@roccella.italian is proof that the burbs don’t need to apologise to Lygon Street, not for the food, not for the service, and certainly not for the atmosphere. We were there to celebrate my daughter’s 28th birthday, a number that feels both right and slightly unbelievable. She’d already road-tested the place and insisted we return, having previously fallen hard for the pizza and a Caprese that clearly made an impression. Consider me grateful for the recommendation. Bruschetta to start. Excellent, apparently, though it vanished before I could photograph it. Honestly, constantly chasing the shot, adjusting angles, dodging strangers, and pretending a plate of food isn’t cooling while you stage-manage it all is exhausting. Sometimes you just want to eat. Radical, I know. I’ll back my writing over a perfect Instagram square any day. Drinks arrived first: a beer, a cocktail, and a mocktail - all solid openers. Then came the pizzas, which disappeared at an alarming rate and had everyone quietly negotiating for “just one more slice.” My duck ravioli, though? Outstanding. Easily the best I’ve had. Pillowy parcels swimming in sage-infused butter, lifted with orange zest, a splash of brandy flambé, Parmesan, and Amaretti, all wrapped around beautifully tender duck. Rich, balanced, and absolutely worth slowing down for. Full marks. Dessert was shared chaos in the best way: Nutella calzone, tiramisu, and a surprise little birthday cake for my girl, complete with candle and a smile, thoughtfully delivered right after her main. A small gesture that landed big. The staff were busy, clearly so, but never rushed us. They explained the menu with care, waited patiently while we “ummed and ahhed” (and re-ummed), and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout. A special shout-out for dietary awareness: I have siblings with complex requirements, and it was refreshing to see how inclusive the menu is. At least 80% of the pizzas and pastas can be made gluten-free or vegetarian, which is no small thing. For people managing allergies and intolerances (not trends), this matters. A lot. Bottom line? Roccella holds its own, confidently, generously, and deliciously. And yes, we’ll be back.
Debi Slinger · 2026-01-06