Are you looking for the best dessert spots in DC? I came to DC over 10 years ago as a hungry college student, and I have eaten my way through the district. I have a major sweet tooth so I know all the best places for cakes, ice cream, and everything else. Here are my top 10 favorite dessert shops in DC.
Baked and Wired
Skip the mediocre cupcake shops in DC and head to Baked and Wired instead. They offer a delightful array of sweet treats that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. From towering cakes to perfectly crafted pastries, every bite is a flavor adventure waiting to happen!
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC bakedandwired.com
Un Je Ne Sais Quoi
One of the best places to pretend that you’re in Paris on the way to see the Louvre. This charming French bakery brings the essence of French pastry culture to the capital, offering delicate macarons, buttery croissants, and other irresistible delights. My personal favorite is the pistachio croissant. Whether you’re a Francophile or just a lover of good food, visiting here will surely leave you saying, “C’est Superb!”
1361 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC unjenesaisquoi.square.site
DC Sweet Potato Cake Bakery & Cafe
Sweet potatoes take center stage at this unique bakery and cafe in DC. Their signature sweet potato cake is worth the trip. My friends love their sweet potato cheesecake, and I like their coconut cake. With each bite, you’ll taste the warmth and tradition that make this bakery a local favorite. They also serve salads, wraps, and dairy-free smoothies.
925 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 dcsweetpotatocake.com
Sticky Fingers Bakery: Vegan Dessert Shop in DC
This vegan dessert shop has been around since I was in college. From fluffy cupcakes to decadent brownies, every item on the menu is crafted with care and compassion. Sticky Fingers is a must-visit destination in DC, perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
314 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC stickyfingersdiner.com
Rose Ave Bakery: Asian Dessert Shop in DC
This cozy spot in DC offers an array of freshly baked treats that evoke the comfort of grandma’s kitchen. From rustic pies to indulgent cookies, each bite reminds you of the simple joys of homemade baking. With its welcoming atmosphere and irresistible aromas, Rose Ave Bakery feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
2633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 roseavebakery.com
Dolcezza : Gelato Dessert Shop in DC
Treat yourself to a taste of Italy in the heart of DC at Dolcezza. This artisanal gelato shop takes pride in using the finest ingredients to create gelato and sorbetto that are bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for a classic scoop of stracciatella or a more adventurous flavor combination, each spoonful is a moment of pure indulgence. Soak in the ambiance and savor the sweetness of life with every bite at Dolcezza.
Multiple places in DC dolcezzagelato.com/
Dessert Shops in DC That Did Not Make the List
Knowing the dessert shops to skip in DC is just as important as knowing the ones to visit. I’ll add to this list as time goes by.
Georgetown Cupcakes
Georgetown Cupcakes is very popular, and many out-of-towners recommend it as a must-visit dessert shop. If you’re walking through Georgetown during the summer, you’ll see a long line wrapped around the corner. Although their cupcakes taste good, they’re not good enough to wait an hour in line for. There are lots of other cupcake shops in DC that taste just as good.
Lily’s Coffee and Chocolate
Lily’s Coffee and Chocolate has several shops in the DC metro area. I’ve been to the ones in Vienna and Alexandria. Both have very Instagrammable decor, but the fun ends there. In Vienna I ordered a sandwich that looked like a child made it. It was basically white bread served with kraft slices of cheese and protein. The loukamades were a bit oily and had a burnt oil flavor. The ones in Alexandria tasted better but the drinks were overpriced for the quality. Service was less than ideal. I would skip it.
Read more here:
- Which State is Washington DC in + Fun Facts
- Vegan Restaurants in DC: The Ultimate Guide
- Top 21+ Washington DC Hotels With Indoor Pools
- The Best Hike Near DC: Maryland Heights Trail
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