The 25 Must-Try Dishes On The Cocozza American Italian Menu: A 2025 Deep Dive Into Memphis's Favorite Red Sauce Joint
Step inside Cocozza American Italian, and you're immediately transported to a place where classic "red sauce joint" nostalgia meets generous, comforting portions of Italian-American cuisine. As of late 2025, this Memphis staple continues to redefine the genre, offering a menu that is both deeply familiar and exceptionally executed, cementing its status as a culinary hotspot in both Downtown and East Memphis.
This article provides an in-depth, updated look at the Cocozza menu, detailing the must-have appetizers, hearty pasta dishes, classic entrees, and house-made desserts. From the moment it began as a ghost kitchen pop-up in 2020, Cocozza has been a passion project by celebrated restaurateurs Patrick and Deni Reilly, and its continued success is a testament to their commitment to quality, comfort, and a genuinely "funky" dining experience.
The Culinary Visionaries: Patrick & Deni Reilly's Cocozza Concept
Cocozza American Italian is not just a restaurant; it’s the brainchild of Patrick and Deni Reilly, the dynamic duo also known for the successful Majestic Grille.
- The Origin Story: Cocozza was born in 2020 out of a need to support their staff during the pandemic, initially operating as a pop-up ghost restaurant.
- The Concept: The Reillys envisioned a classic "red sauce joint," a place serving up generous portions of American Italian comfort foods in a fun, funky dining room atmosphere.
- Locations: The original location is in Harbor Town in Downtown Memphis, and a popular second spot, Cocozza East, has opened in East Memphis.
- Atmosphere & Decor: The East Memphis location, in particular, is known for its unique and playful decor, including a notable wall of 7-Eleven Memorabilia, adding a layer of unexpected Americana to the Italian-American experience.
- Cuisine Style: The food is a blend of traditional Italian flavors with an inviting, hearty American approach, focused on classics like pasta, salads, entrees, and desserts.
A Deep Dive into the Cocozza American Italian Menu (2025 Edition)
The 2025 Cocozza menu is structured to offer a complete, comforting meal experience, from starting with shareable bites to finishing with rich, house-made desserts. Reviewers consistently praise the freshness and the generous nature of the portions, making it a perfect spot for family dinners or a satisfying night out.
Starters, Salads, and Shareable Bites
The beginning of the meal sets the tone with classic Italian-American appetizers and fresh salads. These dishes are designed for sharing and are frequently highlighted as must-try items.
- Garlic Cheese Bread: A staple starter, often mentioned as a favorite for its cheesy, garlicky perfection.
- Meatballs: Hearty, flavorful, and served in their signature red sauce, these are a quintessential "red sauce joint" appetizer.
- Arancini: These fried rice balls, often served with mozzarella and a pesto drizzle, are a popular choice, particularly featured in special prix fixe menus.
- Salads: The menu offers various fresh salad options, providing a lighter counterpoint to the rich main courses.
The Macaroni Section: Pasta Perfection
In a true American-Italian fashion, the pasta section is referred to as "Macaroni," emphasizing the comfort food aspect of the cuisine. This is the heart of the Cocozza menu, featuring both timeless classics and unique house creations.
- Vodka Rigatoni: A highly-praised dish that showcases the kitchen's ability to execute a rich, creamy sauce with a perfect al dente bite.
- Shrimp Penne Arrabbiata: Featuring jumbo Gulf shrimp and a spicy marinara sauce with basil, this dish provides a welcome kick for those who like heat. It is priced around $28.
- Luke & Joey Sausage Rigatoni: A flavorful and rustic option, combining broccoli rabe, garlic, and olive oil with the savory sausage. This dish is typically priced at $24.
- Cheese Ravioli: A classic comfort dish, perfect for those seeking a simple yet satisfying pasta experience.
- Penne: Available as a base for various sauces, offering flexibility for diners.
Signature Entrees and House-Made Desserts
Beyond the pasta, the Entrees section features the heavy-hitters of American Italian cooking. These dishes are generous, rich, and represent the best of the "red sauce joint" tradition.
Classic Entrees: The Main Event
The main courses at Cocozza focus on quality proteins and traditional preparations, all served with their signature flair and portion size.
- Chicken Parmesan: The undisputed champion of the entree list. It features a crispy chicken breast topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a generous portion of marinara sauce, priced at $24.
- Chicken Piccata: A lighter, brighter option, this dish consists of a sautéed cutlet with lemon, capers, and white wine, also priced at $24.
- Chicken Marsala: A classic Italian-American preparation featuring a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce.
- Grilled Hangar Steak Pizzaiola: An occasional special or prix fixe item, showcasing the restaurant's ability to handle quality cuts of meat with Italian-style sauces.
House-Made Desserts: A Sweet Finish
No American Italian meal is complete without a traditional, house-made dessert. Cocozza’s dessert menu features several entities that pay homage to classic Italian sweets, perfect for ending a hearty meal.
- Helen's Favorite Tiramisu: A traditional, coffee-soaked favorite, often cited as a must-try for dessert enthusiasts.
- Mimi's Lemon Cheesecake: A bright and tangy option, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich main courses.
- Cannoli: The iconic Sicilian pastry, filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture.
- Amaretto Flan: A sophisticated, almond-flavored custard, demonstrating a depth of classic dessert technique.
Cocozza American Italian: More Than Just a Menu
What truly elevates the Cocozza experience is the seamless integration of a high-quality, updated menu with an atmosphere that intentionally embraces kitsch and comfort. The concept, developed by the Reilly team, ensures that every visit feels like a celebratory, relaxed experience.
The generous portions reflect the restaurant’s commitment to comfort food, ensuring that diners leave satisfied, often with leftovers. This focus on value and quality has made Cocozza a popular choice for both Downtown Memphis residents and those in the East Memphis area.
Whether you are craving the spicy kick of the Shrimp Penne Arrabbiata, the rich, savory flavor of the Meatballs, or the comforting blanket of cheese on the famous Chicken Parmesan, the Cocozza American Italian menu in 2025 offers a definitive taste of elevated, yet accessible, American Italian cuisine. It's a culinary journey from a 2020 pop-up to a fully-fledged, beloved "red sauce joint."
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