Roccella

Roccella is an all day Italian restaurant located across the street from Fitzroy Gardens serving pizza, pasta, antipasti and salads. There is also a deli section, a cabinet full of sweet treats, gelato, and a small selection of grocery and snacks for takeaway. Dined here for lunch and had the following: - Chicken parmigiana; chicken breast was butterflied with bone in, very tender and succulent and the crumbed coating maintained it's crunch which was delightful. Would prefer the sugo to be stronger in flavour and a bit more cheese but it was still very tasty. Thick cut chips were perfectly crispy and fluffy inside - Bufalina pizza; thin pizza base and the crust was very soft; not tough to chew at all. Contrary to the parma, the sugo on the pizza was very flavourful with the addition of some herbs and fresh basil leaves. Very creamy fresh buffalo mozzarella Overall a great meal; both the chicken parma and the bufalina pizza was delicious. Service was also good.

Great place to have an authentic italian cuisine. Food is always delicious, service delightful and the athmosphere...just perfect. The place is fantastic for events as well. Well organised, speedy food service and very pleasant venue for your event. From pizzas and pastas, through great salads and rizotto and well cooked fish of the day to lamb shoulder cooked to perfection. Semplicemente delizioso . We would go back again and again as we love Italy and there we can "return back to Italy" with the little taste and a reminder of that " dolce vita". It is always a pleasure to see Bruno and Marco and all the great staff making our experience a real culinary extravaganza and food for all senses. I would hugely recommend to drop by and savour the delights of this Italian cuisine "gem" in heart of Melbourne. Salute
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We tried to book an outside table because we dine with 3 dogs. My wife was told there's no bookings fir outside tables but they will serve us everything that is available inside so just rock up. We "just rocked up" and after a 20 minute wait at the front serving station I was told they were not licensed to serve outside and only takeaways were available fir the outdoor tables. My words to the testy little Italian waitress went something like "What the F....!!!???" and we left and had a fantastic lunch at the City Wine Shop. There are many really good Italian restaurants in Melbourne. If these guys want to stay in business they might want to look at how other good hospitality venues run their operations and treat their clients. This goes on our Black List of places never ever to visit again.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

I’m reviewing mainly the coffee. The place set up is well lit and atmosphere looks a bit upscale but from the loos of the foods and menu it’s looks great (haven’t eaten there yet) The staff serving the coffee works as a pro, I watched him prepare the coffee and he’s just really good. The thing I’m commenting on for the 3 star is they only serve small and large. Ok, I go to order the large and I’m shocked that it’s almost the same size as the small !!! Really from a beautiful shop the owner should get a better service on the coffee sizes. It’s absurd to have to pay 5.25$ for a large coffee and get a very small cup. Check the image and see by yourself or pop in and have a look. It’s really worth changing the size until then I’ll keep my 3 star rating.

Terrific Italian style food. A nicely done omelette on sourdough for once (rarely eat eggs) with a good coffee. I promised to the waiter that I would come back for the pizza. I did so later in the afternoon and be shown to a table with Aussie former PM Tony Abbott facing me at the next table. At least he has good taste in his choice of where to eat out. Pizza was one of the best I have had (truffled mushrooms) with it being perfectly cooked with the base being non-doughy. A flowery white wine was enjoyed too. Staff were excellent - helpful and friendly! Well done team! Organizing a meal here with my adult children plus a movie (Avatar II) for a Christmas catch up.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

I shared the prosciutto pizza and meatball pasta and can say the pizza was a 10/10!! The pasta had about 5 small meatballs and I would have preferred a ratio of less pasta and more meat.. I also think a vegetable through the pasta would have improved it because it was quite a plain sauce and fettuccine pasta. I’d probably rate the pasta 6/10 and could have just made it at home. We ended the dinner with gelato and the hazelnut flavour was to die for! Overall, the restaurant aesthetic and service was great
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Prosciutto Pizza

Beautiful and welcoming Reataurant. Food is delicious, tasty and well presented. We asked for pizza padellino that was on the special board, couldn’t ask for any better dish We also tried some Italian wine such as Nebbiolo ( red ), pecorino ( white ) and Pinot bianco ( white ) delicious! Service is outstanding, as soon as we walked in the stuff received us with a smile. We felt like in Italy as most of the staff is Italian. Very authentic Italian place. We will be back! Aw! Don’t forget to have a walk around! There is a back room “ east Melbourne”, this is how it is called, there is a gallery showing Melbourne back in the days. It also turns on function room.

Drove by here and decided to try Roccella based on the glowing reviews and are we glad we did ☺️ Emanuel (Mani) was such a wonderful waiter and everyone else was amazing too, the restaurant was packed and just an overall great ambience! We had the polenta chips which were so tasty and crispy, the beetroot gnocchi soo delicious and the capricciosa (no ham) and rocket salad also yummy. Left very full and very happy! Will definitely be back, keep it up
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beetroot Gnocchi, Rocket and Pear Salad

I have been to this restaurant four times now and it is wonderful. The food is incredible, the amount of flavour… wow! The service is wonderful, they take such good care of you and check up if you need anything. They are super sweet! Only thing we didn’t enjoy was the bread not being toasted but other than that, we couldn’t fault it. It’s a beautiful place to go if you are looking for a lovely day out in the city. Would definitely recommend you try it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pollo Parmigiana, Margarita Pizza

Love the food and the place.We had been there already few times this month.The food the service and the atmosphere are just fantastic. We had as a starter staffed Zucchini with vegetable ragu and cheese and Raviolli with butter and sage. The main were-Pan fried Barramundi with patate Sant Anna and Broccolini and Veal Scaloppine with wine,lemon and Broccolini.The deserts were just amazing...Panna cotta and Torta Gianduia(Hazelnut,chocolate) followed by espresso.. Highly recommend. We went back and the food was still delisi and the service amazing.Thank you.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Came here for dinner before and it was not bad (definitely not great). Thought to try again… Decided to drop in for coffee and cake, and by gosh, will I never go here again. An Italian eatery charging $9.5 for a cheesecake the size of a ping pong ball, and a coffee that was so weak and watery. No idea who runs this place but they can’t be Italian. What an utter disappointment. Our waiter was less than helpful - had no idea what was going on. I don’t get why it’s full so often… a unique spot I guess because the food and service isn’t representative.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

If you are looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, you are in the right spot! This restaurant it’s simply amazing! Thick’s all the boxes! Service, food quality, and not overpriced! If I can give a constructive advice to the owner, I would charge little more often the mains , as they only have 4 to choose from, after couples of dinners would be lovely to get something different, for the rest this restaurant have everything you expect from an Italian restaurant. Pizza’s are very good! Thanks guys!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Our first time dining here and we were very happy! It's a deceptively large place, but it was sectioned in a way that made it quiet enough to be able to hear everyone at our table without raising our voices as you need to do in some large restaurants. Service was impeccable, food delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff were extremely accomodating with our young toddler and it was great to see lots of young ones dining too! (Sometimes hard taking young kids to nice restaurants )
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing experience here. Staff were very friendly. The food came out in good timing, plenty of options on the menu and great wine and alcohol selection. The pasta just melts in your mouth and so does the pizza. Would highly recommend. As soon as we finished eating the plates were cleared as well. Great experience overall.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beef Ragu, Prosciutto Pizza
Dietary restrictions
Gluten free options

We loved our experience at Roccella! The pizza was absolutely delicious and the staff were very warm and welcoming. I ordered the Tartufo and it was one of the best mushroom pizzas I’ve eaten in Melbourne! My friend had the Casarecce alla Pescatora with Gluten free pasta and said it was super delicious. It’s a gorgeous venue that looks out over the Fitzroy Gardens. Keen to come back again soon!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Located adjacent Fitzroy Gardens and close to the myriad of medical centres in East Melbourne. Attentive and friendly staff. One of the best parmigianas I have had for a very long time. Love the use of the buffalo mozzarella. Arrancinis were tasty and the barramundi was cooked to perfection with a nice crispy skin. It is almost a hidden gem. There is a small deli and they do a great oat latte.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Dining at Roccella never disappoints. It’s a slick operation from start to finish while being unassuming with a focus on excellent food and great service. I return again and again. The fit out is great, the interiors attractive and the setting across from one of Melbourne’s premier parks is superb. It’s a great place to walk off that scoop of gelato!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pollo Parmigiana

What a brilliant little secret East Melbourne has been keeping. Gorgeous Italian food with attentive happy staff. Buzzing atmosphere without being intrusive and still quiet enough to be able to enjoy conversation. Food was generous, traditional and faultless. Brilliant after footy venue, and fab place for a catch up with friends. We’ll definitely be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beef Ragu

The food was good and the ambiance was nice, but what really stood out for me was the waiter for our table. He's very attentive and friendly, and it made the whole experience better for me. Unfortunately, I didn't get to ask his name, but he's the MVP for sure. I'll be back for the food and hospitality.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

Beautiful food, amazing service, very accommodating for dietary requirements. Gluten free base was incredible! And I believe they cook and prep separately so would be good for coeliac. Barramundi was also top notch. I was a little cold due to the AC but I probably just needed a warmer jacket. Will definitely be back! Thanks team.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
Coeliac and vegan options

Spectacular place for lunch and dinner. Date, friends or family, this is one place to pin in your map. Service is terrific, always helpful and cheerful. Pizza options are great, different from traditional and standard.. and yes there's one with pineapple. However, my go to is the lasagna, hands down one of the very best I've had in town.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lasagna Bechamel

Shared a meal with great friends here on Wednesday. Our daughters’ recommendation! Did not disappoint! A milk allergic husband was cared for with aplomb by Emmanuel. The service was superb and the food scrumptiously Italian. The burrata was divine. Thanks all.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Porchetta, Rocket and Pear Salad
Dietary restrictions
Care for us very diligently

I have been here more than three times and have had amazing pizza, consistently. What makes it is the dough, perfectly proven very light and soft and crunchy at the same time. Also cooked to perfection from a skilled pizzaiolo. The price is reasonable given the quality you are getting. Service is friendly, warm and prompt.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Margarita Pizza

Great place for pizza and pasta. We went yesterday when it was a very busy time in Melbourne. We were able to change our sitting time very late in the piece without any hassle. The restaurant was buzzing but the staff were on the ball and food was served relatively quickly considering how busy they were. Highly recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beef Ragu

Really lovely night out. Great to see a lot of non meat options on the menu and the team were proud of their vegan options. We were told that a chef of theirs from Italy taught the team how to make their own vegan meats. Great value.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Heaps of vegan options and they were happy to substitute meat for other options.

I love this place so much, I only discovered this place by chance and ordered a coffee. The next day I booked for lunch not only is the food delicious but the service and atmosphere is wonderful, the pizzas are authentic and Nonnas meatballs always make us come back for more, my favorite local!! Thank you Roccella
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great atmosphere, I had gluten free pizza and it was delicious with no side effects. I would love to have coffee and cake if they’re at morning tea time but sadly the gluten free cakes were placed under the gluten items so not safe.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Dietary restrictions
Gluten free options for meals but not snacks.

The food is pretty much perfect. The differentiating factor is the hospitality and kindness of the host and staff. It doesn't feel like eating in a restaurant rather eating at a friend's home. Prices aren't cheap but proportional to the quality of the food and the experience. My number 1 Italian restaurant in Melbourne. 10 stars out of 5.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60

The place is so cute and it’s perfect for an events or any celebrations. Couple of tables were celebrating birthday or newborn last night. Services were outstanding. We didn’t have to wait long for our meal. The truffle pizza was delicious ..
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Prosciutto Pizza

Great quality food. Good sized portions. Very impressive establishment overall. Perfect for families / kids. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever experienced!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Kid-friendliness
Portions are well sized on kids menu. Food very tasty. High quality, authentic Italian cooking.

Edited review for the fries: The thick cut fries are the best in Melbourne! Fluffy, crispy, moist, and incredibly fresh! Considering that you’ll be paying over $10 for terrible fries in every other restaurant, it’s actually worth paying more for freshness and quality.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We had a fantastic function for 16 people at Roccella and everything was fantastic. The service was exceptional (thank you Mani!) and the food was perfect. The antipasti and pizzas even pleased our fussy Italian family! Nothing was too much trouble and the service was perfetto!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Recommended dishes
Prosciutto Pizza

Wonderful service again tonight! Our wait person couldn’t do enough to help us, despite how busy it was in the restaurant. I had barramundi, which was cooked to perfection. Crispy skin and tender, juice white fish.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rocket and Pear Salad

Great place for Italian food at East Melbourne. Like the pizza dough. There are 4 to choose from, we went with the sourdough. Ordered the below - 1/ Beetroot Gnocchi 2/ Risotto alla Milanese 3/ Prosciutto Pizza Coffee was great too. A selection of groceries at the front. Fresh pasta, packed cured meat, wines, etc.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40

The team here are super friendly and welcoming. We didn't have a booking but they were more than happy to accommodate us even though they in the middle of a busy dinner service. The food and drinks that we ordered were delicious. We will definitely be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Loved this place, authentic Italian food, walked in at lunch time on Saturday and didn't need a booking. Wasn't too busy which was surprising because the food and service was amazing. Can't wait to return.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lasagna Bechamel

Service was great - friendly, helpful and lots of staff helped us over the course of the meal. The food was amazing! And we loved the atmosphere... we'll be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pollo Parmigiana, Beetroot Gnocchi, Rocket and Pear Salad

Always amazing food and service is outstanding. Our waiter was friendly and made our experience feel like we were at Nona’s house having lunch with family. Highly recommended!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pizza Padellino, Beetroot Gnocchi

Authentic Italian food and the best gluten free bread I ever had! The GF pizza was also just as amazing as a non-GF one!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Dietary restrictions
GF options for pizza and bread. Really well done, my bf who dislikes GF breads said ours was so good that you don’t feel like it’s a GF one!

Delicious Italian and friendly staff! Probably one of the best in Melbourne. The gnocchi and pasta were so fresh and the sauces so tasty. Pizza were also very good and the smoky pineapple with charred crust was actually amazing! I usually don’t like pineapple on pizza but this changed my mind. Good prices too. Only wasn’t a big fan of the cannoli sweet.

The food was amazing, and it came out pretty quickly. Unfortunately, we had to wait approximately 20 minutes for someone to take our dessert order. When the dessert came out, we were asked to eat it as quickly as possible as the next booking had arrived.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Absolutely loved the Italian food at this place! The setting is charming, the staff were super friendly, adding a nice touch to the overall experience. The prices are a bit high, but the food is quite delicious. A memorable dining spot for sure!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Beyond brilliant dining experience at Roccella. The food, cocktails and service all a 10/10. They tick all the boxes with their pizza, desserts and cocktails. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Margarita Pizza

Great venue to have a meal before going to a show or event in the precinct. Close to MCG, tennis center of AAMI Park stadium. Food and service is first class.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Margarita Pizza, Beef Ragu

This place is amazing. We turned up a bit early and were well looked after. The service was amazing and the food was fantastic! No, that is not mouldy pizza it is the activated charcoal base pizza. It was really nice. It was busy and i know why. Will return again and again and again!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

We celebrated a 64th Wedding Anniversary. Everyone was made to feel welcome, the service was excellent -very attentive. The food as always, divine. I love the atmosphere as there is enough space and ambience. Thank you all the staff at Roccella!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$80–100

I had one of the best wood fired gluten free pizzas I have ever eaten in my life and my partners freshly made gnocchi was also of wonderful quality. An amazing night out- thank you!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Just had to leave this review, amazing food! Valerio was our waiter, great customer service. I had to rush back to work and he made it his mission to get the food out on time for us. Definitely recommend visiting here. We will definitely be coming back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Enjoyed an excellent potato and sausage pizza here - fine ingredients, great crust, swift and amiable service. And we could look out to the Fitzroy Gardens while we ate! Also a very credible tiramisu after. Will be back!
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great pizza, good service and a nice vibe. So close to the MCG. Our second time and the pizza was even better this time.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Margarita Pizza

It's great to go to a birthday party there. They had private room. Great service, and the waiters and waitress were friendly. Enjoyed the food intensely. I am gluten-free and catered for my dietary requirements.
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent service by efficient and classy waiter, quick with drinks and order and quality food. Menu selection was good and atmosphere was pleasant, warm and inviting. Definitely visit again. Great night.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

As a family of four with two people that have allergies (Peanut & Goat Cheese), this place was great. Kids really enjoyed the food and they were really conscious of our allergies. Going through the menu and making recommendations for us. Highly recommend

Unfortunately i didn’t get a chance to capture pictures of the other food, but the pizzas were nice, gnocchi was also nice, staff were friendly and the restaurant was nice also. Deserts were nice also.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Manny was hands down the best waiter we have ever had. He was kind and attentive, and made sure all meals were catered to a nut allergy - he went above and beyond. Will definitely be back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fantastic little gem of an Italian restaurant in a great location. Shared a lovely pizza today there with my aunt and was so impressed with the authenticity of the food, and the impeccable service. Will definitely be back!

Food was authentically incredible down to the thin light base and the cannoli truly what I found in Italy. Cannot wait to come back to visit again soon.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Amazing pizza and lamb shank. Excellent service. Authentic Italian food in Melbourne. Highly recommended!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60