Sweet relief: Chocolate shops in Vancouver

The art of chocolate making combines precision with true creativity and is on full display around Vancouver. Indulge in your favourite sweet treat — you know that dark chocolate is good for you, right? — at any one of these irresistible shops featuring chocolates that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Sweet relief: Chocolate shops in Vancouver
Alison Cairns By

Gem Chocolates

1
2029 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Y7

With their fun names and unique shapes and designs, each handcrafted chocolate at this Kerrisdale shop is truly a little gem. There are countless confections to choose from, like Berry Blue, Pepper Spray and Jazzy-Jas (a jasmine-scented chocolate in white ganache), and you can also purchase online for larger orders. Along with some of their classic chocolates, their Lost & Found chocolate bar is award-winning and is made with the rarest of cocoa beans. You’ll want to go find one quickly.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Chocolate Arts

2
1620 3rd Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1K2

As the name suggests, chocolates at this shop near Granville Island are as artistic as they are delicious. Wondrous little packages of everything from liqueurs to locally sourced fruit and nuts to purees and essences all made in-house are nestled within French or Belgian chocolate casings and finished in stunning shapes and designs. They even have a Robert Davidson designed series showcasing his famous Haida art. You’ll be wondering whether to eat it or mount it on your wall. Hint: the former.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Mink A Chocolate Cafe

3
110-15775 Croydon Dr, Surrey, BC V3Z 2L6

Vancouver went ballistic when it found out that the winner of the gold medal for the best chocolate bar in America went to hometown chocolatier Mink. Its Mermaid’s Choice is a 70 per cent cocoa bar flaked with fleur de sel, burnt caramel and a touch of rosemary. Needless to say, it’s the best seller among their large selection of bars, for which they’re known. They do clever little “bonbons” as well, each stencilled with cute little designs revealing their flavours.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Thomas Haas Patisserie

4
2539 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9

Relying on perfectionism and passion has proven to be a winning combination for French chocolatier Thomas Haas. His chocolates, truffles and caramels consistently come out on top in various competitions and his work is beloved of Vancouverites and visitors alike. Using local wines, fruits and nuts, as well as organic teas and herbs and rounded out by exotic flavours from around the world, Thomas Haas chocolates carry perfection in every bite. Visit the two cafés to witness the magic in action.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Beta5 Chocolates

5
413 Industrial Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P8

Masters at combining the precision science of chocolate-making with the creative zeal of artists, the folks behind BETA5 are constantly pushing boundaries and pushing out modern, gorgeous and delectable chocolates. Whether in bar form, as stunning little semi-sphere works of art or cocoa-dusted “pebbles,” the quality chocolate in their product is evident on the first touch to your lips. They also make swoon-worthy cream puffs if you need more of a reason to seek them out.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Xoxolat

6
1271 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y9

Specializing in single-origin chocolates, Xoxolat (pronounced sho-sho-la) is a one-stop shop for chocoholics. They have an impressive variety of chili chocolates as well as a few dusted with sea salt. Try their Westcoast Breakfast — an intriguing blend of maple bacon with a hint of espresso — or their chocolate shoes, thousands of which they gave away at the Sex and the City 2 premier. A playground for chocolate lovers, everything is displayed and packaged beautifully. You’ve been warned.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Cocoanymph Chocolates

7
3739 10th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 2G5

Come for the unbelievable chocolate you’ve heard about, stay for the hilarious, detailed descriptions. Each little confection and every Nymph-y bar comes with a characterization that will have you making friends with your treat, if not understanding exactly how and when you should eat it. Complete with drink and mood pairings, this online store run by the Nymph herself, Rachel Sawatzky, is clever and fun and promises to deliver on all the hype. Follow her on social media for chocolatey updates.

More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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