Sweet tooths, unite. October 14 is National Dessert Day, which gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in the dessert of your choice. But why stop there?
Sacramento has plenty of quality dessert spots — from chocolatiers to bakeries — practically begging to be visited, especially on such an important occasion as National Dessert Day.
In the spirit of desserts everywhere, here's a roundup of Sacramento's top dessert institutions, handpicked for quality using both Yelp data and our own secret recipe.
1. Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
Topping the list is Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates. Located at 1801 L St., Suite 60 in Midtown, the chocolatier and patisserie is by far the most popular dessert spot in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,397 reviews on Yelp.
It's almost as famed for its macarons and bars as it is for its chocolate creations. The airy French cookies come in flavors like salty caramel and chocolate ganache, as well as rotating seasonal flavors (including, at the moment, pumpkin pie). You can check out the current lineup here.
2. Osaka-ya
Next up is Southside Park's Osaka-Ya, situated at 2215 10th St. With 4.5 stars out of 500 reviews on Yelp, this Japanese sweets and shaved ice spot has proven to be a local favorite.
Although the weather is getting a little chilly to enjoy its shaved ice desserts, the store's signature mochi treats, filled or not, make a perfectly gummy fall dessert. You can get them all in one flavor, or in a pack with a variety of flavors and fillings; explore the options at the shop's website.
3. Danny's Mini Donuts
Old Sacramento's Danny's Mini Donuts, located at 900 Second St. across from the Railroad Museum, is another top choice. Its freshly made mini doughnuts, especially the cinnamon sugar flavor, have earned it 4.5 stars out of 288 reviews.
You can find the menu here. The shop also gives free samples, if you don't feel like putting your faith in reviews.
4. Cookies & Milk
Cookies & Milk, a Downtown delivery service filling the extremely specific niche of freshly baked cookies on demand (even late at night), is another much-loved dessert provider. Yelpers give it 4.5 stars out of 196 Yelp reviews for its classic flavors like chocolate chip, peanut butter and Oreo cheesecake.
You can find the business at 1201 F St., but a better bet is to call or place an order online.
5. Cafe Marika
Over in Boulevard Park, check out Cafe Marika, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 167 reviews on Yelp. It earns a place on this list for its apple strudel, beloved of many reviewers. You can find the Hungarian café at 2011 J St., Suite A.
