New York City is, after all, a ‘melting pot’, home to some of the most exquisite chocolate creations around. Chocolatiers from all over the world have ventured to the city to contribute to the art form. We profile 10 of the most delicious artisan chocolate shops in NYC.
Whether you’re in the market for freshly-baked desserts, confections, creamy hot chocolate or decadent ice cream, The Chocolate Room is sure to satisfy. The charming décor fosters a chic restaurant vibe, however, there is also a prominent take-out scene. Regulars rave about the rich flavor and moist texture of their chocolate cakes, but the menu offers such a wide variety of options that it’s nearly impossible to go wrong. To complement your selection of sweets, The Chocolate Room also offers an array of wines and beers.
A relatively new addition to the Lower East Side, Tache Artisan Chocolate opened shop in 2012 and has since received rave reviews. Pastry Chef Aditi Malhotra named the boutique after the French word for ‘smudge’, due to the constant presence of chocolate stains on her coat. Tache offers a wide range of chocolate desserts, from simple chocolate ganache to intricate white chocolate grignotine. Whatever you ultimately choose, rest assured you can’t go wrong. Tache also has a reputation for its chocolate-making classes. Patrons commend Chef Malhotra for the versatility of her recipes. In addition to a selection of coffee, tea and, of course, chocolate desserts, Tache also offers divine, handmade gelato.
Our list would be incomplete without Jacques Torres as he’s widely known for his exquisite chocolate creations. Nicknamed ‘Mr. Chocolate’, Jacques Torres fulfilled his dream of owning a chocolate boutique in 2000 when he opened his first shop. Torres uses his French culinary background as well as his commitment to all-natural ingredients to produce some of the finest chocolate in New York City. One of his most famous menu items is the hot chocolate, rich and creamy and pairing rather well with his decadent chocolate chip cookies. Jacques Torres Chocolate has several locations around NYC, including DUMBO, the Upper West Side and Grand Central Station.
Honduran chocolatier Maribel Lieberman started as a fashion designer before turning to her love of all things chocolate. In 2002, she opened her first MarieBelle New York boutique in SoHo and has since opened a cacao bar in Brooklyn. This dark, elegant space is the perfect place to enjoy one of MarieBelle’s famous Aztec hot chocolates. If you’re in a rush you can also grab some of her signature ganache chocolates to go. These luscious squares exhibit the unique MarieBelle experience, showcasing Chef Lieberman’s passion and expertise in every bite.
Pastry Chef Katrina Markoff created the House of Vosges Haut-Chocolat with global inspiration in mind, which becomes apparent through her innovative chocolate creations. Vosges is also a certified organic retailer, committed to ethical sourcing and a green purchasing oath. Along with a mission to embrace diversity, this shop offers vegan, gluten-free and kosher chocolates. Vosges has boutiques in SoHo and on the Upper East Side, offering mouthwatering truffles, chocolate bars and more. Vosges also boasts a range of popular bacon and chocolate combinations. These boutiques are what chocolate fanatics dream of.
Brooklyn-based Raaka Chocolate is a unique institution among the New York City chocolate scene. Founders Ryan Cheney and Nate Hodges use chocolate as a means to better the community and the planet. Raaka is committed to green practices, Fair Trade and organic-certified ingredients. Raaka has partnerships in the Caribbean, Africa, Central and South America to maintain their mission of improving quality of life. Among their best sellers are the virgin chocolate bars, which come in a variety of flavors such as lapsang chai and cask-aged bourbon. Their Red Hook factory location has a quintessentially Brooklyn vibe, offering tours to educate consumers on their unique process.
Royce’ Chocolate originated in Japan and graced New Yorkers with its delicious expertise in 2012. Although the storefront locations around the city are small, customers come flocking. The Japanese influence differentiates Royce’ from its European contemporaries, offering a whole slew of unique flavor combinations such as green tea and nama. Many of their goodies come with dry ice packs to keep the chocolate cold, however, they still melt in your mouth. Any self-respecting chocolate connoisseur deserves to try a Royce’ Chocolate creation. Ask for a free sample from one of their friendly staff members.
Martha Stewart and Andy Cohen are among the plethora of New Yorkers obsessed with Li-Lac Chocolates, which The Wall Street Journal fondly calls ‘stubbornly old-fashioned’ for using the same recipes since the 1920s. Chef Demetrious was born in Greece, studied chocolate in France and moved to New York City where he found the perfect audience for his exquisite chocolates in 1923. Li-Lac offers a wide range of products, including maple syrup fudge, buttercream patties, peanut butter and jelly bars and more. Stop by one of their New York City locations and let your inner chocoholic run wild.
Brooklyn gem Jomart Chocolates opened in 1946 on Franklin Avenue amidst several other sweets shops, but the competition proved to be insignificant as Jomart is the only shop that remains to this day. Although ownership of the store has passed from Martin Rogak to his son Michael, the same stove and copper kettles are used to make those signature sweets. Counteracting the hardship Martin Rogak suffered through World War II with the joy of celebrating the good things in life, Jomart offers delicious treats such as chocolate-covered pretzels and marzipan to sweeten up your day.
La Maison du Chocolat is a classic NYC chocolate establishment and the perfect place to treat yourself on special occasions. La Maison came to New York from France and has brought a whole lot of goodies along with it, from their creamy, decadent hot chocolate to their vast selection of French macarons. The art of crafting the perfect macaron is no easy feat, so praise is surely due for the ideal balance of flavors and textures. Whatever type of chocolate you choose at La Maison du Chocolat, your sweet tooth will thank you.
