This is the season of CHOCOLATE.Traditionally I’m not a huge fan of chocolate unless it’s of the best quality and face it, you usually don’t get quality chocolate unless you really go looking for it. I wouldn’t say I’m a chocolate snob, but I just wasn’t a chocolate lover until I tasted chocolate made by a chocolatier. I also went to a cacao farm in Costa Rica and learned how they made chocolate, so I have a whole new appreciation of what goes into real artisanal chocolate making.
Once you have good chocolate, I’m sorry you just can’t go back. And the good thing about a quality piece of chocolate is that you don’t have to have a lot of it. Just a piece and you’re satisfied. Dark chocolate is good for you too, so it’s kinda like medicine right?
Chocolatiers are being really innovative with their flavor pairings. Even the decorations are more like a piece of art and the manipulation of chocolate is like sculpting. I’m getting excited just thinking about it but I promised myself I wouldn’t have any chocolate until the actual day.
This list is not only for the procrastinator who waits until the last minute, but I would encourage you to stop by any time of the year. Some even have tastings and chocolate making classes year around. These are only in the Atlanta area because, in my opinion, really good chocolate should not be shipped. So, if you’re in the area, please stop by; you will not be disappointed. And if you’re not in the area, I encourage you to search out really good chocolate shops in your neck of the woods too.
Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory
1575 Old Alabama Rd, Atlanta, GA 30076
Order Online or Visit Store
Chamberlains is a family run business that has been open since 1986. They are 100% peanut free; and can also accommodate people with other restrictions including wheat, dairy, nuts, shellfish, fish, and egg. They specialize in truffles but they also have other wonderful chocolate gifts like chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, oreos, etc.
They also have classes for a family to “make your own bars” and a BYOB adult chocolate making class. With custom bars and oreos, this place sounds like a lot of fun!
Dubai Milk Chocolate Pistachio Truffles
Hand Made Assorted Chocolate Truffles
Wine with 4 Piece Chocolate Truffles
Jardi Chocolates
3400 W Hospital Ave, Unit 102, Chamblee, GA 30341
Order Online and/or Pickup Locally
From the mind of Pastry Chef Jocelyn Dubuke, Jardi Chocolates are handmade works of art. Since she worked in some of the best restaurants in the country, she learned that the way food looks is just as important as it tastes. She opened in 2015 and brings unique flavor combinations and artistry to her chocolates. Everything is made with all natural ingredients, no preservatives or dyes and they can do custom orders too.
Local pickup is a GREAT option if you live locally or are going to be passing through Atlanta. Orders are generally ready within 24 hours and placed in their secure and climate controlled pickup spot next to the production facility. When your order is ready, you’ll get an email with the code to unlock the door and grab your goodies! PLUS, you can come any time that’s convenient for you.
Valentine’s Day Special 4-Flavor Collection
If you’re curious about CBD, check out this CBD Infused 3-pack of dark, milk and minty dark chocolates.
The Chocolaterie
3099 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096
Order Online or Visit Store
The Chocolaterie is located in the oldest building on Main Street in downtown Duluth, Georgia and they’ve been open since 2006. In 2018, Diane and Nancy, who worked at the store, bought the store from the founders and carried on the tradition of beautiful handmade chocolates. They also have fudge and ice cream.
The chocolate covered strawberries are decadent but please note that they have to be pre-ordered. If you’re in the area or even close to Atlanta, please go to this shop. There’s a huge mural of “The Chocolate Lady” on the side of the building so you can’t miss it.
Assorted Classic Truffle Gift Box
A Cacao Affair
825 Jamerson Rd, Ste 527, Marietta, GA 30066
Order Online, Pickup or Local Delivery
Owner Karl Vivier uses only Swiss chocolate to make unusual combinations of bon bon flavors like pink peppercorn and roasted hazelnut nougatine, old spiced rum and roasted cocoa nibs, japanese citrus skin infused with ginger root and chai tea with cayenne pepper, just to name a few. My mouth is watering just typing this. These decorative bon bons can be chosen in the “make your own” box but they also offer chocolate dipped strawberries, truffles, bars and other novelty items..
Opened in 2013 with his wife Eva, A Cacao Affair can custom make anything out of chocolate and there are no artificial sweeteners or flavors in any of their products. I highly recommend you check out this shop for an extraordinary chocolate experience.
Order a few things, including sipping chocolate, and make a party out of it like below.
Chef Brulee Chocolates
1140 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075
Shops of Eleven Forty
What started as a passion project in a cozy Marietta kitchen has blossomed into Chef Brulee Chocolates — a full-blown destination for beauty, artistry, and unapologetic indulgence in the heart of Roswell. This isn’t just a chocolate shop… it’s an experience. A deliciously curated world where craftsmanship meets joy, and every bite feels a little bit special.
Back in 2013, Natalya Shapiro, with her husband Arthur firmly in her corner, turned her love of confections into a boutique chocolate shop that feels equal parts elegant and magical. That same year, she leveled up her skills at the prestigious Ecole Chocolat, earning her chocolatier certification and laying the foundation for the stunning creations that now fill every display case. This is truly a family affair with her two daughters and sister working alongside her in the shop.
Xocolatl
Krog Street Market
99 Krog Street NE, Suite S, Atlanta, GA 30307
In 2012, Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt took their toddler and infant to Costa Rica. There, they befriended local chocolate makers who were making dark chocolate from cacao growing in the jungles. They fell in love with the intensely flavored cacao that was so different from the chocolate they grew up with and they decided to introduce it to Atlanta.
After perfecting their recipes and sourcing the raw cacao from different regions of Costa Rica, they opened a small retail store in Krog Street Market in late 2014. They soon became well known for their bean to bar chocolate company. Now they ship all around the country.
So as I sit here salivating while writing this, I’m counting all of the pieces of chocolate I want to get for Valentine’s Day. How about you? Are you looking forward to some really good chocolate, are you a flower person or do you like both? Let me know in the comments.
See ya next time.
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