Romantic Restaurants in San Diego: Sweetest Spots to Take Your Sweet

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    The aroma of espresso mulled with chocolate will stagger you both as pass through the doors of Hillcrest's award-winning, saccharine sanctuary. Chef Karen Kasne, who travels the world collecting recipes, is truly a sorceress of sweets, and even the names of her delights will spur many a health fanatic to hurl his or her diet out the window: White Chocolate Cheesecake. Fraisier Triple-Berry Torte. Lemon Praline. Triple Chocolate Mousse.

    Espresso drinks and rich Kona coffees also extraordinary, as well as tea, beer, wine and sangria selections. More than a decade has gone by since Extraordinary Desserts first graced San Diego palates, but its popularity has not waned. Although both locations offer plenty of indoor seating, as well as heated patios, be prepared to wait.

Heaven Sent Desserts, 3001 University Avenue

    The newest sweet spot in town, Heaven Sent Desserts has graced North Park with an everlasting variety of divine culinary creations. Open at 7am, the café is a beautiful spot for breakfasting with a loved one, to savor a simple muffin or a unique blend of coffee, but make sure to return in the evening for the main attraction.

    Desserts here are so delicious-sounding they’re potentially dangerous. Deep-fried candy bars, topped with grilled pineapple. Butter cake layered with raspberry marmalade and apricot buttercream. Deep fried chocolate peanut butter truffles served with caramelized bananas, cajeta ice cream and hot curry. Chocolate raspberry cake layered with dark chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. You might have to run an extra mile at the gym tomorrow (or three or four), but heaven knows it’s worth it.

Cheesecake Factory, 7067 Friars Road

    Why do couples continue to frequent Mission Valley’s notorious Cheesecake Factory when they know they’ll have to suffer through a grueling two-hour wait? Well, obviously-because of the restaurant’s mouth-watering, convulsively delicious desserts. More than fifty delectable diversions are available, by the whole or by the slice. The most difficult part is deciding.

    Among the cheesecakes available are the chocolate peanut butter cookie dough, certain to stick to the roof of your mouth; the pucker-ific key lime cheesecake; the lemon raspberry cream cheesecake; and the scrumptiously crunchy Snickers Bar "chunks and cheesecake". The wine list is extensive and your server will be glad to recommend a type to complement your dessert.

Michele Coulon Dessertier, 7556 Fay Ave., Suite D

    Michele Coulon’s dessert delights are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the tongue. Coulon is a true artist, and each plate is a miniature masterpiece. She refuses to use preservatives, artificial ingredients or prepared products, and many of her desserts include organic ingredients; however, she certainly doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Name-dropping at this La Jolla sweet spot is necessary. The lemadamia mini tartes are petite pastries with organic lemon filling, topped with macadamia crumble, caramelized macadamia nuts and white chocolate. The black and white minis include luscious layers of chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, hot milk spongecake and buttercream. The white chocolate mousse torte is a flourless chocolate cake layered with white chocolate mousse, and can include raspberries or pistachios, if you like.

    The adjoining restaurant, Nathan’s at Michele Coulon’s, is a perfect place to grab lunch before splurging on sweets, but be sure to save plenty of room.

St Tropez Bakery & Bistro, various locations

    Whether you're in Hillcrest, La Jolla, Downtown or beyond, there’s a St Tropez Bakery & Bistro nearby. Each bistro is charmingly decorated in wood and wicker, the walls vivid with whimsical murals of French scenery. Although it’s worth stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the desserts are what you really want on your plate.

    The bakery offers lovely tartes for every taste, like apple, apricot, strawberry, raspberry or pear, available in individual or sized to share. Cloudlike crepes can be flavored by an equal variety of fruits-try the lemon honey. Chocoholics will prefer to peruse the wide variety of cakes like the Napoleon St. Tropez cake, the three-layer chocolate mousse "Opera" cake, the chocolate mousse cake, or the black forest raspberry cake with Grand Marnier. All are available by the slice, or can be special-ordered by the sheet or half-sheet for special celebrations.

    Long-term lovers, listen up: St Tropez also specializes in customized, handcrafted wedding cakes. See http://sttropezbistro.com for locations.