Dolci

The joys of Italian desserts go well beyond tiramisu. Here are a few delicious alternatives.

La Terza

L.A.’s Pastry doyenne Nancy Silverton is responsible for the ricotta fritters served at this chic new spot. No wonder the warm, golden, doughnut-hole-size beauties, laced with chunks of fresh ricotta, served atop a sour cherry compote and crowned with a single scoop of mascarpone ice cream, are so outrageously good.

* Ricotta fritters, $9; 8384 W. 3rd St., L.A.; (323) 782-8384.

Massimo’s Cafe

Sometimes the best things are also the simplest, like a scoop of sublime gelato. This neighborhood cafe (with a sweet patio out back) makes some of the best in town. There’s fresh banana, intense pistachio, and fragola: strawberry gelato tricked out with chunks of chocolate. Eat it on its own or try it with an order of “carte di musica,” crisp, deep-fried wafers topped with powdered sugar.

* Gelato, single scoop, $3.25; 1029 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; (310) 581-2485.

Antonello

At this popular O.C. eatery across from South Coast Plaza, the torta della nonna (grandma’s cake) departs from tradition slightly. Here, it’s three layers of vanilla spongecake infused with Marsala wine, layered with vanilla mascarpone cream and mocha mousse, topped with more mascarpone, and finished with a dusting of ground pistachios.

* Torta della nonna, $7.95; 3800 Plaza Drive, Santa Ana; (714) 751-7153.

Trattoria Tre Venezie

Fans of creamy desserts will enjoy the Venetian specialty crema di gondoliere: a luscious, eggy, vanilla custard (akin to creme brulee) served in a crunchy, homemade cookie cup and topped with roasted almonds. It has wonderful contrasting textures and crema that isn’t overly sweet.

* Crema di gondoliere, $9; 119 West Green St., Pasadena; (626) 795-4455.

Valentino

For diners who want a lot of little tastes, there’s an “assortimento di biscotti e piccola pasticceria” (a cookie plate). Although the offerings change nightly, the selection always includes cantucci, the crunchy Tuscan-style cookies better known in these parts as biscotti. Rich almond cuties topped with candied fruit and dense chocolate squares laced with nuts are also standard.

* Assortimento $9; 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 829-4313.

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-- Leslee Komaiko