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Rocco’s Café
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Rocco’s Café
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Old-school Italian-American spot serving hearty red-sauce classics; the baked lasagna is a house standby with generous portions and reliable comfort. Since 1932, it’s been a casual SoMa fixture for lunch crowds and pre-event plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Braciole
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Time-tested lasagna served in generous, satisfying portions.
Who should go: Classic red-sauce fans and lunch regulars
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid lines
What to order: Lasagna; chicken parm; daily special
Insider tip: Check the daily board—special lasagna variations rotate occasionally.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Folsom and Brannan, but nearby paid lots on 7th and 8th Streets offer reliable options during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical SoMa lunch attire. Office wear or jeans with a button-down fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; conversations are easy at most tables outside of peak noon hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on convention and event traffic nearby.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12pm; fills up by 12:30 with downtown regulars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple meatless pastas and salads available, including a vegetarian lasagna option on rotation.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides and salads can be made vegan upon request but no dedicated entrees.
Gluten-free options: Moderate – gluten-free pasta available upon request; no separate kitchen space for celiac-safe prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, comfort-driven meetups than romantic dates. The vibe is friendly, familiar, and unpretentious rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – reservations aren’t required. Walk-ins are common, especially at lunch. For large groups, a quick call ahead helps during conventions.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome. The menu suits kids (spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna) and the service is relaxed. No dedicated kids’ menu but portions are easily shareable.
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort Italian and hearty portions in a relaxed setting—ideal for quick lunches and nostalgic, no-frills red-sauce meals.
Skip if: You’re after modern Italian, fine dining, or plant-based fare—head to nearby Flour + Water or Baia instead.
Rocco’s Café
8.3
Long-running SoMa standby (since 1990) serving hearty Italian-American breakfasts—think crab cake or fried-chicken Benedicts, sourdough French toast, and frittatas. Friendly, old-school service and generous portions anchor weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cake Benedict, Sourdough French Toast, Rocco’s Favorite Frittata
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Neighborhood institution with classic, from-scratch brunch plates.
Who should go: Families and hearty-brunch traditionalists
When to visit: Sunday 8–10am to beat the rush
What to order: Crab Cake Benedict; Joe’s Special; Buttermilk Pancakes
Insider tip: Weekend specials change—check the board for limited Benedicts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa can be challenging during brunch hours; there are paid garages within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and comfortable wear are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; fine for family conversation but less ideal for quiet chats.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Rocco’s closes after lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though noon can see a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, frittatas, and several brunch plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—can request sides and modifications, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes like frittatas and scrambles; bread-heavy items are not GF by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, casual breakfast date than a romantic setting—it’s hearty, friendly, and bustling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard, but expect a wait on weekends after 10am.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common; kids will find plenty of familiar breakfast plates and high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, old-school service, and Italian-American twists that make it feel like a neighborhood institution.
Skip if: You’re looking for a trendy or quiet brunch spot—this is more about comfort and tradition than sleek vibes.