Ciao Bella! I recently visited this little Napolitano café and gelato spot after months of saying that I really wanted to drop in. The three of us visiting decided on affogatos with the Fior di Latte gelato as its base.

An affogato is a classic Italian dessert that consists of a scoop of high-quality vanilla or Fior di Latte gelato or ice cream, generously drowned in a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso—a simple yet indulgent treat that can be enjoyed as both a dessert and a coffee beverage.

We arrived just as it opened in the late afternoon (3:00 pm) and were the second customers with several more arriving as we awaited our order. The decor is a blend of Italy and old Charleston (West Virginia) and there is ample seating, perfect for a book club or great conversation.

As our affogatos were delivered to our table, I asked the owner, from where in Italy he came and he replied with “what is the craziest place you imagine in Italy?” and immediately I replied, “Napoli.” That short exchange kicked off a great conversation about Naples, favorite spots, and of course, favorite foods. Naples is the birthplace of pizza and some of my favorite seafood; however, Caffe Romeo offers its sweet side and Mario’s personality and zest for lively conversation is its authenticity.

Although, it is winter and most of us think of gelato when temperatures are higher and the sun is shining, there is a wonderful selection of gelato. My favorite, passion fruit, was in the case so I decided to order a small cup and it did NOT disappoint. I would go back again and again, just for this treat. Caffe Romeo offers both light, fruity options as well as rich, velvety ones.

If you are in South Hills, or even downtown, Caffe Romeo is worth the curvy drive. For hours of operation and the menu, visit the following:

• Caffe Romeo’s official website can be found at https://cafferomeo.com.
• Their social media presence includes Facebook at https://facebook.com/cafferomeo and Instagram at https://instagram.com/cafferomeo.