Review: Rocco, Earl’s Court
Style Points: 3/5
Price: ££
Overall: 4/5
Found amongst the luxurious boutiques of Chelsea and South Kensington lies Rocco, intent on serving the best cuisine Italy has to offer. Inside you will find a large open plan space with simple wooden tables and chairs and a modern twist of random decorations, such as a totem pole and letters stuck to walls. There is also a food boutique selling rare Italian delicacies such as honey, oils and cheeses; an idea that is becoming increasingly popular in London restaurants.
Rocco's concept was imagined and realised by the Milanese head chef and owner, who both wanted to bring the authentic food of their Italian regions to London. The authenticity of the restaurant is helped by the staff who are entirely made up of Italians which was happily pointed out to me by the proud owner.
Would I Want Seconds?
Whilst sipping our delightfully smooth Italian wine, we feasted on warm fresh bread with garlic and pesto served in a brown paper bag. Following this we ordered the burrata cheese served with mixed grilled vegetables and the smoked mozzarella served with mixed cooked vegetables, which were two of the three available vegetarian option to start.
I had not tried burrata cheese before so was not sure what to expect. It arrived in a ball and was surprisingly, but no doubt deliberately, cold in the centre of my plate surrounded by a colourful array of warm vegetables. Both dishes were very fresh and tasty and were complemented by the variety of oils that the owner brought to our table, whilst explaining their origins and the foods that bring out their unique flavours.
For our main dishes we chose the risotto with gorgonzola cheese and mushrooms and the homemade ravioli with ricotta cheese and spinach with butter and sage. The risotto was very rich and cheesy and was unlike any risotto I'd ever had before but I utterly enjoyed it. The ravioli was simple but made for a wonderful taste which goes to show that basic but perfected cooking can beat the convoluted dishes that are so often made.
Although we were both entirely full by this point, there was no way we were going to turn down dessert. Although Italy isn't know for their desserts (other than tiramisu and gelato), Rocco had a long table full of a wide selection of sweet bakes. However before we could make our selections, a trolley of Italian cheeses appeared from which we could try samples. Unable to manage both cheese and dessert, we politely declined and I proceeded to choose the indulgent banoffee pie whilst my partner chose the chocolate and pear cake which we both enjoyed immensely.
Unable to eat another thing we were given some dessert wines and Italian biscuity goodness to finish off the evening. Well, it would be rude to say no, wouldn't it?
We left the restaurant on such a high from the wonderful service and the tantalising tastes we had experienced.
Could I Afford Seconds?
Rocco falls in the mid-range price category with vegetarian starters ranging from £8 to £12, which is justified by the quality of the food. The vegetarian main courses are more reasonably priced at £12, however the price for other meat dishes can go up to £20. The desserts from the inviting dessert menu are all priced at around £6.
Overall:
If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience right in the middle of London then I would certainly recommend Rocco whether it is for lunch, dinner or even a takeaway.
Their combination of fresh ingredients and good Italian cooking make Rocco a wining choice in the area. Viva Italia!
Address: 254-260 Old Brompton Road, Chelsea, London, SW5 9HR
Closest Tube Station: Earl's Court