L’incontro by Rocco

- 1572 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

L'incontro by Rocco is more than just a restaurant; it's a true culinary destination for anyone in New York who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine. Located on the Upper East Side, this establishment, helmed by the renowned Chef Rocco, brings a sophisticated and deeply traditional dining experience to the city. Upon stepping inside, you are immediately enveloped in a warm and cozy atmosphere that is both upscale and welcoming. This is a place where every detail, from the decor to the impeccable service, is designed to transport you to a classic Italian dining room.

Chef Rocco's dedication to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. A customer review highlights that the pasta, made from scratch with expert precision, has a "perfect texture and richness," even being described as "better than grandma's." The restaurant's reputation precedes it, having moved from a beloved 25-year-old location in Astoria, bringing its loyal following and acclaimed food to Manhattan. The atmosphere is praised as being "cozy" and "romantic," making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or an intimate dinner.

L'incontro by Rocco is located at 1572 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028. This prime location in the Upper East Side places it in a bustling and desirable neighborhood, easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's central position allows for easy access via various public transportation options, including the nearby subway.

While the area can be busy, the restaurant offers some convenience for those arriving by car, with free street parking available, a feature that can be a pleasant surprise in this part of the city. L'incontro by Rocco is also dedicated to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably.

L'incontro by Rocco provides a range of services designed to enhance the dining experience, including:

• Dine-in: Guests can enjoy the full, upscale dining experience with table service in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

• Takeout: For those who wish to enjoy the restaurant's authentic flavors from home, takeout is available.

• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery service, bringing its classic Italian dishes directly to your door for a convenient meal.

• Catering: L'incontro by Rocco provides catering services, allowing you to bring Chef Rocco's culinary creations to your next event or gathering.

• Reservations: The restaurant accepts and highly recommends reservations, with some reviews even noting that reservations are required or strongly suggested due to the restaurant's popularity and intimate size. This helps manage the crowd and ensures a table is ready for you upon arrival.

L'incontro by Rocco stands out for a variety of reasons, showcasing its commitment to a high-end, satisfying dining experience. Its key highlights include:

• Great Cocktails, Coffee, and Wine: The restaurant boasts an impressive beverage program, with a great wine list, great cocktails, and a reputation for excellent coffee, making it a perfect place to start and end your meal.

• Impeccable Service: Waitstaff are praised for being "very prompt" and attentive, ensuring a smooth and efficient dining experience.

• Authentic Italian Cuisine: The food is a major highlight, with a focus on traditional, high-quality ingredients and techniques. The menu includes both classic dishes and Chef Rocco's special creations.

• Upscale and Romantic Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, making it a great destination for a special date night or anniversary dinner.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: Despite its upscale atmosphere, the restaurant is good for kids and provides high chairs, showing a commitment to accommodating all types of diners.

• Diverse Offerings: The menu caters to a variety of tastes, offering comfort food, healthy options, organic dishes, and a strong selection of vegetarian options.

• Accepts Reservations: Given the restaurant's popularity, the ability to make reservations is a crucial feature that enhances the planning process for guests.

L’incontro by Rocco

Address: 1572 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

Phone: (718) 721-3532

The menu at L'incontro by Rocco is filled with dishes that are truly worth choosing. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its handmade pasta. A customer review highlighted the Gnocchi Di Ricotta, noting its "amazing bouncy texture," a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The Cacio E Pepe is also a classic, praised for being a must-try. Another excellent choice is the Rigatoni Al Ragú Di Vitello, which is made with homemade pasta and a rich, satisfying sauce.

For a main course, the Pollo Alla Parmigiana is a standout, described by a reviewer as "MASSIVE" in size, ensuring you'll have delicious leftovers to take home. The Scallopini Di Vitello is another great option, with a customer from the previous location raving about how the "veal is amazing." The Costata Corta, or braised short rib, is also a highly recommended dish.

The appetizers are equally impressive. The Polpette Di Cinghiale (wild boar meatballs) and Burrata are excellent choices. A customer's review highlighted the deliciousness of the Melanzane Ripieni, an eggplant rollatini with spinach and mozzarella, served in a rich homemade tomato sauce, showing the depth of flavor in even the simplest dishes.

For dessert, the Tiramisu is a great choice to end the meal, as are the other classic Italian options like the Old Fashioned Cannoli and the Ricotta Cheesecake. The quality of the food is a recurring theme in reviews, with one visitor stating that the food is "authentic and tasty" and that the "portions are enough for two in most cases and sometimes even three," offering great value for the high quality.

In addition to the food, what is truly worth choosing is the overall experience. The atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and cozy," and the staff is praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. The personal touch from Chef Rocco, who is known to interact with guests, adds a layer of intimacy to the dining experience. While some reviews mention potential waits even with reservations, the exceptional food and service make it well worth the wait. L'incontro by Rocco is a place where you can feel the passion for traditional Italian cooking, and it is a true gem in the Upper East Side.

L’incontro by Rocco

1572 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA