There are two extraordinary desserts in SD, and I wasn’t really sure which one I picked when decided: it could be a cafe-style or trendy restaurant-style. We ended up with the cafe-type location, which was really nice and cozy. The outdoor seating was perfect for summer san diego nights, and is comfortable feeling overall. Unfortunately there was a long line to order, but that was somewhat expected. You wait in line, look at all the pretty desserts, order at cashier, and sit. They bring the desserts to you.

Now to the main reason you’re reading this: their desserts! We got 2 desserts: a flourless chocolate cake and a Shangri La cake. When you get your desserts they look even more delicious since they pretty it up and put some tasty sauces all around. They also put random flower petals around the dishes. Fancy. The taste of the desserts were very good, but I’ve had better at some places. A huge plus was that they didn’t overwhelm you with sweetness and the flavors were pretty original compared to standard fare. Nonetheless, I’ll take a molten chocolate volcano at a nice restaurant over these fancy desserts anyday. I would definitely go back and try even more desserts, they all look super delicious, and I think its a matter of picking right.

This is the dessert place to go in San Diego for any special occasions – birthdays, romantic dates, friends visiting from out of town. They have a huge variety & Karen Krane is definitely creative with a lot of different ingredients. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend all the dishes – some of the chocolate ones are too sweet and you tire of the taste after a few bites.

However, there are some great desserts. I would highly recommend: Ivoire Royale (torte of vanilla-flavored pound cake layered with white chocolate mousse, topped with strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and covered in white chocolate shavings); Passion Fruit Ricotta Torte (ricotta soaked in passion fruit juice layered with passion fruit whipped cream, kiwi, strawberry, banana).

Drawbacks: pricey. Also, they have two locations with very different ambience. The 5th Avenue location (in Little Italy) is a small, cozy, I think romantic (think vine-weaved white fence and vintage-art decorations) venue. The Union St location is huge sit-down place where the servers come get your orders and goes for a more polished and modern look.

i stopped by for the 1st time on a sunday evening after dinner, and the place was packed. (the line was even longer when i left.) the prices are hefty for their beautifully presented and deftly baked desserts. there’s a nice covered outdoor patio (w/heat lamps) and a pleasant cafe interior for couples or large groups. you order at the counter and receive a number, then someone brings you your desserts.

the desserts were delicious, not too sweet or heavy…it’s just the prices that are a mild deterrent.

Order the Mezzi Platter – extra rustic breads . They have chic and tasty cocktail, the BEST desserts i have ever had (huge deal for me to say) – the blood orange ricotta cake with passionfruit and raspberry sauce is my favorite. The only weak area of the menu is the panini section – stick to small bites, salads, and DESSERTS!