Dessert is often treated as optional because appetite, time, or habit says the meal is already over. But dessert can be the clearest expression of a kitchen’s imagination—and sometimes the most joyful value on the menu.
Look for a point of view
A house pastry, seasonal fruit dessert, serious ice cream program, or clever use of texture tells you more than a generic chocolate finale.
Share strategically
If everyone is full, order one dessert for the table. Four bites of something excellent is often better than ending the night with the feeling that the meal simply stopped.
Order the weird one sometimes
The dessert with corn, olive oil, herbs, cheese, vinegar, or something savory may be the plate you remember most. Curiosity is part of appetite.