If your sweet tooth has a penchant for chocolate then it’s time to you clued into the highest quality chocolate shops right here in Orange County. Whether you’re in need of a sweet fix yourself or are on the hunt for the perfect gift (Father’s Day is coming up this Sunday!), a trip to one of these chocolatiers is a must.
From delightful drinks to pure chocolate straight from the bean, these shops are the best in town. Chocolates and coffee go hand in hand so most of the shops on this list also have a coffee bar – what more could you want? Speaking of brews, if coffee is your true passion, then definitely check out our list of artisan coffee bars in Orange County as well.
ChocXO
ChocXO makes their own chocolate bars one small batch at a time using genetically pure beans right here in Orange County. They use only high quality beans to make high quality chocolate and coffee roasts. They roast their coffee in Lake Forest and produce their chocolate at the Irvine factory. Yep, ChocXO is the only chocolate factory in Orange County and it’s worth the trip. Take the guided factory tour for a day trip or just pop in for a treat.
Locations:
Costa Mesa
Lake Forest
Irvine
chocxo.com
Valenza Chocolatier
Discover the authentic Italian inspired artisan chocolates tucked into Costa Mesa’s Hood Market at Valenza Chocolatier. These handmade confections are made from the best local and imported Italian ingredients paired with the purest single bean origin, fair trade chocolate and no added preservatives. If you’re in the mood to venture from founder Amy Jo Pedone’s classically delicious bars then definitely go for the bonbons – they’re award winning! (featured above).
Location:
Costa Mesa (Hood Market)
valenzachocolatier.com
Dark180
They call themselves the dark magician of chocolate – and it’s true. They’ve perfected the hot chocolate, which they pair with your choice of organic whole milk or organic almond milk. Enjoy a nightcap of hot chocolate to warm you up or cool down with a frozen chocolate treat on a summer afternoon. Located in the Anaheim Packing District.
Their most popular treat is the frozen hot chocolate – yes, it does exist. It’s like a chocolate slushy topped with hand-whipped whipped cream!
Location:
Anaheim (Packing District)
yelp.com/biz/dark180-anaheim
Teuscher Chocolates
Made fresh each week in Switzerland and flown to stores all around the world, Teusher Chocolates are the definition of decadent. There are only 18 stores in the world, 8 of which are in California – lucky us. The champagne truffle is a big favorite or try some of their rich sipping chocolate – 5oz cup of melted chocolate with a hint of spices. There are also tons of coffee inspired drinks to choose from to go with your sweet tooth.
Location:
Newport Beach (Fashion Island)
teuscherfashionisland.com
Luisa Chocolatiere
Great truffles, custom pieces with a bit of artistic flair and more mouth watering goodness. Trained in Paris, owner Luisa uses only the highest quality ingredients to get rich, silky smooth chocolates every time. She doesn’t make candy in bulk, each order is prepared to your exact specifications with special sizes, shapes, fillings and unique packaging. Whether you’re stopping in for a treat out of the fully stocked pastry box or ordering a custom candy, Luisa Chocolatiere is the place to go.
Location:
Laguna Hills
luisachocolatiere.com
