Rocky & Carlo's opened on St. Bernard Highway on April 24, 1965, founded by Tommy Tommaseo, his brother Rocky, and his brothers-in-law Carlo, Mario, and Giuseppe "Joseph" Gioe. The five men and their wives had worked together at a nearby bar called Angelo's before deciding to open their own place — one that welcomed women as well as men, hence the "Ladies Invited" sign still on the window.
The menu blends Sicilian dishes with New Orleans classics: veal parmesan, onion rings, and spaghetti with red gravy, all served in the oversized portions the restaurant is known for. Its most-ordered dish is the baked macaroni & cheese, served with a choice of brown or red gravy.
Five months after opening, the restaurant survived Hurricane Betsy and fed displaced neighbors from its doors. Sixty years later, it remains a fixture in St. Bernard Parish, drawing regulars back for home-cooked comfort food and generous plates, and was named among the city's best restaurants by NOLA.com's Where NOLA Eats in 2025.
The menu blends Sicilian dishes with New Orleans classics: veal parmesan, onion rings, and spaghetti with red gravy, all served in the oversized portions the restaurant is known for. Its most-ordered dish is the baked macaroni & cheese, served with a choice of brown or red gravy.
Five months after opening, the restaurant survived Hurricane Betsy and fed displaced neighbors from its doors. Sixty years later, it remains a fixture in St. Bernard Parish, drawing regulars back for home-cooked comfort food and generous plates, and was named among the city's best restaurants by NOLA.com's Where NOLA Eats in 2025.