As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, one would assume that Valentine’s must be a favourite holiday of mine. It’s true, but there's a condition: I’m not interested in chocolate if it’s not good chocolate. It sounds terribly snobbish; however, there’s a lot of waxy and flavourless chocolate out there to be had. To spare you the trouble, I’ve sifted through the best of the best chocolate that Montreal has to offer. Regardless of whether you’re buying for a chocoholic like yourself, or just want to treat the one that you love to the chocolate they deserve, these spots are sure to impress. And if there’s anyone out there who wants to buy chocolate for me (you know who you are), now you know exactly where to look!
Divine Chocolatier
Owned and operated by chocolatier Richard Zwierzynski, Divine Chocolatier has been supplying all kinds of chocolate confections to Montrealers since 1976. Since then, it has received numerous accolades, from Montreal’s best chocolate truffle, to being recommended by Quebec’s Guide Debeur, recognizing that Zwierzynski’s chocolates truly are divine. Whether you’re looking for a simple box of chocolates, chocolate-enrobed fruits and nuts, or decadent filled chocolate bars, Divine’s selection is a chocoholic’s dream. The Oh Jindy! Bar is like an Oh Henry! on steroids; white and milk chocolate filled with caramel, peanuts, and peanut butter truffle, it’s all the sweet and salty you could possibly want in a bar.
Les Chocolats de Chloé
If you want to catch a glimpse of your chocolate being made before you commit to buying it, look no further than Les Chocolats de Chloé on Duluth. Owner Chloé Gervais-Fredette is fully committed to transparency; there’s no secret chocolate workshop to hide here. It’s still a mystery, though, how she manages to craft up delights such as her milk chocolate bar with chai spices, or her caramel crac, crunchy salted toffee sandwiched between a coating of dark chocolate. If you want to give chocolate-making a go, you can always stock up on a variety of Valrhona chocolate that they sell in-store, but we prefer to just leave that to the experts and do what we do best: eat!
Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois
With several locations in Montreal, Geneviève Grandbois has become a staple for those looking to splurge on fine chocolates. Her chocolates are modern but approachable. With unique flavours and slick packaging, they are hard to say no to. Flavours change regularly, but classics like her handmade Rocher and maple brindilles (dark chocolate with maple sugar) are essentials in the line up. Geneviève Grandbois also offers a selection of flavoured chocolate bars with varieties like toasted sesame, and, of course, maple. Pick up a jar or two of homemade caramel and some hot chocolate mix (which isn’t powder but rather shards of chocolate to melt into milk) to go and you’ll be prepped up for an all-chocolate feast!
Suite 88
Whether you need a gift for the chocolate lover in your life, or just want to stop by and treat yourself to a world of cocoa treats, Suite 88 can satisfy both options. With a plethora of chocolates for purchase, and a café to stay and enjoy everything from hot chocolate to brownies, you’re definitely going to need to check your insulin levels after a visit. It’s difficult to decide between a vast selection of artisanal truffles, chocolate dipped fortune cookies and Oreos, and homemade Turtles, so just opt to try all of them. Don’t forget to grab some of its flavoured and single-origin bars on the way out either.
Chocolats Andrée
Ask any old-school Montrealer where to find the best chocolates in the city and without a doubt, they will say, “Chocolats Andrée.” Located on Parc Avenue up in the Mile End, the family that owns the business has been dedicating their lives to chocolate and cultivating their craft since 1940. The current owner, Stéphanie Saint-Denis, took over the business from her mother, who took it over from her mother before. In total, it has been family-owned and operated for over 75 years. If that isn’t an indication that they are doing something right, I don’t know what is. Chocolats Andrée offers a variety of chocolate crèmes, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, and solid chocolates, but there are five classics you have to try before you leave: cherry chocolate, an orangette, a praline, a rocher, and a truffle.
