Roccella Italian Restaurant East Melbourne

A group of us popped in for dinner after hearing positive things about the place but found it didn’t quite live up to the reviews. We ordered some olives and bruschetta to start as well as 3 pizzas and a side salad for main. The starters took a while to appear which was unfortunate as they should be pretty quick and eventually turned up at the same time as the pizzas! This naturally isn’t the end of the world but does show disorganisation between the two kitchens. Practically, space on the table became very limited which isn’t ideal and we’d already had a couple drinks all over us. The pizzas were tasty and the bruschetta was delicious. We really enjoyed the pumpkin base pizza which was new to all of us and better than expected! The tiramisu is a nice end to the meal. The food is good and serves its purpose as a casual place to get solid Italian food in the area. 7/10.

Simon Cornwell · 2026-01-10

What a gem this place is! We are Americans who used to live in Sydney on holiday to Australia with our kids for the first time. We chose Roccella because one kid wanted pasta and the other pizza. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was excellent and efficient. The owner, Bruno, was incredibly gracious and generous. He made sure we were able to get one of the last tables of the night, chatted to us several times and even treated us to some complementary dessert -- donuts with Nutella and cannoli. Both were divine -- and as a quarter Italian, I know my desserts! Hope to return some day on a future visit. We wish Bruno well on his endeavours.

Lauren Fritsky · 2026-01-05

I really enjoyed my lunch session here at Rocchella in East Melbourne. It has such a great vibe as being on the outskirts of the city it was easy to get. The service was great and the food being the pizza and pasta is one of the best I've ever had. The woodfore pizza was cooked perfectly full of flavour. Thr charcoal dough was unique. My favourite was the truffle pizza. The beef ragu cooked with spaghetti was delicious that i wish I hadn't ordered it to share and ordered my own serving. It was so delicious. Totally recommend for lunch and dinner. Really great vibe and makes you feel like you are fine dining yet menu was reasonable priced.

Thao Pham · 2025-11-12

We had a group of 6 for a work dinner and the service, the food, everything was magic. Loris looked after us wonderfully and thank you so much for being so attentive. I was here previously for a work breakfast at least 2 years ago. Honestly, the service and food feels exactly the same. The honestly and attention to detail in the service is second to none. I’m pretty sure Loris looked after us a few years ago too. I can’t wait to come back with my work group. I can’t wait to introduce friends here and I can’t wait to bring my husband here. My husband is a coeliac and the menu is very extensive for gluten free options. Thank you for everything and being such a special place.

Helen Forbes · 2025-11-06

The lamb shoulder was super flavoursome (though a bit fatty) and the chips were delicious however the calamari entree was very small. The donut dessert was absolute perfection though I couldn’t detect any orange in the chocolate orange cake (it was also covered in almonds which wasn’t listed on the menu and definitely tasted more chocolate almond than chocolate orange unfortunately). Overall would certainly be back and lots of gourmet goodies to shop and take home too

J H · 2025-10-08