Discovering the Best Chocolate Shops in Los Angeles: A Tasty Tour
Los Angeles, known for its film, culture, and beaches, also boasts an impressive chocolate scene. In this sprawling city, talented chocolatiers craft unique and memorable cacao creations. This guide will introduce you to some of the top chocolate shops in Los Angeles. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these shops offer something special for everyone. Join us as we explore the standout chocolate destinations in the City of Angels.
Top Chocolate Shops in Los Angeles
LetterPress Chocolate
High school friends David and Corey ventured into the world of chocolate after a transformative 2011 trip to a St. Lucia cocoa plantation. By 2013, they ran a chocolate blog, and David soon started producing his own chocolate, even selling it at DreamWorks Animation. Their hobby quickly turned into a thriving business, leading them to establish LetterPress Chocolate in a Los Angeles kitchen by 2016. They expanded and opened to the public by 2018, offering popular factory tours. Today, Corey leads operations, while David handles design and tempering, and they're joined by Wesla, their official tour guide and retail associate.
Location: 2835 S Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles
Compartés
Compartés, a Los Angeles-based chocolatier since 1950, blends artistry and innovation in each handcrafted creation. Under the guidance of Jonathan Grahm, this celebrated brand has earned accolades like a perfect score from Bon Appétit and a nod from Oprah. With over 100 uniquely designed chocolate bars showcased in the Smithsonian Museum, Compartés transforms traditional flavors into contemporary masterpieces, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
Location: 5735 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Diane Krön Chocolatier
In the 1970s, Diane & Tom Krön revolutionized the chocolate industry with their chocolate-covered strawberries and premium chocolates, attracting high-profile customers like Jacqueline Kennedy and Andy Warhol. After a two-decade break, Diane re-emerged with Diane Kron/K Chocolatier boutiques in prominent cities, earning acclaim as the "Rolls Royce of Chocolates" by the Food Network. Based on the original Krön family recipe but with minimal sugar, her chocolates are a must-try for any chocolate enthusiast.
Location: 9606 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
andSons Chocolate
In 1983, opened as teuscher chocolates of Switzerland in Beverly Hills, introducing European chocolates to America. Gaining popularity for its Dom Perignon champagne truffles, the shop expanded in 1995 with a European-style café. By 2019, the next generation took over, parting from teuscher to create a modern, sustainable, and ethically-produced chocolate brand inspired by California. Located in LA’s Arts District, their kitchen is led by Chef Sandy Tran, a former pastry chef at The French Laundry, who handcrafts all confections using an ingredient-first approach, prioritizing artisanal and seasonal components.
Location: 9548 Brighton Way Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Milla Chocolates
Milla Chocolates, established by the award-winning chocolatier Christine Sull Sarioz, is renowned for its geometric designs and premium ingredients, often utilizing single-origin chocolates. Originating from Seoul, Korea, Christine fuses her background in arts with a dedication to chocolate craftsmanship. The brand’s aesthetic, curated by Creative Director Goktug Sarioz, exudes a minimalist elegance, highlighted by matte black packaging and gold accents. Christine has earned numerous accolades for her chocolates, including being named a five-star master chocolatier by the International Chocolate Salon. Her creations have been spotlighted in major publications like the Los Angeles Times, Martha Stewart Living, and more.
Location: 9414 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90232
Chokolatta
Chokolatta, founded by Andrea and Oscar, is a harmonious blend of Mexican and Guatemalan influences, offering a wide array of chocolate products and drinks. Andrea, originally from Mexico City and a passionate photographer, turned to YouTube to embark on her chocolate-making journey, which began with chocolate-covered strawberries. The company places a strong emphasis on the quality and freshness of their handmade products, with options catering to various dietary needs like vegan and sugar-free. The ambiance of Chokolatta, inspired by pre-Hispanic recipes and ancient Mayan culture, is designed to provide a cozy, familial atmosphere.
Location: 5264 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood CA 91606
John Kelly Chocolates
John Kelly Chocolates, founded in 2004 off Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, started as a small chocolate factory with a single gourmet chocolate fudge recipe. Over time, the brand expanded into a renowned national entity, offering 19 variations of their signature "truffle fudge" alongside a range of other premium chocolate products. The co-founders, John and Kelly, built the brand based on their appreciation for creativity and high-quality products that they could share with others. Their passion for chocolate led them to create sophisticated and uniquely delicious offerings that stood out in the market.
Location: 1508 N. Sierra Bonita Ave. Hollywood, CA 90046 & 1111 ½ Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403
Edelweiss Chocolates
Established in 1942, Edelweiss Chocolates, initially known as Candy Round-up, is a revered Beverly Hills confectionery known for handcrafting chocolates. Throughout Hollywood's Golden Age, it gained popularity among celebrities, with icons like Frank Sinatra and Katherine Hepburn among its fans. The brand underwent a name change to Edelweiss Candy Kitchen in the 70s, expanding its range to include truffles, marzipan, and fruits. Today, while Edelweiss graces Hollywood's elite spaces, it remains dedicated to serving every customer with equal attention.
Location: 444 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Chocovivo
In 2009, the journey began with a single farmer's market stand in Los Angeles, where cacao nibs were stone-ground from bean-to-bar. This initiated a deep connection with ancient cacao cultivation and a lasting partnership with head farmer Vicente Guiterrez from the Jesus Maria Plantation in Tabasco, MX. Over 14 years, a sustainable job stream was established, including Mexico's first women's cooperative of cacao farmers. Their guiding principle, "Simple is Better," seeks to connect consumers directly to the origins of cacao.
Location: 12469 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Valerie Confections
Valerie Confections, established by Valerie Gordon and her partner Stan Weightman Jr. in 2004, began as a hand-dipped toffee venture in their Los Angeles apartment. The brand, synonymous with luxury chocolates, expanded over nearly two decades to include a diverse product range, from truffles and chocolates to baked goods and a cafe. In 2022, they relocated to a 5,000-square-foot flagship bakery in Glendale, enhancing their wholesale and production capabilities. Recognized nationally for their quality, the company is distinguished by its timeless handcrafted treats, elegant packaging, and personal touch, with items available for nationwide shipping and at select retailers.
Location: 1936 W Glenoaks Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201
Los Angeles shines not only in film and culture but also as a hub for exceptional chocolate artisans. From the historic charm of Edelweiss Chocolates to the innovative craft of Compartés, this city offers a rich tapestry of cacao creativity that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. For those who desire to explore the finest chocolatiers from the comfort of their homes or want a curated selection of the best chocolate, the Kekao Box provides an excellent option to dive deep into the world of gourmet chocolates.
