Roko Italian Cuisine
A family-run Italian bistro known for its upscale-casual ambiance and dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Roko Italian Cuisine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run Italian bistro known for its upscale-casual ambiance and dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
"Consistently busy and raved about by locals for its authentic Italian fare."
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance due to limited seating; consider the bar for a quieter experience during peak times.
Parking is Easy
Don't worry about parking; it's not an issue at Roko Italian Cuisine.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate & Romantic Atmosphere
Experience a cozy and intimate dining atmosphere perfect for romantic evenings or fun nights out with friends.
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Indulge in superb Italian cuisine featuring dishes infused with fresh local ingredients, made from scratch.
Decadent Desserts
Don't miss their rich cheesecake with rum-soaked strawberries or the divine coconut gelato.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance due to limited seating; consider the bar for a quieter experience during peak times.
Parking is Easy
Don't worry about parking; it's not an issue at Roko Italian Cuisine.
Know What to Expect
Align expectations with the casual-upscale dining style for a satisfying experience.
Ask About Specials
Inquire about the price of daily specials to avoid surprises.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance due to limited seating; consider the bar for a quieter experience during peak times.
Parking is Easy
Don't worry about parking; it's not an issue at Roko Italian Cuisine.
Know What to Expect
Align expectations with the casual-upscale dining style for a satisfying experience.
Ask About Specials
Inquire about the price of daily specials to avoid surprises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Roko Italian Cuisine offers a cozy, romantic atmosphere with a menu featuring classic Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Diners praise the attentive service and many signature dishes, though some have noted inconsistencies in food preparation and pricing of specials. Despite occasional criticisms, many consider it a go-to spot for a quality meal.
"My waitress Crystal was phenomenal! She made sure I was quickly taken care of with quality service! I enjoyed how perfectly crispy the calamari were, and the red wine recommendation from Crystal was spot on. The Caesar salad could have used a tad bit more dressing as it was tossed in, but it was still tasty. The wild mushroom ravioli is so delicious! And finally, I’m more of a chocolate cake person than a mousse person, but the chocolate mousse was extremely tasty, especially when paired with the berries. I highly recommend."
Charles Hands
"We recently enjoyed a lovely family dinner here with some friends after a local recommended this place. The food was all very good. Both seafood pasta dishes were generously loaded with seafood, and the sauces paired wonderfully. The ribeye steak was cooked perfectly, exactly how we liked it. The only downside was that the peas and potatoes seemed a bit cold for our taste. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy a relaxing, no-rush dinner."
Andrew M
"Roko is a great addition to the Italian food scene, offering great service, good food, and a lively yet I no sting atmosphere. Our meal started with a selection of appetizers. I opted for the she-crab soup, which was generously packed with crab but leaned slightly salty and thick. My husband and a friend enjoyed the escargot, which was excellent, though a touch more broth would have elevated it further. Another friend choose the asparagus, typically a side dish, as their appetizer-a simple yet satisfying choice.
For the entrees, I had the frutta del mare, featuring perfectly cooked seafood and a generous portion of pasta, most of which I happily took home. My husband savored the mushroom ravioli with added shrimp, while our friends indulged in the grouper special. Each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor.
The highlight of the evening for me was the coconut gelato-absolutely divine! If you’re planning a visit, ROKO is ideal for a fun night out with friends, though the noise level can climb during peak dinner hours. As reference, our reservation was for 8:15, and it was still very busy, with nearly every table filled. For a quieter experience or a solo outing, consider sitting at the bar or one of the nearby high-tops. Whatever the occasion, ROKO promises a memorable dining experience."
Doreen Sargente
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant has limited seating and is often busy, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant offers a cozy and intimate dining atmosphere, perfect for romantic evenings or fun nights out with friends.
Yes, Roko Italian Cuisine offers gluten-free pasta, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Popular dishes include crispy calamari, wild mushroom ravioli, frutta del mare, and their rich cheesecake with rum-soaked strawberries.
Yes, parking is not an issue at Roko Italian Cuisine.
While reservations are highly recommended, you might have a chance of getting a table, especially mid-week. However, it's not guaranteed.
It's a local family-run bistro established in 2012, known for its authentic Italian dishes infused with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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The Best Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina
Established in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Vojka and Jadron Peros, who moved to North Carolina from their native Croatia in 1985, Roko serves upscale, authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed, unpretentious, and rustic space. Jadron, who is also the restaurant’s head chef, brings over 30 years of experience to the table, and creates a delicious menu typified by Italian fare infused with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a range of seafood, meat, pasta and salad dishes available. Try the baked clams oreganato on the half shell and topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan, or the veal Sorrentino sautéed in sherry wine and served with prosciutto, eggplant and mozzarella.
Romantic Restaurants | Wilmington NC Magazine
The winner in the romantic atmosphere category of this magazine’s Best of the Best contest, Roko Italian is the place to go for the young at heart. Because atmosphere is so important, Roko’s casual-upscale ambiance makes it the perfect choice for a date night. With an array of seafood, steaks, pasta, and salads, Roko has exactly what your love will want to order for a Valentine’s dinner in this comfortable and quaint restaurant.
Restaurant Reviews - North
**Roko, established in 2012, is a very good local family run Italian bistro featuring classic Italian dishes infused with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Located in Mayfaire Town Center, it_ offers a nice mix of casual and upscale dining with a broad-based menu that offers something for everyone. It’s a small busy place, with seating for only sixty-eight (68) people, that is filled to capacity nearly every evening.
15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, NC
Voted as one of the best Italian restaurants in Wilmington, Roko Italian Cusine is serving classic authentic northern Italian food in an upscale casual setting. Located in Mayfaire Towncenter, all dishes are made with fresh local ingredients and are handmade from scratch. From soups and salad to homemade pasta, it is no wonder that Roko Italian Cuisine is constantly raved about by the locals.
Wilmington's sweet treats you must try
Roko Italian Cuisine claims to have one of the richest cheesecakes in town and they often serve it with rum-soaked strawberries. STARNEWS FILE(/gcdn/authoring/2019/10/14/NSTN/ghows_image-NC-062cf4da-8394-494c-ab09-48aea2458ef2.jpeg?width=660&height=464&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
10 Best Fine-Dining Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Roko Italian Cuisine (@rokoitalian). Indulge in a posh dining experience at Roko Italian Cuisine while savoring their Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
10 Best Date Night Restaurants in Wilmington NC for Romance
Roko Italian Cuisine has long been a favorite among Wilmington couples, and for good reason. This family-owned restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience in a cozy, intimate setting that’s perfect for a romantic evening.
13 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, NC 2023
How can an Italian restaurant be considered casual and upscale at the same time?. Visit Roko and you will soon find out!. The clams oreganato and the portabello sorrentino taste as though they were shipped over straight from Italy.
Top Wilmington, NC Italian for 2025
Roko Italian Cuisine is a “casual-upscale” Italian eatery just off of Military Cutoff Road that features fresh fare that’s infused with local ingredients. Overseen by Executive Chef Jadran Peros, diners can feast on an array of...
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Wilmington by Diners
- Rating: 4.1/5 (187 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 6801-105 Parker Farm Drive Wilmington, North Carolina - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp
Heads Up Port City Foodies
Foodie Kirk Pugh takes Tasty Tuesday to Roko Italian Restaurant for an elegant dining experience and some of the best Italian food in Wilmington NC.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit