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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Diego

Caramel

Made for those who treat caramel as a non-negotiable requirement in their sweets and seek it out with unwavering dedication.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Cozy bakery offers authentic French specialties in a calm, family-friendly setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Must-try items include the croissant dough French pudding with caramel and pecans, plus ube caramel gelato and a salted caramel latte. Perfect for relaxed brunches or studying.

Croissant dough French Pudding filled with cinnamon, pecan, and caramel topped with chocolate stands out. The ube caramel gelato and salted caramel latte also feature prominently on the menu.

Good to know

1

The prices are quite high, with a croissant costing $10 with nuts on top.

2

The macaroons cost $35 for 12 pieces.

3

The Dubai chocolate croissant costs $11.

02
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Gelato shop offers free samples and a cheerful atmosphere with friendly staff. Salted caramel shines with a salty-sweet balance and pairs well with hazelnut chocolate. Options include vegetarian and dairy-free flavors for all tastes.

Salted caramel stands out with a salty-sweet balance and pairs well with flavors like hazelnut chocolate and bacio. The gelato also features unique combos like olive oil and caramel and banana with dulce de leche.

People are saying

"The salted caramel gelato is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They clearly labeled vegetarian options.

2

They offered vegan options.

3

Prices are a bit expensive because it's located by the beach.

03
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Small bakery offers freshly made mochi in a warm modern atmosphere with a large glass window into the kitchen. Salted caramel cakes come in various sizes and balance sweetness well. Cozy space invites those seeking unique Asian desserts.

Salted caramel cakes come in various sizes, including 12-inch and mini versions. The flavor balances sweetness well, offering a rich but not overpowering taste. Prices for mini cakes hover around 15 dollars.

People are saying

"The Caramel here is visually stunning and delicious."

Good to know

1

The store opens at 11 am on Sundays, not 10 am.

2

Expect higher prices than most dessert places.

3

Free parking is available, but the lot fills quickly.

04
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Rows of handmade caramels and toffees offer colorful, nostalgic treats. Candymakers work in view, adding fresh craftsmanship to the lively, charming atmosphere. Rich aromas and vibrant colors delight both kids and adults alike.

Rows of handmade caramels and toffees fill the shelves, offering a colorful and nostalgic selection. The house caramels and sugar-free salted caramel chocolates stand out for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the house-made caramels, they were so creamy and good."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a wide variety of handmade candies and chocolates.

2

Expect busy crowds on Saturday evenings, especially during peak hours.

3

Most candies are sold by weight, so be prepared for varying prices.

05
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Small burger spot boasts a dog-friendly patio and lively vibe with loud music. Families enjoy well-priced sliders and good beer on tap. Desserts shine with rich caramel sauces and sweet apple fritters loaded with caramel.

Desserts feature rich caramel sauces like Mexican caramel (cajeta) and caramel sauce on churros. Apple fritters come with large amounts of caramel and chunks of apple, making them very sweet.

People are saying

"Mark insisted on giving us churros with Mexican caramel."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM for the OB women’s club event.

2

The restaurant has onsite parking available in the back.

3

Each slider costs $8 and is palm-sized, perfect for mixing and matching.

06
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Cozy coffee stand offers handmade croissants and large açaí bowls in a warm, welcoming space. Caramel macchiato and Biscoff cinnamon honey latte deliver sweet, layered flavors with smooth espresso pours. Free chocolates and a chalk area add to the friendly vibe.

Espresso pours over caramel and milk to create a smooth, rich macchiato. Drinks like the caramel macchiato and Biscoff cinnamon honey latte highlight sweet, layered flavors.

People are saying

"The caramel macchiato is delicious, especially with the espresso poured over it."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time during busy mornings, especially on weekends.

2

Everything is made to order, which may take extra time.

3

The café is located behind a gas station, making it a bit hidden.

07
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Spacious coffee shop offers a quiet, chill vibe perfect for reading or working. Smooth bean blends create authentic caramel flavor in lattes and salted caramel mochas. Homemade syrups and locally baked goods add a distinct touch to the experience.

Good to know

1

Talitha Coffee Roasters does not accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

The kitchen cannot serve an acai bowl after 12:30 pm.

3

Street parking is available nearby for $1.25 per 30 minutes.

08
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Stylish interior with natural skylight and green plants creates a cozy vibe. Caramel black salt latte offers smooth balanced sweetness that pairs well with savory bites. Indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating support easy talking in a relaxed setting.

The caramel black salt latte stands out for its smoothness and balanced sweetness. It pairs well with savory items like beef empanadas and offers a satisfying twist with oat milk or sea salt.

People are saying

"The caramel black salt latte was so satisfying and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is easy to find.

2

During busy times, the line could be out the door.

3

The only baked good left was one jalapeño bagel.

09
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Bright bakery offers a Brown Butter Caramel Knot with rich flavor and soft texture. Heated patios and live local music create a warm, inviting vibe. Small indoor space fills quickly, making it lively and social with families and dogs.

Brown Butter Caramel Knot stands out with its rich, brown butter caramel flavor and soft, knot-shaped pastry. Caramel lattes also appear as a sweet option alongside other pastries like croissants.

People are saying

"The butter caramel knot was one of the best I’ve ever had."

Good to know

1

Live music performances happen every Saturday morning.

2

Pre-ordering is recommended as popular items often sell out quickly.

3

Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially for croissants.

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Sprawling spot mixes art deco charm with a lush patio perfect for lawn games. Enjoy sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream for a rich dessert. Sip on tea-based cocktails while live classical music keeps the vibe lively and cheeky.

Sticky toffee pudding comes warm with salted caramel ice cream and caramel sauce. The toffee and date cake pairs well with salted caramel gelato for a rich, sweet dessert.

People are saying

"The sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with great cocktail deals.

3

The restaurant allows individual payments during happy hour.

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Cozy outdoor seating with heated lamps invites casual meetups and people watching. Salted caramel shines in desserts like salted caramel apple pie and coconut caramel treats. Warm, welcoming vibe suits groups and solo visits alike.

Salted caramel appears in several desserts, including a salted caramel apple pie that balances cinnamon and caramel well. Coconut salted caramel and caramel ala mode options offer super sweet flavors, often paired with ice cream for added richness.

People are saying

"You have to try the salted apple caramel crumb pie."

Good to know

1

Pop Pie Co. does not accept cash; they only take card payments.

2

Parking is challenging with only street parking available.

3

There are few tables inside, but plenty of outdoor seating.

12
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Chocolate shop shines with handmade bon bons and seasonal flavors. Caramel lovers enjoy rich creamy caramel in the Lady Bug bon bon and salted caramel truffles. Free samples and unique gifts make it a must-visit for dessert fans.

Rich creamy caramel appears in the Lady Bug bon bon, paired with milk chocolate and Hawaiian Sea Salt. Staples include decadent salted caramel truffles and smooth caramels.

People are saying

"The caramels here are really nice and decadent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the chocolate making class, especially during holidays.

2

The shop accepts credit cards only; cash is not accepted.

3

Seasonal flavors are available, rotating for holidays like Valentine's Day and Easter.

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Open layout with giant folding windows creates a bright, airy space filled with Vietnamese decor. Iced caramel drinks feature cream cheese foam for a rich, decadent touch. Busy, lively vibe suits quick visits and fans of authentic Vietnamese coffee.

Iced caramel drinks come with cream cheese foam that adds a rich, decadent touch. Caramel flavors appear in both coffee and salted coffee varieties, offering a sweet and salty balance.

People are saying

"I loved the iced caramel coffee with cream cheese foam."

Good to know

1

Parking can be scarce on the weekends.

2

There are little to no parking spaces available.

3

Saigon Coffee closes at 3 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Ice cream shop serves large scoops with inventive flavors like salted caramel in cones and blondies. Atmosphere is sunlit and breezy, perfect for relaxing. Prices are high but portions are generous.

Salted caramel appears in several forms like a dipped waffle cone and a blondie, both offering a rich, sweet flavor. It also features as a distinct ice cream flavor alongside others like Phish Food.

People are saying

"The salted caramel waffle cone was a hit with Phish Food."

Good to know

1

Single scoops cost over $10, with waffle cones starting at $2.50.

2

Generous portions are served, making it a good value despite high prices.

3

You can taste any flavor before ordering to find your favorite.

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Spacious chocolate shop blends Victorian architecture with lively energy. Rich chocolate aroma fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Caramel lovers enjoy salted caramel brownies and caramel hot chocolate among many treats.

Caramel treats include salted caramel brownies, sea salt caramel sundaes, and caramel milkshakes. Options like the caramel hot chocolate and caramel squares also stand out for their rich flavor.

People are saying

"The caramel brownie sundae is rich, gooey, and perfectly indulgent."

Good to know

1

The store is open until midnight for late-night visits.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

There is limited parking nearby, so plan to walk a bit.

16
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Tiny shop near an arch offers salted caramel cheesecakes and popsicles with caramel drizzles. Cozy, colorful decor and friendly staff create a welcoming vibe. Outside seating lets you watch planes arrive, adding a unique backdrop to your treat.

Cheesecakes feature salted caramel fillings and dulcet de Leche caramel, offering rich sweetness. Popsicles come with caramel drizzles and toppings like chocolate, sprinkles, and nuts.

People are saying

"The cheesecake with salted caramel was the best ice cream I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for catering services at least one week in advance.

2

Pop Pops Paleta offers a wide variety of flavors, including vegan options.

3

Each popsicle costs around $7, with additional toppings available.

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Coffee shop offers a cozy vibe with local artwork and live jazz. White caramel lattes deliver a smooth, satisfying flavor while the salted caramel tastes artificial. Indoor and outdoor seating suits both casual visits and focused work with a laid-back atmosphere.

White caramel lattes stand out with smooth, satisfying flavor. Variations include caramel and vanilla latte and a latte with coconut and caramel notes. Salted caramel latte tastes artificial and syrupy.

People are saying

"I thought the caramel and vanilla latte was the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in front of the cafe and around the block.

2

The cafe closes early at 2 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The inside seating accommodates about 24 people, with 8-10 outdoor spots.

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Spacious coffee shop with modern decor and cozy seating offers a chill vibe. Caramel drinks like the Iced Caramel Macchiato balance rich caramel and mild coffee flavors. Ample power outlets and chill music make it great for work or relaxation.

Caramel drinks include an Iced Caramel Macchiato priced at $6.73 with a strong milk flavor and mild coffee taste. The Caramel Corn Latte and Caramel Macchiato offer richer caramel notes and balanced flavors.

People are saying

"I ordered the caramel corn latte and it was to die for."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Prices for drinks can be higher than average coffee shops.

3

The coffee shop offers a variety of unique flavors and options.

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Cozy cafe serves banana walnut caramel crepes and rich caramel cheesecake alongside smooth gelato and savory crepes. Spacious seating fits lively crowds but noise from outdoor activity can rise. Some furniture shows wear but adds to the casual charm.

Banana walnut caramel crepes come filled and topped with a caramel drizzle. Caramel cheesecake offers a rich, sweet option alongside other desserts featuring salted caramel and chocolate flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the berry crepes and caramel cheesecake."

Good to know

1

The happy hour special, $5 beer and $6 wine, goes until 10pm.

2

The restroom is not available for customers who haven't made a purchase.

3

They add a 50-cent fee to use a credit card.

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Ice cream shop shines with handcrafted artwork on cones and bowls, plus a live band for a lively vibe. Caramel apples come in clever designs like Oreo and matcha, sliced on request. Quiet, inviting space with unique treats like Dole whip in pineapple.

Caramel apples come in about six clever designs and taste delicious. Staff offer to slice them, and options include Oreo caramel apples alongside fudge and matcha treats.

People are saying

"The caramel apples here are a work of art."

Good to know

1

All orders are charged a 4% service charge, which is not a tax.

2

Prices on the entire menu are above average.

3

Expect to pay $15.50 for a milkshake with chocolate and strawberry.

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Bright orange and blue decor creates a stylish atmosphere with upbeat music. Fresh, highly praised cookies pair well with coffee, making it a value-focused spot. Drinks feature caramel flavors like caramel apple dirty soda and cold brews with caramel syrup.

Caramel flavors appear in drinks like the caramel apple dirty soda and cold brews with vanilla and caramel. Some drinks have a light caramel drizzle, while others mix caramel syrup for a flavor similar to a caramel frappe.

People are saying

"I loved their caramel apple dirty soda with caramel drizzle."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at CoCo Playa, so arrive early.

2

All cookies were sold out by 2-3pm during my visits.

3

Expect to pay around $16 for two medium drinks.

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Fresh churros and caramel chips create a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with ice cream. Families and couples enjoy the lively atmosphere and order-ready pavers that keep things moving. Energy stays upbeat even when it gets busy.

Caramel appears in several forms like salted caramel, caramel chips, and dipping sauces. It pairs well with mini churros, ice cream, and Oreo for a sweet, rich flavor.

People are saying

"The churros with caramel dipping sauce were delicious."

Good to know

1

IceChurro is open late for evening visitors.

2

Bring your own napkins as they are not provided.

3

Expect a confusing kiosk setup for ordering food.

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Artisan desserts shine with generational family recipes and fresh daily preparation. Rich caramel with flaked salt adds bold flavor but can be tricky to eat. Spot feels like a quick grab-and-go with no seating, focusing on handcrafted quality over convenience.

Caramel comes with chocolate and flaked salt and appears in treats like the caramel apple and the everything brownie. It has a rich flavor but can be difficult to eat due to its texture.

People are saying

"I couldn't stop thinking about the caramel; it was even better than I remembered."

Good to know

1

All items are made fresh on the premises by the owner.

2

A slice of cake costs $15, and a truffle costs $5.

3

There was a non-dairy chocolate bar available, but it was not consistently available.

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Bright coffeehouse offers a chill vibe with a clean, cheerful space and outdoor seating. Unique herb scents mix with salted caramel in apple pie and crumble, paired with ice cream. Whole ingredient dishes and vegan options make it a spot for an elevated coffee experience.

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options for pies and ice cream.

3

Dessert pies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Spacious coffee shop offers a grand piano centerpiece and a peaceful vibe with 90s R&B music. Salted caramel flavors shine in drinks like the salted caramel latte, blending sweetness with coffee. Ample power outlets make it ideal for remote work and studying.

Salted caramel shows up in several drinks, pairing well with black sesame espresso and adding a nice sweetness to oat milk lattes. The salted caramel latte leans sweeter but balances well with the coffee.

People are saying

"The salted caramel latte was sweeter but still good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and costs $4 nearby; no free parking available.

2

The Keep Coffee closes at 3:45 PM, not 4:00 PM.

3

They do not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

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