Aroma di Roma Centro — Restaurant in Long Beach

Have been here twice now: once for coffee and another time for a sandwich. Espresso was excellent, and the pollo e pepperonata pannini was excellent as well. Good balance of chicken and vegetables; the capers/goat cheese combination worked very well.

The staff have been very friendly and helpful when I had questions; all smiles and quick answers. The cafe itself is very clean, with enough tables inside and outside-sun or shade.

I have yet to try the beer selection, though it looked good. I can't wait for their hours to be later, and for their new patio area to open. Overall, this reminded me more of cafe's in Italy than your typical U.S. coffee shop. The only thing I've missed so far is a small counter to drink my espresso at (and the accompanying $1.50 espresso you can get...

The coffee, food, and staff is great. I try to go early morning when Johnny works because he is the only barista in Long Beach (so far that I have found) to make a proper dry cappuccino... I thought that was a standard for Aroma di Roma but unfortunately got a newbie today that made a latte or very wet cappuccino. I felt bad to return it but it clearly want my order, she suggested I order a macchiato next time. She was kind but her suggestion deflects from the fact that she didn't know how to make a classic dry foam cappuccino. She went on to say that Johnny "does his own thing", as if he is just making up drinks now. Well if his "own thing" is knowing the difference between a macchiato (which she ended up serving) and a dry cappuccino then maybe she should be more...

I stopped by today, believing that I would have the same heavenly Americano, as I did 2 weeks ago, on a Friday. Disappointed indeed...Different barista, different coffee. I can't believe the difference coming from the same cafe. The Americano today was total opposite of what I had experienced, previously. I had to pour it out, I couldn't rescue it. Reply to Owner's Questionable Response: I am unaware of your remark, relating to free drinks and discounts...You are in reference to a totally different customer. Also, both baristas were male that had served me. Just as previous visits, I actually gave a $2 tip towards my $4.60 cup of coffee 👍 I'll be generous with the review, as well, and modify it from 1 star, because my previous Americano was superb😍 Have a...