The call
The documented visit included gelato flight (tiramisu, vanilla, pistachio). This record does not turn that order into a recommendation.
What to order
- Gelato flight (tiramisu, vanilla, pistachio)
Best for
- A gelato stop
- A casual dessert date
Dessert · French
Chocolat
A Hillcrest dessert cafe near University and 5th where the displayed cakes looked past their best, but the made-to-order gelato flavors and a crepe (best ordered with honey on the side) came through.
Source-backed notes
Visit history
2011-12-08day precision · source explicit
“The gelato section happened to be right next to the cake displays and that immediately caught our eye.”
The displayed tiramisu and creme brulee looked unappealing (saran-wrapped, dry), so they opted for gelato instead — vanilla, tiramisu and pistachio, all good. Also had a crepe with honey and powdered sugar, though the honey was overpouring; recommends asking for it on the side.
Stay in the neighborhood
More in Hillcrest.
RecommendedPrice varies
Hillcrest
Cigar Cave
Drinks
Roger's Hillcrest cigar-bar pick, run by an owner (Raul) he calls the friendliest in town, open later than most local lounges with a strong Belgian beer selection on tap and bottle.
- From the order notes
- A cigar paired by Raul · Belgian beer on tap or bottle
- Go for
- Late-night cigar hours · Belgian beer drinkers
Latest recorded visit2025-01-15
Not recommendedPrice varies
Hillcrest
Hong Kong Restaurant
Chinese
A Hillcrest Chinese restaurant Roger says declined after the pandemic, dropping from a two-star review to one star, after an earlier visit he'd already called just okay and Americanized.
- From the order notes
- Go for
- A cautionary tale on a post-pandemic decline
Latest recorded visit2022
Worth trying$$
Hillcrest
Nishiki Ramen - Hillcrest
JapaneseRamen
A Hillcrest location of the Nishiki Ramen chain -- a separate address from the site's existing Kearny Mesa entry -- rated a middling three stars by Roger.
- From the order notes
- Go for
- Ramen in Hillcrest
Latest recorded visit2019-02-02
Keep exploring
More like this.
Browse the Dessert page, or continue to another place with a matching cuisine.
Worth tryingPrice varies
Embarcadero
Portside Coffee & Gelato
CoffeeDessert
A grab-and-go coffee and gelato counter at Portside Pier: an easy fix on a Harbor Drive walk, though Roger said the coffee is better in Little Italy.
- From the order notes
- Apple pie gelato
- Go for
- A quick sweet or caffeine fix on the waterfront
Latest recorded visit2020 · approx.
MixedPrice varies
North Park
The Smoking Goat
French
A North Park bistro Roger had enjoyed for years until a Restaurant Week dinner brought rude service and no apology from the server.
- From the order notes
- An entrée
- Go for
- Past visits Roger had no complaints about
Latest recorded visit2017 · approx.