The best chocolate shops in Oz
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203 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, Victoria, (03) 5962 6448
These fine, vibrantly packaged chocolates aren’t meant to be wolfed down – they’re more a dessert offering made of ingredients sourced from around the globe. Its motto is “We make chocolate that tastes of chocolate”, which says it all – fancy but not frilly, check out its most famous product, Chocolate Thins.
The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, (07) 3832 1832
This Brisbane institution claims many firsts – the first to feature native flavours of Australia such as wattle and lemon myrtle, and the first in the world to make Christmas truffles (among other things). You can pack your own box, choosing from an extensive menu of chocolates. Good luck trying to limit your choices to just one box!
Unit 3, 84–90 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Heights, 1300 965 656
With the tagline “Artisan chocolate from bean to bar”, there’s much to like about Zokoko. This is all about carefully sourced, handcrafted chocolate direct from cacao growers that should be savoured.
Various locations, call (02) 9649 2117
The purveyors of these Belgian chocolates want customers to enjoy good coffee (all baristas are Campos certified), take in the unique decor (olive and brown), and want to return after trying the desserts. Judging by the brand’s rapid growth, they’re on to something.
90 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9416 3101
351 Lygon Street, East Brunswick, (03) 9380 4915
This single-origin source chocolate range began as a one-man operation at the markets, but has since grown to two stores: Collingwood and East Brunswick. There’s a factory at the latter where customers can watch the magic in action.
147 William Street, Darlinghurst, (02) 9331 8818
Ground Floor 281 Clarence Street, Sydney, (02) 9283 0678
A favourite on foodie lists, this Sydney boutique takes its name from the South American Olmec tradition, naming itself after the word for cocoa beans. Free of gluten, preservatives and artifical ingredients, Kakawa prides itself on using natural ingredients, and moves beyond your standard ganache with spreads, chocolate spoons and ice cream sandwiches.
251 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, (02) 9356 8876
Boon is a boutique offering with a self-proclaimed nod to multiculturalism. The point of difference here is that the products are all kosher certified and halal compliant. Ridiculously pretty designs, bursting with colour and flavours ranging from freshly roasted coffee praline to a dark chocolate ganache with earl grey tea and mixed berry.
250 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, (03) 9804 7485
245 Collins St, Melbourne, (03) 9650 8388
Chocolate should be creamy, and Ganache outdoes many of its competitors on this front, offering up a variety of bars and desserts. Try the milk chocolate with honeycomb and attempt to stop after three squares.
647 Chapel Street, South Yarra, (03) 9827 7060
If you live outside of Melbourne but still want to test drive the delectable, unique sweets from this inventive chocolatier, fear not – the online store features confectionery, jams and spreads and more. The chocolate bar range is truly unique, with flavours like pink peppercorn white chocolate and salted cocoa nib dark chocolate.
Varios locations, call (02) 9232 6601
Adora is the product of a partnership between two sisters, which began in a makeshift kitchen in the early 90s. It’s best known for its truffles, of which there are over 40 flavours, but the range has expanded to include gelato, cakes and high tea in their stores. Any coffee or drink purchase comes with your choice of a chocolate. How’s that for a taste test?
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