A scoop of ice cream, a cupcake, a cookie—these are all reasonable desserts for when you’re craving something sweet. But this is not a list of reasonable desserts. Instead, these are the spots Local Guides head to when they want a sweet feast of epic proportions. Get ready for a sugar-high!
Then, tell us in the comments below: where do you go for your favorite over-the-top dessert?
Sweet Rolled Tacos (Garden Grove, California)
This cheerful spot puts a sweet spin on tacos using rolled ice cream, taco-shell-shaped waffle cones, and over-the-top toppings.
Local Guides say:
“This place definitely did not disappoint! Unique flavors, excellent presentation and friendly employees! Their rolled ice cream was rich and flavorful and their shakes were amazing also! All 4 of our kids absolutely enjoyed the experience.” - Local Guide Kelli Rust
Bob Bob Ricard (London, U.K.)
This stylish restaurant is known for its “Press for Champagne” buttons at each table, but we’re more interested in their “Chocolate Glory.” Pour hot chocolate over the golden chocolate sphere of this dessert to reveal brownies, berries, and more.
Local Guides say:
“Beautiful Russian pub-like decor, champagne button and perfectly cooked beef Wellington. Get their special chocolate dessert!” - Local Guide Aankhi Mukherjee
Black Tap (New York City, New York)
While it started off as a burger joint, Black Tap shot to fame for its enormous “Crazy Shakes,” which are milkshakes decorated with candy, cookies, or even a slice of cake. Get them in flavors like “Cotton Candy,” “Brooklyn Blackout,” and “The Cake Shake.”
Local Guides say:
“BEST MILKSHAKES EVER. Tourists and locals alike should check out this gem. Great food and vibe, and most importantly, THE SHAKES ARE EPIC. Perfect for date night.
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Totti Candy Factory (Tokyo, Japan)
Located in Shibuya, Totti Candy Factory is known for its massive servings of rainbow-colored cotton candy, where each color is a different flavor.
Local Guides say:
“Massive cotton candy here! I literally just wanted to take a picture but it turns out I finished the entire thing super quick cause the different candy flavours were delicious! As pretty as it looks, definitely a one time visit for me since it’s too much sugar! There’s always a lineup!” - Local Guide Lisa Zhou
Non Entrée Dessert Cafe (Farrer Park, Singapore)
Solely focused on sweet things, this charming cafe serves up desserts that could pass for works of art. One of the most popular is the “Matcha Avalanche” which uses the molten center of a lava cake to make a sauce for the ice cream below it.
Local Guides say:
“Extremely creative dessert. Loved the matcha avalanche … the strong blend of matcha went very well with the azuki beans…” - Local Guide Granny Tan
Giapo (Auckland, New Zealand)
This beloved ice cream shop is known for its out-there scoops, but “The Colossal Squid” tops them all. Created as a tribute to the Te Papa Museum, the squid is made out of hollow, 3D-printed chocolate.
Local Guides say:
“Giapo “The Colossal Squid!!!” This masterpiece was an inspiration from the colossal squid at Te Papa Museum. The whole body was created using 3D printing technology and the tentacles and fins are hollow rather than solid – to avoid death by chocolate! It took an astounding 18 months to create this masterpiece wammy which sits on top of the cone. A must try one a kind creation which tastes even better than it looks…” - Local Guide Mohit
Black Star Pastry (Sydney, Australia)
This Sydney bakeshop is known for its towering, multi-layered watermelon cake that combines rose-scented cream with watermelon and strawberries for a light, refreshing summer dessert.
Local Guides say:
“We went to the Black Star pastry exclusively for try the strawberry watermelon cake. It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s really fresh and it makes you want more, more and more…If you are around Sydney, don’t miss the chance to try a bit of this cake!” - Local Guide Emiliano Biondi
The Duchess (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Are you a chocolate lover? Then look no further than The Duchess’s “Chocolate Explosion.” This gorgeous restaurant utilizes liquid nitrogen in this dessert to break open a chocolate shell stuffed with chocolate macarons, brownies, mousse, and more.
Local Guides say:
“…Great atmosphere and a very high standard. The Chocolate Explosion, Espresso martini and the foie gras Donuts were my absolute Highlight. A must go to, when in Amsterdam.” - Local Guide Chris Jebens
Have you been to any of these spots?