Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Manhattan
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Manhattan
1. MarieBelle
A jewel-box SoHo boutique where hand-painted ganaches and decadent sipping chocolates are served in an elegant cacao bar tucked behind the shop’s gift-worthy displays.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop fantasy for refined, origin-driven chocolate presented with artful flair—perfect for lingering over a luxurious cup and taking home beautiful boxes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings or early afternoons; November–February for peak hot-chocolate season and festive limited editions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Aztec spiced hot chocolate thick and extra dark, then ask staff to guide a mini tasting of signature bonbons before you choose a gift box.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the romantic salon vibe and consistently silky, balanced chocolates—pricey but memorable and highly giftable.
2. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
A cozy Flatiron tearoom pairing European-style drinking chocolate with elegant bonbons—famous for whimsical chocolate mice and penguins.
✓ Why Go:
For deeply flavorful, not-too-sweet hot chocolate and handcrafted confections that showcase classic technique and fine cacao.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays; cold-weather months heighten the comfort-factor.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose the dark hot chocolate and split a slice of classic chocolate cake; pick up a mixed box of mice for the road.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as authentic and soothing; a beloved pause between Flatiron and Union Square exploring.
3. Stick With Me Sweets
A tiny Nolita atelier crafting glossy, jewel-like bonbons with inventive fillings in micro-batches—part art gallery, part chocolate counter.
✓ Why Go:
Flavors are vivid and creative, with snap, shine, and Instagram-ready looks that still deliver serious technique.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early day to avoid sellouts; seasonal holidays bring limited-edition collections.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask what’s new—citrus, tea, and nut butter profiles rotate often; carry boxes carefully as the shells are delicate.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“Tiny shop, huge flavor.” Visitors love the craftsmanship and surprise combinations.
4. Li-Lac Chocolates
One of Manhattan’s oldest chocolatiers, celebrated for buttercrunch toffee, almond bark, and nostalgic molded chocolates inside lively Chelsea Market.
✓ Why Go:
A classic New York name with a vast selection—ideal for gifting and sampling traditional styles alongside seasonal shapes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; December is festive but crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for freshly broken dark-almond bark and a bag of chocolate-dipped orange peels for a balanced, citrusy bite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A warm dose of nostalgia with reliable quality; families and longtime New Yorkers are loyal fans.
5. La Maison du Chocolat
A serene Upper East Side boutique where Parisian pralines and silky ganaches meet refined packaging and gracious service.
✓ Why Go:
For polished French profiles—hazelnut-forward pralines, perfectly balanced ganaches—and elegant gifts after a stroll on Madison Avenue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays midafternoon; ideal pre- or post-museum stop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a side-by-side tasting of dark ganaches to find your preferred intensity; pair with a macaron for contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests note impeccable service and pristine flavors—subtle, sophisticated, and consistently excellent.
6. Royce' Chocolate
A sleek Midtown shop from Hokkaido renowned for ultra-creamy Nama chocolates kept chilled, plus playful potato-chip chocolate.
✓ Why Go:
Texture is the star—silky, truffle-like squares with Japanese flavor riffs such as matcha and champagne.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons; in warm months, go earlier to keep purchases cool.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring an insulated tote or accept the ice pack—Nama chocolates are best stored cold and enjoyed soon after purchase.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently described as melt-in-your-mouth and addictive; a distinctive contrast to European styles.
7. Economy Candy
A Lower East Side time capsule crammed with retro sweets, international bars, and bulk chocolate at friendly prices.
✓ Why Go:
It’s pure candy-land joy with ample chocolate finds—from classic bars to hard-to-source imports—without breaking the bank.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings or weekday afternoons for easier browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create a custom chocolate mix by the pound and ask staff about limited imports behind the counter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chaotic in the best way; families and nostalgia seekers leave grinning with overstuffed bags.
8. Serendipity
An Upper East Side pop-culture icon best known for its over-the-top Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and whimsical decor.
✓ Why Go:
For theatrical, shareable chocolate desserts in a storied setting—equal parts treat and New York moment.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays; winter for peak hot-chocolate coziness.
✓ Insider Tip:
Join the waitlist early and split one signature dessert—portions are huge and perfect for sharing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but beloved; a playful splurge that delights kids and grown-ups alike.
9. Hershey's Chocolate World
A lively Times Square flagship with exclusive candy bars, build-your-own options, and bakery treats including made-to-order s’mores.
✓ Why Go:
Big-brand fun with plenty of chocolatey souvenirs and interactive stations—great between shows or sightseeing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings before matinee and evening rush; weekdays are calmer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for s’mores and customizable wrappers—great personalized gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
High-energy and family-friendly; kids are thrilled, adults find it indulgent and convenient.
10. Levain Bakery
Home of the legendary, gooey-centered chocolate chip walnut cookie that draws lines on the Upper West Side.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a chocolate-lover’s rite of passage—massive, warm cookies with deep caramelized notes and melty chips.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late evening to minimize waits; weekdays move faster.
✓ Insider Tip:
Prefer no nuts? Order the double chocolate chip; bring napkins and eat while warm for peak ooze.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“Worth the wait” is the consensus; many call it their most craveable NYC bite.
