5001 N. Kings Highway #104, Myrtle Beach, (843) 692-9003. meltingpot.com
The Melting Pot provides world-class service, excellent cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality. The restaurant has been bringing families and friends together to create lifelong memories for more than 20 years. Fondue is a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion. Start off with the cheese fondue (where you can dip things like artisan breads, seasonal fruits and veggies) in a variety of cheeses like Wisconsin cheddar. Move on to an entree course with meats and veggies cooked by you in your choice of style and you will be well on your way to dining delight. But the real star here is the dessert options. Dunk a delectable variety of sweet treats and fresh fruits into chocolate creations like the Flaming Turtle (milk chocolate, caramel and candied pecans) or the White Chocolate Crème Brûlée (white chocolate and caramelized sugar). Dessert drinks like the Billionaire’s Coffee with Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Grand Marnier and Kahlua blended with coffee and topped with whipped cream is another decadent way to end a great meal. Dinner is served nightly and lunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays.
7740 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 449-9370. collectorscafeandgallery.com
This eclectic spot has been serving up bold coffee and rich entrees in a hip gallery space for more than 20 years. And what better way to finish a delicious meal than with an exquisite dessert created by the in-house pastry chef? The decadent dessert menu offers a variety of mouth-watering options, including a seasonal pie du jour and cobbler, which both change weekly. A favorite is the coconut cake, which is filled with creamy coconut custard and topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh toasted coconut. Another standout is the chocolate peanut butter mousse cake, a flourless chocolate cake topped with chocolate glaze, peanut butter mousse and whipped cream. There are also a variety of house-made cookies, brownies and biscotti that pair beautifully with an after dinner cappuccino or Irish coffee. The perfect spot for meetings, family outings, dinner with friends or an elegant date, dessert is a must at Collectors Cafe.
550 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 477-1598. toffinositalian.com
Toffino’s has been a Myrtle Beach institution since 1992. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they offer a variety of delicious options, from breakfast sandwiches to soups and salads to legendary hoagies and fresh pizzas. While the food is great across the board, Toffino’s is probably best known for their Italian desserts, breads and pastries. They have been using the same recipes for the treats dating back to the start of their family’s baking tradition in 1890. The classics like cannoli, biscotti and Italian cookies are part of the lineup in the pastry case, as well as a variety of other delicious creations like cream puffs, raspberry cheesecake, key lime pie, fruit squares and chocolate mousse rolls. Other options include carrot cake bars, apple crumb cake, peanut butter volcanoes and the incredible (and beautiful) rainbow cannoli cake. You also can’t go wrong with seasonal favorites like the pumpkin cheese roll. No matter what your sweet tooth craves, this eatery has you covered. Toffino’s, which is located on the grounds of The Market Common, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
2408 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, (843) 272-6934. theicecreamking.com
Since 1952 the Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream has been making delicious ice cream on location. A North Myrtle Beach tradition, a visit to Painter’s has been something to check off every Grand Strand summer bucket list for locals and tourists alike. Owned by Dominic Munafo, also known as “The Ice Cream King,” if you haven’t tried the offerings here you are missing out. The most popular flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana, pineapple and kiwi, but the homemade delights go far beyond your more standard tastes. Creative and delicious flavors like banana pudding, fudge ripple, maple nut, pistachio almond and strawberry cheesecake are all something you should get a spoon into. Whether you opt for a cup, cone, milkshake or sundae, sampling this homemade ice cream is a must. Painter’s is open daily during the season from noon to 11 p.m.
3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 448-2253; 8014 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. croissants.net
Croissants Bistro & Bakery has been serving quality comfort food at affordable prices since 1995. Offering in-house freshly roasted coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches and a delicious brunch, guests know they will have an unforgettable experience again and again. With brunch choices like the bananas foster French toast and lunch sandwiches like the turkey pretzel club, the attention to detail in all menu items is obvious. And this trend definitely extends to desserts. Aside from their amazing wedding cake creations, daily desserts and freshly baked pastries entice and do not disappoint. From the decadent triple chocolate mousse to the pumpkin cheesecake to key lime pie and coconut cake, there are many scrumptious options to make you drool (plus a variety of fresh, delicious baked goods). Croissants has two Myrtle Beach locations and is open Monday though Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
