Best Places for Chocolate Lovers in the World

Determining the “best” chocolate is highly subjective, as people have different preferences when it comes to taste and texture. However, some chocolate brands are widely recognized for their high quality and craftsmanship. While not all of them have dedicated factory tours, many have retail outlets where you can explore and taste their chocolates. Here are a few renowned chocolate brands that are often considered among the best:

Europe

1. Lindt (Switzerland): Lindt, a Swiss chocolatier, is famous for its smooth and creamy chocolate. The Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg, near Zurich, offers guided tours where you can see the chocolate-making process and, of course, indulge in tastings.
2. Zotter Chocolate Factory (Austria): Located in Riegersburg, Austria, Zotter is known for its organic and fair-trade chocolates. The factory offers guided tours that take you through the chocolate-making process, and you can explore the vast chocolate varieties in their tasting area.
3. Neuhaus (Belgium): Neuhaus is one of Belgium’s oldest chocolate companies, known for inventing the praline. While Neuhaus doesn’t typically offer public tours of its factory, you can visit their stores throughout Belgium and indulge in their delicious chocolates.
4. Maison Cailler (Switzerland): Cailler is Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand, and its factory, Maison Cailler, is located in Broc. The factory tour provides insights into the history of chocolate and offers tastings of Cailler’s renowned Swiss chocolate.
5. Ritter Sport (Germany): Ritter Sport, a German brand, is known for its square-shaped chocolate bars. While their main production facility is not open to the public, you can visit their colorful flagship store in Berlin to explore and taste their wide range of chocolate.
6. Moser Roth (Germany): Moser Roth is a German brand known for its high-quality chocolate. While they don’t have dedicated factory tours, their chocolates are available in supermarkets, and you can explore their various flavors.
7. Leonidas (Belgium): Leonidas is a Belgian chocolate company with a wide range of pralines. While they may not offer factory tours, you can find their stores throughout Belgium and other countries to sample their delicious chocolates.
8. Amadei (Italy): Amadei is an Italian chocolatier known for its high-quality chocolate. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in select stores and indulge in their exquisite creations.

North America

1. Hershey’s Chocolate World (Pennsylvania, USA): Hershey’s is one of the most iconic chocolate brands in the world. Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a visitor center with various attractions, including a chocolate tour ride, chocolate tastings, and the opportunity to create your own chocolate bar.
2. Ghirardelli Square (California, USA): Ghirardelli, known for its high-quality chocolate and iconic squares, has a historic location in San Francisco, California. Ghirardelli Square features a chocolate and ice cream shop where you can indulge in their delicious treats.
3. Taza Chocolate (Massachusetts, USA): Taza Chocolate, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializes in stone-ground chocolate using traditional Mexican methods. They offer factory tours where you can see the chocolate-making process and enjoy tastings.
4. Theo Chocolate (Washington, USA): Based in Seattle, Washington, Theo Chocolate is known for its organic and fair-trade chocolates. Theo Chocolate Factory offers guided tours that provide insights into the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process.
5. Lake Champlain Chocolates (Vermont, USA): Lake Champlain Chocolates, based in Burlington, Vermont, is known for its high-quality chocolates. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their retail store for a selection of chocolates.
6. Mast Brothers Chocolate (New York, USA): Located in Brooklyn, New York, Mast Brothers Chocolate is known for its bean-to-bar approach. While they may not currently offer factory tours, you can explore their flagship store and café to sample their unique chocolate creations.
7. Rogers’ Chocolates (British Columbia, Canada): Rogers’ Chocolates is a historic Canadian chocolate company based in Victoria, British Columbia. While they may not have factory tours, you can visit their stores to enjoy a variety of chocolates.
8. Purdys Chocolatier (British Columbia, Canada): Purdys Chocolatier, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is known for its premium chocolates. While they may not offer public tours, you can visit their stores across Canada to explore their selection.

Canada

1. Purdys Chocolatier: Based in Vancouver, Purdys is one of the oldest and most popular chocolate companies in Canada. They have retail stores across the country, offering a wide range of chocolates, truffles, and other sweet treats.
2. Rogers’ Chocolates: Established in 1885, Rogers’ Chocolates is a historic Canadian chocolate company based in Victoria, British Columbia. They have a variety of chocolates, including truffles, creams, and caramels.
3. Laura Secord: Laura Secord is a Canadian chocolatier with a long history, known for its quality chocolates and iconic ice cream. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their retail stores across Canada.
4. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: With locations across Canada, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is known for its handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and other confections. They often have stores in tourist areas and shopping centers.
5. Soma Chocolatemaker: Based in Toronto, Soma Chocolatemaker is known for its artisanal approach to chocolate making. They source high-quality cacao beans and produce a range of chocolates, including bars, truffles, and drinking chocolate.
6. Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie: Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Chez Christophe is an award-winning chocolatier known for its exquisite chocolates and pastries. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their patisserie to enjoy their creations.
7. Chocolats Favoris: Originating in Quebec, Chocolats Favoris has expanded across Canada, offering a variety of chocolate-dipped treats, including ice cream cones, fruits, and more. They have boutiques where you can experience their chocolate offerings.

South America

1. Chocolatería República del Cacao (Ecuador): Ecuador is renowned for its high-quality cocoa, and República del Cacao is a prominent Ecuadorian chocolate brand. They have stores and experiences in Ecuador where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and indulge in tastings.
2. Pacari Chocolate (Ecuador): Another Ecuadorian gem, Pacari is an award-winning chocolate brand known for its organic and biodynamic practices. While they may not have a dedicated factory tour, you can find their chocolates in various locations and specialty shops.
3. Markets and Chocolatiers in Oaxaca (Mexico): Oaxaca, Mexico, is known for its rich culinary heritage, including chocolate. Visit local markets like Mercado Benito Juárez and chocolate shops such as Mayordomo to explore and taste traditional Mexican chocolates.
4. Cacao Sampaka (Argentina): Cacao Sampaka, originally from Spain, has a presence in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They offer a variety of chocolates, and you can visit their store to explore their creations.
5. Chocolatería Rausch (Colombia): Rausch is a Colombian chocolate brand with a focus on high-quality ingredients. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in stores and experience their creations in Bogotá.
6. Casa Cacao (Peru): Located in Cusco, Peru, Casa Cacao is a chocolate-themed experience created by Jordi Roca, a renowned Spanish pastry chef. The space includes a chocolate factory, a chocolate shop, and a café where you can taste their creations.
7. Árbol de Cacao (Peru): In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Árbol de Cacao is a chocolate farm and eco-lodge. They offer tours that allow visitors to learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting cacao to making the final product.

Africa

1. Chocoloza (South Africa): Chocoloza, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is known for its handmade Belgian chocolates. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their shop to enjoy a variety of pralines, truffles, and other chocolate treats.
2. Madécasse (Madagascar): Madécasse is a chocolate brand that produces bean-to-bar chocolate in Madagascar. The company is committed to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices. While they may not have a physical visitor center, you can find their products in various locations.
3. Morin (Morocco): Morin is a Moroccan chocolate brand that produces bean-to-bar chocolate. While they may not offer formal tours, you can find their chocolates in specialty shops and explore the flavors of Moroccan chocolate.
4. Vanilla Food Company (Uganda): Vanilla Food Company, based in Kampala, Uganda, is known for producing high-quality chocolate and vanilla products. While they may not have formal tours, you can explore their range of chocolates in local shops and markets.
5. Cote d’Or (Ivory Coast): Cote d’Or is a popular Ivorian chocolate brand that produces a variety of chocolate products. While they may not offer tours, you can find their chocolates in local stores and supermarkets in Ivory Coast.
6. MIA (Made in Africa) (South Africa): MIA is a chocolate brand that sources its cocoa from across Africa, including Tanzania and Madagascar. While they may not have physical locations for visits, you can find their products in stores and online.
7. Pacari Chocolate (Ecuador, with African cocoa): While Pacari is originally from Ecuador, they source cocoa from various countries, including those in Africa. They are known for their organic and fair-trade chocolates. You can find Pacari chocolate in various locations globally.

Asia

1. Royce’ Chocolate (Japan): Royce’ is a well-known Japanese chocolate brand with a focus on high-quality chocolates, including their famous Nama Chocolate. They have stores across Japan, and you can visit to enjoy a variety of chocolate treats.
2. Patchi (Lebanon, with a presence in various Asian countries): Patchi is a luxury chocolate brand originally from Lebanon, with a significant presence in various Asian countries. They offer a wide range of chocolates and often have boutique stores where you can explore and purchase their creations.
3. La Maison du Chocolat (Japan): La Maison du Chocolat, a renowned French chocolate brand, has a presence in Japan with boutique stores. You can visit to experience their exquisite chocolates and confections.
4. Silk Cacao (Vietnam): Silk Cacao is a Vietnamese chocolate brand known for its bean-to-bar chocolates. While they may not offer formal tours, you can explore their range of chocolates in their stores and learn about their production processes.
5. Meltz Chocolate Cafe (South Korea): Meltz Chocolate Cafe is a South Korean chocolate brand that offers a variety of handmade chocolates. They have cafes where you can enjoy chocolate treats and beverages.
6. Zotter Chocolate (Japan): Zotter, an Austrian chocolate brand, has a presence in Japan, offering a variety of organic and fair-trade chocolates. While they may not have dedicated factory tours, you can explore their products in stores.
7. Demarquette Fine Chocolates (Singapore): Demarquette, a British chocolate brand, has a presence in Singapore. You can visit their store to explore their handmade chocolates and unique flavor combinations.
8. Minimal Chocolate (Taiwan): Minimal Chocolate is a Taiwanese brand that focuses on minimalist packaging and high-quality chocolate. While they may not offer formal tours, you can find their products in various locations.

Australia

1. Haigh’s Chocolates: Haigh’s is one of the oldest and most respected chocolate makers in Australia. With stores in various cities, including Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Haigh’s offers a range of high-quality chocolates. Some locations may offer tours or tasting sessions.
2. Lindt Chocolate Cafés: Lindt, the Swiss chocolatier, has a presence in Australia with Lindt Chocolate Cafés. These cafés offer a selection of Lindt chocolates, desserts, and hot chocolate. Lindt also has a factory outlet in Marsden Park, New South Wales.
3. Koko Black: Koko Black is an Australian chocolatier known for its premium chocolate creations. With locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and other cities, Koko Black provides a luxurious chocolate experience. Some locations may have chocolate appreciation sessions.
4. San Churro: While San Churro is best known for its Spanish churros, it also offers a variety of chocolate treats. With locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, San Churro is a popular destination for chocolate lovers.
5. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café: Guylian, the Belgian chocolate brand, has a presence in Australia with chocolate cafés. These cafés offer a selection of Guylian’s famous Belgian chocolates and desserts. You can find them in Sydney and other major cities.
6. Ernest Hillier Chocolates: Established in 1914, Ernest Hillier is one of the oldest chocolate manufacturers in Australia. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in specialty stores and online.
7. The Margaret River Chocolate Company: With locations in Margaret River, Perth, and Swan Valley, this Western Australian chocolatier offers a range of chocolate products. Some locations may provide insights into the chocolate-making process.
8. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar: Max Brenner is an international chocolate chain with locations in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. They offer a chocolate-centric menu with desserts, hot chocolate, and unique chocolate creations.

Before you visit

Before planning a visit, it’s recommended to check with the specific chocolate brand or chocolatier for the most up-to-date information on store locations, tastings, and any potential tours they may offer. Keep in mind that while some brands may not have formal tours, their retail locations often provide delightful opportunities to sample and purchase their chocolates.