Extraordinary Desserts is owned by San Diego native Karen Krasne. She is one of the best in her field, and has earned several accolades and awards. Featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America, showcased on the Food Network for “The Best Things I Ever Ate,” and named among the winners of “Best Desserts” in San Diego Magazine for many years, she has proven her skills. She has also been featured in over 30 media outlets such as Oprah.com, The New York Times, LA Magazine, Fox News Channel, LA Confidential, 944 Magazine, and various bridal and wedding magazines among others. Karen’s impressive background and culinary skills are what make her two Extraordinary Desserts locations so successful, often with lines out the door.
Extraordinary Desserts Ambiance
With Karen’s reputation for creating and serving incredible cuisine and desserts, it was clear she’d need a space big enough to house the masses. Extraordinary Desserts expansive restaurant has a converted warehouse vibe with high ceilings, large floor to ceiling windows, and an open social layout that provides the perfect dining experience. Light streams in and brightens up the place during the day; at night well-crafted wall sectionals create a starry night appeal with the help of dim lighting and small table candles. Gorgeous glass cases beautifully display her colorful desserts, the white walls are home to black-and-white paintings as well as silver Asian depictions. Black and tan shelving hold a wide array of wines, books, teas, and other selections throughout the restaurant. Beautiful white lilies in glass vases are carefully placed to add a natural element to add to this modern, artistic, and Zen space. There are a variety of seating options from shared tables to tables for two, allowing guests to be social or keep it intimate.
Extraordinary Desserts Food
Karen is mostly known for her delectable desserts, but this Pastry Chef is more than cakes and cookies; she has managed to create a tantalizing upscale menu as well. Starting with bar snacks that are far from peanuts in a bowl, try her Basket of Sea Kettle Chips, or Basket of Spinach Black Truffle Potato Chips, among other choices. Her wide selection of bruschetta is simply life affirming: avocado, artichoke with truffle tapenade, buffalo mozzarella, or homemade brie torta goat cheese. Dips and spreads include homemade tzatziki, traditional and beet hummus, pesto Genovese, and old fashioned onion dip.
Shared plates are great for those who want more than bar snacks, dips, and spreads, and are perfect for sharing with two or more. They feature organic vegetables, aged meats and artisan cheeses with fresh herbs, exotic platters like the Mediterranean Mezze, and a vegan option. Greens selections include Avocado Market Salad, Classic Caesar Salad, Greek Salad, Asian Green Salad, and more. If it’s your first time visiting San Diego, try the So Kale Salad with kale, strawberries, avocado, organic dates, and tahini dressing. A cup or bowl of their creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect companion to any of these fresh salads.
Extraordinary Desserts also offers an exceptional selection of paninis and grilled cheeses made with the freshest of ingredients, best meats, and artisan cheeses. They offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options as well. Once you’ve reached the end of your dining experience it’s time to order the prize you came in for – one of her amazing desserts. You can choose from homemade tortes, fruit tarts, crème brulee, cookies, cupcakes, cobblers, brownies, bread puddings, mousses, chocolate bars, ice cream, sorbets, and much more. They create hundreds of different desserts. The dessert menu changes daily, because they are constantly thinking up new creations. Each time you visit you’ll be surprised by what’s new and delicious.
Note: Extraordinary Desserts has an extensive cheese menu with cheeses are from goats, cows, and sheep. They’re sourced from different countries and states, and are served with breads and crackers. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines, craft beers, sangrias, mimosas, and beer floats.
Extraordinary Desserts Details
Extraordinary Desserts has on online store where guests can purchase, exotic coffees and teas, jams and jellies, select desserts, and artisan-crafted products. They have daily early bird and happy hour specials. The restaurant provides private catering. With 20 years’ experience, Karen creates unmatched wedding cakes. Extraordinary Desserts is ADA accessible. There is street parking only, but bike parking is available. Although a full menu is available at the Little Italy location, the Balboa Park location only serves desserts.
Extraordinary Desserts Neighborhood
Little Italy is a quaint, family oriented neighborhood that is rich with history, culture, art. It’s a great place to enjoy being outside walking along tree-lined streets checking out cute boutiques and galleries. There are several hotels in this neighborhood if you plan to stay. The DoubleTree Hotel, or the Best Western Bayside are both good choices, and are within walking distance of Extraordinary Desserts. There are also a couple great museums within blocks of the restaurant that provide insight into San Diego’s maritime history. Check out the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Midway Museum. These interactive museums are fun for the whole family.
