Try the freshest homemade pasta and most delicious seafood around, all infused with authentic Italian flavors and premium ingredients. Ciao a presto! It all ends with biscuits and wine, and ours is some of the best. Share a bottle or raise a glass to traditional Italian cocktails, flavorful wines straight from Italy, and a wide selection of bourbon.
ROC Restaurant is a chic, high-energy Italian restaurant located in the heart of The Highlands on Bardstown Road, featuring a stunning outdoor pergola. Originating in Tribeca, NYC for the last 17 years, Rocco Cadolini has moved this local favorite hotspot to Louisville, Kentucky. At Louisville's ROC Restaurant, two Italian Chefs from Puglia are waiting to cook you the best Italian meal you've ever had.
ROC Restaurant is a chic, high-energy Italian restaurant located in the heart of The Highlands on Bardstown Road, featuring a stunning outdoor pergola. Originating in Tribeca, NYC for the last 17 years, Rocco Cadolini has moved this local favorite hotspot to Louisville, Kentucky. At Louisville's ROC Restaurant, two Italian Chefs from Puglia are waiting to cook you the best Italian meal you've ever had.
Reviews (24)
Steve C.
Jan 30, 2022
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Ashleigh C.
Jan 23, 2022
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Saturday night date night at ROC Restaurant!
Delicious dinner from start to finish!
The restaurant had a great atmosphere both upstairs and down. The private rooms upstairs look great for small groups.
We started with a few cocktails - titos moscow mule, bellini, and a rossini.
The appetizer was a special for tonight truffle beef carpaccio with toasted almonds, microgreens, parmesan fondue and tableside shaved black truffle.
This was a great night to be adventurous with this appetizer!
Next on to soup and salad.
- Insalata di pera, noci e gorgonzola - a salad of pear and artisan lettuce
Delicious dinner from start to finish!
The restaurant had a great atmosphere both upstairs and down. The private rooms upstairs look great for small groups.
We started with a few cocktails - titos moscow mule, bellini, and a rossini.
The appetizer was a special for tonight truffle beef carpaccio with toasted almonds, microgreens, parmesan fondue and tableside shaved black truffle.
This was a great night to be adventurous with this appetizer!
Next on to soup and salad.
- Insalata di pera, noci e gorgonzola - a salad of pear and artisan lettuce
William S.
Dec 29, 2021
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Hosted a family dinner for six. Everyone ordered a different main course dish from steak to pasta to fish. Both the grilled octopus and burrata appetizers were excellent while the calamari was a pile of zucchini sticks with just a few overdone calamari buried beneath. The steak, pasta with seafood and flaming parmesan pasta, prepared at the table, were great as was the veal scaloppini. The penne with vodka and pasta with shrimp were both bland and lacked much flavor.
The evening was marred by a very loud and theatrical waiter who failed to offer the evening specials and ended each and every
The evening was marred by a very loud and theatrical waiter who failed to offer the evening specials and ended each and every
Chelsea Adams
Nov 25, 2021
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Made a reservation for a party of 10, for my birthday dinner, about a month in advance. Most my entire party all arrived at the 6:30 reservation time, only to be rudely told "No, your reservation is 7:30". I would have never made a 7:30 reservation, as even 6:30 is late for me generally. There was no apology and we were treated like we were inconveniencing them. They did seat us in a lovely private room but that was it. We just sat there for 20-30 minutes before we even were offered water. They claimed to be short staffed but that was very visibly not the case. They had multiple servers and water
Katy M.
Sep 12, 2021
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The Louisville restaurant scene is abundant with amazing, eclectic and delicious options, so there's really no reason for us to return to ROC.
Service was terrible - slow, inattentive and even rude at one point. It took more than 2 hours for 2 of us to order, eat and pay.
We ordered salads, gnocchi and a classic spaghetti with pomodoro sauce, none of which was worth the price tag. The sauce tasted like it came out of a can.
The restaurant is very noisy and the acoustics made conversation quite difficult. I'm not sure what folks love so much about this place, but the service, atmosphere
Service was terrible - slow, inattentive and even rude at one point. It took more than 2 hours for 2 of us to order, eat and pay.
We ordered salads, gnocchi and a classic spaghetti with pomodoro sauce, none of which was worth the price tag. The sauce tasted like it came out of a can.
The restaurant is very noisy and the acoustics made conversation quite difficult. I'm not sure what folks love so much about this place, but the service, atmosphere
Kyle Lloyd
Aug 19, 2021
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A great Italian restaurant ran by real Italians from Italy, what could be better? The food is fantastic and it is an experience. Pay no mind to those that gave this place less than five stars. Having been to Italy multiple times, this is the most authentic Italian food and wine but moreover true Italian restaurant experience you will ever find in Louisville, Kentucky.
Matthew C.
Aug 07, 2021
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Hands down one of my favorite restaurants! Rocco is great and always very friendly. Love the atmosphere... feels like Rocco opened his home to everyone so he could make them an Italian meal. It's not cheap to eat here but if you want something special you won't be disappointed. I'm a big fan of the beverage selection too.
Casey Wathen
Aug 03, 2021
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Amazing experience.
Went for a date night with my boyfriend and I’m already begging him to take me back. We both had never been to ROC before. The entire experience was a 12/10 for both of us. Our server was elegant, respectful, knowledgeable, and attentive. He was one of (if not) the best servers I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining with. The food was the best Italian food I’ve ever had no question. The only time we were at all bummed was when we realized we were way too full for dessert. Lol. But seriously if you like Italian food and great service you can’t find a better place in Louisville
Went for a date night with my boyfriend and I’m already begging him to take me back. We both had never been to ROC before. The entire experience was a 12/10 for both of us. Our server was elegant, respectful, knowledgeable, and attentive. He was one of (if not) the best servers I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining with. The food was the best Italian food I’ve ever had no question. The only time we were at all bummed was when we realized we were way too full for dessert. Lol. But seriously if you like Italian food and great service you can’t find a better place in Louisville
Greg L.
Jul 29, 2021
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Monette M.
Jun 13, 2021
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I visited this restaurant yesterday with super excitement.. the resturant is nice..However the food was not up to par! The food was ok nothing spectacular at all. Very over priced
I had the LINGUINE CON FRUTTI DI MARE
with clams, mussels, shrimp and salmon.
Something was fishy tasting don't know maybe the salmon.
I was so disappointed. I would not recommend this resturant
I had the LINGUINE CON FRUTTI DI MARE
with clams, mussels, shrimp and salmon.
Something was fishy tasting don't know maybe the salmon.
I was so disappointed. I would not recommend this resturant
Jon C.
Jun 07, 2021
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Multiple visits. Always good and interesting.
Menu always a little different. Service friendly and efficient. Good atmosphere.
Particularly impressed with the veg and sides. Perfect homemade pasta.
Only bad thing I can say is that it has taken away my ability to go to any other Italian restaurants. Why take a chance when this place is top notch.
Menu always a little different. Service friendly and efficient. Good atmosphere.
Particularly impressed with the veg and sides. Perfect homemade pasta.
Only bad thing I can say is that it has taken away my ability to go to any other Italian restaurants. Why take a chance when this place is top notch.
Adriana Rueda
May 03, 2021
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Kyle Henderson
Mar 25, 2021
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I love ROC! We have never had a bad experience here.
Tonight we brought some friends who were visiting from Nashville. We started the evening with some delicious cocktails, both the Paper Plane and the Old Fashioned.
For starters we had the Buratta and the Beef Carpaccio. They had a special that added freshly shaved black truffles to the carpaccio. The truffles we presented in a wonderful glass jar and shaved tableside. Great presentation that I forgot to take a picture of!
For mains we had the Gnocchi, Pappardelle shrimp with a pistachio sauce and a special Pappardelle with a mushroom sauce
Tonight we brought some friends who were visiting from Nashville. We started the evening with some delicious cocktails, both the Paper Plane and the Old Fashioned.
For starters we had the Buratta and the Beef Carpaccio. They had a special that added freshly shaved black truffles to the carpaccio. The truffles we presented in a wonderful glass jar and shaved tableside. Great presentation that I forgot to take a picture of!
For mains we had the Gnocchi, Pappardelle shrimp with a pistachio sauce and a special Pappardelle with a mushroom sauce
Eddie & Luda
Feb 18, 2021
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Simply the best wine list in the city, Old world wines that anyone will truly love with a great steak to go with it and amazing service. The cocktails are very generous portions and served with perfect flair. Every floor and corner is a unique experience . I also enjoyed the owner conversation and time he gave us at our table thanks again and we will be back soon.
Kristen G.
Jan 24, 2021
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We came during the time where there was only outside seating. We were in a tent with a bunch of heaters. Not exactly spread out enough, but given the small space that the owner had, understandable enough. The owner personally talked to us about the restaurant and the food selections, and overall was a happy man, though he did complain about the restrictions.
The food was overall good. There were some choices that are harder to find in the area. But did find it to be a little overpriced. I suspect that usually the atmosphere of being inside would make it worth it - while inside during a restroom
The food was overall good. There were some choices that are harder to find in the area. But did find it to be a little overpriced. I suspect that usually the atmosphere of being inside would make it worth it - while inside during a restroom
Cristobal Maximus
Dec 27, 2020
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I have been to ROC on several occasions. I have brought my wife for a romantic dinner and recently I brought a group of friends for their first time to experience this wonderful place. The food and service are both excellent an unparalleled. There are several Italian restaurants in Louisville but none can't hold a candle to this place. The bar is very well-stocked and the bartenders are well-versed in making the best drinks that you can find. The owner is usually on hand to greet you and it is obvious from the moment you walk into the door that the staff really wants to give you the best dining
Shawn Clark
Dec 22, 2020
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Authentic, Italian food. ROC delivers an all-around delightful evening. Fanatic wine list to pair with exquisite food experience. We started with the burrata and it was delicious. For my entree I ordered the lasagna, which possibly is the best I’ve ever eaten. It was their special as they don’t always have it on the menu. But when they do it’s worth making a reservation!
Fernando Schnaidman
Nov 10, 2020
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Highlights: bolognese was an incredible traditional dish and kale tagliatelle was the winner for most different and flavorful (+ the bourbon makes it very Louisville)
We went to ROC for my birthday. Atmosphere was amazing, service was great. The waiter gave great tips about the menu and the food was incredible.
We went to ROC for my birthday. Atmosphere was amazing, service was great. The waiter gave great tips about the menu and the food was incredible.
Mona T.
Sep 20, 2020
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The first time I went to ROC was when I was having dinner with a friend. I was really excited about going on a Tuesday since that meant it was cacio e Pepe night. This was incredible. We were sitting in the window area and they make the pasta right at your table. They use a large wheel of cheese as the spot where they make your pasta and add pepper and create your dish. It was delicious and very much worth the experience. I must add this was pre-Covid. I've noticed from their Facebook page, they are doing dine-in and takeout, and Tuesday remains Cacio e Pepe night. It's a great experience
Shelley S.
Sep 13, 2020
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We haven't had a dinner out quite like this is some time. It almost felt normal. Weird, I know. I called to make reservations just an hour and a half before we planned to go. Was pleased to be the first to arrive at the restaurant. We were able to eat outside. We had Deanna as our server. We opted to try the special appetizer, melon and prosciutto. It was a tasty combination. My mom ordered the seafood pasta entree, I ordered the kale pasta with mushrooms. It was so tasty. We also had the cannoli as a dessert. Great service and food. It was so great to have a somewhat regular night out
Jess A.
Aug 28, 2020
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ROC Restaurant hit all the high points during our dinner last night - outside covered seating, friendly and thoughtful table service, delicious food and well made cocktails. During this season of Covid they were obviously attentive to heath precautions *and* a fine dining experience.
We were waiting on one of our dinner party and slow sipped an Old Fashioned while we waited. I tend to think I can make my own at home that stand up to most restaurants but they added detail that would be difficult for me to pull off. Even still, the Aviation (gin) cocktail later in the evening may have been my favorite
We were waiting on one of our dinner party and slow sipped an Old Fashioned while we waited. I tend to think I can make my own at home that stand up to most restaurants but they added detail that would be difficult for me to pull off. Even still, the Aviation (gin) cocktail later in the evening may have been my favorite
Brittany Longmire
Jan 16, 2020
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Really cute homey joint with perfect mood lighting. Drinks are made perfectly with the perfect mix of flavor and alcohol. The food is absolutely amazing and fantastic portion sizes. The salmon was flakey and juice and the skin was perfectly crispy. We came here for mother's day and I would have to say it was a great pick made by my boyfriend.
Bob S.
May 22, 2019
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Roc is a two-year old restaurant that steals the crown from Grassa Gramma for the best Italian food in Louisville. It's owned and operated by Italian-born chef Rocco Cadolini, who had a New York City restaurant of the same name.
On a beautiful night, we dined outdoors. On Tuesday they prepare a special dish called Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper), which is pasta prepared tableside in a large wheel of cheese.
The preparation, with narration by the owner, made my mouth water.
We started with the Calamari Zucchini Fritti and the Meatball Sliders (which were massive).
For entrees we enjoy
On a beautiful night, we dined outdoors. On Tuesday they prepare a special dish called Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper), which is pasta prepared tableside in a large wheel of cheese.
The preparation, with narration by the owner, made my mouth water.
We started with the Calamari Zucchini Fritti and the Meatball Sliders (which were massive).
For entrees we enjoy
Ashley E.
Apr 22, 2019
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The atmosphere and service were amazing. The options are endless- pasta, chicken, veal, steak, lamb, seafood, etc.
Started with appetizers, main course and finished with a desert sampler and limoncello! What a spread.
I order the veal, perfectly prepared with a red sauce and cheese, spinach on the side. The chicken with a mushroom glaze was delicious, and the pistachio pasta with shrimp was delicious and unique. The steak with peppercorn was cooked perfectly.
For dessert, we sampled the cookies and cannolis! The cannolis are a must!
Started with appetizers, main course and finished with a desert sampler and limoncello! What a spread.
I order the veal, perfectly prepared with a red sauce and cheese, spinach on the side. The chicken with a mushroom glaze was delicious, and the pistachio pasta with shrimp was delicious and unique. The steak with peppercorn was cooked perfectly.
For dessert, we sampled the cookies and cannolis! The cannolis are a must!
