Maison Pierre Marcolini
Arguably the greatest chocolatier among them all is Pierre Marcolini. Nothing less than a true legend in Belgium, this master chocolatier is the only one who selects the unprocessed cocoa beans personally, roasting them himself. From the Ivory Coast to Cuba, in Marcolini’s boutique at Sablon, visitors can find beautiful chocolate originating from all around the world, with intense dark flavors and wrapped artistically like jewels.
Address: 1 Rue des Minimes, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 02 514 12 06
Belvas
If you’re allergic to gluten, but still crave chocolate, Belvas has the answer. Nothing less than a miracle, Belvas’ chocolate is organic, Fairtrade, gluten free and even sugar free. Hard to believe, perhaps, but nevertheless true, Belvas is the first organic chocolaterie in northern Europe, and its chocolates are made from a smooth, award winning, Belgian dark and milk chocolate that melts in the mouth.
Address: 48 Rue Rollebeek, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 02 502 16 34
Passion Chocolat
Chocolate is all about the senses. It should shine like satin, its aroma should fill the air and each taste should bring the taster deep pleasure. The core of Passion Chocolat, founded by Massimo Ori, is the passion and love for the artisan way of making chocolate. No preservatives, extracts or concentrates are to be found here; everything is pure and perfectly balanced. The 85 per cent dark chocolate explodes in your mouth without tasting bitter and the biscuit pralines, composed of a secret mix of nuts and caramel, leave an unforgettable impression. At Passion Chocolat, chocolate is adventure.
Address: 2 Rue Bodenbroek, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 02 514 77 144
Galler Chocolatier
A baker’s son who opened his first chocolate store when he was 21, Jean Galler is now known for his stunning combination of flavors. White chocolate with marzipan and pistachio, raspberry truffles and pralines stuffed with almond-paste and orange; Galler is nothing less than a chocolate making genius. The chocolate store also has a beautiful range of gift boxes, as well as delicious macarons.
Address: 44 Rue au Beurre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 02 502 02 665
Frederic Blondeel
Frederic Blondeel’s chocolaterie is probably the coziest one to spend an afternoon drinking the most delicious hot chocolate ever. The interior is modern yet warm, and has a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can find passionfruit pralines and chocolate truffles filled with an unusual stuffing of blackcurrant cloves here, as well as the very popular Frederic Blondeel treat, artisanal ice cream.
Address: 24 Quai aux Briques, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 02 502 21 31