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Dumplings and desserts in San Diego

A meal that transitions from savory dumplings to a proper dessert without forcing you to change venues.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Open-concept design inside a museum creates a classy, modern vibe with a loud, energetic atmosphere that sometimes resembles a cafeteria. Outdoor seating offers scenic park views and a quieter experience. The space combines clean European decor with a casual, inviting feel.

Pork dumplings come with a light zing and interesting flavors. Rock shrimp dumplings appear alongside a bonito flake broth with shishito peppers, making them stand out.

Basque burnt cheesecake with Cognac poached prunes stands out as a dessert. The tapioca dessert also impresses with its unique texture and flavor. Pierogi dessert offers a notable option as well.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is tasty and beautifully presented."

"The pork dumplings had interesting flavors and a light zing."

"The tapioca dessert was a standout."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited hours.

2

Parking can be challenging around the museum location.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

02
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Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant with modern, inviting decor and photo-worthy corners creates a friendly, vibey atmosphere. Loud, chill music and several TVs showing sports and K-pop fill the space. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit complement soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls.

Soup dumplings stand out with their rich broth and tender wrappers. Pork dumplings offer a classic, savory bite alongside other Asian fusion dishes like ramen and bulgogi rolls.

Kawaii dessert buns stand out with their unique look and taste. The sesame balls offer a satisfying finish to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and the portions huge."

"The servers here are so friendly and quick with recommendations for the Bao Buns."

"The kawaii dessert buns were amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

03
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Turkish restaurant

Large open dining area combines modern vibes with authentic Turkish atmosphere featuring Turkish lamps and a stone-accented bar. Noise level is thunderously loud, creating a lively and energetic environment. Guests enjoy live kanun music enhancing the immersive experience.

Smoked tzatziki pairs with manti, Turkish dumplings, creating a standout dish. Lamb and kebab mixes accompany the dumplings, making the meal satisfying and flavorful.

Baklava and rice pudding stand out with rich, balanced flavors. Antep kadayif offers a buttery, crunchy texture paired with light syrup and pistachios.

People are saying

"The Turkish food here is authentic and delicious."

"The kebabs here are melt-in-your-mouth perfection."

"The Turkish dumplings, manti, were an exceptional dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often difficult to secure due to high popularity.

2

Parking in the neighborhood is very challenging.

3

The restaurant will soon offer traditional Turkish brunch on weekends.

04
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Restaurant

Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with a beautiful patio that welcomes dogs and enhances the setting. The atmosphere stays lively but low key, featuring live jazz and vinyl DJ sets during brunch. Warm lighting and cozy seating create an intimate, romantic vibe ideal for relaxed dining.

Dumplings stand out as a main course highlight alongside snap peas and potatoes. They pair well with dessert for a complete meal.

Desserts include a crustless cheesecake with a charred top and a light sprinkling of sea salt, plus a strawberry shortcake that stands out. Each dessert offers an indulgent finish to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the wine here to be fantastic."

"The desserts here are so indulgent, you'll enjoy every bite."

"I could have eaten these dumplings multiple times this week."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price wines by the glass.

2

Reservations are recommended for the three-course bar dinners on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

3

The happy hour extends into dinner service, providing great value.

05
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Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Dumplings come in spicy chili, soup, and sesame varieties with great portion sizes. Beef rolls and pork pot stickers add flavorful options alongside noodles and fresh soy milk.

Freshly made sesame balls serve as a great dessert option here. They offer a red bean sesame ball as a free dessert with reviews, making for a decent and satisfying finale.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"I thought the dumplings here were some of the best I ever had."

"You have to try the sesame ball dessert; it's the perfect finale."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

06
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Asian fusion restaurant

Small space with HK-style cafe decor and cozy, clean atmosphere offers a chill vibe reminiscent of Asian cafeterias. Seating is tight but matched with beautiful interior design and simple, neat presentation. The place feels intimate and inviting, blending casual comfort with authentic style.

Soup dumplings have thin skin and a juicy filling packed with broth. Pan fried and pork fried dumplings come out super tasty and juicy. Veggie dumplings and chili sauce add variety and flavor.

Desserts here are really good and worth saving room for. Sometimes desserts arrive at the same time as entrees, which can make them soggy.

People are saying

"I found the Hong Kong style food here to be fresh and authentic."

"The soup dumplings are juicy with thin skin and delicious broth."

"You have to save room for the desserts here; they're really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early due to limited seating.

2

You should put your name on the notepad outside to get a table.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

07
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Georgian restaurant

Cozy sit-down space with Russian-themed decor and handwritten menus creates a nostalgic, authentic vibe. Candlelight sets a warm mood, but the atmosphere grows loud after 8 pm, making conversation difficult. Tight, cramped layout adds to the intimate yet bustling energy.

Small dumplings come with a cream sauce that adds richness. Khinkali, a type of Georgian soup dumpling, arrives with a tzatziki style sauce and offers authentic, flavorful bites.

Honey cake stands out with pomegranate molasses drizzled over vanilla ice cream, served in generous slices. Medovik Torte and Toad Sweat Ice Cream also feature as notable desserts, often paired with pomegranate wine or Turkish coffee.

People are saying

"You'll find unique dishes like khachapuri and beef stroganoff."

"The honey cake dessert was delicious."

"The dumplings here are juicy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is very tight in this neighborhood, making it hard to find a spot.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets very busy.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

08
Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones, intricate patterns, and cultural artwork. Atmosphere feels genuine and inviting, suitable for relaxed dining. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a versatile experience.

Leek dumplings come with a rich garlic sauce and offer layered flavors and tender texture. Mantoo and aushak dumplings highlight delicate, flavorful Afghan cooking with a veggie option available.

Desserts feature pistachio pudding with a complex mix of citrus, cardamom, and floral notes. Other options include saffron ice cream and Afghanistan custard topped with nuts.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The Mantu dumplings are tender, rich, and unbelievably good."

"I tried the pudding and custard desserts; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for a two-person lunch.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

09
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Restaurant

Small plates restaurant combines curated wine shop and upscale decor with a laid-back atmosphere. Space fills with loud energy, making it lively but not suited for quiet conversation. Vintage thrift store dishware and natural lighting add a unique, earth-conscious touch.

Poached shrimp dumplings stand out as favorites, offering a delicate texture and flavor. Italian dumplings come with Calabrian chili purรฉe and burrata, adding a unique, spicy twist to the dish.

Peach รฉclairs stand out as a seasonal dessert option. The chocolate mousse-like dessert offers a rich, creamy finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have imaginative flavor combinations, like tuna with guava and chile."

"You have to try the peach รฉclair dessert; it's a do not miss."

"The Italian dumplings with Calabrian chili purรฉe and burrata were flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size and popularity.

2

Finca offers a Californian tapas style menu with a rotating wine list.

3

Happy hour features a special menu with discounted snacks and drinks.

10
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Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Chili dumplings stand out with a spicy kick. Dumplings pair well with mojo pork fries and plantains for tasty appetizers.

The churro dessert stands out as a seriously incredible choice. Free desserts add a nice touch, and the dessert menu offers diverse options worth exploring.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The dumplings here are incredible."

"I thought the churro dessert was seriously incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

11
Azuki Sushi Lounge image 1

Small, intimate space blends classic Japanese aesthetic with modern touches and rustic wood decor. Atmosphere stays tranquil and authentic, inviting relaxation with minimalistic design. Offers outdoor dining and a sushi bar, with a back seating area suited for special occasions.

Kurobuta Pork and Chive Dumplings and Miyazaki Wagyu Dumplings stand out with rich flavors and tender textures. These dumplings offer a savory bite alongside other dishes like rolls and grilled meats.

Complementary roasted green tea ice cream arrives with dessert. A stuffed banana with red bean and black sesame ice cream offers a unique option. Desserts range from solid to mediocre in quality.

People are saying

"The sushi here is outstanding, especially the blue fin tuna."

"Kevin generously comped our dessert during our visit."

"The Kobe roll with truffle aioli was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

Curbside pick-up and online ordering are available for convenience.

3

Seating is not wheelchair accessible for parties less than four.

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