Sugar and Scribe

On our list of the best dessert spots in San Diego.

Maeve Rochford opened this La Jolla bakery and breakfast room in 2010, starting with one employee and just enough capital to make rent for the first month before growing the staff to 37. She later competed on Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship for a shot at the show's prize. The benedict list runs four ways, from prosciutto and arugula to smoked salmon with dill creme fraiche, and the dog-friendly patio fills fast since the room takes no reservations. Tables get a 90-minute limit during busy stretches, and weekend orders are dine-in only; there's too much volume for takeout.