Named after its founder, Jacques Torres, who grew up in a small town in the southern region of Provence, this chocolate shop tops the list. With four locations in the city, Jacques Torres manages to create chocolate that will captivate your taste buds. For the ultimate experience, visit their Hudson Street location to witness chocolate being made from fresh beans; the entire place is enveloped by glass to allow patrons to watch the factory do its magic.
2. Martine’s Chocolates (Closed)
Martine’s Chocolates creates a variety of fresh cream chocolates and truffles. Their delicacies are handmade right in front of their customers with the finest ingredients, including Belgian Callebaut couverture chocolate, French butter, and fresh American cream. Martine’s is perhaps the best place in the city to watch the chocolate-making process. Be sure to pick up a selection of your favorites in their signature pink boxes for a friend.
Neighborhood Building (NYC)
3. MarieBelle
MarieBelle doesn’t manufacture chocolate; they create works of art. As the most aesthetically pleasing option on the list, MarieBelle’s chocolates will satisfy all of your senses. Their traditional blue boxes make the perfect gift for a loved one, with each box is filled with a curated sampling of their finest work. MarieBelle also hosts live music on Wednesday nights, allowing visitors to enjoy Jazz In The Chocolate Factory at their Madison Avenue location.
Founded by Kee Ling Tong, Kee’s Chocolates makes handmade bonbons and hand-rolled confections. Their flavors have an international flair, with featured imported yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. This is the ideal stop for individuals who prefer the feel of an Upstate New York shop over the glitz of La Maison or the elegance of MarieBelle. Be sure to try the ultra-creamy truffles.
La Maison du Chocolat built its reputation as one of the preeminent chocolatiers in France and it has extended that legacy to New York City. Offering the most expensive chocolate treats on our list, La Maison creates mouthwatering ganaches, pralinés, and a variety of fruited chocolates. Keep in mind that the experience is closer to visiting an ultra-high-end boutique than a quaint shop.
Stained Glass at Neighborhood Church (NYC)
Mondel Homemade Chocolates has been a neighborhood favorite near Columbia University for over sixty years. Mondel’s was also the preferred shop of four-time Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn. This shop offers a wide range of treats ranging from truffles and creams to cordials and break-up chocolate. Mondel also has a tasty variety of sugar-free options.
Vosges creates the best truffles in New York City. Created by Chicago-based Katrina Markoff, these truffles will leave you feeling satiated. Visitors can sample a range of exotic flavors, including curry, Thai pandan leaves, and wasabi. If you don’t live in Chicago or New York City, you can easily order these unique sweets online.
8. Evelyn’s Chocolates (Closed)
Evelyn’s Chocolates has been satisfying customers for decades in the Financial District. Created by Evelyn Robb, this shop has hand-dipped chocolates and delectable confections. Understated in comparison to its competition for New York’s best, Evelyn’s maintains a homey feel. It feels like mom’s kitchen. Try the homemade Chunkys.
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photos © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.