The Baked Bear

302

173

504

6 months ago

It's been a while since I had an ice cream sandwich. Last time was probably at this location 2-3 years ago and I knew I had to come back here again when I visit SD. They give you a heaping serving size of ice cream and 2 cookies that you can have toasted. The employees gave me recommendations and I finally decided that for the cookies, I got the Cookie Monster and gooey butter cake. My favorite is the Cookie Monster. Super decadent and filled with cookies. The gooey butter was also good too but too soft for my liking. The bear batter ice cream is always a classic. Reminds me of an Oreo ice cream. All of this came out to about $8 which isn't bad. For anyone who has a sweet tooth or just craving some sweet, this place is for you! It's also such a rewarding treat to get on a hot day. Ice cream sandwiches just hit different than regular ice cream in my opinion. read more

The Baked Bear - Ice cream sandwich w/ lactaid in hand - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Kavitha P.

124

494

1413

6 months ago

An oldie but goodie! I remember first eating this kind of ice cream sandwich a while back in San Diego on vacation and wondering why we didn't have places like this in the twin cities ( we do now!) Cute interior, busy lines but worth the wait Smells divine read more

The Baked Bear - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Chloe A.

19

253

717

6 months ago

The Baked Bear is one of the best and most fun ways to eat ice cream, especially if you like it in sandwich form. You can choose cookies or brownies and mix and match flavors, so it's easy to make something really good. The portions are huge, so sharing one is totally worth it. Pricing is definitely on the expensive side, but it feels fair given how big they are and how much you get. The service was decent, not amazing, but they got everything right and kept the line moving. Parking is tough since it's in a busy area, but you can usually find a spot and walk over, and it's a great neighborhood to wander around anyway. This location is a fun stop if you're in San Diego and craving something sweet and over the top. It's messy, indulgent, and worth trying at least once. read more

The Baked Bear - Cookie Monster - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Baked Bear - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Baked Bear - Cookies - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Michaela I.

43

81

192

6 days ago

Came here after dinner on a weeknight with friends. The shop is simple enough, specializing in ice cream sandwiches and a variety of cookies. I got a sandwich with a seasonal cookie, marshmallow rice krispy cookie with smores ice cream in the middle. The cookies were very flat and cut up the roof of my mouth and didn't heat all that well, but the flavor was good. The ice cream was pretty basic. The ratio of ice cream to cookie was not very even and kind of resulted in a mess of ice cream and cookie. Overall I felt other ice cream places in the area do ice cream better, and it just made me want to go there instead. Service however was very nice, the ladies working the counter were knowledgeable and helpful. read more

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Zainab F.

15

131

665

2 months ago

Don't let the line winding outside the store intimidate you! It's fast moving and the end result is totally worth it for the sugar rush. Stepping inside the air smelled absolutely delicious! I loved my ice cream cookie sandwich (with the cookies warmed of course), which was easily shareable between 2 people at least. They are also generous with their toppings, so my friend had a heaping scoop of Nutella when she asked for that too. read more

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Jessica F.

422

302

1062

2 months ago

Not sure I quite understand the hype or why the baked bear is so popular. It's incredibly overpriced, $10 for two cookies and ice cream in between is steep, I'd rather go to a quality gelato spot! The ice cream is yummy but nothing special, equivalent to grocery store ice cream like dreyers but trying to be fancier like ben and jerry's without the richness and extra toppings. We got the s'mores flavor and it didn't taste much like s'mores more like vanilla chocolate swirl. The cookies were decent but they weren't as melt in your mouth, buttery delicious as I would have liked. The brownie cosmic cookie didn't like at all didn't have much softness to it. Maybe this is an ice cream spot with a ton of nostalgia baked in for San Diego-ins but for me it just fell short of expectations! read more

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Jenny K.

111

189

190

16 days ago

Came here bc of the good reviews, but definitely not sure why it's so highly rated. The cookie was decent but the ice cream had no flavor . I had chocolate chip ice cream with cookies and cream ice cream. I was very sad that I spent my time and money here. I would not recommend this place. read more

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Danny W.

64

282

979

3 months ago

Best ice cream sandwiches around! The caramel pretzel fudge on gooey butter cake and cookies & cream cookies was 5 stars! Fast service, plenty of seats, and consistently delicious. read more

The Baked Bear - Custom Ice Cream Sandwich (Gooey Butter Cake and Cookies and Cream Cookie with Caramel Pretzel Fudge ice cream) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Arthur T.

1571

1222

7387

7 months ago

Nice spot to get a sweet treat! Also, huge plus they are open till late. I just opted for the cookie. Others ordered the ice cream. Parking is super difficult here. read more

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Diego V.

0

2

0

8 days ago

Whoever was working between 3-4:30 on Sunday (except the person at the register) should definitely get a training on customer service. I've never been here, my friend was going to order for herself and we asked them to guide us on ordering. The said "Alright" and just stared at us like robots lol I've never experienced such awkwardness from employees anywhere. On top of that a girl standing behind the guy "helping" us was falling asleep standing up It was overall uncomfortable being there. read more

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Elizabeth D.

11

219

414

9 months ago

Was shopping next-door with my daughter and saw this ice cream place. Definitely would come back had creative ice cream options as well as the warm cookie sandwich was a hit with my kids. One sandwich cookie is good for 2 to 3 people. It's pretty big and lots of sugar. Staff was really patient as my children of course took a while to make their selections. Definitely check it out if you're in the area. read more

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Chloe K.

13

238

744

5 months ago

Love love love this place if you're craving ice cream and cookies!! Pick your favorite 2 cookies and favorite ice cream and stick them all together! They even warm the cookies. Big portion and so worth it. read more

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Jade M.

793

150

344

1 year ago

When you want that one massive dessert that makes everything else in your life fade away for that one moment... this is your place!! Got a classic chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with Nutella topping and it was insanely good. I remembered this place from years ago in LA, and it's still just as amazing as I remembered! :) I went in around 9pm and the line was very short. Pure dessert bliss! read more

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Ted T.

Elite 22

5

168

4

2 months ago

It's ice cream and cookies, damn. The tradition of slapping two yummy things together doesn't seem to ever go wrong. read more

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Joselyn M.

274

251

550

7 months ago

Ambiance was nice. The cookies were sooo good, & the bear batter flavor wasn't bad at all. It's a blue cake batter ice cream w/ chocolate chips. As for the cookies, I got the 2 flavors of the month which were gingerbread & the strawberry matcha. (matcha cookie w/ strawberry frosting on top) Service was good. They were fast & efficient. read more

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Amanda N.

25

170

294

6 months ago

This place has been on my list for at least a year, and I finally came here with a friend recently. Food itself was fine. The cookies weren't too hard but the ice cream was really sweet. Too sweet for my taste. Also, it was a little more expensive ($9+ without any toppings or tip). Parking sucked but that's everywhere in Pacific Beach so no surprise there. What soured my visit was the service; it was terrible. I was getting "Gen Z stare" the entire time, and it was so uncomfortable. No greeting or explanation of the cookies or ice cream or anything. I had a vague idea that this place was known for ice cream sandwiches but getting the information from the person assisting me was like pulling teeth (and I asked too). Also, she said I could only try max of 2 ice cream flavors; no additional samples allowed, and I even confirmed twice. However, my friend, who was being helped by a different person, was able to try multiple flavors without a limit. Shouldn't there be some continuity in things offered? My friend and I both agreed that the service was not good. Overall, dessert was average (sweeter than I would've liked), but the service was NOT it. Will probably not come back. read more

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Stephanie L.

339

567

1115

1 year ago

The Baked Bear is always such a fun experience after a day at the beach or a walk down the boardwalk during a summer sunset. I love how fun it is to build your own customized sandwich. The Vegan Chocolate Chip ice cream is made with oat milk, which makes is creamier than other milk alternatives. While I am always grateful for businesses that offer vegan options, the gluten-free cookies are not particularly my favorite. Unfortunately gluten-free often gets lumped with many vegan options, perhaps trying to accommodate more people with each specialty item. That being said I ordered my sandwich with one of each vegan/gluten-free cookies, Chocolate Chip and Fudgy Brownie. This place can get swamped but staff work pretty fast to get the orders out and move the line along in a timely manner. Definitely worth stopping by after your next day at the beach or night in PB! read more

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Grace F.

58

139

411

1 year ago

A little too sweet - but tasty! I got the white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie with their bear batter ice cream. I love the originality of this place, and although expensive, they have many options. You can customize which cookie you want for the top & bottom of the sandwich, the flavor of ice cream, and toppings. It's a bit on the pricey side but it's perfect for a late night sweet treat. Service is very fast and the menu has many other things you can order besides their sandwiches, but they are known for them so I would recommend trying it. It's located in pacific beach, which can get very busy and crowded so parking is not the easiest. They have a parking lot around the corner near the Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters but that lot gets very busy during the day when the weathers nice so you may have to find street parking and walk. The area is very walkable and many shops and other food spots to explore right on the beach, so it's a quite enjoyable area! read more

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Khanitta W.

0

3

4

3 months ago

It was amazing! Such a fun concept you can choose two different cookies for the top and bottom. Pick an ice cream flavor and add toppings. They'll even warm the cookies for you if you want. I got gooey butter cookies and brownies with blackberry crumble ice cream, and it was incredible. Loved it 10/10 definitely recommend a visit! read more

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Tim S.

104

1765

2682

8 months ago

Came here for dessert after having pizza across the street. We all got some sort of sandwich. I got a gooey butter cake cookie and brownie sandwich with almond brittle ice cream. Was it good? Hell yeah! Delicious! Great concept. $10.00 a sandwich though! Yikes! $40.00 for 4 ice creams is a bit steep IMO. Staff was friendly and there are places to sit inside which is nice. read more

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Annie W.

63

326

765

10 months ago

We stayed at a hotel nearby so after dinner, while walking around we saw a long line outside this store. We waited in line for about 10 minutes. You can pick different cookies on the top and bottom, and requested to have the cookies warmed. It's not as warm as the pizookie from BJ's. The ice cream sandwich is still tasty. There's a water station in the store because you will be thirsty after eating a huge ice cream sandwich. Will visit again due to a large selection of ice cream and cookie flavors. read more

The Baked Bear - Water station - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Steve L.

2

140

0

1 month ago

Well, this is a specialty ice cream store. Some places deal with mix-ins, others have many flavors and good size portions but these folks have the cookie sandwich made in front of the customer. It is delicious and have never been to one of their stores prior to this visit. The reason to return is the quality and quantity of ice cream between the two cookies. Every part of the product was wonderful-- and filling! A freshly baked cookie ice cream sandwich was a wonderful treat after dinner...... read more

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Laura M.

239

235

1871

1 year ago

Today is customer appreciation day. The line for Baked Bear today was reasonable since we lined up 20 mins. prior to the start of the "ice cream" giveaway. My brother, sister-in-law, boyfriend, and I walked to The Baked Bear after having lunch at Big Jim's Roast Beef sandwich shop. Thankful to my friend Monica who had informed me about Baked Bear giving out free ice cream today. Their ice cream is very rich in flavor and they gave us good customer service even if we didn't order anything else. read more

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Jordyn J.

650

303

880

10 months ago

What's not to like? Cookie's are tasty. Lots of ice cream flavors. Probably would go with a different flavor next time as I could only eat a few bites of the dark chocolate ice cream. It was soooo rich (but yummy). Perfect for a hot summer day. read more

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Tresavon E.

18

37

121

10 months ago

Walking in the vibes are super chill. Employees are super friendly and was willing to walk us through their process which was pick a base, the filling, and toppings... now the base of cookies can be different and YES they allow you to try the ice cream. Luckily we arrived when it was a little more quiet. Is the place worth it.... Yup! read more

The Baked Bear - Nutella Cookie top and bottom with mudslide ice cream Nutella added and almond's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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D D.

3

21

0

21 days ago

Quick service in spite of a long line. Great treat! Wonderful dessert with personal choices.

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Wendy G.

228

578

898

11 months ago

Scrumptious ice cream sandwiches are the star of the show at Baked Bear. I like how you can customize different top and bottom cookies plus the ice cream interior to create truly unique treats. There's plenty of variety of cookie and ice cream types so you're sure to find a winning combo. I recommend that you try some cookies on their own too because they are delicious and potentially have a softer texture when not squished up next to a cold swath of ice cream. I tried the gooey butter cake cookie, and it was so soft and delectable all by itself. read more

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Amanda N.

25

195

446

6 months ago

Lots of flavors of cookies and ice cream. For me, the ice cream was a bit too sweet, but if you have a sweet tooth, this place is perfect! Service was fast but a bit inattentive as the workers were not paying attention to me as I ordered and was distracted by what was happening outside the store. Nice walking location in PB right near the beach. You can sit in the store and eat or bring it to go, and eat while walking at the beach! Would love to try the cookies next time! Hopefully it's not overly sweet. read more

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Jae S.

167

209

215

1 year ago

Go to spot for ice cream cookie sandwiches! Delicious ice cream and cookies to choose from to make a customizable ice cream sandwich. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

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Dana A.

4

194

172

1 year ago

Is it worth the hype, YES! Is it worth the wait, oh yeah! Homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches!!! Mocha ice cream with chocolate banana cookies, On my gosh! They have vegan options too! So good and it is our go to when we are in PB on vacation. read more

The Baked Bear - Mocha ice cream and a banana chocolate chip cookie - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Baked Bear - Mocha ice cream and chocolate chip cookie - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Joe C.

83

691

598

9 months ago

The Baked Bear is a fun dessert spot, especially if you are in the mood for something indulgent after a big meal. The location is close to some college bars, so it has that lively late night energy. Service was fine, nothing special, but the real focus here is the custom ice cream sandwiches. I went with a gooey butter cake cookie on top, a white macadamia cookie on the bottom, and toasted s'mores ice cream in the middle. They even warmed up the cookies, which was a really nice touch, but overall the dessert was extremely sweet. Personally it was a bit too much for me, though I am sure people with a big sweet tooth would love it. By the time we went around 9pm, there were only three or four cookie options left, so the selection was limited. If you are craving a sugar bomb and want a fun, customizable dessert, The Baked Bear is worth a visit, but just be ready for something very sweet. read more

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Arley L.

3

139

312

1 year ago

Cute little build your own cookie sandwich spot. The line was out the door so we knew it's be good. You get a choice of cookies, ice cream and whether you want the cookie pressed and warmed up. We got one Nutella chunk cookie and one gooey butter cake cookie with classic vanilla is cream. Definitely rich but it hit the spot after dinner. read more

The Baked Bear - Chocolate chip and Gooey Butter Cake cookie sandwich with vanilla ice cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Bridget H.

34

357

1115

1 year ago

This place was popping on a Sunday night! Line out the door but it went fast and was worth the wait. You can create your own ice cream sandwich with fresh baked cookies or brownies. We did the Nutella chocolate chunk cookie and gooey butter cake cookie with vanilla. Cookies are made fresh daily. It was huge and enough for two people! There is seating available inside. Service was friendly and fast. Would go again next time I'm in San Diego. read more

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Ace D.

322

107

147

5 months ago

The Baked Bear is always a win. Fresh-baked cookies with ice cream sandwiched in the middle is hard to beat. Tons of flavor options, generous portions, and everything tastes fresh. Fun spot with a great vibe -- perfect for dessert cravings. read more

The Baked Bear - Bear Batter Pint & Strawberry Shortcake Pint - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Tulisa T.

3

238

483

9 months ago

this was an amazing ice cream sandwich! personally, i don't think it was overly sweet but just a good amount. the bear batter tastes light but still flavorful. the white macadamia cookie is more sweeter. service could have been better, there was an employee who had an attitude and looked annoyed. the place is large and has many seating tables. this location is in a corner where parking can be tedious because there are many stores nearby. luckily, we found parking quickly. i would come back again but hopefully with better service. read more

The Baked Bear - white macadamia cookie with bear batter - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Uzair A.

Curtis Stone - The Realtor ®.

11

216

51

1 year ago

Ooh this place is out of the world... you can build your own ice cream sandwich, where you choose ice cream between various brownie/cookie combinations plus toppings. We chose mud pie ice cream (which was exquisite), sandwiched between the brownie and chocolate cookie, with hot fudge topping. Truly delectable. Apparently this establishment is a chain, but this location was the OG. Staff was very friendly too. This is something we'll miss on returning from SD. read more

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155

255

443

9 months ago

On my two-week California food road trip, I made it my mission to try every taco, every In-N-Out, and every dessert shop I could find. That's how I ended up at The Baked Bear, home of the famous ice cream sandwich. I'll admit, it was ok... its hard not to be ok when you mash ice cream between cookies. It's the kind of dessert that makes your inner kid cheer. But here's the thing: as much as I enjoyed it, I couldn't help comparing it to Swirl back home in Charlotte. The "squish" (cookie + ice cream + unlimited toppings + cookie) still feels next-level. The Baked Bear may have the hype and the West Coast crowd, but when it comes to ice cream sandwiches, the squish at Swirl puts this bear right back in its cave. If you're in San Diego, The Baked Bear is worth the stop bc it's fun, indulgent, and Instagram-ready. If you're in the QC head to Swirl, there's another level waiting for you. read more

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Autumn B.

2

52

116

10 months ago

The Baked Bear is my new number one place for ice cream in San Diego! I did the create your own ice cream sandwich and I chose the cookies and cream cookie and nutella cookie with s'mores ice cream inside and I got it warmed up. Let me tell you it did not disappoint. It was a long line to get in, but it went pretty quick, maybe 10-15 minutes so not too bad and totally worth it. If you are ever in Pacific Beach you definitely need to give it a try. The staff were very friendly and helpful and it was clean inside. Very lively with lots of people having a good time with family and friends. read more

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Erica M.

Elite 21

676

135

430

1 year ago

This place is delicious. I think next time I won't have the cookie warmed up because it gets hard after a while. But the cookie that wasn't warmed was absolutely delicious. Soft, a little thinner. Their bramble berry ice cream/ idk the real name but it's similar to jeni's ice cream, was absolute HEAVEN. Go try it! The ambiance is nice for families! Perfect to eat after going to any restaurants on the street. The service was fast and kind! Will definitely be coming back when I'm in the area! read more

The Baked Bear - Cookie Monster on Cookie Monster - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Baked Bear - Order here - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Baked Bear - Chocolate chip with bramble Blackberry Crumble ice cream. Good - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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More info about The Baked Bear

4516 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
Pacific Beach
Directions
(619) 320-1237
Call Now
Visit Website
http://thebakedbear.com

Hours

What time does The Baked Bear open?

The Baked Bear opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Baked Bear close?

The Baked Bear closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does The Baked Bear take credit cards?

Yes, The Baked Bear takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Baked Bear have catering options?

Yes, The Baked Bear does have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Baked Bear allow dogs?

Yes, The Baked Bear allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Baked Bear have bike parking?

Yes, The Baked Bear has bike parking.

Does The Baked Bear have parking?

Yes, The Baked Bear has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Baked Bear wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Baked Bear is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Baked Bear have free WiFi?

No, The Baked Bear does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The Baked Bear specializes in custom ice cream sandwiches where customers choose between 12 baked from scratch cookie flavors and brownies and then choose their favorite ice cream in the middle.

More Info

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Extraordinary Desserts

4.0(9.2k reviews)

7.4 mi•Little Italy

•$$$

Memorial Day 2026 commenced with the most amazing dessert I'd never imagine ordering. Before the…read moredessert, the gentleman that rang me up, and the lady packing the desserts (apologies for not getting names) provided exceptional service. My name was spelled properly, a short conversation reassured my dessert choice, and as I walked up to retrieve my dessert, the lady met me halfway with a smile (thank you for wrapping so it didn't fall over). The smallest of gestures and niceties are what make leaving the house worth it. GIANDUIA. This cake is nothing you can be prepared for, yet everything you need without setting expectations. The boysenberry was the perfect separation for the waves of chocolate and the subtle crunch of the hazelnut toffee type of layer on the very top. The chocolate mousse was the exact mouth feel needed to separate the rich layers of chocolate cake. I saw, I conquered, and I was yet again impressed by what Extraordinary Desserts so purposefully and gracefully offered. Thank you for healing a bit of my soul I didn't realize was waiting to be healed.

We normally come here weekly after dinner with family for dessert, but after this last experience…read morewe will not be returning. Also just so everyone is aware they're also liars just to mention & stupid.. she tells us her name is Karen thinking we don't know the owners name lol .. She was at the register at 7:20pm and was extremely rude and dismissive after we placed our order, especially regarding a child's dietary restrictions and health concerns. We politely asked if it would be possible to purchase a small cup of fruit , even just a couple strawberries cut up, because one child in our group cannot have sweets due to very strict dietary restrictions . Instead of simply saying they were unable to accommodate the request or offering another option, we were told to "go somewhere else," despite already spending the amount we did . The complete lack of professionalism and basic customer service was honestly shocking. It's disappointing to be treated that way at a place we have supported so consistently. This place has been going downhill , management for this place needs to step up .

Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

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Chocolate lemon bon bon

Salt & Straw

4.6(2.2k reviews)

7.2 mi•Little Italy

You have to try this ice cream ! At first you see the like and you don't know why ? But after you…read morehad it you understand why ! They have authentic flavors ! And a freshly made waffle cone . It smells amazing in here ! They let you taste the ice creams which I loved being our first time . The staff recommended every ice cream and I don't blame them all of it looks good and the samples I tried were all so good I couldn't pick ! Save space for this treat You won't regret it . Be patient the line does get long but they are pretty quick.

I've been a patron of this institution for many years, knowing well that every dollar I spent on…read moretheir delicious ice cream would be returned in generous scoops atop freshly made waffle cones. Much to my chagrin, my latest visit has now become my last. Excitedly, I brought my four-legged son to enjoy his first pup cup, but the service and portion sizes were fit for a hobbit at best. One would think that, in such dark times, one could still find even a glimpse of hope in an ice cream cone. I was proven wrong, and my outlook on the current state of affairs only dimmed further. I ate my ice cream in two bites. Twenty dollars for two cones, four bites total. I didn't even bother feeding my son the pup cup. He deserves better. The world deserves better. Bigger portions. Bigger smiles. Makes perfect sense, in my humble opinion. I suppose your employees do not agree.

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Pappalecco

4.3(3.1k reviews)

7.3 mi•Little Italy

•$

A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

Inside

Soup Tomato.

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Two Scoop Gelato Cone ($5)

Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

4.0(1.2k reviews)

7.2 mi•Little Italy

Went on Memorial weekend and was surprised how quickly we got seated. Waitress was nice and warned…read moreus the kitchen was backed up but honestly we didn't wait long. We ordered a calamari (10/10), lasagna (10/10), Penne Quattro Formaggi (7/10) and Fusilli Genovese (11/10). The Formaggi was a little too rich for me... but my son loved it. We will definitely be back!!

First of all, I'm writing this not because I want to say something bad about the restaurant, but…read morebecause the tipping situation really bothered me. There were 8 of us, and the restaurant wasn't even busy. When I was about to pay the bill, I noticed my subtotal was around $200, but there was already a $42 tip added. I asked the staff why it was $42, and they told me it was because of the automatic 20% gratuity listed on the menu. I checked the menu, and it was written in very small fine print. I even told them, "What if someone doesn't notice the fine print?" It honestly felt misleading. Also, the food just isn't as good as it used to be. Five years ago, this place was much better. I'm sorry to say this, but after this experience, I won't be coming back.

Cute restaurant in little Italy

Fusilli Genovese

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Pop Pops Fabulous Paleta

4.7(332 reviews)

7.1 mi•Little Italy

I came to Little Italy for the vibes... and accidentally found myself in a popsicle wonderland…read more This place is basically Build-A-Bear, but for popsicles--and honestly, that's the energy I want in my life. You start with the base flavor (already impossible to choose because every option sounds like it was handcrafted by a happy fruit), then you get to customize it with toppings like you're a dessert scientist. Chocolate drizzle? Yes. Crunchy toppings? Obviously. Something unexpected that makes you feel bold and adventurous? Absolutely. The service deserves its own round of applause. The staff is genuinely excited about your popsicle journey and treats every order like it's the most important frozen masterpiece they've ever made. No rushing, no judgment for taking way too long to decide--just good vibes and friendly smiles. And the atmosphere?? Peak Little Italy charm. Colorful, lively, and buzzing with people who are clearly having the best dessert moment of their day. It's the kind of place where you take one bite and immediately start planning who you're bringing back with you next time. In conclusion: come hungry, leave sticky, happy, and emotionally attached to your popsicle. This spot is proof that joy can, in fact, be frozen on a stick.

Was eating dinner across the street and saw this bright colorful spot and my toddler asked to stop…read moreby. We saw the big paleta statue out front and he wanted a picture with it. They have so many options of paletas and toppingss however it is a little pricier then mom/pop spots but also, its San Diego & in Little Italy nonetheless. The shop is super small but for what it is, I think its fine. We got the biscoff & cookies and cream. It was nice for the weather

Pistachio Power

Bana - Tella Paleta Banana with Nutella filling paleta

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Biscoff Cookie Butter Pop with chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbles

Nonna + Zucchero

4.1(562 reviews)

7.2 mi•Little Italy

NONNA has me in a chokehold and I'm staying there forever!!!…read more Chicken Parmigiana is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, and no one can convince me otherwise. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Nonna's is just one of those places you have to visit. The service is AMAZING, the food is DIVINE, and the energy is always so warm and welcoming. Parking can be a bit stressful, especially on busy evenings (which is pretty often), so be prepared to park a little farther away or pay for nearby parking around $25.

After grabbing small dinner in Little Italy , walked over to Zucchero's to grab a cannoli to-go…read more They had a ton of freshly made desserts and couldn't resist so I grabbed a fruit tart pastry as well. Both were delicious (~$6/ea). Prices are a little high for a single cannoli. Service was fast as well. The dessert/coffee bar is located inside Nonna's restaurant. They have seating inside and a few spots on the sidewalk. They also make coffee/tea, etc to go as well. Their gelato freezer was broken but they normally have a small selection as well. Parking in Little Italy sucks - not their fault.

Beef carpaccio

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Tortellini Funghi

Holy Paleta

4.4(273 reviews)

7.0 mi•Little Italy

This spot is so cute and Robert was extremely welcoming and accommodating! The ice cream was some…read moreof the best I've ever had. I will definitely be back when I come back to San Diego.

I saw this on Instagram and had to try it! I got the Pop Spicy that included mango pop with chamoy…read moredrizzle, tajin spicy mangos. It was good, but a little expensive for a popsicle. We also had a cookies n' cream with 1/2 chocolate dip and Oreo crumbs. We went in the middle of the day and it wasn't busy. Inside is decorated super cute

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Nibble Chocolate

4.6(74 reviews)

7.3 mi•Little Italy

•$

Stumbled upon Nibble Chocolate and I'm so glad I did. Ambience is sweet and cozy. It's a cute…read morelittle shop that feels like a hidden gem, especially if you're someone who appreciates good quality chocolate. They have a great variety to choose from, whether you're into milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even non dairy options. I also love that they offer chocolate drinks and coffee, so it's easy to turn a quick stop into a little treat moment. I tried the peanut butter dates and they were so good. Smooth, rich, and just the right size when you want something sweet without going overboard. I also had a dark chocolate truffle and that one was just as good. You can really taste the quality. Customer service was a highlight. The guy helping me was super personable, gave great suggestions for drinks, and was genuinely kind, which always makes the experience better. Honestly, I'm just happy I found a chocolate spot within walking distance. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet but still want it to feel a little elevated.

I don't usually seek out vegan products, but Nibble chocolate is a Bean to bar chocolate shop in…read morelittle Italy in San Diego with single origin chocolates. I sampled chocolate from Peru, Madagascar, and Kenya, and they all had unique fruity characteristics. Because they're vegan, so they use oat milk for their chocolate instead of dairy. My wife and I also wanted some drinks while we were here. I had a hot chocolate. My wife had hers with espresso shots. Good espresso in pure chocolate will never not be good. They are family owned and they only add chocolate, sugar, and oat milk to make their bars. Overall, this was a fun place to check out at Little Italy, and they also had a stall at the Farmer's Market.

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Bobboi Natural Gelato

4.8(262 reviews)

6.9 mi•Little Italy

I love the flavors they have. The Banaretto was my favorite. It tastes like actual banana and not…read moreartificial. The strawberry sorbet was my second favorite. It was very refreshing. The first time I came on a Sunday night and the line was out the door but it was only a 15 minute wait. This place is a million times better than other places where you have to wait an hour.

This was my 2nd time trying Bobboi but another location. I'm always a fruity sorbet type of girl,…read moreso I was excited to see they have a few options. I ended up trying the Strawberry and Dragon Lemon. With the two flavors mixed together, it ended up tasting like a frozen strawberry lemonade, which was very tasty and refreshing. I also liked that there was seating inside, which made things convenient to finish my scoop in-store. I would definitely recommend Bobboi if you're looking for a refreshing treat and some fun flavors.

Small Vegan pistachio and matchatella 2 Flavor Gelato Container

Seating by the open windows

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Vanilla charcoal & rose

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

4.5(795 reviews)

8.5 mi•East Village

It's an about time I post my true feelings about Hinar... and it's nothing but AWE. I consider…read moremyself a true matcha connoisseur, and can be pretty picky - I consider this one of if not the best matchas I've ever had. Considering all matchas in this area are so pricy, if you're spending money you want it to be worth it- and trust me this one is. I encourage you to try the earl grey with earl grey cold foam - the only downside is it is seriously addicting. I will say the ham and cheese croissant is pretty good, but a tad overpriced, but as is most things in SD. Service is always great and fast, and this is also a great comfortable study spot. As for desert, I think the photo speaks for itself. Amazing. Truly cant recommend enough :)

I love Hinar, they have an awesome matcha flavor and it is so delicious. The strawberry cake is so…read moredelicious and I recommend adding biscoff cold foam to your matcha. The atmosphere is always packed but there's times when there's slow areas where you can eat and sit down and really enjoy the vibe with your matcha. I love Hinar the workers are always super sweet.