L’Incontro by Rocco – Upper East Side, NYC

L’Incontro by Rocco is a fine Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side serving traditional Italian dishes with a touch of elegance. The hospitality was warm and genuine, with great attention to detail and care for guests. Service was efficient and well-paced. The atmosphere is beautiful and refined, though a bit on the loud side.

The waiter explained the daily specials in detail, and the drink selection was excellent. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, many featuring homemade pasta, all prepared with skill and fresh ingredients.

Dishes we enjoyed:

• Polpette di Cinghiale – Wild boar meatballs in a rich mushroom sauce with a hint of truffle oil.
• Polpo alla Brace – Perfectly grilled octopus with balsamic, olive oil, and a touch of oregano.
• Mussels in White Wine Sauce – Fresh, tender mussels in a fragrant white wine broth.
• Spaghettone Nduja – Homemade spaghetti with spicy nduja, burrata foam, and shrimp — bold and flavorful.
• Gnocchi di Ricotta – Soft ricotta gnocchi with Parmigiano and a subtle touch of truffle.
• Paccheri con Coda – Boneless oxtail with vegetable purée, a whisper of cocoa powder, and ricotta salata.
• Pollo alla Parmigiana – Lightly breaded, pounded chicken breast with classic parmigiana sauce.

Desserts:

• Pistachio Crème Brûlée – Smooth, creamy, and perfectly caramelized.
• Tiramisu – Classic, airy, and well-balanced in sweetness.

Overall: A sophisticated yet inviting spot for authentic Italian dining with exceptional service, refined dishes, and an excellent wine list. Perfect for a special night out—just be prepared for a lively noise level.

Rating 8.3/10