One thing you absolutely need to try when in Brussels is our chocolate; it’s the best in the world (not that I’m biased). Chocolate tasting is one of the top reasons people come to our city, as well as to explore our beer of course! We love our chocolate so much that we even have a special part of town for it; Le Sabon.
We have so many world-famous chocolatiers here that it can be hard to know where to go, but after 11 years living in Brussels and trying out pretty much all over the flavors, I can safely say I’ve narrowed the choice down. I’ve done my (edible) research, and I can happily confirm that these are the true best chocolate shops Brussels has to offer.
Photo credit: wittamer.com
Wittamer
Wittamer undoubtedly has the best Belgian chocolate in Brussels and is my personal favorite. I can never believe how tourists overlook this place, so I always bring my friends here when they visit.
The chocolates at Wittamer are so exceptional that they even have the royal warrant of Belgium. A member of the royal household comes to collect chocolates from here for every palace party - what a seal of approval.
While you’re here, make sure to try the pralines; they’re made with high-quality cocoa beans fresh on-site every day - so creamy and delicious! Walking around the shop, you can see the pralines being made in the workshop, and it’s an exceptional experience.
You must also try the truffles filled with champagne; these are absolutely amazing. There are also delicious pineapple and passionfruit pralines with traditional Belgian cream inside if you like a twist on the classics.
Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini has really risen in the ranks of Brussels chocolate shops lately; it’s now one of the most famous places in town. As you walk in you’re surrounded by jewelry shop-style counters filled with rows upon rows of delicious chocolates.
Staff encourage you to take your time exploring the different flavors and are on hand with exceptional chocolate knowledge to select the perfect treats for your palette. Pierre Marcolini uses rare cocoa beans from all around the world to produce really high-quality chocolate, so I would recommend taking a selection of a few different ones to get a real experience of Brussels chocolate.
Laurent Gerbaud
Laurent Gerbaud is well-known for making some of the craziest chocolate in Brussels. The chocolatiers are really creative and are always coming up with new flavors for visitors to try.
They have olive oil, ginger, and even curry flavors on offer! I have tried the curry one and I was surprised at how much I liked it - it had a subtle and strange flavor that appeals to my love of Asian food.
This is the perfect place for some Brussels chocolate tasting, you can easily spend a couple of hours trying different flavors and relaxing with a coffee. I also think these chocolates make great gifts, they’re high quality and served in really beautiful arrangements. What better way is there to say wish you were there than with chocolates you can’t find anywhere else?
Artisan Chocolatier Mary
Artisan Chocolatier Mary is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Brussels and there’s a reason why!
Also holding the royal warrant, the first shop opened in 1919 and has been busy ever since. Visit the original boutique on Rue Royale to sample an array of pralines and hand-rolled truffles.
The store used to be a bourgeois tea salon and the art deco design is rich in Belgian history, so as you enter you will feel an air of sophistication as you are transported to another era.
With excellent quality traditional Belgian chocolates, Artisan Chocolatier Mary is a must-see when visiting our sweet city. You can easily find this one, standing out against the other chocolate shops along Grand Place.
Frederic Blondeel
Frederic Blondeel is one of the innovative chocolatiers who has triumphed in Belgium in recent years, creating masterpieces from scratch in his artisanal Brussels chocolate factory.
Blondeel roasts cocoa beans, blends them with pure cocoa butter and other natural ingredients to create the richest truffles and pralines. There are three stores in Brussels offering both classic Belgian delights and rarer flavors like matcha tea and cinnamon; there is something for everyone here!
The chocolates create a sea of color behind the glass cases; no one can help but gaze into them as they walk in. This is a great place to experience a modern twist on our beloved national delicacy.
Brussels Chocolate Museum
If you only have one day in the city you must make sure you visit Brussels Chocolate Village. Being more than 900 m², this is one of the largest museums dedicated to chocolate in the world. Tour the displays to explore the manufacture of chocolate, its uses and its history in Belgium.
The best part of this museum is the tropical greenhouse which reproduces the conditions of cocoa cultivation; you could almost believe you were in the Caribbean; it’s a truly immersive experience.
One of the best things to do while you’re here is visit the Brussels chocolate workshop. You can meet the artisan chocolate makers, speak to them about their trade, and even taste their latest creations. Make sure you continue your chocolate tasting in the gift shop; you may find it hard to choose just one favorite…
Neuhaus Chocolates
Opened in 1857 by Jean Neuhaus, Neuhaus Chocolates created the original Belgian praline. The Swiss pharmacist started selling medicine covered in chocolate to sweeten the pills, but their real success came 15 years later. Neuhaus’ grandson Jean Neuhaus Junior came up with the idea of filling chocolate with different flavors, and the traditional Belgian praline was born!
Another royal warrant holder, Neuhaus today boasts that their chocolates are sold all in ‘perfect condition’. Make a visit to the Galerie de la Reine boutique for a taste of Belgian history; as you pass the glowing arches, you won’t be able to resist having a look inside.
Some of the most famous wares, such as Neuhaus’ History Collection box, are on display, and the shop has some beautiful art nouveau architecture. Don’t miss this historical wonder when you’re in Brussels.
Planete Chocolat
Make a visit to Planete Chocolat for a chance to see the inner workings of a Brussels chocolate factory. The artisan chocolatiers will give you the history of the chocolate-making process as well as an insight into how they make their traditional pralines.
You can taste the purest dark chocolate and see how Belgians came to make their national delicacy so sweet and creamy.
While learning all about their finest creations, you’ll have a chance to try some of their best-sellers; it’s the best kind of interactive experience. When you have a chance to buy your favorites, try some traditional pralines and some of their truffles. The Moka flavor is delicious!
Galler Chocolatier
Another innovator in chocolate making is Galler Chocolatier. Known for his unique flavor combinations, Galler is ideal when you’re coming to the end of your chocolate shop crawl and craving an alternative to pralines.
The orange glow will lure you in, and the huge variety of flavors will make sure you stay there. Their most famous creations are raspberry truffles, white chocolate with marzipan and pistachio, and orange pralines filled with almond paste.
If you fancy a break from chocolate, they also serve a rainbow of delicious macarons here. The boutique has lots of beautiful gift boxes, too, perfect for sharing this genius with a family member or as a memento of your time in the chocolate capital of the world.
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