Address: | 6801 Parker Farm Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA |
Phone: | +1 910-679-4783 |
Site: | rokoitalian.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM Closed |
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Brandon Jackson
When we first arrived we were surprised by the size of the place. It was much smaller and more intimate than I had imagined. I appreciate this in an Italian restaurant. I made reservations, but I showed up a little bit earlier than anticipated. There was a reserved sign on our table and it was ready to go ahead of schedule. We were presented with dinner, wine, and beer menus and our water glasses were filled. Unfortunately we had a little bit too much time to look over the menu because our waiter was unaware we were seated in his section. He apologized and was easy to forgive based on his service the rest of the evening. I also didnt find this to be indicative of how they normally operate. Bread and olive oil with balsamic and roasted garlic cloves was provided before the meal. The menu is concise, and fairly easy to read and understand. No pages to flip through or hundreds of items to decide upon. We started off with the stuffed artichoke hearts. There were only 3, but each one was a few bites and there were just two of us. My girlfriend and I both made our own pasta dish, where you pick a pasta, a sauce, and a protein or vegetables if you wish. We got the Capellini with Carbonara, which was prepared flawlessly by the chef. The server was friendly, helpful, and knowledgable. One of the best Italian experiences I have had in Wilmington, and I look forward to going back and experiencing more of the menu.
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Rebecca Blue
My husband called days ahead for 7 p.m. reservations for our 20th anniversary on a week night. We had eaten here before and thought the food was good, but after this experience, we will never go back. Even though we had reservations, we waited at least 1/2 hour. The tiny bar was so packed my husband couldnt even get us a cocktail while we waited. When we finally were seated, it didnt get any better. The service was terrible. My husband ordered a Delmonico steak medium-rare which was on special. I had stuffed grouper, also on special. When our meal finally arrived after 30 more minutes of waiting, his steak was ICE cold and raw in the middle, as if they pulled it out of the freezer and put it on the grill for 1 minute. My fish was ok, but definitely not worth the $35 price tag. The sauce it was served with was pretty much plain unsalted butter. It was also served with about 10 little pieces of roasted potato, which were ice cold, and green beans which I thought were the best part of my meal, other than the bread and garlic oil. We went through two servings of the bread before our salads even arrived. Very disappointing, especially because we were genuinely so impressed when we ate there last year. Things have definitely changed for the worst. They did comp one of our desserts, but too little, too late. Our 20th anniversary was ruined.
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Deb Velmer
This restaurant was recommended by a local winery as we are from out of state. The shrimp was lovely with a very tasty sauce. I requested the Parmesean risotto instead of pasta and was advised there would be a "small" upcharge. I foolishly did not ask what the charge would be. When our bill came it was a six dollar charge for substituting the risotto for the sauce for the pasta. Whoa! Really? Risotto is slowly cooked and frequently stirred RICE. I mentioned this to our lovely server who did not bring the owner over for discussion. The owner spent all of time conversing with one couple she knew and did not engage with the other customers. Most smaller restaurants we frequent, offer very individualized treatment and courtesies. The chicken Parmesean was bland and the sauce was watery. We paid our bill and left with no further comment. If we move to this area we will not return to this particular restaurant.
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Mark Mueller
Busy, but for a reason. Definetly make a reservation! 3rd time eating here we go everytime my family comes down from NY. Appetizers always come out promptly and are perfectly portioned. Calamari is nicely seasoned but not overdone. The Olive oil, garlic & balsamic that comes with the bread is outstanding. Among the visits, Ive had the steak, the the Frutti Mare and the Scallop Scampi. All were fantastic, the steak was perfectly seared amd tender. The Frutti Mare was splendid. The Scallop scampi was a touch underdone but the sauce and seared edges more than compensated and took over flavorwise. Always a great, classy atmosphere but not pretentious. Felt comfotable in a golf shirt and flip flops. Deserts were all well done, wish theyd do a pistachio gelato though!
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Jon H
What a wonderful dining experience, we made reservations and asked for an out of the way table for two, not at all disappointed with the small two top we were given. Food was to die for, apps were tasty and there was a proper amount of time between delivery of appetizers and the main course which was very nice. Waitress was perfect, attentive without being in the way, the hostess stopped by to check but again was not obstructive. All in all my wife and I enjoyed a nice, relaxed and extended dinner. If I had any recommendation it would be to find a stand alone building with a little more room, but then again that might detract from the quality of the food.
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Sean Gainer
Heres the long and short of it. Went there tonight with my girl. We didnt have reservations, I asked the hostess if she had anything available. She politely said you can sit at a bistro table at the bar. It was pretty busy there and everywhere else, so we obliged. The service, was crap. We had one bartender serving roughly 10-12 people. If she wasnt as busy it might not have been so bad. The drunk geriatrics at the bar didnt help the atmosphere as they were talking and laughing loud enough the entire restaurant could hear. Food was tasty, wine was decent. Ill try again when they are slow.
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Emmalee Zupo
Took mis padres here one night and was pretty dern impressed. We sat on the veranda/patio, which is super cozy, had excellent service and wonderful food. I had the scallops scampi, parents had chicken parm and fish of the day special (grouper) piccatta style, which was absolutely scrumptious. Ummm, and the dessert here is insane! The limoncello cake is soooooo delicious, I would totally come back just for that. Management/owners are really good about circulating from table to table, paying you as much or as little attention as you need. Will definitely be coming back!
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Steven D. Griffin
My wife and I always make dining at Roko one of our first events whenever we come down to the coast. They serve the best Italian food we recall ever having in NC - even better than all the restaurants we tried last year in the Little Italy area of Boston! Were going back tonight for the Chicken Parmesan. Their French onion soup and salads also rank among the best! Great atmosphere, food, and service! The staff are always kind and professional. I highly recommend! but always call ahead for a reservation.
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Jeff T
Made a reservation for 8. Took 20 minutes to be seated. Waited at our table for another 40 minutes without any of the wait staff even coming by to take a drink order. By this point there were several empty tables in our vicinty. Had a few bad restaurant experiences in my life but being completely ignored before having a chance to order is a first.