Yummy: 3 Best Chocolate Stores in San Diego You Must Eat

[updated] San Diego is quietly housing the best candy stores in all of Southern California that would make Willy Wonka proud. Especially chocolate.

Chocolate – since its earliest findings before Columbus – has become a worldwide phenomenon; a craving that has appeared in a variety of beverages and desserts. Grown on trees in South America and Africa, the ever-tasty cacao bean is known to help with depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and stress; not to mention its appeal as an aphrodisiac and holiday treat. Without question, chocolate is a sensory experience, riddled with endless flavor and aroma.

We welcome you to try the 3 best chocolate stores in San Diego. 

3. Chuao Chocolatier

Locations: Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla | Visit website

Chocolatier: Master Chef Michael Antonorsi - the first Venezuelan Chocolatier based in the U.S.

Pronunciation: chew-WOW

Type of Chocolate Served: Fusion Chocolate - creating unusual, unexpected flavors using a secret blend of premium chocolate and fresh natural ingredients

Additional Retail Locations: Whole Foods Market, Dean and Deluca, and Crate & Barrel, as well as fine restaurants and hotels including Omni Hotels nationwide, La Costa Resort & Spa, Coupa Cafe, and Hard Rock Hotel

Crafting a one-of-a-kind confectionary menu of chocolate bars, bon bons, truffles and hot chocolate

, Chuao is most known [and praised] for their combinations of unusual flavors, blending spices and fresh, natural ingredients. Referenced as "The True Taste of Chocolate," the unique experience is the basis for the boutique’s very existence. And their signature flavor, Spicy Maya, is a modern twist on the Mayan’s ancient hot chocolate recipe made with pasilla chile and cayenne pepper; the flavor is now available in a chocolate bar, ChocoPod, rolled almonds and gelato.

Menu Highlights

Gingerettes: Caramelized slices of ginger dipped in premium dark chocolate and lightly sprinkled with smoky chipotle chile. This artesian treat was created to arouse the senses with each bite as the earthy-spicy flavors of the ginger comingle with the rich, creaminess of the chocolate.

Firecracker Truffles: Noted as a "wonderful multi-sensory experience," Firecracker Truffles unveil the spark of a chipotle caramel fudge truffle with popping candy, a hint of salt, and dark and Pan Con Chocolate.

Menu Highlights

Chocolate Rococo: Available in Salty Dulce De Leche, Toasted Coconut Toffee, Sea Salt Nib, chili Burnt Carmel, Gingerbread Spice and Citrus Honeycomb, the rococo is highly favored for its exotic flavors and pairing with espresso or even cold milk.

Seasonal Infusions Truffles: Avant garde, Eclipe’s truffles offer exotic flavor profiles; including Lavender Sea Salt, Bergamot Orange Peel, Balsamic Pink Peppercorn, Ginger Green Tea, Black Sesame Anise, Peanut Butter Toffee, Goat Cheese and Fig, Cardamom Rose Petal, and Honey Saffron, among others.

1. Chi Chocolat

2690 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station | Visit website

Co-Owners/Chocolatiers: Jesse and Tess Brown

Best Known For: Flights of Chocolate pairings, Bon Bons with exotic spices, organic-infused tea ganaches and spiced mochas

Signature Characteristic: Impeccable and generous service, with several truffles named after the owner’s children

Hailed as a "modern day chocolate factory," Chi Chocolat continues to hand-roll and mold their chocolates for authenticity; in each batch, the boutique makes no more than 50 in an effort to control their quality and freshness, and banishes additives such as artificial color and hydrogenated vegetable fat. Their approach, allowing endless creativity, thrives on visual artistry and chocolate flavor purity; thus allowing exotic flavors like curry, cayenne pepper and green tea to be perfectly infused and blended within their chocolate recipes.  

Menu Highlights

Truffles: Flavors include Chili Tangerine, Curry with Toasted Coconut and Almond Amaretto, along with Sea Salt Caramel, Champagne, Alina and Passion Fruit.

Dark Chocolate Selections: From dark chocolate pretzels and dark chocolate fruit and nut bark, their display is what one clients calls "Dark Chocolate Heaven!"