In an era when every new restaurant seems designed for social media and out-of-town tourists, Rocco's has taken a refreshingly different approach. This new Italian joint in North Loop ditches Resy bookings and influencer marketing in favor of a locally driven, IYKYK service model with plenty of charm to spare.
Rocco's is the creation of chef Nicholas Ford, who came to Austin from the Northeast and honed his Italian American cooking skills as part of the McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurant empire at Sammie's and Favorite Pizza. The space draws clear inspiration from Brooklyn and Boston, where casual, family-style pasta restaurants using recipes developed by Italian nonnas flourish.
"Anyone who's spent time in these cities will recognize the dim lighting, the dark polished wood, the framed vintage photos on the walls, and the very relaxed energy," notes the Austin Chronicle.
The menu is tightly curated with five antipasto plates, two salads, five pastas, and a single dessert. This focused approach allows the kitchen to perfect each dish. The fried mozzarella is flawless — enormous breaded wedges with cheese that spills out after the first bite, served with tangy marinara.
The house-made pastas shine, particularly the snail-shaped lumache dressed with sweet corn, black garlic, chanterelle mushrooms, and crispy salumi, topped with a plume of grated parmesan. The rigatoni with vodka sauce is a crowd-pleaser, with tube-shaped pasta holding its structure perfectly in a tomato-heavy sauce with a creamy consistency.
The restaurant is currently walk-in only, adding to its neighborhood charm. The bar features an Italian-focused wine selection, with the Texas Spaghett — a playful blend of light beer and Aperol — standing out as a bright and refreshing signature drink.
"The community spirit buzzes through every aspect of this space," wrote one reviewer. "Groups of friends, long-established couples on chill weeknight dates, and local residents grabbing a solo bite at the bar all gather here happily and comfortably."
Rocco's is even open on Mondays — a rarity in the restaurant world — proving their commitment to being there for the neighborhood.