Top 19 desserts in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant food scene, is a haven for dessert lovers. The city offers a diverse range of desserts, from classic American sweets to international delicacies. From the famous Philly cheesecake to delicious cannoli, there's something for every sweet tooth in Philadelphia. Food enthusiasts and tourists alike flock to the city to indulge in these delectable treats. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy gelato or a mouth-watering pastry, you'll find it all in Philadelphia's bustling dessert scene.
- 1. The Franklin Fountain
- 2. T-Swirl Crêpe
- 3. A La Mousse
- 4. Isgro Pastries
- 5. Mango Mango Dessert
- 6. John's Water Ice
- 7. Weckerly’s Ice Cream
- 8. J'aime French Bakery
- 9. Insomnia Cookies
- 10. Scoop DeVille
- 11. The Sweet Life Bakeshop
- 12. Matcha Panda Cafe
- 13. Varallo Brothers Bakery
- 14. A La Mousse
- 15. Sweet Box Bakeshop
- 16. Mango Mango Dessert
- 17. Bread Top House
- 18. Sweet Nina's
- 19. Marlei's Sweet Tooth
1. The Franklin Fountain
Step back in time in this vintage-style ice cream parlor and soda fountain.

The dessert options at this establishment are truly impressive, with standout items including caramelized banana, peach, hydrox cookie, coconut, Irish potato, and pistachio. Each offering is unique and bursting with flavor, making it difficult to choose just one.
If you're a fan of nutty flavors, you'll definitely want to try the butter pecan. This option is elevated with the addition of brownie bites and hot fudge, taking it to a whole new level of deliciousness. With so many amazing flavors and toppings to choose from, you can't go wrong.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
2. T-Swirl Crêpe
Freshly made crêpes with artistic presentation

The dessert options at this establishment are well-known in the area, with both sweet and savory crepes being popular choices. Sweet crepes include varieties such as Fuji Apple and Chocolate Nut Party, while savory options are also available. The food is made to order, ensuring freshness and quality, and is served in a timely manner.
A variety of both sweet and salty dishes are available at this establishment, all made in real-time and served quickly. The quick service does not sacrifice quality, as the food is fresh and flavorful. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet like a crepe or something savory, there are options to suit every taste.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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3. A La Mousse
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, French-inspired desserts

European-inspired desserts with an Asian fusion can now be found in A La Mousse, eliminating the need to travel to Center City for a taste of delicious pastries. The desserts offered are impressive, meticulously crafted, and visually appealing, catering to various palates and not overly sweet to allow the flavors to truly stand out.
A La Mousse's late-night coffee and latte options are perfect for catching up with good company. With a variety of options available, customers can enjoy their desserts with a perfect cup of coffee, making for a delightful experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
4. Isgro Pastries
Family-owned business since 1904, Freshly baked pastries daily

Isgro Pastries is known for its wide selection of delicious sweets. Their offerings include cupcakes, cannoli, and rum cake, all made with high-quality ingredients for a fresh and delicious taste. Among the bakery's most popular items are the cannoli and ricotta cookies, which are highly recommended for their delightful flavor.
Visitors to Isgro Pastries cannot resist the allure of their delicious pastries. The cannoli, filled with sweet and creamy ricotta cheese, are a customer favorite. The rum cake, with its moist texture and distinctive flavor, is another standout offering. Every pastry at Isgro is made with great care, ensuring a consistently delicious experience for all who visit.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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5. Mango Mango Dessert
Offers exotic fruits and unique dessert creations

Mango Mango Dessert is a popular spot for those with a sweet tooth, offering an array of delicious treats such as mango pancakes, mochi, and ice cream. The atmosphere is enjoyable and the food is a standout aspect of the establishment.
In particular, the mango pancakes and mochi are customer favorites. The mangos used in these dishes are always ripe and full of natural sweetness. The second set of mango dishes is not to be missed, as it features unique and tasty variations of the fruit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
6. John's Water Ice
Family-owned and operated business since 1945, serving classic Philly water ice

This establishment offers a wide selection of delicious desserts that are sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Two standout options are their gelati and water ice. The gelati is a popular choice, with flavor options that are always carefully crafted and full of taste. The water ice is another must-try, providing a refreshing and indulgent experience, especially during hot weather.
Both the gelati and water ice are customer favorites, and it's easy to see why. The gelati features a perfect combination of smooth gelato and flavorful sorbet, while the water ice is light and icy with a burst of fruit flavor. The consistent quality of these desserts contributes to the establishment's reputation for serving some of the best sweets in town.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
7. Weckerly’s Ice Cream
Family-owned and operated since 1895, Seasonal flavors using local ingredients

Weckerly's Ice Cream is a popular dessert spot in Philadelphia, renowned for its high-quality offerings. The ice cream is consistently creamy and features innovative flavors that keep customers coming back for more. A visit to Weckerly's is sure to result in a delicious dessert experience.
The staff at Weckerly's are friendly and contribute to the overall positive atmosphere of the shop. In addition to their excellent ice cream, Weckerly's also offers other dessert options that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you're in the Philly area and looking for a top-notch dessert experience, Weckerly's Ice Cream is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Kosher Options
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8. J'aime French Bakery
Charming French ambiance in the heart of Philadelphia, Artisanal baking techniques

The desserts at this establishment are truly delicious. Two standout options are the Merveilleux and Paris Philadelphia. The Merveilleux is a type of meringue-based cake that is light and airy, while the Paris Philadelphia is a rich and creamy cheesecake. Guests also enjoy the cakes, with the Napoleon cake and French cakes being particularly popular.
For those looking for something a little different, the olive oil cake is highly recommended. It is moist and full of flavor, with a unique and delicious twist. However, the lemon pound cake has received mixed reviews. Some guests have enjoyed its tart and tangy flavor, while others have found it to be too sour. Overall, the dessert options here are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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9. Insomnia Cookies
Open until 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays

After dinner, a decision was made to try dessert, specifically cookie sandwiches, an item that was new to us. Surprisingly, the shop was still open past midnight, and the ice cream was able to make it back to the hotel in frozen condition. The experience was truly memorable, as the cookies melted perfectly in our mouths and had just the right amount of sweetness. The brownies were also a standout, leaving us in awe.
The customer service was exceptional, adding to the positive experience. I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed trying cookie sandwiches for the first time. The quality of the products and the level of service were both impressive. I highly recommend visiting this place if you ever have the chance.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Late Night
- Downtown Spots
10. Scoop DeVille
Homemade ice cream with creative flavors and toppings

Scoop De Ville is a place that encourages customers to get creative with their ice cream creations. They believe in turning your ice cream topping fantasies into reality. The dessert menu at Scoop De Ville is impressive, with a wide variety of high-quality options to choose from.
Customers can select from a range of treats such as cookies, pie, and other delicious toppings to customize their ice cream. The menu is unique and offers many exciting choices, making it a great place for ice cream lovers to explore their taste buds.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
- Seasonal Times
11. The Sweet Life Bakeshop
Offers gluten-free and vegan options, Beautifully designed desserts

The author, initially not fond of banana pudding, tried the strawberry banana variety and found it surprisingly delicious. The dessert was flavorful and lived up to expectations. In addition, the author also tasted the Salted Caramel flavor and was impressed by its great taste and creamy texture.
The author's experience with the pudding showed that trying new flavors could be rewarding. The strawberry banana pudding was a refreshing departure from the traditional banana pudding, while the Salted Caramel flavor offered a rich and indulgent taste. Both varieties were creamy and satisfying, providing a delightful dessert experience.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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12. Matcha Panda Cafe
Exclusive matcha menu, Cozy ambiance with panda decor, Uses premium matcha from Japan

In Chinatown, a group of people decided to have dinner and stopped by Matcha Panda for a sweet treat. The dessert of choice was green tea ice cream, served soft-serve style. It was a great way to conclude the old year on a sweet note.
Matcha Panda offers a variety of delicious desserts, including profiteroles, green tea ice cream, and crepe cakes. The atmosphere is cozy and pleasant, with cute decor adding to the overall enjoyable experience. If you visit, you're sure to appreciate the high-quality offerings and inviting ambiance.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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13. Varallo Brothers Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1927, Known for traditional Italian pastries
Varallo's bakery demonstrated exceptional hospitality by delivering a chocolate fudge cake to my hotel. As an out-of-town visitor without a car, I was grateful for their delivery service, since there were not many bakeries that delivered in the area. The cake was delicious and perfect for the special occasion.
During my visit to Varallo Bros., I purchased a cannoli, two lobster tails, two almond cookies, and a mini pie, all of which were delightful. In particular, the cannoli stood out as one of the best I've had outside of Palermo, Sicily. Overall, Varallo Bros. exceeded my expectations with their delicious pastries and impressive service.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
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14. A La Mousse
Unique and artistic presentation, warm atmosphere

The desserts I tried were incredibly delicious. I indulged in two options, a mango mousse and a lychee panna cotta, and both exceeded my expectations. These delightful desserts were served with a scoop of ice cream, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the meal.
The cakes offered were likewise impressive, earning praise for their taste and presentation. In particular, the matcha crepe cake stood out as a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its perfect balance of flavors and moist texture, it's no wonder this cake is a crowd favorite.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
15. Sweet Box Bakeshop
Offers custom cake designs, Gluten-free and vegan options available, All desserts are baked fresh daily

The desserts offered at this establishment are truly exceptional. Two standout options are the edible cookie dough and the fresh, unique flavored cupcakes. The edible cookie dough is a popular choice, appealing to many customers.
On the other hand, the cupcakes are always baked to perfection and the flavors are anything but ordinary. This combination of delicious desserts makes it a great place for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you're in the mood for a classic favorite or something more adventurous, this place has got you covered.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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16. Mango Mango Dessert
Authentic Southeast Asian dessert options, Uses high-quality and fresh ingredients

For mango enthusiasts, this place offers a delightful array of mango desserts that will not disappoint. The standout among them is the Mango Sago, a dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the chewy texture of sago pearls. The dessert selection is fresh and delectable, providing a satisfying end to any meal.
If you're a fan of mangoes, this establishment is a must-visit. The desserts are not only fresh but also bursting with the tropical flavor of mangoes. Whether you're in the mood for something creamy or refreshing, there's a mango dessert that will hit the spot. The variety and quality of the mango treats make this a great destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
17. Bread Top House
Small Asian bakery with a cozy atmosphere and exclusively homemade products

Bread Top House is my go-to destination whenever I crave a taste of my childhood favorites. The bakery offers an array of delicious options, but I particularly enjoy their pork buns, Dan tot, and bak tong goh, a Chinese rice pudding. On my most recent visit, I ordered a variety of items, including congee, coffee, an egg tart, and other pastries.
The pastries I sampled had the ideal level of sweetness, not overpowering or too subtle. The pork buns, Dan tot, and egg tart were all mouth-watering and brought back fond memories of my childhood. The bakery's congee and coffee complemented the pastries beautifully, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Bread Top House's offerings never fail to impress, and I look forward to my next visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
18. Sweet Nina's
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, local favorite

Sweet Nina's is a popular destination for those with a sweet tooth, offering a variety of delicious desserts such as banana pudding, strawberry pudding, and banana desserts. The establishment is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with staff who are eager to help customers and ensure they have a positive experience. The woman who took the order was particularly noteworthy for her kindness and helpfulness.
Visitors to Sweet Nina's are sure to find a dessert that they'll love, as the menu offers a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. The banana pudding and strawberry pudding are both popular choices, and the banana dessert is also a hit. Whether you're looking for a quick treat or a place to relax and enjoy a dessert with friends, Sweet Nina's is the perfect spot. The delicious offerings and friendly service make it a place that customers will want to return to again and again.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Social Gatherings
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19. Marlei's Sweet Tooth
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, catering service available

The milkshakes at this establishment are fantastic, drawing many customers to the venue. Another popular offering is their ice cream, which is also highly rated. The staff is friendly and contributes to the welcoming atmosphere.
This ice cream shop is a delightful addition to the neighborhood where I was raised. Not only is the ice cream itself a treat, but the overall experience is sweetened by the helpful and amiable staff. It's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of something special.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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