the owner and he apologized for the wait. Ordered the polenta which was amazing, both my wife and I wanted a second helping. The kids were able to order some kid friendly meals but the oldest son had his own adult pasta dish that he completely devoured. I ordered the chicken marsala and it was excellent. Wife had the clam in white wine sauce and again did not disappoint. Meal was reasonably priced for the service and quality of the food. Would definitely go back and the owner was very gracious and welcoming.

Blueberry pancakes are yummy! Bacon is crispy. Coffee is strong and good! Perfection with other words!

Tried Rocco's after seeing it reviewed on "Diners, Drive-in's & Dives" (aka Triple D) and wasn't disappointed, as my daily special of seafood fettucini was tasty and abundant! My companion's meal of the Double DD chicken was also abundant with 2 breasts, but was a little over-cooked, dry, and possible stretch to fill a DD...jus kiddin on DD, as she took remainder home for a late night snack. The shared appetizer of polenta was also tasty with fresh herbs, tomatoes and a side dish of freshly grated parmesan cheese, but the bread for dipping in garlic oil was dry and hard. The suggested local beer of Anchor Steam Beer was also a good companion to the meal. The staff and service are excellent and friendly with several visits to check and chat that we were enjoying our meal. The décor is an interesting collection of past photos and memorabilia on the walls, including the host of Triple D from his prior visit and also George Washington (hmmmmm, did he eat here too!? hehe!). Overall, I had a great meal and experience and wish I could have sampled more. Enjoy!

Sunday Brunch in San Francisco. Lines, lines, lines, all for some eggs and a lot of preciousness. We stumbled upon Rocco's because I was trying to remember a different place on Folsom and what a find. Great breakfast and lunch, terrific waitress and staff, helpful front of house (because one of our party needed a little something extra) and the food was delicious. Two of us had a Frittata, one the French Dip sandwich and one had eggs. Lovely fresh fruit salad, fine coffee, what's not to like. The decor is terrific and the combination of people is true Bay Area. We didn't have any of the dinner or Italian specialties but for brunch this place was great. No hipsters, no $5 cups of coffee, just plain good food and a great vibe.

We went up going here twice when we where in San Francisco for one week. Very relaxed and cosy restaurant with a good and tasteful menu. When the kids were sleepy they could sleep on the couch while we were finishing dinner without any hurry. Friendly staff so I do also recommend families with young children to go here. We know how hard it can be to find something nice and good when travelling with young kids :-)

Located on the SoMa district, this place has a quintessential Italian name. The owners deliver some seriously delicious Italian food. Absolutely outstanding in every regard. Great staff, great atmosphere & great food.

From Diners, Drive Inns and Dives a couple of years ago, Rocco's was actually good! My chicken parm with pasta and salad was a perfect size portion, not small, and was very flavorful. The garlic infused olive oil served with the bread was excellent. A local Cabernet was full of fruit. It's very rare to find a restaurant that was on DDD that is actually good but Rocco's is good and is actually owned by a real Italian guy, so don't be afraid to come here. A thoroughly enjoyable experience with thoroughly experienced servers and waitresses.

We tried to visit this cafe months ago but they had a private party going on. After picking my son and his new bride up from SFO and having the traffic crazy slow I decided to try again. We were not disappointed! I ordered the chicken piccata with penne and pesto. It was delicious. The service was great and the food was better. I would recommend this cafe to anyone. Their menu is wonderful and they serve plenty of food. If you are thinking about trying it, I would highly recommend it.

Business trip took me to SF. I vowed to try a few triple D places while I was here. Rocco's is the real deal. I went around 8pm and I got to meet the owner Dan, who is incredibly nice, as he was leaving. The place has a great vibe to it. I sat at the bar/open kitchen to get full effect. I ordered the crab cakes to start which were great. Then I had to have the linguini with white clam cream sauce. OMG it was amazing and incredibly filling. I can only imagine that the rest of the menu is as good as what I had. So glad I went!

We stumbled across this place, HUNGRY for breakfast. (Not the greatest of areas otherwise for food). The waitress screwed up my order and then DID NOT CHARGE ME! How great was that? It was not a big error, but she insisted on paying for my meal. We came back for dinner and it was great. Back for lunch the next day and were not disappointed. The owner is running around all the time making sure everyone is satisfied. Great ambiance and great food. I even bought a tee shirt which I NEVER do for places that I do not own...Not that I own anyplaces.

Loved the urban, big city atmosphere of this cafe. Sitting at the counter was enjoyable, watching the food prep for breakfast and upcoming meals. They had a massive pot where chicken broth was being made. I thoroughly enjoyed my Carmel latte. My special frittata was delicious too. It was topped with tomatoes and Italian sausage. My server was efficient and attentive! A great find for a San Francisco breakfast!

We split a short stack of banana walnut pancakes, 2 poached eggs and Italian sausage. That was just the right amount. The pictures on the wall were fascinating. The service was great. The bottomless coffee cup was old style. Strongly recommend.

the food at this cafe was delicious and very friendly staff. The way the place and tables are set up isn't the best, feels really crowded but still a good place to eat. more of a restaurant than a cafe I found.

I look for Diner & Dive restaurants when I travel ... this place was absolutely AMAZING!!! Not only a nostalgic atmosphere, but the food ... OMG!!! Top of the line!!!! Some people may say it's pricey, but c'mon ... HOME MADE EVERYTHING??? YES! YES! AND YES!!! I soaked this place up like a sponge and was extremely satisfied with everything I ate ... if you go, you MUST MUST MUST get the salad with their homemade balsamic Italian dressing!! I had the spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and meatballs ... ordered "gravy" (aka: spaghetti sauce/marinara) on the side ... loved every single bite!!!! DO NOT ... I repeat ... DO NOT hesitate this place!!! I saw a review of this place on YouTube and little did he know, but I got to see "Double D" ... he was super!!! I took lots of pics and didn't want to leave!!! No need for an appetizer y'all ... just go HUNGRY!!! You will not be disappointed!!! That's right ... I said y'all ... I'm from the East Coast ... this was truly an amazing experience!! SO GLAD I WENT!!!!

Wonderful South of Market Dining Experience!!! Highly Recommend for Couples, Families, Friends, Business or going Solo. Dinner prices around $20/pp. Worth every penny!

A long time local favorite in the SoMa part of SF. Saw on the Food Network (DD&D) and thought we would give it a try on a recent visit. A little TLC would probably spoil the ancient decor with sports pictures and SF events from early and mid 1900's. Open style cooking with bar stool seating around the cook area and tables for 2, 4 or 6 as well. My wife opted for manicotti, the daily special, with a home made meatball, and I had chicken parm. Both were excellent, served immediately after cooking. Service was excellent, with a friendly, responsive waitress. Beer and wine available, and the crowd was all local. Only drawback is no on site parking, but we had no problem with free 1 hour street parking. Our total time was under an hour so if you are able to be seated quickly, there should be no problem. We did make an Open Table reservation for 1:30 PM after the lunch peak. Being SF, there is a great selection of seafood dishes, and there are daily specials as well! Desserts are also excellent.

It isn't very big and it was so busy when we were there. It is nearby one of our son's apartment. Very walkable from his place. The food was great -had the Roasted pork sandwich with au jus--so very good. Hubby got Eggplant sandwich & son had mussels with pasta. We all enjoyed our food. We were sitting at counter area and saw all the food coming out...it all looked great and nice size portions. Will definitely be back next time we visit our son.

Stumbled across this gem of a cafe 29th April 2013. Obviously very popular with all of the locals, office workers and police officers to. Breakfast is served until 11.30 am. Thereafter its a lunch menu which is quite exhaustive for such a small place. "The Daily Specials" are well recommended. I had the fried prawns and chips on my 1st visit there - really excellent. All staff were helpful and courteous despite my english accent which can take a bit of getting used to by americans not used to hearing it. I went to the cafe around the 12 noon time frame on both days. Your can sit outside to but the inside walls have much to look at and examine with pictures, newpaper clippings etc. Go support this cafe if you are in their area.

I saw this restaurant on a food show on TV so we decided to try it . The food was nice. I wouldn’t recommend the sliced garlic pork as it was swimming in a watery juice and pretty flavorless. The salad was good and dressing great . Excellent bread and olive oil. The fish was excellent and veggies too. The menu wasn’t extensive and a lot of pasta n burgers.

Found this from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives! It was great food and excellent service. We went on a Friday night - no wait time. The review about the garlic not being fresh is bogus -that was defintely fresh garlic in the olive oil! I had Chicken Piccatta - and it definitely had lots of sauce -which i love. My husband had the tortellini with the meat sauce - delicious! Great food, well priced!

Ran across this restaurant while visiting SF. Great find. Service was great, food was excellent, and the restaurant, although a little cramped (busy that evening) it's a quaint little place. Can't go wrong here. Order a nice glass of red wine and enjoy.

I was tempted to this restaurant from Triple D and Guy's review. Again, never fail to lift up to his expectation of those diners reviewed in triple D. Food was hot and delicious, servers was friendly and environtment was soothing....especially looking at the open kitchen which is just next to your table.....nice cosy restaurant. It was Halloween and customers and one of the server are dressed to the occasion minggling with the owner. You will definately feel easy and at ease in this diner.....a must try....

Well this was a big disappointment. We had one night in SF for a nice dinner before my race on Sunday, we choose Rocco's Cafe based on reviews. Bad idea. Our pasta was overcooked and way to watery. I ordered the Spaghetti bolognese, but it had way too much water on the bottom of the bowl. Whoever strained it, didn't do it well enough, terrible job. I will never go back, I don't think they understand the word Aldente. Bummer.

Went here for dinner the other night with my dad. I got the Clams with Linguini in a creamy white sauce and my dad got the steamed clams. The service was great and the food was amazing. The clams with Linguini is one of my favorite dishes and honestly I've only ever had it better at little Italian diner in Boston and this was a close second. The hot bread that they served with the meal was very good also. I'll be bringing my wife here on my next visit.

The food was good but it took a little long to get our food. And it smells good in the restaurant if you like garlic. I would recommend for anyone to go there but make reservations ahead of time.

The teenagers made it their mission to find a restaurant shown on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. We found this one and it was very enjoyable. Food was awesome, memorabilia on the walls made it iconic, and just a great experience.

Stopped here for a beer and lunch while visiting San Francisco and staying nearby. Great food, friendly staff. I had the pasta with marinara and vegetables and my husband had the grilled chicken sandwich. We both loved our food and our server was pleasant and attentive. Would return and would recommend!

One of my preferred places when I am in the mood for quality, east coast taste and in a mood for a comfort food night meets casual but good home style eats! No matter it be the apps, or the pasta's, the breakfast or lunch - each dish I've tried can't be beat. From polenta fries to burgers in a baguette to killer meats and pasta. And did I mention the best Joe's scramble in town

This small, neighborhood Italian restaurant looks like it has been there for decades. The menu may be just as old and traditional, although I must say the fried calamari was crispy and tasty. The rest of our meal fit the description the desk clerk at our motel used to describe Rocco's dishes--"adequate".

Highly recommend! Such friendly staff. The food was so tastey and filling. Definitely stop in here if you are in San Francisco.

The food was excellent and hospitality was even better! We were greeted with a warm welcome upon entering the restaurant and seated very promptly. We really liked the atmosphere with music playing in the background and TV's playing all of the sporting events for the night. I highly recommend.

Decent Italian fare.. Their Garlic fries are outstanding.. The rest of our meal was just OK however.. I ate once in little Italy SFO years back and that was a memorable meal... This? Not so much.

Big group of family, friends and kids. We got served almost all at the same time which is an achievement and the food was great. Thank you for having us and making us feel welcome. It's getting rare enough to be worth mentioning.

We have had breakfast and dinner at Rocco's. In each case, the service was helpful and the server wanted to ensure we were happy with our meals. Can walk from Union Square but a bit long so an Uber might be better. Some of the recipes are posted on their website. I particularly enjoyed the grilled chicken and the marinade recipe was not posted. My husband wrote to the chef asking if he would share it. He wrote back quickly and sent us the recipe.

I saw this place reviewed on Diners Drive-ins & Dives. I kept the name on my phone for the next time I was in SF. I looked up several places but sadly many had closed. This place open now 31 years, is worth checking out. Menu has a few items under $20 those are mostly sandwiches. It would be a shame to come here and not have a pasta dinner. I got off my wallet and ordered prons and pasta and it was delicious. $23 for dinner in SF is cheap. It was worth every penny and I will be coming here again. Service was wonderful food is cooked within view of your table. I loved everything about this place. I highly recomend this place and pray they can remain open another 32 years

I sat at the bar and watched chef Don (double D) and his team crank out the lunches. Everyone has a set of tasks. Don orchestrates, encouraging, making sure it is right, and still doing cooking as well. Had the baked manicotta with tomato sauce. On the side was brocolli, zucchini and carrot in a pesto sauce. Outstanding! Even though I was at the counter, my server took excellent care of me. The restaurant is not in the tourist areas, so prices are more reasonable.

My friend and I were staying at a hotel close by and wandered in here for breakfast. Prices were reasonable for the area, service was great, and the food was hot and flavorful. I asked to substitute a side salad in place of the potatoes and toast with my omelette and it was no problem and no extra charge. Inside decor is cool, will return for sure.

Stopped by this place based on friends recommendation for early lunch.......what choices!! Decided to do a breakfast with Italian sausage & meatballs. It was great with eggs! Will give the chicken marsala or the linguine a try.....my kind of comfort food menu. The waitress was a bit slow having to be reminded on several occasions for the same thing. Maybe she was having a bad day??

This restaurant has been a fixture in the area for decades. The food was very good. It is located about a 10 minute walk from the Civic Center BART station. I highly recommend it if in the area.

I've eaten at Rocco's for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast was probably the best meal I've had there. Other than that--it is a restaurant that I eat at only after enough time has passed to forget how mediocre it is. The price seems high for food that isn't that exciting.

Taking the advise of locals, we were not disappointed with Rocco's. Went with a long time customer in the bay area who always spoke highly of Rocco's. They were right on. From being met at the front door and seated, to the great service, the great food, and the great value. A true piece of San Francisco history. .A must be if you are in SF

This place feels like its been here forever. Real old-style Italian neighborhood restaurant, unpretentious, great food and very welcoming staff.

We were there during the Folsom Street Fair, and during ALL that craziness and Mayhem my husband and I found this quiet haven and wonderful small Italian restaurant full of interesting photo memorabilia, great food and great service!

The food at Rocco's is pretty good. It's what you expect in America in terms of serving size (order a plate to share if you are from anywhere else in the world - unless you are really huingry). The coffee here is good (for the USA). In reality by world standards its just passable. There are no blend options - one mild to moderate slightly bitter (but not too bad) blend for all. Food: we sat next to some american guys from out of town. The guy opposite me watched every plate that went by with his tongue hanging out. OPFC issues? Other People's Food Complex? He could be forgiven here. I have to admit everything passing by us in a waiters hand looked pretty good. It's a cafe. It's not high end cuisine with artfully placed poncy piles of next to nothing piled up on a zwoosh of indescribable sause, but it all looked pretty edible and smelled great. Food: Tick! Waiters: Well I would have thought for Folsome they could have rolled out some hot guys in just a leather apron but the girls were really fun anyhow. They were as attentive as you needed them to be and not too much. Waiters: Tick! Atmosphere: Its a cafe. Its a chatty atmosphere. You can meet other people here if you're open to a conversation with a stranger. Cafe atmosohere: Tick! Decore: Its a cafe. The decore is pretty good really. Its not overdone, its not underdone. And thank goodness its not one of those soulless minimalist warehouse conversion deals. Decore: Tick! Summary: Could it be better? Possibly. Is to good? Very. Would I go again? Definitely.

I remember reading another review mentioning that this restaurant reminded them of the San Francisco version of "Cheers!" , which is definitely the vibe I got. There were a few tables of people you knew were regulars as all the servers knew them by first name and asked how their family was doing etc. This is definitely a hole in the wall type of restaurant, but their food was delicious. We had the calamari, melon wrapped with prosciutto and garlic bread - all hearty and flavorful. For the main course I had a white sauce pasta primavera with prawns - with our filling appetizers, I didn't quite finish my pasta dish, but took it home and it was still great for lunch. The only thing I was a little disappointed in was the cheesecake - it tasted like a frozen ready made cheesecake. If you are looking for a full menu of Italian food and great service - Rocco's is the place!

Dinner for 2 on a Saturday night. Nearby where we were staying on honeymoon in the city. Found this place via Yelp & TA. Quirky family feel. Cool jazz playing, great decor, friendly service. Gorgeous garlic infused olive oil served with fresh bread. Salads to start, flavoursome & plentiful. I had one of the signature dishes Prawns with linguine. The prawns were plump, fresh and full of flavour, perfect. My wife had ravioli & meatballs, the portion size defeated her. Washed down with a bottle of Prosecco. Spot on and reasonably priced

This cafe was featured by Guy Fieri on "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." We agree ... it has awesome homemade Italian dishes. This is the Cheese Tortellini Alfredo and it was fabulous!! We definitely recommend this one for visitors and locals.

Just like many others we saw Rocco's on Triple D with Guy F. We put this on our list todo when planning our visit from the East coast especially since they highlighted Chicken Marsala, my spouses favorite. We were not disappointed. My wife had the chicken marsala and chicken parm for my son and I. Simply fantastic! Cozy atmosphere and super service. Highly recommend when in San Fran.

We loved this gorgeous restaurant, especially its lively 80s soundtrack and interesting decor! Service was friendly and attentive, menu had plenty of variety and the kids enjoyed their kids meals and colouring in. We felt very welcome and well looked after.

It would be easy to miss this place. It's situated on a quiet non descript street In a fairly non descript neighbourhood. Very easy to walk past. But to miss the food here would be a crime. It's excellent. It's a pretty small place with quite a buzzy intimate feel to it. The decor is somewhere between classic American diner and local neighbourhood sports bar and the menu is mainly diner classics with a bit of an Italian twist. To start we shared the homemade crab cakes which were huge and bursting with fresh crab meat. For main I had the hot French dip sandwich which was so good it was bordering on arousing! It was the size and weight of a small child and was absolutely rammed full of beefy goodness. Mrs F had the chicken parm with pesto pasta which also got rave reviews. We were far too full for dessert but we did see a couple go out and they looked very good. My only slight negative is that despite the place only being two thirds full the service, whilst very friendly, felt a bit rushed. In summary, this is a must visit for the French dip alone.

We went to Rocco's after seeing it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. I had the clam linguine in white cream sauce and my husband had their prosciutto pizza, which was their special of the night. Both dishes were very good. The portions were HUGE. We could have shared one entree. This is a casual restaurant and the tables are very close to each other. We actually had a conversation with the people at the next table. We had reservations for 8 pm, but arrived shortly after 7 pm. They accommodated us right away, and the waitress was very friendly. Service was quick, and the waitress called a cab for us when we left. Overall, a very good experience.

This has been THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD I HAVE EVER HAD. I had the spinach fettuccine with a garlic butter sauce with grilled prawns and my dinner partner had clams and linguini both delivered fresh that morning. I loved that the chef cooked where I could watch and I noticed he watched as we took our first bite and the smile on his face showed he has pride in his work. The sourdough and garlic rosemary infused olive oil was delicious and the mixed berry dessert was to die for. THE BEST MEAL IN SAN FRANCISCO. Took a uber back to the hotel and was super convenient.

Come here every Fall. Don the owner and his cooks and servers are always friendly. And the food = excellent.

My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Rocco's on a Friday night after seeing their episode on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives a few weeks ago... SO worth it! We made reservations but asked to sit at the bar instead so we could watch all of the cooking which was the best decision possible. We started with the garlic bread with tomatoes, basil and Parmesan which was super yummy. For our entrees, we got the sauteed grilled prawns gamberoni over linguine and calamari saute over linguine. Everything was delicious and the service was fantastic! We will definitely be going back here very, very soon!! :)

This is a great casual, old school Italian restaurant not in North Beach. One of the great things, and unusual, is that it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can have a great midafternoon meal. You can have all the basics for breakfast and can have a burger and fries anytime. But, the Italian dishes are over the top. The sautéed shrimp and linguini, the Chicken Marsala and the grilled polenta with pesto is just great! There is no bar, but there is beer and a great wine list. Service is excellent. It’s also fun to sit at the counter overlooking the open kitchen. Not in a great hot spot or vib part of the city, but worth Urbering there and Ubering back to some fun spot for the rest of the night. Parking is easy, just swing by for lunch! Awesome place!

Rocco's is diner food done right. The breakfasts are amazing. Lunches are to die for but I want to be clear, it's a diner, its not an epicurean experience of monumental proportions.

As is not uncommon with DDD places its just ok. The owner was very nice. Sent us over to great dive bar next door till table was ready. That was highlight of night. The chicken piccata was very good. Nothing else was. This place is living off the " Guy" hype like so many others do. Really was not worth the cab ride from Union Square. Id much rather make second visit to Parma!

Super cool cafe in SF. Owner knows Italian food. Decor is very SF and filled with a traditional Italian family vibe. The food was delicious and made with care. The owner is the main chef and greets the guest too. That is a nice touch. So when in SF, be sure to give Rocco’s a try.

Just do it. Food 10/10, service 10/10, atmosphere 10/10. Nothing artificial, all home made food. Was absolutely divine. I had half serve pasta with vegetables and prawns with white creamy sauce. So good!

This is my third visit Rocco's place again I can admit that the one of the best breakfast in town, interior also very special with all fotos and oldies, as food my favorite omelet with avocado and cheese as also next to it English muffins;)

This place has seen the ups and downs of San Francisco, with photos and posters on the wall from decades of business. You couldn't ask for staff more friendly or helpful, and the food was superb. I had sole, and I was delighted at how perfectly it was cooked. If I say any more, it's too much!

One of those places where you marvel at the varied food that comes out of a tiny kitchen. Everything is made from scratch - a great demonstration of short-order cooking. It's across the street from Brainwash Laundromat, so it's convenience place to eat while doing laundry. Breakfast - omelets are open-faced (sort of a fritatta) that are finished under a broiler (around $10; with potatoes). Chopped steak & Eggs ($12.50) is very popular - ground beef is hand formed into a very large patty. Poached eggs for Eggs benedict ($12.50) are nicely done. Lunch/Dinner - Chicken Picatta/Francaise ($16) - all cooked to order with reasonably light pan sauces. Pasta dishes are nicely prepared.

In town on Business and had to go to Rocco's before I left. Nothing beats the linguini and white cream sauce. Best I've had bar none. Staff is friendly and Don is very gracious.

I have eaten at Rocco's at least 5 times. Each time I have ordered something different. I have yet to be disappointed. The service and food are what keeps me coming back. The owner, Don, seems to make it a point to stop by and ask how things are going. You can't go wrong ordering dinner at Rocco's.

Great staff & food always consistent. I susally sit at the small counter facing the gills and see the line cooks working their magic. Standard fare but the frittata's always my pick. Mixed crowd - SF hipster's, couple of people who never made it home last night, and some old timers. Again, great staff.

A co-worker recommended Rocco's Cafe so my wife and I decided to check it out for dinner on our first day in SF. The staff were very friendly and helpful with our questions and suggested a great glass of white wine for my wife. She had the Angel Hair Pasta, it was delicious! I had a Center Cut serving of Roast Beef and an IPA to wash it down. It was great for a few minutes but dried very quickly and turned a little rubbery. Despite that, we had a great time there and will stop by and try a different dish next time up in San Francisco.

This place is awesome! We had a tasty salad and awesome main courses. Staff is polite, friendly and quick. The only (small) minus: tables stand very closely together so it was a little hard to stick to your own conversation. Prices are reasonable.

We had eaten our way through plenty of food on our 2-wk trip and have to say this def ranks as one of, if not, the best. Simple warm hospitality, great service, awesome food, and fantastic cosy ambience. My wife and I sat at the counter watching the cooking happen, and ordered a pasta to share and their blackberry pie ala mode. That pie was easily the best thing we ate the entire trip, and the two huge scoops of ice cream was the icing. The attention to detail in splitting our order into 2 plates for sharing without us asking, and smile of Don and the friendly staff (watching Barcelona vs Chelsea) chatting with me about the game, made this a must-go place. Worth every dime, best food and service, and always there to warm your heart when you need that dependable awesome place!

It was one of those places with lots of wall fixtures, including at least one photo featuring disgusting food personality Guy Fieri. I ordered the simplest thing on the menu, spaghetti with tomato and basil. They instead gave me spaghetti with some sleazy marinara-type sauce that acted as a vehicle for them to dump their onions on a less fortunate human, despite not mentioning that ingredient on the menu. I expressed my dismay at this and eventually got back a more standards-compliant implementation of this dish, except the tomatoes were pale, flavorless, and under-cooked.

Super nice crowd and staff. Had a Caesar and a pizza special for lunch to share with a friend. Outstanding flavor and freshness. Off the beaten path and well worth the visit. The staff there (and ownership) seem to really care. It's nice to feel that as a patron.

Local one of a kind Italian restaurant with lots of character. Kitchen is right in the middle of the restaurant so you can see everything that’s going on. Friendly staff and wide variety of menu options for such a small place. Food was excellent.

We found this place because of Diners drive inns and dives. It is just as on the show. I had the chicken Marsalis and it was fantastic. My son had the clam linguini and it had an entire can of clams. He licked the plate clean. The location was great but parking can be a bit of a challenge.

Large choice of dishes. There were four of us and choosing was the hardest part. But we were all extremely satisfied. Truly exceptional food, friendly service at correct price. I highly recommend and will certainly return next time I'm in San Francisco.

Used to be being the most important word in that sentence. We could not leave San Francisco without stopping for polenta. The last three times it has just been average.

We had a delicious Italian meal here! We were warmly welcomed by the owner and staff, and the service was terrific.

Researched several brunch options in SOMA, and opted for Rocco's. Which was a great choice for Sunday brunch. Authentic American, spacious interior, high ceiling, with a great amount of love & care evident in the pictures & original memorabilia on the walls. We both ordered breakfast from a menu that hads lots of choices. Good coffee, excellent service, great brunch. You can't go wrong here.

I went to Rocco's for breakfast however I ordered a lunch sandwich the BLT. It was very delicious, but I have eaten better ones however, ithit the spot. I think you could have a very nice breakfast here or lunch and be satisfied. Has a nice atmosphere.

We were on vacation and trying out places that guy fieri recommended...and this place is great food! I had the chicken with Lemon and butter! The chicken was so most and juicy...It was delicious!I would recommend it!

I visited this restaurant for breakfast with a friend. The kitchen was open and visible from the dining area which allowed me to see things were clean and food was handled properly. The dining area was decorated with all kinds of quirky things on the walls like newspaper clippings, photos, sports stuff, and even a gun. Apparently this place was visited by a popular TV Chef which isn't surprising because the food and atmosphere was great. I was only visiting San Francisco for the weekend but if I were there longer I would have went again.

Look San Francisco has its share of Italian and eclectic mix restaurants but Rocco's has remained consistent as a gold standard for so long that you just have to try it. I think I've eaten my way to their menu in the 20 years that I've been in San Francisco at least once. My favorite dishes are the ones eaten tonight; grilled chicken and vegetables, meatball & cheese sandwich. My favorite lunch has got to be the blue-cheeseburger but the polenta sticks rock, the pastas are well cooked and the sauces have a great flavor. They change up the menu, with good seasonal specials. Locals hint get on the mailing list so when they do the cioppino; you know to get in. It's got to be one of the best I've tasted.. so good in fact I order it to go. They also do some great desserts including an assortment of berry pies but another hint is if you want dessert, make sure you ask the waitress when you place your entrée order to hold one. They go fast!

The walls tell a thousand stories. Good food and attentive staff. Excellent for a casual meal, and family friendly too!

Do yourself a favor and sit at the counter and have a mimosa and watch the food come out for a few minutes before you decide, otherwise it's torture wondering if you made the right decision..... it all looks so fabulous, the Chefs, cooks, waitrons are all professional and pleasant and accommodating. My dining partner was drooling over the special of the day and lamenting she ordered the wrong thing, the Waitron heard her and suggested our order hadn't been started yet and if she wanted to change her choice, go for it. She did, they accommodated her and after eating the Chef gave her a plate full of the prime rib she originally ordered, so she could see what she missed. Who Does THAT? ROCCO's that's who. Right side of the street, parking is one hour limited, be ready! Enjoy! Great Food!

I had lunch at Rocco's with a couple of friends, and it was the first time there for all of us. It's not a particularly big place, and it was already nearly full by the time we arrived about 11:45am - figured that was a good sign. The decor and atmosphere is classic old San Francisco Italian-American, with the walls loaded with framed photos of Bay Area sports stars and teams, actors and actresses, and other celebrities - some of the photos were autographed. We were seated promptly at a table opposite the open kitchen, and I recognized the big guy cooking there as owner/chef Don Dial from an article I'd checked out before going there. The article noted that he was there in the kitchen most days and sure enough, there he was. The place has been around for over 25 years, a rarity in the restaurant world. The lunch menu featured timeless Italian and American dishes, from minestrone soup to Caesar salad, calamari, lots of pasta options, chicken, roast beef, burgers, sandwiches, and more. I had Italian sausage, bell pepper & onion in a spicy marinara sauce with penne pasta - a big hearty dish that hit the spot. One of my friends had chicken Parmigiana with pasta and the other had a French dip sandwich (which was the only thing that could have been better, as my friend found it was a bit too dry). Nothing fancy, sort of Italian-American comfort food with generous portions. Service was efficient, and the meal was not inexpensive but reasonable for the portions and the South of Market location. This is the kind of place where you feel right at home the moment you step inside and that feeling continues all through the meal. I'd gladly go back here again.

I only stay in this area of the city once or twice a year, but I have to eat brunch at Rocco's every time I do. The walls of this place drip nostalgia, and I see something new every time! The food, while simple, is excellent, and comes with more than enough on the plate to satisfy. Staff has always been pleasant and attentive. Rocco's is popular, so sometimes there can be a wait for a table, but it is worth it!

What a great restaurant! I would definitely recommend sitting at the counter and watching the chefs do their magic. Very friendly staff. The food is authentic and delicious!

I went with my family and we enjoyed everything about it. The waiters were some of the friendliest staff I have ever come across and the food was really great. The special that night was the veal masala which was out of this world and the dessert were amazing. We liked how the staff recommended some dishes. Overall we absolutely loved it!

Great Italian food and hospitality. Non complicated kitchen... great plates. Clean an open kitchen. Warm and cosy lighting in the restaurant. Highly recommended.

A bit off the beaten path, Rocco's is a great "local" find. Really good homemade Italian favorites and a very good House Pino Grigio. Rocco's isn't a five star by any means, which is perfect if you're seeking out a local, non pretentious place to eat. It's more of a Diner feel than a Cafe, open kitchen behind the counter, which was packed on a Saturday night. The portions are huge and the staff very friendly, even when I asked, ok, insisted, there was nutmeg in the meat sauce. Some of the best Chicken Piccata I've had in years, just like grandma used to make. Our children loved their pasta offerings and the Calamari was on point. I would suggest making a reservation if you're heading there. But definitely head over to Rocco's for a great meal.

We were in for a convention, but walked only 15 minutes and found this local Italian joint. Classic Italian fare but no baked Zito or lasagna. Great fried calamari, spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread. Good beer selection... It seems all of sf does.

Randomly walking by and glanced in. When you see a group of what look to be locals - 20 of them - eating breakfast at a huge table at 10:30 on a weekday morning, you know you gotta go in. Seat at counter across from the grill and next to order pick-up. Looking at breakfast menu - hmmm, tough to decide. Then orders start coming out - oh man - each one looks better than the last. I can't decide - finally - cliff jumped with the polenta with cheese and marinara sauce, scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, potatoes and English muffin. Coffee cup never gets below half empty with constant servicing. The food was amazing - the atmosphere cool - the staff as friendly as it can get. Sitting at the counter watching the cooks was a treat - choreographed actions over 3 sauce pans, the grill and a huge vat of boiling pasta. It's in a meh neighborhood but man was it GREAT!

The best seat is in front of the chef where you see how busy it gets in the kitchen while you are sipping your wine and enjoying the meal, the place is almost full of people around dinner time and that tells you about the food. They don't operate on all days so check ahead before you head there.

Being Italian and a good cook, I pride myself on my cioppino but Rocco's Cafe has mine beat by a mile. They are so scrupulous about only offering it when they can get very fresh crab that this season they only offered it in November and December (2 days each month) and had to cancel the January dinner because they could not get the freshest crab. Besides the cioppino, the rest of their menu is wonderful. It's a down home type of place and the owner seems to always be on hand. The bus boys are so efficient that I tip them separately. They race around and forget nothing. If you are the type that likes to see your food being prepared, you can do this from almost anywhere in the restaurant or you can sit at the counter and get the best view. They also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch and my friend claims their fritatta is the best around.

San Francisco is known for great Italian Food, with most of it is centered in North Beach. However, I can't imagine that anything is better than the meal that we had at Rocco's Cafe, in the SOMA area. The place is a real throw back neighborhood-type restaurant. The copper-covered bar faces the kitchen and serves as a way to watch the chefs and cooks prepare the food. We had one of the evening's specials - red and yellow pepper fettuccini with red and yellow peppers in a butter and Parmesan sauce. I had it with chicken and she had it with prawns. The dishes each cost $22-24, and easily would have been $10 more in North Beach. And the taste was amazing at any price. The pictures on the walls show that this place has been around a while - the Food demonstrates that it will continue to be around for a long time.

Looks like ”any” cafe from the outside, but is a really good restaurant. We had both brunch and dinner here. Really good food and serves breakfast food all day. Great frittata and omelets. Kids loved their burgers and pasta and sandwishes were all really good, clearly above average. Good service and OK prices, a place to become a regular at (hadn’t it been for the distance). Recommended!

The staff is very friendly. They provide very good service and are accommodating with special requests. The owner is frequently in the restaurant and says hello to people. It's a family owned business. I like to support these family restaurants. The Italian dinners are excellent. Some of our favorite dishes there are the Chicken Scallopine, Grilled Petrale Sole, Fruitti De Mare (only available on special), and their Shrimp pasta dishes when on special. Portions are very large and prices around the $20 range. The only downside that it is little small so occasionally you need to wait. I like to sit at the bar so I can see them cook.

Went for breakfast as we stayed in hotel nearby. Pleasantly busy. Great service. Food was good. Had poached eggs with toast and potatoes.

Been to Rocco's many times for lunch and always get terrific service and get delicious, fresh Italian food. (And there burgers are pretty terrific too!. The one with blue cheese is really great and the French fries are crunchy on the outside and hot and tender on the inside.) But I digress...the Italian food is great. There pesto sauce is terrific and I love it over the penne pasta. My friend always gets the polenta with meat sauce over the top and he rarely veers from this meal he loves it so much. Occasionally I splurge at lunch and have the Rocco’s Traditional Garlic Rosemary Roast Pork w/ Au Jus...and I don't eat for two days after. Really nice, tender pork roast, and the jus is wonderful. (Really good for dipping your bread in....) They have an open kitchen and everything is cooked right in front of you...Chef Don, when he's there, always moves around the dining room checking on patrons and their dining experience. Not too many places where you get that level of attention! Very nice. Overall, a really nice lunch experience. One of these days I need to get there for dinner!

This is a trendy gastropub with great food, superb service,and excellent atmosphere. We visited on a Saturday morning, the place was busy but we were seated quickly and served within 15 minutes. We had a very enjoyable brunch.

A cracking little find, doesn't look much from the outside but a warm welcome awaits. I sat at the counter and saw the food being prepared and cooked. Had the chicken masala with some beautiful vegetables, tasted lovely. Attentive service with a smile, well done

A group of us co-workers had a wonderful breakfast at Rocco's Café. Two of us had the buttermilk short stack with 2 eggs and Italian sausage and the other 2 had Rocco's Favorite Frittata. The buttermilk pancakes were so light and fluffy. All our dishes were tasty. Service was wonderful. Not sure how the weekends are, but we had no problems going on a Thursday morning. Got a parking space right in front! Need to try Rocco's again for more pancakes and some of their other items on their breakfast menu.

This is a great little family Italian restaurant with all the things you'd expect. Memorabilia on the walls (lots of the SF Giants), friendly service, and great food. I had the linguine with clams which was pretty good. My wife had the chicken marsala which she liked as well. It was a good night.

I ordered the sausage & pepper sandwich thinking this place would have some original, kick-butt take on it. Not so. Textbook sausage & peppers. No frills. No cheese or sauce. Dry!!! Many better things to order here than this.

Stopped in to eat dinner for a first time after the comedy-hour across the street at the Brain Wash Cafe! Very cool pictures on the walls of times past and of famous celebrities. Very friendly service and very good food! We ordered the creamed corn chowder and stuffed salmon ravioli.......very good......and a bottle of red wine! Very quaint cafe on Folsom Street!

Treated ourselves to Rocco's while in SF recently. Good value for the money. Called ahead to make a reservation to ensure a table was available. We were staying near Union Square so we had to cab this one as Rocco's is in the area south of Market. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the dish I had though it was a seafood pasta specialty surrounded by jumbo shrimp. Would definitely go back for more. The establishment is a small café diner style. There are seats along the bar so that you can watch the chef work his magic.

Best cioppino ever - they make it custom for each diner so you can specify no mussels, no shrimp, more crab, etc. They only do cioppino a couple times per year. Minestrone - also fantastic. Service was prompt, friendly. Manager was present & circulating talking to patrons. Parking is a bit tricky but metered on the street parking is available.

Good, solid Italian food here and would recommend it. Not the best ever as some reviewers say, but they are not trying to be that. They open for breakfast and stay open all day. Isn’t that nice? You will have a very good Italian meal here, at very fair prices, in a crazily expensive city for food now.

The food was fresh and delicious. We were warmly welcomed and seated. The staff were very attentive and friendly. I felt like we were friends of the owner, and treated as such.

We were finally able to try Rocco’s after years of watching Food network DDD and dreaming about it. It did not disappoint. The chicken piccata was excellent. The pesto is perfection. The garlic toast and polenta with marinara appetizers were great. The atmosphere kept building to become a lively evening with a fabulous playlist, a visit from the owner, and regulars who looked happy to be back after this past year. We’ll go back for sure!

This was a neat restaurant for decor. I thought the food average. The staff was friendly and the seats comfortable.

Used to be one of my favorite homestyle italian cafes. Must have been sold sometime in the last few years, because a recent visit was so disappointing. Ordered fettuccini Alfredo with chicken. The “sauce” was curdled warm cream and nothing else. No butter, no garlic, no cheese. The chicken was a grilled teriyaki breast…need i say more? My daughter ordered gnocchi Alfredo and it was the same. Both items were basically inedible. We had them boxed up and gave them to unhoused persons on the street. You couldn’t pay me to go back. Heartbreaking.

Pancakes and avocado omlette were very tasty. Portions were huge so I suggest sharing it :) It was the biggest American breakfast I've ever had. We really ejoyed friendly service and atmosphere of the place.

Happened upon this amazing old style Italian restaurant. Vanessa is a great server and the culinary team is amazing. Good is great, polenta, omelette and muffin cooked to perfection. The lunch and dinner menu are next to try. Sit at the counter and watch the symphony of your food being made. Definitely going back!!!!

I stopped in since it was close to the hotel and I'm sure glad I did. The people were great and friendly and the food was Amazing. I even went back in the following night and was treated like a long time customer.

Forget those snooty food critics who rave about the ambience, sauces and plate beautification... Here is a restaurant (not just a cafe) which has offered good, honest fare year after year! Their daily/weekend specials are excellent down-to-earth hearty meals with no old or dying ingredients, all served in an atmosphere that is both comfortable and retro. I hate giving such a warm and genuine recommendation because next time I visit San Francisco this establishment might be completely full of very satisfied diners!

Walking into Rocco’s is like walking into a North Beach cafe or Trattoria. Love the wood paneling and the hundreds of pictures on the wall . Very inviting hostess with a big voice and a big greeting . I did not get her name as she was our server , but she was kind and patient as we studied the menu . The restaurant I could tell , caters more to families and groups of 4 or more . Not as many tables for two but they have a long bar facing the kitchen , and one can watch the chefs prepare dinner . The restaurant fills up fast starting at 4 pm , it wasn’t actually full but lots of customers . The bread here is wonderful , I could have taken a loaf home . Wish I had asked who supplied there bread . Comes with butter and a small dipping bowl filled with olive oil and plenty of garlic ( think Stinking Rose ) loved it . The House Salad with blue cheese crumbles was surprisingly nice size . The Italian dressing was very nice not overpowering . One special of the day was Dungeness Crab Ravioli. It was wonderful in a pink sauce that was very good . Lots of good ravioli’s mmmmmm . The Chicken Piccata was very good as well. Nice portions , lots of lemon and a wonderful sauce for dipping that wonderful bread . There was no room for dessert , tempting but passed . Next time . The house wine , is a very nice Pino Grigio went well with dinner . And I should say affordable .. thank you Rocco’s ! We will be back , perhaps for lunch some day or another early dinner . The atmosphere and ambience is just what you want in a Italian cafe.

Came here at the recommendation of the hotel clerk and I was not disappointed. I had the mac and cheese special which had ham and bacon in it. Came out nice and hot and was delicious. Service was friendly and prompt. The menu looked extensive leaving me to wish I had time to sample more.

What's not to love about an Italian restaurant in the City by the Bay that plays old classics like Tony Bennett crooning "I left my heart in San Francisco" while you dine on great food made from traditional recipes? Everything from the food, ambiance, and whiffs of garlic wafting from the open kitchen to the nostalgic memorabilia covering the walls screams old-time San Francisco hole-in-the-wall great restaurant. My son had the ravioli, which came with two delicious meatballs the size of golf balls, while I had the cod piccata, which came with salad and a side of linguine. The portions were enough to feel two people, and we can hardly wait to eat the leftovers!

This restaurant, right around the corner from our hotel, had great food, and great service for dinner and then breakfast the next morning. Wonderful.

I had delicious poached eggs on English muffins with avocado and grilled tomatoes. My husband tried a variety of omelettes. Also very good and fresh with more than decent American coffee. The walls will keep you busy with its iconic photos of artists like Sinatra and Boggart. Seems like a lot of locals go there. Conveniently located next to our hotel which was America' s Best Value Inn.

I had another amazing breakfast on Sunday. This is the only great cafe south of Market. And the atmosphere is unique. Framed photos all over the dining room. Excellent chef.

The staff is very friendly. The food is great. My favourite is the housemade biscuit. The decoration is journey to the past of the restaurant as well of the city,

You need to know there are not many old school authentic Italian San Francisco restaurants any longer. Rocco Cafe on Folsom in San Francisco with one of those old school wonderful Italian restaurants. Small quite cozy. I've been in the Bay Area San Francisco since 1983 this is some of the best linguine and clam sauce ever. Owner Don is very welcoming and warm. Let's help keep keep old school San Francisco restaurants going. Best Italian restaurants out of North Beach area.

They were a little difficult for us to find as we are not from the Bay area. It is also in a part of the town that is a little seedy and dark so if you are visiting like we were take a taxi from your hotel. It is a relatively small restaurant with a limited number of tables but you can eat at the bar. The owner is typically on site. I had the chicken marsala. I normally have it in white sauce but decided to have it in red sauce. It was delicious with four pieces of chicken breast. I can be a big eater but could barely finish it. I tried minestrone soup and did not find it anything special. My girl friend had the rib eye style and enjoyed but could not finish it.The prices were reasonable for San Francisco. Dinner for two with one glass of one was about $70 plus tip. Service was very good. Since the place is so small, this is not the place to try to have a private conversation. Expect to converse with the neighboring table since you will hear everything they say and vice-versa. I got the impression that this is a local family place with that type of ambience. Reservations are recommended since this is a small establishment. I would recommend a visit and plan to eat here again on my next visit but maybe during the day due to the neighborhood. They have been featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives so the owner is a local celebrity who also has his own cooking show on local television.

We selected Rocco’s Café as our dinner choice after an hour negotiating on cuisine, location and T.A. reviews and glad we stopped by. We arrived to a packed room and where quickly greeted and offered a drink while we waited only a few minutes to be seated, lucky us we scored the banquet in the window which is a bit more private (read quiet) than the rest of the room. Warm and crusty bread was a nice start served with a well flavored olive oil. We sampled the fried calamari which was nicely done and the Homemade Grilled Polenta W/ Marinara Sauce & Garlic Grilled Tomatoes, which was excellent. For our mains we had the special mussels and special snapper. We enjoyed both, though felt the sauce on the snapper was a bit salty and heavy. Too full for dessert, but a double espresso served nicely as an end to the meal and prelude to a night on the town. Service was warm, and attentive.

Great Food with an Italian flavor. Small, Only about 10 tables and 6 or 8 seats at the counter but great service, Great people and great food. If you don't have a reservation, try going in a little early or a little after Diner hour and you can usually get a seat. Portions are large, so expect to take home a doggy bag. My go to when I can't get a reservation at one of the more touristy restaurants. Also great for lunch.

This restaurant was recommended by our hotel so we decided to give it a try. We went on-line to book; however, it showed there wasn't a table available for hours. A quick call to the restaurant revealed that the on-line site wasn't accurate and they had plenty of room available. We were seated by the window so had a great view of the street and people passing by. The interior of the restaurant is very "old San Francisco"/ "old New York" -- dark wood, Italian music, uber friendly staff, etc. Everyone enjoyed their meals and one person's appetizers of calamari and garlic french fries were great (yes, we tried them). Unfortunately, my Petrale Sole picatta was swimming, and I mean swimming in some kind of creamy sauce and resembled more of a fish stew so that was a 'downer' for me. Prices were okay; however, my sole was the most expensive dish at $25 in our party and it only came with veggies (no salad). I would probably visit this restaurant again but would definitely forego the sole ...

Very well received by the waitress who took the time to explain the daily special to us The decor. : beautiful, reminding us of our former stars, the cook who makes the dish for us live And a price. Very correct Congratulations to the team that continues

Classic Italian restaurant in the Soma neighborhood. Service was good and attentive. Hot bread and delicious garlic oil to start was wonderful. The menu consists of classic Italian dishes prepared with your choice of side. The food was ok, but not great. If I’m in the neighborhood and craving casual Italian I’ll be back. But if I want a good meal I’ll go elsewhere. I wish they offered Tiramisu for dessert. And offered food specials. It would fit the restaurant well!

It was late about 9pm, we just got checked into our hotel, we needed a good place to eat that was close to our hotel. We walked down to this little restaurant, and WOW!!! The food was amazing!!! I definitely recommend you give this place a try, it may not look as fancy as some of the ones down by the Warf, but you will not be disappointed!!

The Angel Hair Pasta with Homemade Meatballs were amazing. Fresh Ingredients. If you're looking to satisfy that craving for Italian, stop by and try Rocco's. For more details, check out my blog at: http://dramblinman.blogspot.com/2014/08/rocco-n-roll.html

Ate here my last night in SF after a conference. Sat at the bar and was fascinated to watch the dishes being prepared...I learned a lot. Started with some bread with a wonderful garlicky dipping oil. Had a small salad with house made dressing. Main dish was penne with spicy marinara, green peppers and sausage....simple but delishous. Wine was reasonable with a decent pour. Definately will go back next time in town.

This is by far one of the best little whole's in the way on Folsom Street. Everything is home made and the very tasty! I had an omelet and some of the best home fries/hash browns that I have ever tasted. The staff is great! Sit at the bar and watch your food get cooked. The biggest pancakes that I have ever seen as well. They use HUB CAPS to cook with! LOVE IT!

I am a local San Franciscan and with all the great places to eat here in the city, Rocco's Cafe is still my number one go too! Especailly if you love to go out for breakfast. Everythig they serve is faboulous. You must try the Rocco's Fatada, and if you like pancakes, then the blueberry pancakes are for you! And for something special try their crab cakes bendict, too too yummy. All and all you will not be disappoint. So what are waiting for, stop reading this review and go!!! :) Happy Eating!

Wow! My wife and I first stopped by this restaurant because it was close to our hotel but we kept coming back throughout our trip. The food was absolutely delicious (breakfast and dinner). Their bread and oil appetizer at dinner is mouth watering! Plus the entire staff is super friendly! The first night was quite busy but the staff remained friendly and very helpful! We will be coming back here next time we visit San Francisco.

Nice cafe near the sf convention center. Pancakes are outstanding. American breakfast--good place for a business and a meal.

Everything is done to perfection. You can really tell the folks in the kitchen know what they are doing and enjoy putting on a show for you. We ordered a multitude of dishes over several visits and it was all wonderful. HIGHLY recommend this place for just great food.

We went to rocco's for the first time. And we're we AMAZED. This little cafe had HISTORY IN IT. Memorabilia of San Francisco everywhere ( loved it ) even pictures of the 1906 earthquake. Just amazing. Just like the place the food was AWSOME. I had the eggs Benedict's the hollandaise sauce was perfect and delicious. My friend had well I forgot what he had lol but it was great I had a taste. The home made biscuit was amazing. Now if the eggs Benedict's had the home made biscuits instead of the English muffins OMG that would be AMAZING. We will definitely be back to rocco's cafe very soon

Rocco's is a low-key place. Staff was friendly and helpful with recommendations. Not strictly Italian. One of their specials was a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. I expected prices to be a bit lower given the locale, but it's still San Francisco. Portions are generous. Recommend the linguini with clam sauce.

Went to Roccos every morning for breakfast during our stay in San Fran when we were staying just off Market St. Food was fab. Friendly helpful staff. Free coffee refills and didn’t mind doing variations from the menu. Food cooked right in front of you. Great place and interesting decor as well