Caruso in Stockton-on-Tees

The food and service were both excellent at Caruso. My calzone (cheese, ham, and mushroom) was probably the best I have ever had — very tasty and succulent. My wife enjoyed her chicken with rosemary & white wine sauce, and both the desserts were very good. We would certainly go back to eat there again.

My partner and I visited tonight our waiter Antonio was very attentive and very polite the food was impeccable we will definitely be back

Spur of the moment meal out with my wife. Rang to check availability, yes we have a table for two. When were arrived we were greeted in a friendly and welcoming way. Enquiring as to or well-being and we hadn't been there for 6 months. Ordered the drinks and food. Wine, lager and water served very quickly. Bruschetta & Pate followed by our main courses. All which were served professionally and in timely manner, all meals were cooked to perfection.

Wow so impressed with this place, can’t believe I live just a few miles away and haven’t been. owner is a a lovely man who was so attentive and couldnt do enough for us, food great, staff very friendly and chatty, lovely ambience with candles and Italian music, lighting and Italian decor. prices very reasonable in comparison to others I visit. First visit and not the last. What a place !!

We’ve been wanting to come back since our visit at the start of the year but living 100 miles away means it’s not that easy. We finally made it back this time with the kids and we weren’t disappointed. Rocco and his team are lovely and attentive. Seeing my stepsons face as he munched into the mozzarella sticks declaring them the best he’s ever had and McDonalds should hang their heads in shame about what they pass off as them! The Parmos were amazing Just wish I lived closer

What an experience Antonio and Payton did their very best tyou. Make sure we had everything we need. Give them guys a promotion because they're deserve the best.

Upon arriving the place was closed but…. Instead of waiting outside for 25 minutes we were welcomed to come in wait and enjoy a nice cold drink… The owner Rocco engaged and was the sweetest man ever ! Full of cheer and made us feel so happy. We sat at a table of our choice Payton and Antonio were wonderful offering us plenty of choice drinks, the knowledge of the menu when we couldn’t decide was great and welcomed. They were an absolute joy 🤩 I live so close and will be back.

What a great night we all had, once again the staff at Roccos, sorry (Carusos) were excelent we where a party of twelve, and have to say I did't hear one complaint or even a grumble, all the food was top knotch, we were looked after in the correct way, my brother who is the only one who had never been befor said he was stunned at the quality of the food for this slightely out of the way restaurant, as said we had a great night (50th) wedding anniversary cellibration, and possibley stayed a littlonger than we should have but were not rushed in the slightest to leave, great service great food great night.

This place never disappoints, the food, staff and music are just what you need for a chill out evening. Prices are brilliant and nothing is too much trouble. Well done again Rocco and Antonio

This is a great restaurant for excellent food and celebration. We both had a a fillet steak medium rare, onion rings and of course chips. The steaks were as good as we have ever had with excellent service from Antonio. All wage down with a bottle of Merlot.

Lovely Restraunt relaxed atmosphere, food fantastic. Staff very friendly, owner Rocco one in a million lovely man very welcoming, Rocco best Italian Restraunt def be back Rocco !!! Mal Karen Nick Sally x Carouso Restraunt

Had a wonderful meal here last weekend with my wife. We are both foodies and I run a catering firm so I thoroughly understand the challenges. I used to work in an Italian restaurant when I was in college and the smell of the place took me right back, intoxicating smells of garlic and tomatoes in the air. My starter of bruschetta for £4.25 was plentiful and delicious and as far away from the dolls portions that the chain places have started serving for £6-7. My wife's Prawn starter would have done her as a main and she regrettably had to leave some of the risotto to make way for the parmo. I've made thousands of parmos and this one was excellent (ended up having to help my wife out eating some (yay, clap for me). My cannelloni was a decent-sized portion and stuffed full of spinach and mince and hotter than the surface of the sun when it came out. Whilst I had the Morretti beers (imported Italian ones not brewed in UK) I did try my wife's Montepulciano which was excellent and practically filled to the rim each time. To cap off a fantastic night Rocco was charming throughout taking the time to speak to us several times and talk about his cooking through the years, also good to see that we knew several of the same people involved in the Italian I worked at in Recar. Walked out stuffed and happy and with a bonus bag of free pasta to carry to the theatre. Barry H talking about the price of drinks for £14 needs to understand that there is more to life than cheap Wetherspoons. Perhaps if they travelled a bit more they would realise that it was very cheap. We paid £56 for two starters, two mains, two large glasses of wine and two large bottles of Moretti and a bottle of coke. Perhaps Barry was after rola cola rather than the brand name served from a glass bottle (always more expensive). Living over in a rural area of the North West and close to Lancaster we were blown away by the value we got at all of the establishments we visited that night in Stockton. As for Laura's comment, Perhaps she could have just asked for the table to be wiped and got over herself. The smell in the place was great, it was heaving with every table looking to be enjoying themselves so she really missed out on a treat. It's not a sterile Bella Italia but the real deal.

Can’t comment on the food as we didn’t have any. Walk in and after sitting down at a dirty table that had apparently been cleaned and the horrible stench of the place we left before ordering anything.

I’m sat in the restaurant writing this. Hands down one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The atmosphere, the smell, the food, what a lovely gem of a place. I had prawns to start which were meaty and succulent and the best Parmo I’ve ever had. I just wished we lived closer (we live in Lancaster) so we could enjoy this more. Big shout out to Rocco, what an amazing lovely man, can I adopt him!

This is a family owned and run restaurant, they are incredibly welcoming and friendly and the food is always great, fresh ingredients and all homemade, the prices are very reasonable and it has a lovely atmosphere

My wife and I were here as part of a birthday party. We were very disappointed with the quality and price of the food. Also there doesn’t appear to be a drinks price list and was shocked to pay over £14 for 2 cans of beer a small glass of wine and 2 small glasses of coke. The worst part of the evening was the smell of cooking and fumes that filled the room, there doesn’t appear to be a fume extraction system in the kitchen. Our clothes were impregnated with the smell and it took 2 days airing our coats outside to neutralise the smell. Not a pleasant experience

Had my 60 th birthday meal there last night with my family ,including my 6 mth old grandson. The food was sensational as was the service. Rocco was fabulous with the cooking and entertained the baby too. Will be back...

Was visiting stockton with my partner and we found this place through tripadvisor so thought we would give this place a try as wanted to try something different didnt live up to the hype at all food was cold and tasted awful.

I called in here without a booking in the hopes of a table after being deposited in Stockton for work last minute and I'm so glad I did A proper Italian restaurant run by Rocco and his son, John, who couldn't do more to make...

What an authentic experience from start to finish. The dishes were mouth watering, the service was very welcoming and friendly. It felt like we were being hosted by family. I can't say enough good things. Simply amazing.

Staying at the Hampton, needed somewhere to eat and followed the reviews on TA to take us here. Great decision! Authentic, vibrant, good food and service. Alice looked after us very well. Simple stuff done right, fully recommend.

I went to Caruso's recently with my husband and his brother and partner and we had a lovely night. Potato skins were amazing and plenty of them followed by a creamy chicken dish with chips to die for. My husband and his brother had muscles...

Comfortable, friendly atmosphere and delicious food! We went for food this evening for the first time and we can’t wait to go back! Rocco and the rest of the staff were so lovely and made us feel so welcome. Good portions and tasty food, would...

Have eaten here many times over the years. Food and service are very good. A small intimate restaurant. Always make our way here for birthdays/celebrations. Rocco, the owner is an absolute delight and goes out of his way to ensure his guests are happy. Plenty...

Last minute decision to visit! Fantastic food with great host! Authentic, reasonably priced Italian food. Can’t wait to return!

Just had a Roast pork Sunday lunch delivered from caruso it was gorgeous.Arrived lively and hot meat was tasty tender Yorkshire beautiful and gravy very tasty.

Great night out excellent food served quickly . good atmosphere. realy plesent staff nice decor good music will be back

Visited Caruso for the first time with my wife's family who eat there regularly. What a lovely place. The food was great. Fresh ingredients, prepared beautifully. Good value. The restaurant is very relaxing and has a very welcoming feel to it. As for Rocco, what...

I have being having Sunday lunches delivered from this treasure of a family business restaurant throughout lockdown and continued ever since . The meat is fresh , succulent and tasty and always plentiful with a great choice of fresh vegetables in a separate container ,...

Had an absolutely wonderful meal today, the staff is very lovely and the food is excellent. Today I had delicious Cozze Marinara and I had never had clams until this point and I absolutely adored the dish. As a main I had a Grilled Salmon...

I’m in Stockton on a course and decided to use Trip Advisor to help me choose where to eat. Staying at the Hampton by Hilton. Rooms are great but the food is dire. Chose Caruso from the reviews. I decided to go early in the...

Quaint, friendly and welcoming authentic Italian restaurant. Wonderful food and generous portions. My fiancée and I had potato skins which were a huge portion and for a starter could easily have been shared. We spilt a pepperoni parmo and homemade pizza and we’re struggling to...

Thankyou Rocco for a wonderful dinner tonight, everyone was super happy with their meals & with your inimitable hosting, we will be back soon with our views of Lake Como 😊

Love this this place. Great food, lovely staff. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Boss is such good company, he always greets his patrons.

Lovely welcoming staff, wonderful atmosphere, and great food as always. The vegetarian parmesans are the best about.

I had a roast beef Sunday lunch delivered on 27.6.21 and it was amazing. It came in separate containers meat mash and swede in one with gravy then carrots broccoli and cauliflower In another a full container of roasties (about 12) then a full tub...

Absolutely amazing meal. Just visiting the area for the weekend and wow will definitely come back when we are back up here. The old guy (not sure if owner) was lovely and the other waiting staff. The meal was lovely and was quick to say...

Great staff, great food, chef steve is excellent cooked the perfect steak as my main! Id eat there everyday if i could. Real italian restaurants are hard to find anywere so this is 10/10 from me

Aubergine is a veg that: 1. has to have all its water removed prior to cooking i.e. salting it for 20 mins. 2.then has to be roasted in oven (or fried) in copious amounts of olive oil, until cooked and delicious. It is not sliced...

Really enjoyed a take away Sunday lunch from here today. Generous portions, well cooked meal that travelled well and was very tasty. The extra pot of gravy was welcomed and particularly good. First take away Sunday lunch ever and would definitely venture back here for...

Visited here on a saturday evening. Unfortunately due to the current restrictions it was very quiet. I was disappointed at the lack of a draught lager option however the bottle of Moretti did the job. I decided on cannelloni for a change and the girlfriend...

I've used this restaurant a number of times and it never fails to deliver on all of the above. Unfortunately there is one blight in these times and that is Covid-19. The old man in the restaurant ( I presume this is Rocco, the owner)...

Been wanting to try carusos for sometime after seeing good reviews and they weren't wrong. Very traditional family Italian, the decor is traditional and it's like eating at home with the family, even got served by the cutest little elderly gentleman (my guess he was...

Outstanding! We have been using the take away service throughout lock down and the food is always amazing. It’s always red hot when it gets to us which is great for a takeaway. There was one minor hickup with our order once but it was...

Always a very friendly welcome from Rocco and his staff. Food is fantastic and there is certainly plenty of it. Tried the Sunday lunch but had to have it delivered due to current lock down situation and we were certainly not disappointed. The food was...

Always happy with the quality of food and service and the portion sizes are always very generous. Really good home delivery so perfect for quarantine even if you have to ring a couple of times to get through the food always arrives on time and...

3rd Sunday lunch at CARUSO and believe me what an absolute pleasure.If your're feeling hungry and don't want to cook this is the only place in Stockton that will satisfy your taste buds.Various options on the menu,we chose the beef,and everything was cooked to perfection.Vegatables...

Excellent meal and service for a great price had the chicken with asparagus and brandy sauce excellent

Our family love this place. We always have our family celebrations here. The food is very good. The atmosphere, is like being a guest in a family home, always made welcome.

What can I say , delicious AND waited on hand and foot by Rocco Linardi, what more could you want?I took Fran, my wife and Maureen, her Cousin. Maureen not only loved the food, but also fell in love with Rocco. One of the nicest.men you could ever hope to meet. Amazing food, beautiful Italian seafood and meat dishes.

Was piping hot, even better than resaurants. Plentiful and delicious, will definitely be ordering again. Thank you!!

Unbelievable value and excellent food! Hubby had the bruschetta and hot shot parmo. Both were excellent! I had the mussels in spicy sauce and the Siciliana pasta. Both were really good! I don’t know what special ingredients are added all I know is this Italian far outclasses any other I’ve been to. Such a lovely atmosphere with the owner chatting to guests.

Went here on Sunday, not realising they had a Sunday menu. I'm not sure if the regular menu was also available, but I was pleased that a full Sunday lunch was on offer, so I opted for that. It was the nicest one I've had for a long time. The portions were huge and there was a lot of variety. The service was also very impressive, as it has been when I've visited previously.

We visited a few months back now but once we heard Caruso's were doing Sunday Lunch, we just had to try the menu out.It's the best hidden gem 'Italian Restaurant' in the North East.The restaurant is very intimate but not intrusive, so we had to pop for Sunday Lunch.We ordered 2 Beef Dinners and were not disappointed, the plates were full before the veg came out, lovely big Yorkshire puddings, thick slices of tender Beef, Home Made Gravy, Roast Parsnips and Potatoes/Mash. Separate veg was broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, was a plate full.The meal was very tasty, fresh and delicious.Cannot fault the service was 100% efficient and quick.Cannot recommend this place more for Sunday Lunch now, best in North East Already......5 Stars.Thank You

This is a lovely intimate restaurant,good variety of food, friendly staff, not too long waiting for food, reasonable prices

Wanted somewhere that can take a few people and also not to feel hurried. So booked here. There is always a large group of us and we all love the food here. It was great to see Rocco looking much better but he also has a great team of staff. They always look after us very well. Will be back again in February. 10 out of 10 again

My friend had raved about this place and I had heard alot of good reviews off other friends so was looking forward to visiting this place. The waiter took my order of drinks when I sat down and I'm still waiting for him to bring it to me now, I ended up walking to the bar to get my drink I wanted. I ordered potato skins and a margarita pizza. The potato skins were lovely but the pizza could of done with being more done in the middle as when I picked up a slice it was floppy. My friends had ordered a steak each and when they had finished a waiter brought the vegetables that were supposed to come with the meal. My other friend said her pasta had way too much salt in it and the manager/owner was upset that we were not happy and couldn't apologize enough and said he will take that meal off the bill. The bill on the other hand was cheap but didn't have the prices for each drink wrote down so we had to work out how much people had to pay for their meal and drinks.

Another great meal at Caruso’s or Rocko’s as we call it. We had Parmos a giant Calzone and a Polo Pepi. All great.

Rocco and his staff give a very good service and the quality of food is good.

Had a lovely pasta meal, with a very friendly service in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. Will return.

Hidden gem in the dump of Stockton. Service fantastic. Ambience fab. The food was superb we can’t wait to return xxx

Me and my family have been coming to this little Italian restaurant for years, amazing staff and owner and even better food.

We have just come back from having a meal here tonight. We came out for my boyfriend's birthday and we both loved it.

After hearing about the wonderful Caruso, my extended family and I decided to come to this restaurant to celebrate my 18th birthday. The excellent reviews written here are spot on. Caruso is a small but amazing family run proper Italian. The food itself was amazing and there were big portions at a very reasonable price. Cost us an average less than £20 each for at least 2-3 courses and drinks. It has an cosy and friendly atmosphere which welcomes you in. The owner is lovely and friendly and welcomed us in and chatted to us after the dinner and he was very sweet, even giving me a free flaming sambuca which was very kind of him. The staff are very friendly and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who was debating going. I am definitely going to return as we had a quality night dining at Caruso. An amazing service to mark a major achievemnt in my adulthood. Thankyou Caruso!

Accogliente, cortesia, educazione, bellissimo,sono stato in questo ristorante a cena ed è stato tutto molto bello,cibo ottimo, veramente molto piacevole e gustoso e abbondante,al minimo prezzo,insomma all'italiana,poi ho conosciuto Rocco il proprietario, simpaticissimo signore Calabrese come me,che mi ha fatto sentire a casa mia,ci tengo molto a ringraziarli di tutto, spero di ritornare.Grazie da Mimmo.

This is the perfect restaurant for those looking for a family experience. Lovely friendly service and tasty food. Each table is made to feel welcome and special. I wouldn’t hesitate to dine here again!

Absolutely gorgeous food , staff always helpful and friendly and owner so lovey. It’s quite reasonable priced too. Would recommend

A lovely traditional family restaurant which has been serving good Italian food for many years. A friendly family who always welcome you back on every visit. . A place you keep going back to.

Sunday Lunch. Fresh veg,tender pork, homemade yorkshire puds,tasty gravy.All delivered piping hot.Will order again.

Strange one this, we used to visit this restaurant 30 years ago, and for some reason stopped going ?? however whilst looking for a restaurant to take my wife for our 46th wedding anniversary I came across "Rocco's" (Caruso) so in a fit of nostalgia I booked it. and although the interior had obviously changed it was still the same atmosphere, very welcoming and friendly, family feeling to it. First the food which was fantastic, my wife and myself had Mussels to start, and we both thought that these were very good and fresh, with great flavour, and pipping hot, for our mains my wife has a seafood risotto and when it turned up it was stacked with Langostines, Crevetts, more mussels, clams, Salmon and lovely flavoursome rice, top notch. I tried a steak Caruso, which comes topped with Mozzarella, which I have never tried before, honest it was fantastic, a lovely rich cheese and tomato source with a good size steak to boot it was very tasty, we also had a garlic bread side and french fries, a bottle of white wine, and everything was much better than you could expect, and back to second, the staff were all very approachable and helpful, a visit from the kitchen always tops things off, and we were not disappointed, we chatted so long that we were last customers to leave, what a lovely night in a lovely restaurant, already suggested the my daughter and her family visit, and we will be going back in a week or two. by the way the prices are also very reasonable.

This place is a gem and could be so overlooked as not in town. Just on the out skirts. Food is second to none. Staff are very friendly. And the owner is an older gentleman. He does cook and will always come out to see how your food is and have a chat

The food is gorgeous. Caruso always ensure that they provide what we want. The staff and service is always amazing. We visit regularly and love the place. Thank you

We had a great meal tonight. Very friendly. Great service and wonderful food. Would highly recommend.

Went here for my mams birthday. Food was delicious and the service was excellent. Was particularly impressed when my son did not like the chicken nuggets, they offered to make him a pizza which he really enjoyed and they only charged for the Nuggets. Little things like that make me want to re-visit a place. The service was quick aswell which is ideal when you have little ones

Food is always excellent, you can't beat Rocco's hot shot Parmo with proper chips and a fresh salad. Staff are always friendly and service is excellent.

Long time since I’ve eaten here but would highly recommend it. Just been out for happy hour, greeted with warmth by Rocco himself who engaged us in a long conversation about Italy. As for the food we ordered potato skins and pizzas to share. The potato skins were as they should be with a gorgeous garlic mayo. Loved the pizza bases - not thick or too thin with a slight crunch. Generous toppings. It was a toss up between this and the other Italian down the road but this overwhelmingly has my vote.

Few months since we last visited so booked a table. My meal was gorgeous, as was all of the others. Had a variety of food and no complaints. The staff were kind enough to give us some potato skins and garlic bread foc whilst we chose our meals. I always look at the menu but always have Pollo Diana with extra garlic. It’s gorgeous. Will be back in July. Thanks to all the staff, especially the chefs, as they will adapt or change the menu for any allergies or requests. Brilliant.

Quiet meal with friends to commemorate my 65th birthday, as usual the food, service and ambience were excellent.

This was our first time at this lovely little place and it wont be our last. The food we had was all great especially my fish from the specials board. The home made ice cream was fantastic. The service was fast and really pleasant. The owner had loads of great stories to tell and made us feel at home. The atmosphere was lovely and the prices very reasonable. We will definitely be back.

Second time we have been to this lovely restaurant.

First time I had visited and really pleased I did. Can't believe it has been local to me all this time. Was seated quickly and offered the menu. Good choice of Italian starters and mains. We shared a portion of potato skins, definitely big enough for 2. As we are both local, we went for the parmo. Gorgeous. Really tasty and an excellent portion of food.

Our third visit here and as good as ever. Plentiful starters including a particularly tangy and exciting bruschetta. The garlic mushrooms were also very tasty. The owner generously brought extra breads and pizzas. We’d particularly recommend a look at the specials board where there is an array of lovely seafood dishes. This evening, we enjoyed Langustines, Crevettes and King Prawn linguini. It was a real treat and the service and stories as good as ever!

Beautiful food, no rush, great atmosphere and service. Going to make it a regular date, they sure he lave excelled themselves!!!

Looking for somewhere to eat early on a Saturday night, we decided to go here after reading the reviews ( some of which nearly put us off).

Sat here now having a wonderful evening the main man (Rocco) is on top form the team are looking after about 50 diners, so to put it into perspective 5stars and more.

Had booked a family Birthday meal for 6 adults and 3 children with a time booked for our table at 7.30pm. We arrived at 7.25pm, we all stood in the reception bar area waiting for someone to take us to our table. After standing in the doorway for around 5 minutes the bar attendant came over to tell us our table wasnt ready but would not be long. We were eventually shown to our table at 7.50pm, 20 minutes after our booking time. During this 20 minutes 3 Adults and 3 children had to stand in the door enterance, not once were we offered any type of seating while we waited, not even asked if anyone wanted a drink while we waited.

Hadn't been here in years. Had a fantastic meal with family. Food was excellent, staff friendly, great atmosphere. Proper Italian food. Parmos are huge!!!

This was my second visit with family. The service is excellent and the quality of the food is even better.

Visited this place for a elderly friend birthday Place was very busy being a Saturday night but food and service was first class Would definitely return at a lat er date

Carrusso’s or Rocco’s Italian is the best kept secret in the north, Come through the door in Stockton-on-Tees and you are in Italy, Rocco has been here for over 38 years and no one does Italian food better, don’t tell anyone as I would like to continue to be Able get a table, best food best service, a brilliant night out shush tho keep it to yourself

Very friendly helpful attentive staff, good menu, good value for money, drinks okay, seating can be tight. Overall nice night out.

Myself and my partner go here quite often with friends, and family, and every time we have been it has been absolutely spot on!

Well what can I say Rocco and the team never fail to provide superb food and environment as they have done for the last 15 years+ we have been visiting. The lamb tonight I can honestly say is the best I have ever eaten. What a team!!!

Came here for my birthday. The staff are great, the food is gorgeous and you are never rushed to leave. There were 12 of us dining and all of the food was cooked lovely from starters to mains. You certainly know that you’ve eaten well, so much so that we didn’t have any room for a dessert. Back in Dec with the girls.

Always our No1 choice for our family/friends food is always Super! Staff are so accommodating. Furnishings need updating. But they will never stop our many bookings at this place 👌

Always great, friendly service. Rocco the owner is a delight. Delicious food. Good prices. And best parmo ever!

What a place to find. the food is excellent with daily specials as well as the usual

My most favourite place ever! The best authentic Italian that there is. Rocco and his family are so attentive and their customer service skills really are amazing. Apart from the amazing owner and staff.. The food is beautiful... All home cooked, all fresh, all huge portions. Highly reccomend the topo gigio pizza if you get a pizza. Yum.

Spur of the moment decided to book same day as eating & they fitted us in. Food as always was superb, well presented and served quickly. Nice wine to compliment the food. Staff very friendly and efficient. Overall this place is great.

The lovely Rocco, like a classic red wine! Like having a meal with a history lesson. I imagine that most clientele have known this lovely guy for many decades. Never changed from 40 years ago. Wonderful food, staff are very engaging, genuine and gracious.