San Diego, it’s time to indulge your sweet tooth! With National Dessert Day just around the corner on Oct. 14, our city’s dessert spots are ready to tempt you with everything from classic flan and Basque cheesecake to cookies, ice cream, and more. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, this week is all about savoring the flavors that make fall so cozy — plus a few insider picks from our readers that you won’t want to miss.
Sweets & Treats Around Town
In Barrio Logan, Fonda del Barrio is serving a standout Flan de Elote — a creamy Mexican custard with corn notes and charred caramel. It’s a graceful finish to a menu rooted in the traditions Chef Eduardo Baeza honors.
Over in La Jolla, George’s at the Cove leans into comfort and luxury with Pastry Chef Anna Adams’ Sticky Toffee Cake. It’s topped with salted vanilla brown butter ice cream, caramel sauce, and pretzel crumble — sweet, salty, and perfectly balanced.
At Casa Gabriela in La Mesa Village, Chef Gaby Lopez has become known for her Buñuelos Tower — layers of cinnamon-dusted fried tortillas with spicy piloncillo drizzle and vanilla ice cream. Other must-tries include her Boysenberry Cheesecake Flautas, Roasted Coconut Flan, and the ever-popular Tres Leches.
Down in Pacific Beach, Duck Dive keeps things casual and fun with its Sweet Endings menu. Think Chocolate Chip Pazookie with melting ice cream, tableside S’mores for two or four, and Churros con Caramel — filled churros with chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla.
In North Park, The Original 40 Brewing Co. recently added desserts to its brewpub lineup. It’s Brownie à la Mode — warm brownie, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle — pairs beautifully with its Dark Down Black Lager for a sweet-and-stout combo that works.
And downtown at The Smoking Gun, don’t skip dessert: the Skillet Cookie — a warm chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream and syrups — is pure nostalgia. Milkshakes (vanilla bean, caramel, or chocolate) and classic cheesecake round out the lineup.
A Few Reader Favorites
Our readers shared a couple of their go-to dessert spots — and we couldn’t agree more.
Elaine Regan wrote:
“Does ice cream count as a food?! My favorite is Mariposa Ice Cream, 3450 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights. I’ve been a fan for around 15 years and have never found a better coffee ice cream anywhere! They also have wonderful flavors such as my all-time favorite — White Chocolate Raspberry Ripple! ”
Another tip came from alumina.vegans_4r@icloud.com, who recently visited Lana in Encinitas — in the spot where California Pizza Kitchen once stood along PCH. “Food and service were great, and the Basque Cheesecake is authentic and wonderful — many have tried and failed at this one!”
Other Bites & Notes
Jacobs Center Multicultural Festival — Sunday, Oct. 12 at Market Creek Plaza. Enjoy live performances, global eats, games, and family fun.
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego — Hosting two Halloween events: Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour (Oct. 30) and Nautical Nightmares Rooftop Party (Oct. 31).
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. — On Thursday, Oct. 16, it taps the Peanut Butter Cup Porter — a rich, cocoa-forward fall favorite.
Whether you crave something creamy, crunchy, or downright decadent, there’s no shortage of sweets to try around town this week.
Got a favorite dessert or hidden gem? Send your tips to debbies@timesofsandiego.com, and you might see them featured in a future Eat Beat!
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