Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca

Cheeky pastas and meatball subs in a cosy terrace.

Rocco’s courtyard and upstairs patio roars to life in summer, but the golden glow of its terracotta brick lounge is practically a siren call in bleak weather. Fun-loving types with meatballs on the brain answer it. Eighties Italo disco tunes dance you into a plush booth, where a spiced vermouth spritz might find its way into your hands.

Fragrant olive oil ties together chilli flake-kissed stracciatella, tender artichokes and fat green olives into gloriously drippy spoonfuls. The Fitzroy trattoria’s claim to fame, a spectacular meatball sub, can be downsized into a chic snack – or left large and in charge. Pork-and-veal polpetti nest in a pillowy potato roll, doused in classic sugo mixed with secret white sauce, bright salsa verde and a shower of parmigiano.

Ribbons of mafaldine pasta are rich with red-wine-braised beef cheek and alive with chilli pangrattato. After scraping the last bit of Kahlua-spiked tiramisu off a scalloped platter, you won’t want to leave, so don’t – stay and drink another ripping seasonal spritz.

Must-order: Rocco’s original meatball sub.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Last visited: August 2026

More:

• Fitzroy
• Rocco's Bologna Discoteca
• Melbourne
• Italian
• Outdoor dining
• Accepts bookings
• Separate bar
• Takeaway
• Private dining room
• Good for solo diners
• Good for groups
• Pet-friendly
• Date night
• Good for a first date
• Community hub
• Gluten-free options
• Licensed
• Restaurant
• Reviews
• Good Food Guide