Rocco Carulli
Home is where the kitchen is for Rocco Carulli, executive chef/owner of R House located in Wynwood’s Arts District. Born in New Jersey and raised by immigrant parents hailing from Southern Italy, food was always the heart of the household.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and a brief jaunt in NYC, Carulli embarked on his culinary career as a sous chef in ProvinceTown followed by seasonal positions elsewhere in the Cape. He often spent winters in Miami Beach, and Carulli fell in love with Miami’s vibrancy; the bouillabaisse of culture that enveloped the city inspired him to put down roots and open his own restaurant.
In 2011, the Wynwood renaissance was in full swing and quickly developing into one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods. By August 2012, Carulli signed and sealed the deal for R House, a 6,000-square-foot casual fine dining restaurant he always envisioned complete with a lounge and integrated gallery component where guests could let loose. Now on the heels of its 10-year anniversary, the Wynwood eatery best known for its Latin-inspired plates, extravagant drag performances, and lively atmosphere reigns as one of Miami’s premier dining destinations. Among many of its well-deserved accolades, R House has received “Best Mojito in Miami 2022,” “Top Ten Best Restaurants in Wynwood 2022,” “Best Place To Take Out of Towners 2021,” by Miami New Times, and “Best Drag Brunches in the US 2021” by Thrillist.
