Atlanta’s Best Desserts: Something for Everyone
If you’ve been reading my blog for any time at all, I’m sure you’ve noticed that my favorite thing about Atlanta is the food. If I’m being really honest, my favorite thing about ANY city is, well, the dessert!
In this week’s post, we are going to look at 14 of Atlanta’s Best Dessert Spots. From Iranian ice cream to bubble tea, I promise there’s something for everyone in this insider’s guide! 🙂
But First, Ice Cream
The Yard – Milkshake Bar
The Yard is the sort of place you go knowing there’s no way you’re ever going to eat it all, but you have to go because the creations are just too extravagant and too ‘gramable to pass up. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they are delicious, but you’ll likely develop and die from diabetes before you finish your order 😛
Honeysuckle Gelato
This is a go-to of mine when I’m visiting Ponce City Market. I love their small size options because the gelato is so rich and flavorful that just a small cup is just enough. It reminds me of the quality of gelato back in Sicily. I’m telling you, this is a must the next time you’re at the City Market.
Zesto
Now, this is a throwback. Zesto has all but gone out of business, unfortunately, but there is still a location open in Buckhead. If you’ve never been or never heard of Zesto, think old-school Dairy Queen–a hotdog and burger joint that patrons frequent for their sweet treats.
Honestly, I would pick Zesto’s over Dairy Queen every day of the week. Their hot fudge Sunday with walnuts or a nut-brown crown are my go-to orders. Just thinking about them makes me want to drive into the city this very minute. Now, as you can see from my photos, it’s not going to be the most picturesque ice cream you’ve ever seen, but, good grief, it’s delicious.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s has definitely made a name for itself over the years. I’ve always loved the exciting flavor combinations you can find here. I feel like, for Atlanta at least, Jeni’s was the first to really turn ice cream into culinary genius. In recent years, other brands have come forward and are doing what Jeni was doing all along. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Gooey Butter Cake. If you want to play it safe with an oldie but goodie, Bramble Berry Crisp is where it’s at. Whatever you choose, it’s all amazing.
Delbar
Unlike traditional ice cream, Delbar’s Bastani Irani came across like a cold oatmeal to me, but there was something I really liked about it. I love ice cream with a lot of “stuff” in it–nuts, chocolate, anything really. I always choose this over a simple, smooth flavor.
Delbar’s menu describes their Bastani Irani as “vanilla-based ice cream infused with saffron, rose water, and pistachios.” It is definitely worth a try the next time you’re visiting this amazing Middle Eastern restaurant.
Let Them Eat Cake
Marcel – 12 Layer Chocolate Cake
Ok, this cake. When you see it, you’ll immediately think, “there’s no way. I’m going to take one bite of this, and it’s going to be so rich I won’t be able to go back for a second.” Wrong. Completely wrong. This cake is PERFECTION. Although it is made of the most decadent chocolate cheesecake mouse, hot fudge, and chocolate crumbles you can imagine, it’s somehow the perfect amount of sweetness. Not only will you eat every bite, but you’ll also lick the plate.
Chops Lobster Bar – Bread pudding
Speaking of unsung heroes of the dessert world, enter Bread Pudding. Honestly, before eating here, bread pudding was nowhere on my radar. It would 1000% be the last item on the menu I’d ever choose. However, we went to Chops on my birthday, and they brought it out as a complimentary birthday dessert. I’m not gonna lie, I was like, I guess they are trying to get rid of this because no one ever orders it. Then I tasted it. Sweet heaven. I now seek out bread pudding. If it’s on the dessert menu, I order it. Chops put it on the map for me, and I’m so glad they did.
Eight Sushi – Bread pudding + Ice Cream
Allow me to be the first to say that I would never have imagined eating bread pudding at a sushi restaurant. However, when our waitress described the dish, we could not resist. It was amazing and the perfect end to an already perfect dinner. We were stuffed, but still wished we had more.
Doughnuts
Five Daughter’s Bakery
Known for their 100-Layer Donut, these beauties are a hybrid of a classic doughnut and a croissant. It takes three days to craft these works of art. They also offer cake batter, yeast-raised, and paleo-friendly options. This place will knock your socks off. Be sure to check out their website as their menu is constantly changing!
Mochinut
Other Delicious Finds…
Crumbl Cookies
I had my first Crumbl cookie experience just recently after my coworkers were giving it rave reviews. I’d never even HEARD of Crumbl. “What is this Crumbl you speak of?” I asked.
I went that very day after work and drove a half hour to Kennesaw to see what all the fuss was about.
First of all, the store was HOPPIN’. I chose to download the app and order ahead. I hit the “I’m here” button when I arrived, and they were slappin’ the cookies in the box the minute I walked in the door.
One cool feature of Crumbl is that the flavors change weekly. I love that. It definitely keeps patrons coming back again and again to try the newest flavors. The week I went, two cookies were served warm, and two were served chilled.
Now, there’s no way you could eat 4 of these cookies in one sitting. They are huge and rich. However, I had to order one of each flavor to give it a proper taste test and review. I recommend this for all patrons: Buy one of each flavor and cut them into slices. Eat maybe half of a slice at a time.
Unbelibubble – Bubble Tea
First off, what a cool name. They nailed it with this one. Having been a bubble tea fan for a long time now, I was excited to find this gem at ATL Works. Their teas are delicious and their staff is super helpful if you need some guidance on the perfect treat for your outing. They’ll also help you customize your tea with fruit add-ons. This is the perfect treat for these hot Georgia days.
Chateau Elan – Creme Brulee & Afternoon Tea
I am ALWAYS on the lookout for a good creme brulee. I feel this is another delicious treat that often goes underestimated. However, when done correctly, it’s not only delicious, but it’s juuuust the right amount of sweetness for an after-dinner treat. The perfect example of this, is the creme brulee at Chateau Elan’s Versailles restaurant located in The Inn.
While I’m here and talking about sweets, I must also mention that the Chateau’s Afternoon Tea offers a variety of bite-size sweet treats as part of the experience. It is one of my favorite experiences I’ve had in Atlanta to date, and I don’t say that lightly. If you’re looking for a date idea, a place to take your mom, or a day out with your friends, I HIGHLY recommend this.
Thanks for stopping by, friend! I hope you found something delicious to inspire your next day off from work! If you try any of these spots, please leave me a comment below and let me know what you think! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly Adventure Fuel email!
Looking for more great places to eat? Check out my recent post, Insider’s Guide to the Best of Atlanta’s Brunch!
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