What do you say about perfect food?!? The sandwich - a fresh baguette with mozzarella, tomato and arugula with the right amount of balsamic vinegar. The star of day is the sfogliatella. A pastry so light, with a hint of orange in a sweet ricotta filling. The owner/baker Monica is welcoming with a friendly smile and actually took the time to come chat with us. If you don't go try this place you're missing a delicious experience!!! read more

My wife and I are visiting California from Dallas, TX, we also live part time in Calabria, Italy and we're delighted to find this Authentic Italian coffee bar & Ristorante while staying in Encinitas! We have been trying to find true Italiano coffee espresso and this place is the real deal. Everything from the bakery/ sweets, baguette/ panini sandwiches, Fresh Cornettos/ croissants were spot on Italiano perfect/perfetto! The owner Ken & Navy Veteran ( Thank you for your service) and his brother-in- law from Napoli (per sempre Diego Maradona!) Guiseppe were absolutely welcoming, great service excellent food and you can tell it all comes from their heart with love, pure food of love and Italian passion! Ken e Guiseppe, grazie mille per averci fatto sentire come se fossimo tornati in Italia, ci è piaciuto assaggiare il vostro cibo e il vostro caffè e non vediamo l'ora di tornare a praticare il mio italiano e ci siamo goduti la vostra compagnia. Ciao Sharif @ Stacie, Semper Fi del Marine del Texas! read more

Amazing food and what I like is that most ingredients are brought from Italy, according to the owner. Everything is so fresh and delicious , and I usually have a hard time making a decision on my order because everything looks incredible!! Amazing food and what I like is that most ingredients are brought from Italy, according to the owner. Everything is so fresh and delicious , and I usually have a hard time making a decision on my order because everything looks incredible!! read more

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I was looking for an Italian bakery nearby and Yelp led me to this hidden gem in La Costa Town Square Center. Inside, I can tell it's family-owned which is awesome because I felt right at home. They were sooo welcoming and friendly. It took me down memory lane when I was in Italy a few years ago. I couldn't resist myself but to eat lunch because I wanted to try their authentic pasta. I didn't have to wait too long for my pasta combo meal. And let me tell you Yelp Community, it was SUPER DELISH...kinda wish the slices of bread were warmed up or lightly toasted. Then, I ate my zeppole and that was SUPER HEAVENLY. I'm really grateful there's an Italian bakery around. I'll be back to try the other goodies! Highly recommend Dolce Aroma!! read more

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I finally stopped by this Italian bakery, and it did not disappoint! They offer an impressive selection of pastries from cornetti and cannoli to tarts, mille foglie, and cake by the slice. Everything looked fresh, beautifully made, and absolutely scrumptious. I ordered a cappuccino with a hazelnut crostatine and two cornetti (hazelnut and crema della casa). The coffee was excellent and hot, the crostatine had a perfectly flaky crust, and the cornetti were light, airy, and generously filled. I appreciated that the pastries weren't overly sweet. Beyond pastries, they also serve sandwiches, risotto, pasta, and gelato. Whole cakes are available too, though those need to be ordered in advance. Service was friendly and quick. You pay at the register and they make your food right away. There's plenty of seating as there's both indoor and outdoor seating. I can't wait to come back and try more! read more

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We went yesterday on a whim since we were craving some pastries and Dolce Aroma came up on our search. We were greeted with kindness by Monica and her Brother Giuseppe. They took the time to speak to our daughters as well and get to know us. I had the cannolo and sfogliatella, my wife had the affogato and my daughters had some tarts and Gelato. They were kind, personable, and the food and espresso was amazing. We will definitely be back to try more! read more

Absolutely in love with this place!! The food is incredible and the owners have been so lovely each time we've visited. Our sandwiches were so big we had half for lunch and half later for dinner. The bread, the prosciutto, to mozz, pesto, all of it. Everything is so fresh and full of flavor. I've taken my husband here a few times and he enjoys catching up with them in Italian. I took an out of town friend for some ravioli and she said they were incredible. For her desert she chose the Sfogliatella and said it tasted like being back in Italy. They have a few tables inside and out, however we've watched most people take their orders to go. If you're gonna get the ravioli made sure you stay and enjoy it while it's right out of the kitchen. Tucked in the back corner of the shopping center this shop is an absolute gem. Grazie Amelie!! Can't wait to come back! read more

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They have an extensive array of pastries to choose from and a pretty small coffee selection. The pastries were pretty expensive. I think I ended up spending $19 for two pastries and an espresso. The pastries were not to my taste. They were very thick and very heavy not like pastries I 'm used to. It could be just the two that I ordered that are like this, but I'm not sure if I would come back again. The man who took my order was very nice and there is some outside seating available read more

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I recently discovered a wonderful bakery specializing in gluten-free options and authentic Italian dishes and pastries. The flavors were genuinely impressive, and I felt fully satisfied with both the food and the overall experience. The cappuccino, prepared by Pino, was truly remarkable--one of the best I've had. Ken, who I believe is the owner, was extremely personable and kind, which made the visit even more enjoyable. If you're seeking quality cuisine and great customer service, I highly recommend visiting this bakery. It's clear that the staff cares deeply about both their food and their guests. Don't miss out on their delicious Italian pastries and outstanding cappuccino! read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Cute little pastry place that also serves gelato, pasta and sandwiches. Just a couple tables and chairs inside but it's on the corner with a little courtyard on the side with 5 tables/patio umbrellas (also a couple outdoor high chairs for the babies). Friendly service that was quick and ready to take my order as soon as I walked in. You can pay by tap. My son choose the red velvet cake but he didn't like it that much. (To their credit it just came out of the fridge (or freezer) so it was still hard and he's used to super sweet desserts like Nothing Bundt). The Bomboloni was good with plenty of filling (similar to a filled malasada). Hoping to come back and try the pasta too. read more

Pastries tasted like they had been sitting out for days. One tiny cannoli for $4. Womp womp

Best. Sandwiches. Ever. The baguettes are freshly made daily, it's heavenly. The pastry are also incredible, but the sandwiches are AMAZING!! read more

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A quaint, authentic, upscale Italian bakery in the La Costa Town Center known for its freshly handcrafted pastries. I ordered an Americano and a few Cornetti Dolces, essentially brioche-based pastries filled with a sweet indulgence. Their Cornetti Dolce is flaky, buttery, and filled with Nutella. It was a little pricey at $6.50 apiece. They are wonderful to enjoy with an Americano or cappuccino. read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Cornetti Dolce - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Stopped by and ordered a latte from here before a movie and it was delicious. Just a latte either milk and it tasted great! The pastries looked delicious as well, although we did not try any. We will definitely be back another day to try those. read more

Popped into Dolce Aroma for a bite to eat on my way North. The owner and his brother in law (Italian) were working at the shop at the time and were very helpful in giving recommendations on what to eat. I chose the Vesuvio Sandwich Baguette on the owners recommendation which consisted of Prosciutto, Italian cream, fig spread, mozzarella and arugula. The bread is made daily in house and was delicious as was the rest of the sandwich. The salty prosciutto contrasting well with the sweet fig spread, very well balanced. I also ended up picking some pastries for a friend. Great spot to have lunch at or to pickup some unique Italian pastries. The shop has a few tables inside and a couple outside if you want to eat on site. read more

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WOW! Monica has created a true GEM in San Diego county.... we wanted to share with our foodie friends as they love true Italian pastries and bread as much as we do. Oh yes, do not forget the gelato! Also, the espresso is how only 1 out of maybe 10 bakeries and coffee places serve them.... creamy, NOT bitter and bold in flavor. That alone will make me want to come back again and again. Service? Oh man, just "personal" does not cover it, if you'd want to spend a bit of time, you'll get to know the hostess and her story on how the bakery came to fruition. Well worth it. The place itself is cozy and the food gets all the glory as it's all fully displayed. For anyone that wants to see how a proper bakery is set up, go have a look here. read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Excellent authentic Italian pastries in a very welcoming atmosphere. Loved stumbling upon this piece of joy when looking for a capuccino and I was in the area. I could practice my still awesome Italian (I studied for real;) with Monica the owner as well as with her brother, the pastry maker, and their parents who recently moved from Napoli. I learned a lot about a variety of pastries that are new to me and I could tell they were already delicious by their name. Funny, I was doing a live video for my Facebook when an Italian friend saw it and called the owner immediately to say 'i am friends with Carmen who is there right now and just want to know if you will have pastiera napolitana d'or Easter'. Call it the power of social networking! I had fun interfacing with Italian customers too! They also sell gelato (not sure if made in house) and there are several tables to sit outside too. read more

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UPDATE: I initially tried calling 3 times to resolve it with no call back. She then saw my review called my number and screamed at me. I was told that the reason is was bitter was the balsamic and that's exactly how arugula should look. Stay away! Don't come here save your time and money. Got in here and the owner and chef were chilling at a table(no problem) I ordered my foot 20 dollars + 2 dollar tip. And he starts making my sandwich to my knowledge he did not wash his hands or wear gloves. He itched his nose on his wrist multiple times and touched meat and then my food. As a vegetarian this bothered me. I got my food and said thank you. First bite it I notice a very bitter taste. I open up my sandwich to find spoiled arugula. Called to try to get a re fund and no one picked up! read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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This small Italian bakery is easy to miss but it's definitely worth seeking out. The pastries are delicious. We tried three different ines and the cannoli (the "mini" version) was the standout. I've heard great things about their sandwiches so that will be next for us. Plenty of free parking everywhere in the shopping center. read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Terrific pastries. That mini cannoli was outstanding. - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This is the greatest Italian bakery. Carlsbad, California is a long way from Naples, but feels much closer after my visit to Dolce Aroma. We were greeted by the sounds of the staff speaking Italian to each other and were greeted with a "Bon Giorno". We had the ham and cheese croissant, coffee, cannoli and all was amazingly good. Our favorite was definitely the lemoncello cake. The food was excellent, but the experience was even better! Highly recommend this bakery! read more

Pretty authentic family-owned Italian bakery/sandwich shop. Quality, freshness, and taste were on point. 4/5 only because I dont think I can afford to go back. I would have loved to try some baked items but after the cost of the sandwich, I just couldnt go for it. If you are a customer willing to pay for the authenticity and quality then go for it. You wont be disappointed. read more

Nice italian coffee and brunch place , very authentic, whoever runs/owns this place really care and provides quality items and service. Cute outdoor area and pretty interior! Delicious desserts read more

Fabulous fabulous fabulous. A genuine Italian bakery luncheonette run by a family. I'm talking Monica the owner, her brother cooking and her mother and father sitting watching everything going on. Everyone's from Italy, of course I cannot rave enough about the pastries about the bread about the pasta about the freshness the simplicity this is an unbelievable treasure read more

A family run bakery like no other. The place to buy the best authentic coffee and bakery. Great food and service and ambiance. The family that owns it runs it. They are amazing read more

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Unusual place. The pastries are not bad. There are no prices anywhere. They do everything they can to discourage you from paying with a credit card. When you eventually dare to use a credit card, you will not get a receipt. Something about the printer being down or no paper or something. I hope I was charged the correct amount. Not worth the hassle, I think I'll continue going to Isabelle Briens down the road for my pastry fix. read more

Stopped by for lunch. Shared the Vesuvio sandwich and the Gnocchi pasta.. delicious along with dessert. You can tell everything is handmade, from the breads to the pasta which is refreshing. Along with their customer service, you'll want to come back. And we will definitely be back. read more

I was here about an hour ago and ate a delicious Italian sandwich. I ordered a croissant and two cakes for my guests, as well as coffee. The sandwich and chocolate croissant were delicious. The coffee was also okay, but I have to say it was more expensive than many other places I've eaten similar pastries in the past week. read more

My husband has been on the search for this ever elusive rum soaked sponge cake he fell in love with while stationed in Naples. Every Italian restaurant and bakery, he would ask "do you guys have baba?" He would be disappointed 99% of the time when they didn't have it. We have only found one other Neapolitan restaurant that happen to have on the dessert menu that night. I was searching for something else when I saw I. The same plaza Dolce Aroma. When I saw it was on the menu, I knew it was worth the drive down. Seeing my husband beam in delight because his search was over was worth it! This place is nestled in the corner of the plaza. The two men were so inviting and seemed interested in my husband's fascination with baba. The owner even offered to add more cream to our cake, but my husband, the purist, respectfully declined. Safe to say, we'll be back soon! read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Rum baba (also comes in limoncello) - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Since seeing it tucked in the corner at the center, I've been wanting to try it out. This is a mom/pop business with a great back story. The store is clean. I got a baguette sandwich (The Napolitano). The bread was perfectly fresh and the other ingredients were fresh and it was such a great sandwich! The gentleman made it in less than 2 minutes. They have a very nice display of all their desserts and gelato and I'm going to guess the desserts are very good. I left immediately realizing that I would come back. The second time we went, my wife bought a few baguettes for a dinner party. Again very fresh. High quality ingredients. Made fresh on-site. The reason I give it 3 stars and not 4 or 5 is that I think the sandwich is very expensive for what you really get. $20 for a baguette (tip included) seems a bit steep but I can justify when you appreciate the love they put into their food and the likely high lease rate for that center. Our second time there, my wife was asked to pay with Venmo (???) and sure enough the payment went to a random person with the same name. The cashier decided to press her to get her to try again (forget the mistake) and send it to the Venmo correct account again. My wife declined and insisted to pay through the point of service device and the cashier kept encouraging her to try again. So that is not the service I had personally when I went before. Not sure if the cashier was an employee or owner but it put us off. I will try the place one more time and will look forward to giving you a 5 star review. Bottom line though, the food was fantastic. read more

Found this place via IG! Everything looked so good, so had to come! We got the special which was a baguette sandwich with prosciutto di parma, cream cheese, fig spread, arugula, and mozzarella. OMG, it was so good! Also got a couple cannolis and a cornetti dolci with nutella. They have so many things to try! I wanted one of everything! If you're in the area, definitely check this place out! read more

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Who was delicious every single item doesn't disappoint the cannoli was delicious Service. Everybody was friendly and the ambience was great.

I saw this place on Instagram. I happened to be staying at the Park Hyatt Aviara so I thought I would try it. I came in on Sunday about one hour before closing. There was one person ahead of me. This is a true, Italian family run bakery. The owner is very nice. It's just not very busy which I hope for them will change. The cannoli was very good. The filling inside has a burst of citrus flavor which I think is orange? Very good. The Croissant was flaky. I think if they had more business that the baked goods would be fresher. read more

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A great place to meet a friend for coffee and a pastry, or an Italian sandwich, or risotto.. The patio seating has umbrellas and trees, and even on a very hot day there is a breeze from the coast and the little mall around it, shields it from the noise of Rancho Santa Fe drive. A great place to hang out for a bit with friends. Their service was very friendly and attentive. The sandwiches were very Italian. Their parties were beautiful and tasty. The pistachio tart was scrumptious. I Iook forward to trying a different pastry each time I go there in the future. read more

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THE BEST Italian pastry in San Diego! Hands down! These folks are from Sicily Go! And don't forget to get a fresh baguette to eat in the car on your drive home read more

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery - Gelato Near Me - Carlsbad, California

What a great find for authentic Italian treats! The staff was so nice and as we sat to enjoy our yummy treats, the rest of the family owners came in. It was so nice to see them all greet each other with such warmth. You know that same love goes into their sandwiches and desserts. We cannot wait to go back for rum babas and affogatos. There were plenty of regulars who also came in and were greeted with the same warmth. The wife joined us at our table to hear about how we found them and what we had. We felt like family. Do yourself a favor and pop in for a coffee, sandwich or dessert. You won't be disappointed. read more

Wow wow wow. Huge shout out to this unique local, mom and pops business. Monica and her family have something special going and we so appreciate them taking care of us. The variety was excellent. So many items we had never seen or heard of before -- we wanted to try them all haha. The explanations and recommendations were super helpful. The shop is charming, with tall ceilings and reminders of Italy all around. Paired with a coffee, all the pastries were divine. The key ingredients are all imported from Italy. The attention to detail, passion for the craft, and dedication to excellence all shine through. Can't wait to return to try more and sample the upcoming gelato menu! read more

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Having recently moved to the area I have been searching for an authentic Italian eatery. Dolce aroma is a golden gem tucked in a shopping center in Carlsbad. This family owned business creates their own recipes and baked goods. Their sandwiches look amazing and they are under $20. Ordering mushroom risotto is always my gauge for authenticity and having it there will be a delight if you order it, it's amazing! The entire family is there and they are delightful and super friendly. Lots of great coffee. drinks, and even little snacks for your dog. Indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of parking. read more

I am sorry I didn't find this place sooner! I am from Brooklyn and frequent Italy, I can say without a doubt, this bakery is the real deal!! Sfogliatelle have always been my favorite and am so happy to have these delicious delights made by a Napolitana, nearby. I pre-ordered St. Joseph's Day pastries, which I haven't been able to get in San Diego since leaving NY in '95. They were delicious!! I have tried a variety of their baked goods and sandwiches. All were amazing! I shared with my family and friends and not one of us disagrees... Dolce Aroma is a true gem! The customer service is top notch too! We were all chatting with Monica and her family within minutes of entering the bakery, they were treating us like old friends! if you want a taste of Italy, my family and I highly recommend Dolce Aroma Bakery! read more

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Got a cappuccino that was made right away and was the perfect temperature to drink right away. Also got an Italian tomato quiche, heated up. It was a delicious treat! Perfect for a slow Sunday morning while I sit in their outdoor space and read my book! read more

Grande Successo! So my trip to Italy last month got postponed and I was bummed because Italian desserts (and food, and of course, wine) are my absolute FAVORITE!!! And then I noticed on Yelp and NextDoor that this new Italian Bakery opened very close to my house so I course had to investigate. You see, this shows the power of social media marketing and word of mouth, even on the smallest of levels. If you're good, and new, word gets around very fast! We drove up after hiking Denk Mountain that's located across the street and was also happy to see that they are located right by my favorite massage place, East Asian Holistic. There's always plenty of parking on this side of the shopping center and it's a super easy access since it's right next to Rancho Santa Fe Road. Walked in to find Dolce Aroma bustling with customers yet sparking clean. OMG, EVERYTHING looked SO GOOD. The family here was so incredibly friendly, gracious, and helpful. All of their food is made with the finest organic ingredients and is Non GMO. We scored some yummy Focaccia with Prosciutto, lots of pastries, and lots of desserts, some of which didn't last the car ride home. Everything was positively delicious! Dolce Aroma will now be an integral port of my weekly Tiramisu runs! Their prices are fair, especially for an artesian bakery. I mean, if you want something cheaper, there's a Dominoes Pizza a few doors down and Von's is a few hundred yards away. As for me, when it comes to my valuable calories, I'm very willing to pay for quality! More importantly, I'm totally committed to supporting small, locally owned and operated family runs businesses!!! È deliziosa! read more

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