I am so close to ro.ma. organic gelato, yet I always managed to escape the temptation of trying it. Every time I visited the neighboring Starbucks I would tell myself: next time, next time. Next time finally came this week.
The tiny store reminds me of a young child’s bedroom, complete with hot air balloons and model planes hanging from the baby blue ceilings. Enter the pop art on the walls and you have a mish-mash of cute, hip and a little dreamy. But you’re not here for the atmosphere, the gelato is creamy and rich with flavor. The owner was quiet, but friendly; on this day, the Italian chef who makes the gelato wasn’t in. I had a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of rasberry. Both were delicious, but the chocolate was dreamy. One scoop is $4, two scoops $5, three scoops $6. Add an organic cone for $1.
The store also carries some organic goods like lollipops, cookies and smoothies. Parking can be complicated, but the search for a parking spot will be worth your while.
ro.ma Organic GelatoÂ
901 South Miami Ave., Mary Brickell Village
786.252.5276
This is better than any ice cream I’ve had in Miami by a MILE!
Man, what ever happened to ice cream cones that cost $2?
I went here on my birthday after foregoing dessert at the restaurant where we had dinner and it was the best ice cream I have ever had. Way better than birthday cake.
I always go there whenever I’m dining in the area. Better than any of their desserts.
BTW, if you haven’t tried the paella at Casablanca in the river (yes, the fish market has a restaurant in the back) run, don’t walk. Definitely the best in Miami. Huge too.
BM - It’s a little pricey but it’s worth it. It’s good and well, it’s organic.
Alex - Good to know about the paella. I stopped by the Casablanca restaurant one day when I was at the market to look at the menu and it looked good, but I haven’t made my way back. Thanks for the tip!
Being a good M&L commenter, I stopped at Roma during my run tonight. It is definitely good gelato, but I can’t say it’s the best ice cream in SFL. Several other places come to mind first. The redhead behind the counter (the owner?) was reserved as described, and did not have much to say.
I did like the fact that I was eating organic, but I too was hit with sticker shock. $5 is a lot to pay for two small scoops of ice cream.
I will go back as part of our mission to patronize MBV and the Design District.
Also, Critical Miami’s review of Roma is framed and hanging on the wall there.
Steve - What are your favorite ice cream spots in Miami? Tonight I stopped into Blisberry on the beach and after paying $5 for that, I’ll pay $5 to ro.ma anytime… more on this later. I saw CM’s review there too. His picture is great!
I checked this place out a few months ago, and I agree. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but well worth it. Definitely the best in South Florida.
I work in the area and snuck in there one day on the way to Kinkos and I can attest the ice cream is De-lish! I love the paintings and hanging dividers. Being in there was a complete experience with the friendly owner, the other organic goodies they offer, and of course the different ice cream choices ( I chose tiramisu )
I love gelato, but it is difficult to find a shop that makes it in my small town in S.C. so, I have to make it myself when I get a craving. I appreciate all of the recipes I can get my hands on. Check out this “cool” article about gelato at http://www.foodista.com