Phone
(205) 201-5980
Region
Description
Traditional Italian cuisine presented in warm, brick-lined dining area with a bar.
Website
http://www.boccabirmingham.com/
Closed
Open hours today: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Toggle weekly schedule
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday
4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday
4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
May 20, 2026 11:44 pm local time
Author
Categories
Reviews
Add a review
Brandy Grazer
October 29, 2023 at 11:09 pmWent here for a Birthday celebration, and was not disappointed! First of all the Atmosphere was perfect! Very low key and romantic. Tatum our server was very attentive and made sure the courses were perfectly timed.. The cocktails were very nice and balanced. I highly recommend trying the in house made lemoncello! Quite good! Now about the food… Everything was very tasty but some were downright mind blowing! I firmly believe everyone must try the Arancini, the Garganelli and the Snapper! The Butter crunch donut was to die for! The portions were perfect and filling. We plan to be back for sure!
Maxfield Allison
May 28, 2024 at 3:49 pmMy wife and I recently visited Bocca Ristorante to celebrate her birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The service was impeccable, with our server Madison D leading the charge and the server assistants being incredibly attentive throughout the evening.
We began our evening with a bottle of Lassegue St. Emillion Grand Cru and a Ketel One vodka martini, both of which set the stage perfectly. The bread service quickly followed, featuring absolutely addictive focaccia paired with high-quality olive oil.
For our antipasti course, we split a Caesar Salad (Romaine Hearts, Parmesan, Croutons, Anchovy), which was clearly made with house-made dressing—delicious and fresh. We also indulged in the Arancini di Riso (Risotto Croquettes, Vodka Sauce), which were to die for. The vodka sauce was probably the best I’ve ever had, and my wife, who typically doesn’t enjoy vodka sauce, loved it.
Moving on to the primi course, my wife had the Tagliatelle Bolognese (Grana Padano). While it had a depth of flavor, it was missing a certain something, though the noodles were perfectly cooked. I opted for the Linguini with Clams (Olive Oil, Lemon Zest, Crushed Red Pepper) and was absolutely delighted. This dish is my litmus test for any Italian restaurant, and Bocca Ristorante passed with flying colors. The clams were perfectly cooked, and the flavors were expertly balanced.
For the secondi course, I asked Madison if there were any specials for the evening and was thrilled to snag the last order of Braised Beef Short Rib (Polenta, Red Wine, Artisanal Mushroom, Baby Carrots). While I’ve had arguably better short ribs elsewhere, this dish was unique with the polenta replacing the usual grits. The sauce was excellent, and the meat was incredibly thick and flavorful.
In addition to sharing the short rib, my wife ordered the Chicken Picatta (Lemon Butter Sauce, Capers, Brown Butter Gnocchi). The sauce was excellent, the chicken perfectly cooked, but the brown butter gnocchi stole the show. If I could have a bowl of those gnocchi with the vodka sauce, my life would be complete.
For my dish, I chose the Scallop Risotto (Creamy Vegetable Risotto, Red Pepper, and Basil Pesto). The scallops were well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, and the risotto didn’t last long under my wife’s fork either—it was fantastic. The red pepper and basil pesto was a fresh, incredible take that I absolutely loved.
To finish, I took Madison’s suggestion and tried a Carajillo instead of my usual iced Irish coffee, and it’s safe to say I have a new favorite after-dinner espresso drink. The bartender is clearly a pro with both liquor and the espresso machine. My wife and I split the Italian Butter Crunch Doughnut (Toffee, Walnuts, Almonds, Salted Caramel Ice Cream) and a strawberry semifreddo, both of which were excellent conclusions to a wonderful dinner.
In summary, Bocca Ristorante provided an exceptional dining experience with standout dishes, impeccable service, and an atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. Highly recommended.
E. M.
December 12, 2024 at 9:40 pmLet me just start by saying, this was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a restaurant. All of the food my brother and I ordered was phenomenal, but Madison was the star of the show. She was marvelous from the second she came to our table to get our drink order all the way up until we left. She timed our courses perfectly, she made excellent recommendations, she was patient, kind, and funny. She truly made dinner an experience, not just another meal. It would not have been the same experience without Madison so please ask for her if you go, you won’t be disappointed. My brother and I got a lot of food bc we wanted to try everything. We started with the Arancini Di Riso and it was everything we hoped for. Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside with a flavorful but not overpowering vodka sauce, then we got the garganelli with asparagus which was an al dente type pasta and soft asparagus, for our main course I got the pan seared gulf red snapper that was to die for! Not fishy at all, crispy skin, very flavorful risotto, just the perfect combination of flavors. Hats off to the chef, I will dream about this dish. My brother got the chicken piccata and it was everything you would expect and more. A playful take on a comforting favorite. The gnocchi, chicken, and lemon butter sauce all had very different flavors but complimented each other in an elegant and savory way. You won’t be disappointed if you decide to make this dish a winter staple. Lastly but most certainly not least was dessert. I don’t know the names but my brother got a strawberry dish and I got a donut dish. Both were divine and different from anything else we have had. There is truly something for every palate and I could keep bragging but just go try it. And don’t forget when you do, ask for Madison.
Matthias Mueller
May 18, 2025 at 8:17 pmAttended my second wine tasting at Bocca. Both were on the back patio and were well organized and enjoyable. Afterwards we went inside to have an appetizer. Great food, service, and atmosphere.
Joe C.
August 15, 2025 at 6:04 pmBocca has some absolutely amazing food and is one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The bread service with focaccia and olive oil was a clear favorite for us, but the panzanella, chicken picatta, and shrimp scampi were all delightful. Service was decent when we visited but could have possibly been a little more attentive. The setting inside is very intimate but a little dated. The wine list was great and the sommelier was very helpful. Overall, we will definitely be back and would recommend this to anyone who loves good Italian cuisine.
Brandy Grazer
October 29, 2023 at 11:09 pmWent here for a Birthday celebration, and was not disappointed! First of all the Atmosphere was perfect! Very low key and romantic. Tatum our server was very attentive and made sure the courses were perfectly timed.. The cocktails were very nice and balanced. I highly recommend trying the in house made lemoncello! Quite good! Now about the food… Everything was very tasty but some were downright mind blowing! I firmly believe everyone must try the Arancini, the Garganelli and the Snapper! The Butter crunch donut was to die for! The portions were perfect and filling. We plan to be back for sure!
Maxfield Allison
May 28, 2024 at 3:49 pmMy wife and I recently visited Bocca Ristorante to celebrate her birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The service was impeccable, with our server Madison D leading the charge and the server assistants being incredibly attentive throughout the evening.
We began our evening with a bottle of Lassegue St. Emillion Grand Cru and a Ketel One vodka martini, both of which set the stage perfectly. The bread service quickly followed, featuring absolutely addictive focaccia paired with high-quality olive oil.
For our antipasti course, we split a Caesar Salad (Romaine Hearts, Parmesan, Croutons, Anchovy), which was clearly made with house-made dressing—delicious and fresh. We also indulged in the Arancini di Riso (Risotto Croquettes, Vodka Sauce), which were to die for. The vodka sauce was probably the best I’ve ever had, and my wife, who typically doesn’t enjoy vodka sauce, loved it.
Moving on to the primi course, my wife had the Tagliatelle Bolognese (Grana Padano). While it had a depth of flavor, it was missing a certain something, though the noodles were perfectly cooked. I opted for the Linguini with Clams (Olive Oil, Lemon Zest, Crushed Red Pepper) and was absolutely delighted. This dish is my litmus test for any Italian restaurant, and Bocca Ristorante passed with flying colors. The clams were perfectly cooked, and the flavors were expertly balanced.
For the secondi course, I asked Madison if there were any specials for the evening and was thrilled to snag the last order of Braised Beef Short Rib (Polenta, Red Wine, Artisanal Mushroom, Baby Carrots). While I’ve had arguably better short ribs elsewhere, this dish was unique with the polenta replacing the usual grits. The sauce was excellent, and the meat was incredibly thick and flavorful.
In addition to sharing the short rib, my wife ordered the Chicken Picatta (Lemon Butter Sauce, Capers, Brown Butter Gnocchi). The sauce was excellent, the chicken perfectly cooked, but the brown butter gnocchi stole the show. If I could have a bowl of those gnocchi with the vodka sauce, my life would be complete.
For my dish, I chose the Scallop Risotto (Creamy Vegetable Risotto, Red Pepper, and Basil Pesto). The scallops were well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, and the risotto didn’t last long under my wife’s fork either—it was fantastic. The red pepper and basil pesto was a fresh, incredible take that I absolutely loved.
To finish, I took Madison’s suggestion and tried a Carajillo instead of my usual iced Irish coffee, and it’s safe to say I have a new favorite after-dinner espresso drink. The bartender is clearly a pro with both liquor and the espresso machine. My wife and I split the Italian Butter Crunch Doughnut (Toffee, Walnuts, Almonds, Salted Caramel Ice Cream) and a strawberry semifreddo, both of which were excellent conclusions to a wonderful dinner.
In summary, Bocca Ristorante provided an exceptional dining experience with standout dishes, impeccable service, and an atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. Highly recommended.
E. M.
December 12, 2024 at 9:40 pmLet me just start by saying, this was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a restaurant. All of the food my brother and I ordered was phenomenal, but Madison was the star of the show. She was marvelous from the second she came to our table to get our drink order all the way up until we left. She timed our courses perfectly, she made excellent recommendations, she was patient, kind, and funny. She truly made dinner an experience, not just another meal. It would not have been the same experience without Madison so please ask for her if you go, you won’t be disappointed. My brother and I got a lot of food bc we wanted to try everything. We started with the Arancini Di Riso and it was everything we hoped for. Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside with a flavorful but not overpowering vodka sauce, then we got the garganelli with asparagus which was an al dente type pasta and soft asparagus, for our main course I got the pan seared gulf red snapper that was to die for! Not fishy at all, crispy skin, very flavorful risotto, just the perfect combination of flavors. Hats off to the chef, I will dream about this dish. My brother got the chicken piccata and it was everything you would expect and more. A playful take on a comforting favorite. The gnocchi, chicken, and lemon butter sauce all had very different flavors but complimented each other in an elegant and savory way. You won’t be disappointed if you decide to make this dish a winter staple. Lastly but most certainly not least was dessert. I don’t know the names but my brother got a strawberry dish and I got a donut dish. Both were divine and different from anything else we have had. There is truly something for every palate and I could keep bragging but just go try it. And don’t forget when you do, ask for Madison.
Matthias Mueller
May 18, 2025 at 8:17 pmAttended my second wine tasting at Bocca. Both were on the back patio and were well organized and enjoyable. Afterwards we went inside to have an appetizer. Great food, service, and atmosphere.
Joe C.
August 15, 2025 at 6:04 pmBocca has some absolutely amazing food and is one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The bread service with focaccia and olive oil was a clear favorite for us, but the panzanella, chicken picatta, and shrimp scampi were all delightful. Service was decent when we visited but could have possibly been a little more attentive. The setting inside is very intimate but a little dated. The wine list was great and the sommelier was very helpful. Overall, we will definitely be back and would recommend this to anyone who loves good Italian cuisine.