Rocca sits in Tampa Heights, serving Italian food chef-owner Bryce Bonsack describes as inspired by the old and the new. Bonsack spent time living in Monforte d'Alba, Italy, before returning to cook in New York kitchens at Blanca and Corton, both Michelin-starred restaurants. Rocca is his first restaurant as chef and owner.
The menu runs on handmade pastas, including tagliolini and spaghetti, alongside dry-aged duck and dry-aged wagyu. Mozzarella is pulled tableside, and seasonal shareable plates include crudo and freshly baked bread. Diners also point to heirloom tomatoes, arrosticini, shrimp, and a custard dessert among the dishes that show up often.
Michelin first recognized the restaurant with a Bib Gourmand in 2022, then awarded it a full star in 2023 — a distinction it has held every year since, into 2026. The James Beard Foundation named it both a semifinalist and finalist for Best Chef South in 2026.
The menu runs on handmade pastas, including tagliolini and spaghetti, alongside dry-aged duck and dry-aged wagyu. Mozzarella is pulled tableside, and seasonal shareable plates include crudo and freshly baked bread. Diners also point to heirloom tomatoes, arrosticini, shrimp, and a custard dessert among the dishes that show up often.
Michelin first recognized the restaurant with a Bib Gourmand in 2022, then awarded it a full star in 2023 — a distinction it has held every year since, into 2026. The James Beard Foundation named it both a semifinalist and finalist for Best Chef South in 2026.