Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Top SD Chocolate Spots

Why go for mass-produced bars when San Diego offers an array of its own decadent chocolate? You might as well stock up on some local must-have chocolate confections. San Diego’s sweet local spots create everything from fudge to truffles and cater to every taste. Satisfy your cravings with this luscious list, courtesy of Yelp.

David Bacco Chocolatier (Mira Mesa)

The confectioner on staff here uses his technical training from Belgian, French and Spanish instructors to create more than 30 different options of edible chocolate art. Each piece is so stunning it’s almost too good to eat! Titled “Captive,” the mango truffles have a touch of balsamic and are presented as a perfect orange halved sphere. The single origin chocolate bars hail from countries like Peru, Equator and Madagascar, making this sweet shop an absolute must-try.

Dallman Fine Chocolates (Del Mar)

Creator Guenther Dallmann opened a pastry shop in Austria in 1954 and eventually became known for producing famous pastries, as well as the Salzburger Mozartkugel chocolate. Today, you’ll find an extension of the historical business here in San Diego and you can snatch up its European recipes on a whim. The dark chocolate covered Fluer De Sel caramels are a top seller and we also suggest the Valencia, a creation of chocolate ganache with orange, cloves, cinnamon and anise.

Chi Chocolat (Liberty Station)

On the first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can stop by this boutique and enjoy bon bons, chocolate samplings, $5 tapas and complementary wine. It’s a chocoholics happy hour dream come true. The boutique has everything to satisfy your sweet tooth, from classic dark truffles rolled in Valherona chocolate powder to the Force Noir, a dark ganache filled with 72-percent vanilla.

Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro (South Park)

True devotees just drink chocolate, and this adorable shop is happy to oblige. Order a Drinking Chocolate here for just $5 and then pick an infusion like orange peel, vanilla bean, salted dulce de leche or cardamom rose petal. For an even more indulgent experience, make a reservation for a Chocolate Threeway! It’s three truffles and three artisan cheeses paired with three beers or wines for only $20 (this applies to certain nights only, and you must call ahead for a spot.)

Carlsbad Chocolate Bar (Carlsbad)

This quaint coffee and chocolate shop is located on a main corner of the village and has all the treats, plus wine. If you’re dining locally, duck in for dessert. The menu includes chocolate-covered pretzels or handmade peanut butter cups in dark or milk chocolate. For further fancies, the shop dips your favorite cookies, like Nutter Butters and Oreos, and covers them in a cocoa confection. With shop-inspired creations and imported options, too, you’ll find all your favorites here.

Chuao Chocolatier (Encinitas, Del Mar)

We’ll round out this list with a nod to chocolatiers who have gone big. Started in 2002 by Chef Michael Antonorsi, and his brother Richard Antonorsi, this shop has expanded into several popular San Diego County locations. For an indisputable sweet treat, grab the Chef’s Favorites. It has a wide range of his best, including the famous Firecracker Truffle and the delicious Spiced Cabernet Caramel.

Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.

Contact Us