10 Best Desserts in San Diego – Where to Find the Sweetest Treats
San Diego isn’t just about sunshine and surf—it’s also a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. From artisan cheesecakes to churro-croissant hybrids, the city’s dessert scene is as vibrant and diverse as its neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious plated creation, a grab-and-go cookie, or an Instagram-worthy ice cream sandwich, this guide to the 10 best desserts in San Diego will point you to the must-try spots and what to order.
List of 10 Best Desserts in San Diego
Lets explore each desserts of San Diego in more details.
1. The Incredible Cheesecake Company – University Heights
- Must-Try: Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake
Tucked away on Adams Avenue, this local favorite handcrafts cheesecakes using high-quality, all-natural ingredients and traditional methods. You can order by the slice or indulge in a whole cake, with flavors ranging from red velvet to java chocolate chunk. Perfect for celebrating—or for no reason at all.
Price Range: Visit Site
www.theincrediblecheesecakeco.com
2. The Cravory – Point Loma
- Must-Try: Pancakes & Bacon Cookie
The Cravory has mastered the art of the soft-yet-crispy cookie. Expect inventive flavors like Cookie Monster, Lemon Bar, and seasonal specials. Order in-store or get them shipped nationwide for a San Diego treat at home.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.thecravory.com
3. Boba Bar and Desserts – Kearny Mesa
- Must-Try: Puffle with Ice Cream & Toppings
Known for their milk teas, specialty drinks, and whimsical puffles (puffy waffles stuffed with ice cream), Boba Bar is a playground for dessert lovers. The customization options mean you can create a different masterpiece every time.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.instagram.com/bobabarsd
4. Elizabethan Desserts – Encinitas
- Must-Try: Butterscotch Pecan Blondie Bar
From cupcakes to pies, Elizabethan Desserts makes nostalgic sweets with gourmet flair. Their bars are a highlight—especially the Peanut Butter S’mores Bar and Cheesecake Brownie.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.elizabethandesserts.com
5. Le Parfait Paris – Gaslamp, Liberty Public Market, Fashion Valley
- Must-Try: Parfait Signature Pastry
A taste of Paris in San Diego, this award-winning patisserie serves authentic French pastries, macarons, crème brûlée, and even a decadent four-pound chocolate croissant. Perfect for special occasions—or an indulgent afternoon.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.leparfaitparis.com
6. Pappalecco – Little Italy
- Must-Try: Affogato (Gelato + Espresso)
Rich, creamy gelato in flavors like pistachio, Nutella, and seasonal pumpkin make Pappalecco a Little Italy staple. Pair it with espresso for a true Italian treat.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.pappalecco.com
7. Blackmarket Bakery – University Heights
- Must-Try: Churrsant (Churro + Croissant)
Creative pastries meet bold flavors here. Try their Earl Grey Shorties, berry pop tarts, or Cookie Monster Bread Pudding. The Churrsant is flaky, buttery, and cinnamon-sugar coated perfection.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.blackmarketbakery.com
8. LAB Desserts and Coffee – Kearny Mesa
- Must-Try: Cotton Candy Burrito
Yes, it’s real. A cloud of cotton candy wraps around ice cream and toppings for a colorful, photo-worthy treat. Their snow ice and macarons are also popular, especially when made into ice cream sandwiches.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.macaronsandcoffeelab.com
9. VG Donut & Bakery – Cardiff-by-the-Sea
- Must-Try: Doissant (Donut + Croissant)
Family-owned since 1969, VG Donut & Bakery is a coastal icon. Alongside classics like jelly donuts and old-fashioneds, try their doissants and sweet loaves for something different.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.vgbakery.com
10. Extraordinary Desserts – Little Italy & Banker’s Hill
- Must-Try: Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
This legendary dessert destination serves edible art. From tarts and cobblers to stunning cakes topped with fresh flowers, every creation feels like a celebration. Pair with a glass of dessert wine for the ultimate indulgence.
💲 Price Range: Visit Site
🌐 www.extraordinarydesserts.com
Insider Tips for Dessert Lovers in San Diego
- Go early for bakeries—fresh batches sell out fast.
- Many shops offer seasonal flavors, so visit throughout the year.
- If you’re exploring multiple spots, plan a “Dessert Tour”: Start in Little Italy, head to University Heights, and end in Kearny Mesa for a sweet road trip.
FAQs
Q: What dessert is San Diego known for?
San Diego is famous for unique dessert mashups like churro-croissants, along with top-tier gelato and French pastries.
Q: Are there vegan dessert options?
Yes—many spots, including The Cravory and Le Parfait Paris, offer vegan-friendly treats.
Q: Where can I find the most Instagrammable desserts?
LAB Desserts & Coffee and Boba Bar are perfect for colorful, photogenic creations.
Final Scoop
From neighborhood bakeries to award-winning patisseries, San Diego offers something for every dessert craving. Start with these 10 best desserts in San Diego and you’ll quickly discover why this city is a sweet lover’s paradise.
