San Diego is serving up a week of indulgence, from rich chocolate drinks and ready-to-drink cocktails to hearty comfort foods and springtime bites. Craving a decadent sip, a secret menu surprise, or a sweet treat to brighten your day? The city’s dining scene has you covered — no reservations required, just follow your taste buds.

Chocolate Dreams at Lofty

Dubai With a Chance of Chocolate. (Photo courtesy of Lofty Coffee)

Lofty Coffee is tempting taste buds with Dubai With a Chance of Chocolate. Pistachio chocolate ganache paired with a special cookie makes this a must-try, available while supplies last at Encinitas, Carlsbad, Little Italy, La Costa, and Solana Beach. Milk is customizable (half & half default), and at $15.95, it’s Lofty’s most indulgent drink yet.

Karl Strauss’ Secret Appetizer Hack

Duck Fat Pretzel Bites. (Photo courtesy of Karl Strauss)

Club Karl members score rotating $8 shareable appetizers at all four San Diego Karl Strauss brewpubs — 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown, and Sorrento Mesa. Not a member? Sign up free online and snag a complimentary appetizer on your next visit. Secret menu, big flavor, no fuss.

Spring Has Sprung in Little Italy

Spring has sprung in Little Italy. (Photo courtesy of Little Italy Mercato)

Outdoor dining, bustling markets, and seasonal treats are back. Little Italy Mercato runs Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the Female Makers Market pops up March 15, April 19, May 24, and June 14 to spotlight women-owned small businesses. Patios at Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge, Bar One, Born & Raised, and Cloak & Petal are perfect for enjoying the sunshine. Seasonal sweets at Extraordinary Desserts and Frost Me Cafe & Bakery make every stroll extra delicious.

Great food can be had in Little Italy. (Photo courtesy of XX)

CBar: From Scratch & Fabulous

CBar in Carlsbad Village rolled out a fully from-scratch menu under Michelin-trained Chef Jarle Saupsaud. Signature dishes like Beef Wellington for two, Mushroom & Goat Cheese Ravioli, Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread, and Shrimp Lollis pair beautifully with an eclectic wine program curated by a Level 2 sommelier. Don’t miss the first collaborative wine dinner with Fox Point Farms on March 19.

Red-Carpet-Ready Canned Cocktails

Chocolate Espresso Martini. (Photo courtesy of Cutwater Spirits)

Hosting Oscars night or craving a decadent cocktail without the effort? Cutwater Spirits’ Chocolate Espresso Martini (13% ABV) blends cocoa, espresso, and cream, ready to drink straight from the can, chilled with a chocolate rim, or shaken over ice. Limited availability, nationwide.

Third Avenue Comfort Food Heaven

Take out from Galu Café. Deli (Photo courtesy of Galu Café and Deli)

Third Avenue in Chula Vista delivers cozy, hearty bites. Italian classics at Acqua e Farina and Italianissimo Trattoria, Mexican favorites at Talavera Azul, and fresh coffee at Galu Café and Delicatessen, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, and Dame Mas Cafeína Coffee Bar hit the spot.

Sweet stops include Terzo Bakery and Café, SweetLife Ice Cream Shop, La Concha Bakery, and Divina Matcha. Breakfast through dinner, Rise and Dine, La Bella Café & Games, Agave Grill & Café, Don Pedro Taco Shop, and La Pesca keep locals and visitors satisfied all day.

San Diego’s dining scene is full of flavor, indulgence, and surprises — from secret menu gems to chocolate ganache drinks and comfort classics. This week, the city is calling: sip, savor, and explore.

Do you have any restaurant news? A new chef? New location? Special menu? If so, drop me a line at Debbiesklar@cox.net, and you could be included in a future Eat Beat.