Our story
Welcome to Rocca, a Michelin Starred Italian restaurant in the vibrant neighborhood of Tampa Heights. Our story begins with Chef and Owner, Bryce Bonsack, and his time spent living abroad in Monforte d’Alba, Italy. It lives on through handmade pastas, mozzarella pulled table side and memories made with you.
Our menu is deeply rooted in the classic Italian dining experience, underlining the undeniable connection between food and the people around the table. Chef Bryce honors traditional recipes learned in Italy, while infusing modern techniques honed working in cutting edge kitchens in New York. The coming together of the two results in flavors that are rustic, yet refined, simple, yet beautiful and approachable by nature.
An innovative crudo and freshly baked bread amongst other seasonal shareable plates are the perfect place to start. Rocca’s extensive Italian wine list and innovative cocktail program are an invitation to further immerse yourself in the experience. Fresh pastas, an expertly dry aged duck or a dry aged wagyu serve as an ending to remember.
Inspired by the old and the new, Rocca instills a sense of nostalgia and curiosity in every guest.
MEET THE TEAM.
Chef BRYCE BONSACK
Executive Chef/Owner
Chef Bryce Bonsack’s culinary background includes multiple years of experience working in two Michelin starred New York City restaurants, Blanca and Corton. Rocca is his first restaurant as chef and owner, and an homage to his tutelage and pilgrimage to Italy. Rocca received the first and only 10/10 rating from Tampa Bay Times critic, Helen Freund, as well as Creative Loafing’s “Best Chef” in 2020, less than a year after opening. Most recently, Bryce received the highly coveted Michelin Star from the Guide in 2023 and 2024.
Brandon boghosian
wine director
Brandon’s wine journey at Rocca began in February of 2022. After 19 years of working in the hospitality industry and 12 of them being a sommelier, he can officially say that his favorite part about what he does surrounds the people. As our Wine Director, Brandon will tell you he’s never worked in a restaurant that’s so loved and embraced by its city — a true testament to Rocca’s commitment to creating a unique guest experience. In his free time, you can find him drinking champagne, eating barbecue and hanging out with his cats (they’re awesome).
Greg Proechel
COO, Tastes Pretty Good
Greg joined the team in 2019 to help establish culinary operations for Rocca before opening its doors. After returning to NYC for a few years, he decided to call Tampa home again in August of 2023, rejoining the team as the Chief Operating Officer of Tastes Pretty Good, Rocca’s management group. As an accomplished chef, operator, beverage director and level one certified sommelier, Greg was adamant about being part of a group of individuals who strive for greatness every day.
payton Harvey
general manager
Payton started working at Rocca in 2019. If asked what her favorite thing about the restaurant is, her reply would instantly be: the people. She believes the connections made here are unmatched, from guest relationships to team building. She has never been surrounded by such an incredible group of passion driven individuals. Payton truly loves what she does, and the people that make Rocca what it is.
ryan Zwetsch
chef de cuisine
Chef Ryan has been part of the Rocca family since 2021. After working in various kitchens across the city, Rocca caught Ryan’s attention as a restaurant where he could grow, mentor others and continue to hone his personal cooking style. Today, he’s proud to be our Chef de Cuisine, leading our kitchen team one service at a time. When Ryan’s not on the line, he’s spending time with his Italian-American family or dreaming about his next creation.
kyle burton
assistant General manager
Kyle joined the Rocca team in April of 2023. Since coming on board, he’s grown to admire Rocca’s passion for hospitality and crafting stand-out guest experiences. He’s honored to be part of the team and can’t wait to see what the future will bring.