Where to Go for the Best Chocolate in NYC, According to a Chocoholic

If I could get away with eating chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I would totally do it. And by "chocolate," I don’t mean the mainstream brands you can snag at your local deli. I’m talking velvety, rich artisanal treats that are packed with flavor (think exotic truffles or superfood-infused bars).

So, it should come as no surprise that I’ve embarked on a hunt for the best chocolate NYC has to offer. After attending several chocolate tours and events in the Big Apple, I discovered some of the best spots that will appeal to any chocolate lover, from the woman-owned MarieBelle to Brooklyn’s hidden gem, Kahkow USA. Keep reading for the full list (just try not to drool on your keyboard, OK?).

This dessert café is essentially a chocolate lover’s paradise, complete with an assortment of tasty treats, chocolate-themed gifts and the coziest dine-in experience. During my visit, I devoured their signature chocolate cake, which was good enough to rival Bruce’s fudgy confection from Matilda. But what really won me over was the homey decor and laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot for almost any occasion, whether it be an intimate hangout with your BFFs or a date night with your partner.

269 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 1123; thechocolateroombrooklyn.com

Vegans will appreciate this cozy little flagship boutique, which opened up in the East Village just a year ago—all of Casse-Cou’s products are 100 percent plant-based. This adorable shop offers a variety of ganaches, bars, pralines and truffles in flavors like passionfruit, Banana Cognac and Smoked Pecan Whiskey. But don’t let the tiny storefront fool you. As you step inside, you’ll get a clear view of the chocolatiers working their magic in a separate section behind the counter.

63 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003; cassecouchocolate.com

Located in the heart of Harlem, this store not only offers a mouthwatering variety of treats, but it also captures the essence of the neighborhood and offers a unique, cultural experience that you’ll rarely find at other chocolate spots. With bon bon flavors like Banana Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie, you get a taste of the community’s rich history, and their chocolate bars are simply divine—but don’t just take my word for it. (FYI, in 2020, their Golden Brownstone Gift Set, which includes three bars molded into historic Harlem Brownstones and dusted in gold, made it on Oprah Winfrey’s infamous list of favorite things.)

2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030; harlemchocolatefactory.com

This one isn’t located in the city, but trust us—it’s worth the trip. At first glance, this upstate New York shop feels like a trendy new tavern, with its brick walls, leather seats and neon orange sign. But instead of booze, it offers an impressive collection of bon bons, chocolate bars and protein bars. I popped into this location during my brief stay in Beacon and, I kid you not, I was tempted to buy everything in sight. I settled for the Elaichi Cardamom Dark Chocolate and wow, it was out-of-this-world tasty.

Location: 462 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508; hakanchocolatier.com

This Swiss Chocolatier has two New York locations in Manhattan: one on 5th Ave and another at 731 Lexington Ave. But regardless of where you go, you won’t want to leave. Both stores offer an amazing selection of flavorful chocolates, and you can count on at least one friendly staffer to offer samples that you just can’t resist. Some of their standouts include the dark chocolate tablets, the Gianduja Pralines and, of course, their signature slabs of FrischSchoggi (Swiss German for “fresh chocolate,” which means no additives or preservatives.).

537 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017; us.laderach.com

Chances are you’ll be obsessed with the decor of this pretty spot as soon as you walk in. Past the entrance is an elegant little shop that features an array of hand-crafted sweets, complete with a stunning chandelier. But then there’s the Cacao bar, which will make you feel like you stepped into another era. Their menu includes the absolute best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste, and it’s very rich, so trust me when I say that a small portion goes a long way.

484 Broome St, New York, NY 10013; mariebelle.com

This French brand currently has four boutiques in New York (all listed here), but their most popular location by far is located at Rockefeller Center. Here, you can temporarily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sweet aroma of chocolate as you shop for your sweets. Their classic creations include pralines, truffles, personalized chocolates, macarons, eclairs and more.

30 Rockefeller Plz New York, NY 10112; lamaisonduchocolat.com/en_us

I live for hidden gems that most people have yet to discover—which is why I wasted no time in booking my own virtual tour at this under-the-radar Brooklyn spot. Kahkow, a family-owned business that offers unique bars and organic products like liquor and nibs. They also offer chocolate-making classes, live demos and virtual tours of their farm and factory. Stop by to brush up on your knowledge about the chocolate-making process.

97 N 10th St Space 1G, Brooklyn, NY 11249; kahkow.com

Living up to its name, Fine & Raw’s products are raw, plant-based and ethically sourced. Their Williamsburg location certainly feels like a factory—but don’t expect to see a recreation of Willy Wonka’s paradise for kids. The aesthetic is more industrial warehouse-chic, with brick walls, neatly stacked burlap sacks and simple displays of their tasty products (think: truffles and chocolate spreads). You can also check out the back of the store to see exactly how their delectable chocolate is made.

70 Scott Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237; fineandraw.com

This adorable little chocolate shop offers a host of delicious options, from nutty barks and cognac-filled truffles to chocolate-covered gummy bears. But what really stands out are the creative chocolate confections. I mean, emoji chocolate pops? Chocolate-covered Easter Oreos? Sign. Me. Up.

103-02 Metropolitan Ave Forest Hills, NY 11375; aignerchocolates.com

Walking into this tiny little shop is a bit like biting into a cookie, only to find that it’s hiding a sweet surprise. Thanks to its minimalist design, the location doesn’t immediately catch your eye, but its quality products are totally Instagram-worthy and seriously tasty. Some of their standout chocolate flavors include Chili Sesame, Ghost Pepper, Ginger Salt and Jasmine—although it’s worth noting that flavors typically vary, based on seasonal ingredients.

228 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023; keeschocolates.com

This list wouldn’t be complete if I didn't mention Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house. With six locations around the city, I visited the Industry City shop, which features oversize windows with gorgeous chocolate sculptures and, best of all, a full view of the chocolate-making process. If you're ever in need of a unique, novelty chocolate gift, then Li-Lac is your best bet—the assortment boxes and gift baskets are especially popular.

68 35th St. Brooklyn, NY 11232; li-lacchocolates.com

​​Champagne truffles, hot cocoa, chocolate covered edamame and ice cream sandwiches are just a few things you’ll find at this gorgeous shop, which was Torres' very first location. There’s no shortage of eye-catching displays (including a life-sized ice-cream cone), and the chocolate chip cookies are as close to perfection as you can get.

66 Water St Brooklyn, NY 11201; mrchocolate.com

If you and your squad are having a late night out and you happen to be in Greenwich Village, consider stopping by Leyra Chocolate (open until 2 am) to get your sugar fix. They specialize in crepes and waffles but also offer fun treats like chocolate-covered strawberries and the brownie stick, with little fudgy squares drizzled in chocolate.

106 MacDougal St New York, NY 10012; www.leyrachocolate.com

Located right at the edge of Union Square, this popular boutique includes a stunning chocolate waterfall and a wide selection of treats that'll make you feel like you're dining in Italy. While they’re most famous for their nougatine (chocolate-covered hazelnut clusters) and Piemonte hazelnut chocolate bars, they also offer crepes, Italian hot chocolate, spreads and over 20 flavors of gelato.

861 Broadway New York, NY 10003; venchi.com

Instead of making their chocolate out of roasted cacao beans, founders Ryan Cheney and Nate Hodges opted for un-roasted cacao to give their chocolates a bolder, fruitier flavor. Their most unique bars include Waffle Cone, Oat Milk, Compost Cookie and Green Tea Crunch. And you can get them all at their Red Hook factory, which offers tours and chocolate-making classes.

64 Seabring St, Brooklyn, NY 11231; raakachocolate.com

17. Neuhaus

The Belgian brand is well known for its delectable, melt-in-your-mouth pralines, including flavors like Manon Lait (a rich milk chocolate praline with cream and caramelized hazelnuts) and Désir (dark chocolate filled with dark intense origin chocolate ganache from Peru). While they have multiple stores in NYC, their Midtown location is a must-see, with an impressive selection of chocolate treats and tasty ice cream.

Multiple locations; www.neuhauschocolates.com