A matcha custard-filled croissant and other assorted pastries at Asa Bakery in East Village. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
This Japanese-inspired cafe in East Village should be the spot for your next morning date, coffee meeting or personal little treat.
Dig in: Asa Bakery just celebrated one year of bringing Japan's cozy kissaten culture to San Diego with authentic, freshly-baked pastries and imported organic teas.
Best bites: The bacon cheese lava is a pillowy mini-bread bowl oozing with a salty filling.
For something sweeter, the banana crunch Danish has crispy layers folded over a creamy custard.
Their popular "Naruto" croissant, a round, swirled croissant filled with custard and dipped in chocolate, is only available after 10am.
The intrigue: In the evening,step throughhidden doors inside Asa to find two other Japanese cuisine concepts.
Sushi Gaga offers an intimate, omakase-only experience with seating for 10 guests.
