Born in Toronto, David was the youngest of three children to Neapolitan parents. At school he took up acting and modelling and later earned a degree in economics at York University.

After university David was drawn back to his love of the kitchen, which had stemmed from watching his mother cook as a child, and his restaurant 'La Madonnina' was born. Owned and managed by the Roccos and serving casual, authentic Italian dishes, the restaurant was a success.

After two years at the restaurant David and his wife Nina, were given the chance to present Avventura: Journeys in Italian Cuisine, a 26-episode travel and Italian cooking show, which aired in Canada. David Rocco's Dolce Vita soon followed, in which he showed off the joys of living in Florence.

Books
Avventura: Culinary Adventures in Italy, Bay Books & Tapes, 2001