Fusion food is fun. Homemade pasta is delicious. Door Dash is convenient. But sometimes you have to just have classic Italian food made well — in an intimate dining experience. Rocco at 165 Monroe Ave. is a place that is often recommended. A coffee klatch in Brighton was talking about favorite Rochester restaurants recently, and Rocco was quickly mentioned.

"Oh my god, the charred bread! You have to try the charred bread with ricotta." "Rocco is a dining experience that wouldn't be out of place in New York City." "Quality." So I went with a group. Here's what we experienced.