TARTE TATIN, Le Petit Bistrot
Newly opened French kitchen Le Petit Bistrot turns out a classic tarte tatin that’s a towering work of art. Made to order (allow 10 minutes), thinly sliced apples are baked in a puff pastry, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and crowned with an intricate sculptural swirl of caramel spun sugar. C’est magnifique. 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.877.9462
TRES LECHES DE CAFÉ, Puesto
Taking a cue from Italian pastry chefs, Puesto's dessert artists soak vanilla sponge cake in coffee, turning its south-of-the-border classic, tres leches, into a cross-cultural treat. The balancing act of delicate and rich confections continues with the addition of mascarpone whip, mocha dressing and fresh strawberries for good measure. 1026 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.454.1260
MATCHA DOUGHNUTS, Holy Matcha
North Park's chicest new addition has everything matcha-tea related, from beverages to healthy snacks to—you guessed it—guilt-free desserts including its wildly popular green matcha (and gluten-free) doughnuts. Stay a while and enjoy the cafe's charming aesthetic. 3118 University Ave., North Park
YODEL, Juniper & Ivy
When it comes to whimsy, Juniper & Ivy takes the cake with its version of the classic lunchbox treat, a yodel. Here, it's a cigar of moist chocolate cake filled with dark chocolate ganache and crispy hazelnut brittle, sprinkled with crunchy white chocolate pellets, drizzled with hot chocolate sauce and topped with strawberries. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036
Photography Courtesy Of: