Snuggled in the quaint “business district” of Harbor Town, Memphis is the reassuring presence of Cocozza, an exhilarating addition to the city’s bustling restaurant scene. Unlike swanky dining spots, Cocozza’s aura is rooted in simplicity and the charm of a homey dining room; it feeds nostalgia to East Coast inhabitants with a vintage decor of red-and-white tile flooring, Formica-crowned tables, white-tiled walls, and striking wood paneling.
Adorning the main wall is a delightful painting by local chef and artist Emily LaForce. Titled “O Solo Meatball,” it honors two iconic figures — Elvis Presley and Mario Lanza, a relative of Cocozza’s co-owner Deni Reilly. This tribute encapsulates the mystique of a union between Lanza, the noted Italian tenor, and Elvis Presley and alludes to an imaginary meal that both might have shared, reverberating with musical heritage and Italian roots.
The food at Cocozza is a celebration of taste, affordability, and tradition. Its culinary masterpiece ranges from a refreshing, perfectly balanced Caesar salad, scarpetta wines, to a gamut of entrées including salmon oreganata, chicken piccata, eggplant parmesan, and pork Milanese amongst others. The standout “Macaroni” plates feature vodka rigatoni, shrimp penne arrabbiata, Luke & Joey sausage rigatoni, and baked lasagna, adding to the restaurant’s signature dishes.
No Italian meal is complete without a sweet ending. Cocozza ensures this with a tempting selection of desserts including the irresistible Helen’s Favorite Tiramisu, Mimi’s lemon cheesecake, and the timeless classic, cannoli. Each dessert is a perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s selection of digestivos such as limoncello, grappa, anisetta, and sambuca. Each offering is priced at a modest $8, truly showcasing Cocozza’s commitment to offering great value in conjunction with exceptional quality.
Memphis’s Cocozza is an example of a restaurant that thrives on minimalistic elegance, where the focus is not on fancy frills or high prices but on satisfying taste buds with authentically prepared dishes. The personnel at the eatery extend their helps with food recommendations, acknowledging the fact that restaurants such as Cocozza are primarily about delectable food enjoyed in comforting surroundings.
In conclusion, Cocozza is the embodiment of a simple, inviting, and affordable dining venue, adorned with touches of cultural significance. With a culinary spread worth savouring and an impeccably courteous service, it is one of the exciting new restaurants contributing to Memphis’ culinary landscape.
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