Rocco’s Pizza & Cafe

this place is a total ripoff, food not worth the price, he charges park ave ny prices, very over rated. they use the cancer micro wave, john the owner who sits high above on his plastic throne smokes like a chimney, stinks of smoke, he cooks, while smoking, says he doesn’t use the cancer cooker, but the sickly looking waiter, Thin, with the black circles under his eyes always sniffing, is it drug use? he didnt look right, he was truthful said they always use the micro wave, that’s why it’s in the kitchen, and john lies to customers, john the owner a lier & bandit, the prices are highway robbery ! much better food at great prices at angelos in lecanto, the food at angelos to die for, everything, sometimes just go in order a sicilian pie 2 go, wow, the pizza their half the price of rocco“s clip joint, and much better, lines to get into «angelos» cause the food is great, low prices, rocco“s is a ripoff and john the nazi despot thinks he’s royalty, he’s a snob and a lier, they use a micro wave– thats not italian, that’s frozen fast food t v dinners never again @ roccos they deserve only ½ star they suck

This was recommended by several people at our hotel and they are correct! We were pleasantly surprised to find a high quality Italian restaurant in Crystal River since much of the others focus on seafood and fast food.
We started with the zucchini sticks (just right and not greasy) and bruschetta and both were delightful.
The main course consisted of the Chicken Cardenale which was done to perfection. A plump chicken breast sautéd in a creamy mushroom sauce over a bed of homemade pasta and topped with a roasted red pepper and melted parmesan cheese. Outstanding. Others in our party tried the manicotti and the chicken parmesan and highly recommended them. The other outstanding dish was the Penne ala Pavarotti. It is a LOT of food!
The dessert offerings are homemade and the one we tried was delicious.
Our server, Rodney (aka Tony), was knowledgeable and prompt.
We will definitely be back!

This is the best Italian restaurant that I have been to in the Citrus County area (there may be some I have not tried). I have been here many times, and never had a bad meal. The service has on occasion been less than perfect. I love to go at lunch time and drool over the treats displayed behind the glass: Stromboli, pizza, salad, everything looks so-​o-​o good; and everything I’ve eaten has tasted as good as it looked.

Lived in crystal river for almost 2 years before going here, not sure what I was waiting for only had the pizza and it is out of this world

Rocco’s is a joke these days, which is really too bad. Over the years I always loved going to Rocco’s, whether it was takeout pizza or a full service Italian meal. The service had been steadily declining, but on my last visit it really reached a head.
We came in on a weekend night and were seated without asking in the ‘event’ room, where a few tables of zombies were watching two performing zombies perform bad covers. No big deal. Got our food and outside of slow and gruff service it was all good — food was pretty good. When the bill came, our party of 6 was billed $ 2/​pp for an ‘entertainment cover’. What? The zombies stopped playing 15 minutes after we got there. So we inquire with the server, who tells us tough luck. We inquire with the manager, who informed us it was printed on the menu. As a matter of fact, it was. In probably 4 pt. font at the very bottom. All I can say is the zombies certainly couldn’t see it, so nice easy artificial bill padding there. Anyway, I’m glad it happened so we could stop spending another cent in this joke of a restaurant and start going to Brother’s and The Pizza Joint instead. Au Revoir.

Awesome dinner! Food was really good — party of 7 and we were all happy with it. Great wine list, great menu variety, and dessert as well. Would definitely return!

Nothing to review other than walked into Roccos about 7:30 last night. One side of restaurant was empty and was told to sit anywhere. Proceeded to the side where the band was, 4 tables had customers. We sat for about 10 minutes and no server ever came over so we left. We have been there a couple times in the past and loved it. I guess they are experiencing the saying. IGNORE YOUR CUSTOMERS AND THEY WILL GO AWAY.

Service has dropped over the years but I’m still a fan
We were in Crystal River two weeks ago for a wedding. We used to go to Crystal River every year but for some reason, it’s been almost three years since we have been there. Rocco’s was always one of favorites and it was a must visit on this trip as well.
From our visit, it is apparent the level of service has diminished. We were not acknowledged when we walt it the door. A young lady from behind the bar yelled out to seat ourselves but that said, we were intersepted before we found a table and quided to one.
Throughout the evening, there were long intervals where no one was checking to see if we needed anything such as refills on tea, coffee etc.
They have a very extensive menu with a lot of offerings which would almost appear that they are off of Mulberry St in Little Italy in New York.
We started with an order of Mozzarella sticks as an appetizer and from a culinary standpoint, the only disappointment in an otherwise extraordinary meal. Very rubbery and cold on the inside with a texture that reminds one of the process cheese mozzarella stick in the dairy case at the local grocery. Marinara sauce was excellent however.
My wife ordered Veal Francese as her entrée and I ordered Rocco’s Veal Milanese. Both were excellent. I was impressed by the vibrant combination of fresh tomatoe and herbs that made the dish explode with flavor and intensity.
Portions are hugh and ended up taking some back with us for a midnight snack.
They do have live entertainment on occassion and that was the case the night we were there. Proved to be an excellent instrumentalist but the vocals were a bit weak and flat and the music did not add anything to the dining experience.
I realize that restaurants can have bad days in terms of service and I’m willing to give them another shot. In the meantime, they are still a favorite. If the service was up to the standards it was a couple of years ago, they would have gotten the fifth star.

What a gem! totally unexpected lunch today! White pizza was fantastic, server friendly and atmosphere awesome!

We are from out of town and found Rocco’s on Unilocal.We ordered spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm and penne with vodka sauce. Everything was delicious and the service was great. Highly recommend this place. :)

I cannot say enough good things about Rocco’s. Each evening they have different specialties and last night’s was veal Marsala. I had my usual of eggplant rollatini with a side of pasta with meat sauce. The chicken parm was amazing and eggplant parm wonderful. The pasta carbonara was rich, smooth and l flavorful.
Who would go to a chain restaurant when there are such classy independently owned places. When you enter Rocco’s there is a counter display with all of their offerings. Some nights, they have entertainment in the larger dining room. The place is clean and bathrooms well stocked and tastefully decorated. Make it a Rocco’s night!

Very good food and excellent service!
Will be going back on my next visit to the area.

First, the food was very good– I won’t take that away from them… but for our large party of 15 on New Years Eve, the experience was soured by a gimmicky nickel and dime approach to milk additional money out of diners. First, after we asked for water for the table, the (very nice) waiter brought out glass bottles of Aqua Panna and we corrected by asking for tap– and he said that night the decision had been made to only offer bottled water. It was pay for the Aqua Panna or drink nothing… though the children at the table all had tap water… We were all put off and many in our party simply decided to not drink water. Then at the end of dinner, after waiting for 45 minutes for our check (our waiter was running around like crazy with way too much to do, while the owner seemed to be nonchalantly walking around straightening salt and pepper shakers on empty tables.) Anyway, the bill finally came with included gratuity– which we’re fine with– but then the waiter told us he had to run it again because he forgot to include (and tell us about) a 2 dollar per person «dining charge» that had been added for the night. WHAT? He honestly seemed embarrassed to even say it. We didn’t have it in us to argue, as our kids were exhausted… but what a terrible way to have your diners finish a meal… slapping them with a lame extra charge that’s probably not even legal, because you know you’re going to fill the restaurant on New Years Eve and why not extract your premium. It’s a shame. Everybody needs to make a living, but there’s way to do it without taking advantage of diners and greatly lowering the class of what could be an outstanding Italian restaurant.

We love the pizza at Roccos! Always delicious and the food is always prepared just right! Chocolate cake for dessert is phenomenal. Great atmosphere!

Italian available in Crystal River! Great atmosphere and service. Very popular in this area. Salad was delicious. Very convenient to the Holiday Inn Express, best restaurant in the area! My salad was delicious. I had veal picante but could have used a bigger portion. Definitely give this restaurant a try if you are in this area.

Another great surprise in Crystal River — who would have expected excellent Italian in a small town like this. Rocco’s is a true gem. What a find. The service was exception. The menu had something for everyone’s palette. The meals were prepared perfectly. From pasta to veal parm to the house Chianti, it was all perfect.
The only negatives were their charging $ 4 for a kids chocolate milk and $ 4 for a kids scoop of ice cream. Ouch.

Rocco’s has a very nice atmosphere. I ordered the salmon caesar salad. My friend ordered a slice of pizza. We were both impressed with the food. Also, we ordered a fruit water. It was very refreshing! It was loaded with oranges, strawberries, lemon and lime. Rocco’s also provided wifi which was very helpful if you have a business meeting. Additionally, they have a newly remodeled private room for parties and events.

The hostess was wonderful, she kept pouring the bottle of wine we ordered, and kept reminding us that if everything wasn’t amazing that she’d fix it!
Well, you know, my bad there but what was I supposed to say?
Pretty average Italian fare. The red sauce was very plain, the pasta was watery and overcooked. The mozzarella sticks were the usual frozen sticks. We had to ask for bread, pay for oil, and salad doesn’t come with the over-​priced meal? What kind of Italian joint is this? Maybe for Florida, but you can’t fool me!
I wish them the best of luck, three stars because everyone else’s food looked great (maybe stick with the specials and pesto?).

My profile notes that I like osso bucco, when I saw it on the menu, I looked no further. It had some pretty nice flavors, however, it wasn’t all that appetizing. Instead of giving a 2 inch veal shank, they gave most of the shank all the way to the joint. The marrow was difficult to get out, and just wasn’t that great. The marrow is the most important part and was just lacking. Also, they served it on pasta instead of the typical risotto.
One of the key things in this part of Florida is about quantity instead of quality. The portion was absolutely huge here, and if they focused a little more on the quality, the dish would have been so much better.
I think I am a little picky about the osso buco, however since it is one of my favorite dishes, I have extremely high expectations. The restaurant décor was very nice, service was great, and an all around good place.

This is a wonderful restaurant. Great atmosphere and staff. Owner was there and greeted us. The food was AMAZING!!! Huge portions, I made 3 meals out of mine. It’s classy, but casual. Expensive looking and tasting food without expensive prices. We love this restaurant and will go back every time we are in Crystal River.
Almost forgot to mention the bread… oie, the bread, I think I’d go there just for the bread.