Aroma Di Roma — Restaurant in Long Beach

Let’s settle the gelato debate first. Aroma di Roma serves what might be Southern California’s finest—creamy, dense, and balanced without cloying sweetness. At $6.50 for four scoops, it’s a steal compared to trendy spots charging double for half the portion. Yes, grocery store ice cream is cheaper, but this is the real deal: lower fat, richer flavor, and craftsmanship that mass producers can’t replicate.

The coffee gelato alone justifies the visit. Imagine espresso concentrate swirled into a velvety base with a ribbon of something between caramel and fudge—not quite either, but better. It’s deep, slightly bitter, and lingers like a good pour-over. If this flavor vanished, loyalists would stage a sit-in.

Service shines here. Staff greet regulars by name, explain flavors patiently (try the pistachio if they’ve restocked), and never rush decisions. Their warmth feels authentically Italian, like the kind your Sicilian nonno would approve.

Claro’s Italian Market? A decent deli, but their gelato lacks this punch. Aroma di Roma’s secret? They focus on freshness. Batches rotate daily, so flavors like blood orange or stracciatella taste vibrant, not freezer-burned.

Pricing leans premium, but fairly. A $14 margherita pizza isn’t Domino’s. You’re paying for ingredients, not grease.

Parking: Snag the 24-minute spot out front for quick grabs. For longer stays, free spaces sit one block away. Pro tip: Arrive before 3 PM weekends to avoid the post-beach crowd.

Final call? This isn’t just gelato. It’s a passport to Italy...

Placed an online order for 2 breakfast pizzas at 9:35am for a 10:15am pick up. Got an email saying my order will be ready around 10:15am. Showed up at 10am and let them know I was early and that I was there to pick up an order. Didn't mind waiting since I knew I was early. Just wanted an update and the girl told me it would be ready in 10 minutes. Waited until about 10:25am and asked another girl if there was an update and she said it would be 10 minutes. Waited until 10:45am and asked a third person for an update on my order and they said it was being boxed up. What is the point in placing an online order if it's not going to be ready? The whole time I'm waiting, I'm just noticing that all the people walking in and placing orders are getting their food before me. So did they just not even start my order to be ready for a 10:15am pick up? It seems like they started it, when I got there. Apparently it takes about a half hour, but that's exactly why I placed an order online in advance. I had to wait over 30 minutes past my pick up time. I walked out at about 10:50am. The service is horrible. On top of that, I asked for red onions and arugula on the pizza. They put such an excessive amount. I had to pick a lot of it off. The crust was burnt all around. Hard as can be. It wasn't even edible. I'm never going back. The service here was never...

$$ Fun Trendy

This is one of the very best small Cafes that I have visited in the last few years. I really enjoyed my time in this friendly, very arty place. The wait staff is excellent, very attentive and interactive. This is how a staff should be trained. Katie was great!

They serve beer and wine as well as coffee and tea. I haven't checked out the menu as of yet so I can't really say but I would guess it is good as people I met at this Cafe tell me they return often. Very affordable!

The area also is exceptionally nice. Aroma's location is practically perfect as it will afford a front row seat on trendy 2nd Ave. Locals are exceptionally friendly, a throwback to the days of the last millennium where people would actually talk to one another. I have returned several times and found each visit to be fun. (I live about 17 miles from here).

The beach is only three blocks from 2nd Ave. Mother's Beach and Marina Park are about one mile towards PCH. Downtown Long Beach is about three miles (guess). Many restaurants, novelty shops, and much, much more surrounding Aroma Di Roma. Enjoy!

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