Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the San Luis Obispo Area by Diners

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Highest-rated dessert shops in the San Luis Obispo area by diners

There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth—nearly 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.

One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.

Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.

Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the San Luis Obispo area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of San Luis Obispo were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.

Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!

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#15. Tomasko's Salt Water Taffy

- Rating: 3.2/5 (75 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 630 Cypress St. Pismo Beach, California
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Candy Stores
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#14. Insomnia Cookies

- Rating: 3.6/5 (100 reviews)
- Address: 22 Chorro St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Food Delivery Services
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#13. Cowboy Cookie & Ice Cream

- Rating: 3.6/5 (164 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 174 Pomeroy Ave. Pismo Beach, California
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Custom Cakes
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#12. Brown Butter Cookie Company

- Rating: 3.8/5 (64 reviews)
- Address: 897 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Specialty Food, Desserts
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#11. Del's Pizzeria

- Rating: 3.9/5 (608 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1101 Price St. Pismo Beach, California
- Categories: Pizza, Italian, Desserts
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#10. Splash Cafe

- Rating: 4.1/5 (5302 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 197 Pomeroy Ave. Pismo Beach, California
- Categories: Desserts, American, Seafood
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#9. SLO Froyo & Italian Ice

- Rating: 4.2/5 (46 reviews)
- Address: 956 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Desserts
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#8. Lokum Turkish Delight & Baklava

- Rating: 4.4/5 (211 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 715 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Turkish, Desserts, Coffee & Tea
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#7. Café Crepes de SLO

- Rating: 4.4/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 785 Marsh St. Suit A Ste A San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Creperies, Desserts, Bubble Tea
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#6. Crumbl - Pismo Beach

- Rating: 4.4/5 (54 reviews)
- Address: 503-B Five Cities Drive Unit B Pismo Beach, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#5. Pardon My French Bakery

- Rating: 4.6/5 (183 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 871 Froom Ranch Way Ste 130 San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Bakeries, French, Desserts
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#4. SeaBreeze Cupcakes & Sweet Treats

- Rating: 4.7/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3001 Broad St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries, Cupcakes
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#3. SLO Delicious Bake Shop

- Rating: 4.8/5 (120 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1129 Garden St. San Luis Obispo, California
- Categories: Desserts, Patisserie/Cake Shop, Bakeries
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