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Aroma di Roma: La Dolce Vita or San Francisco Treat?

This hybrid hangout has become a community gathering place.

Overview: When Aroma di Roma opened in Belmont Shore several years ago it was just what the neighborhood needed.  A hybrid of sorts—part espresso bar, ristorante and gelateria—it quickly became a community gathering place.  

It doesn’t remind me so much of the little espresso shops found in Italy as much as it does those wonderful corner coffee bars that populate the streets of San Francisco.  Open for breakfast, lunch and small plates/aperitifs with dinner served on the weekends, Aroma di Roma is also a great spot to get your caffeine fix or satisfy that sweet tooth.

Its storefront, which sports the colors of the Italian flag, is unassuming as it sits sandwiched between a Japanese restaurant and a bona fide dive bar.  During futbol season (something we Americans call soccer), Aroma di Roma attracts expats from Europe who come to cheer on their countries in hopes of capturing the World Cup title.  Having been in Rome in 1988 when Italy won a major match, I can tell you things can get rather lively at Aroma di Roma on game day. 

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Decor: The sound of the hissing espresso machine, the sight of neatly lined tubs of creamy gelato, and the clanging of oversized cappuccino cups create a sensory experience upon crossing Aroma di Roma’s threshold. 

Its clean lines, sense of order, neatly stacked white ceramic cups and saucers, and spotless counter are very Euro-centric.  Except for the burst of cherry red that coats the industrial-size espresso machine coupled with a minimal amount of bric-a-brac, Aroma di Roma’s motif consists mostly of blacks, whites and grays.  

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A chilled glass case displays some enticing edibles, including muffins and thumbprint cookies.  It’s OK that there are only a handful of tables inside because most people prefer to sip and sup under the shaded patio where a fringe of green canvas hangs emblazoned with the words espresso, panini, gelato.

The Food:  The menu is short and sweet, but big on flavor.  Breakfast features an array of egg dishes topped with prosciutto and pesto, with foccacia taking the place of ho-hum bread.  One of my favorite morning meals at Aroma di Roma is the Salmone Affumicato (translation:  bagel and lox) featuring smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onions and tomato served on a bagel.  At $8.95 it’s a bargain and, I might add, one of the few places in the Shore to serve this classic dish.   

The lunch menu is more lengthy with a selection of salads, paninis, pizzas and pasta, while weekend dinner consists mostly of entrees that include pasta, veal, chops and chicken. 

Small plates, ideal for a weekday evening, include a collection of tapas such as the fromage and charcuterie plate, and Italian fritters filled with prosciutto.  

Aroma di Roma also serves beer and wine with brews and vintages hailing mostly from Italy and Belgium. There are bubbles on the beverage menu, too.  And no one should depart Aroma di Roma without having a signature espresso drink, such as the Espresso con Panna topped with a dollop of whipped cream and made by the resident barista.

Service:  Service at Aroma di Roma is rather straightforward.  You place your order at the counter, grab a seat or stand off to the side, wait for them to bring your food and drink to your table, and voila … you’re done. 

The staff is usually very friendly and accommodating.  On a recent trip I ordered a medium mocha but, when they brought it to my table, it was supersized.  My server explained they had run out of medium-sized coffee mugs hence the need for the swimming pool-sized cup. 

My advice when visiting Aroma di Roma is to take the time to enjoy your acquisitions on the premises.  For some reason coffee always tastes better when it’s not served in a disposable cup and, besides, do you want to feel like your on the Via Veneto or somewhere in downtown Seattle? 


Aroma di Roma

Address: 5327 E. Second St.
Phone: 434-6353
Website: www.aromadiroma.com
Cost: $
Hours:  Open Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.;  until 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Disabled Access:  Yes
Parking Info:  Metered parking along Second Street;  free parking along side streets.
Restaurant Type: Italian, Contemporary European, espresso bar.
Restaurant Attributes: Casual, take-out, credit cards accepted, online ordering, beer and wine.

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