Best of Toronto
The Best Hot Chocolate in Toronto
The best hot chocolate in Toronto is a perfect cure for the winter blues. And finding the perfect cup shouldn't be a difficult task, or so I thought. Take some chocolate, mix in some hot milk, top with whipped cream, how hard could it be right? Oh, no no no. As it turns out, there is a lot more to this deceivingly simple drink than first meets the sugar-crazed eye.
This soul warming drink, which comes in a variety of flavors, and often involves a secret blend of rich and gooey spice-infused ganache and locally sourced creams, also comes in a variety of styles, which was sweet news to my ears, and lips. I guess I will just have to drink them all.
Here are the 15 best cups of hot chocolate in Toronto.
Soma Chocolatemaker
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, then head to the Distillery District for a unique Mayan hot chocolate, made fresh in-house before your very eyes, in their glass walled chocolate factory. This thick concoction of delights includes chilies, ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and vanilla, mixed lovingly with fresh warm chocolate, and served up in shot glasses. They also will add fresh steamed milk, to turn this spicy shot into a more classic version for the less adventurous. More »
Xococava
Head to Yonge and St Clair to see Brendan for a truly artisanal hot chocolate experience. He had me at 70% dark Callebaut chocolate and 4 varieties of in-house made marshmallows. Then he pulled out some fresh crispy churros, and I was ready to ask for his hand in marriage. The thick pudding like hot chocolate can also be whisked with regular milk or soymilk to create a more TTC friendly version if you can’t stop and enjoy the beautiful interiors of the shop. They also provide free in-house made gourmet dog treats so your pooch doesn’t feel left out. More »
Bulldog Coffee
Like the owner's dog, this downtown hot chocolate has teeth, and the owner isn’t afraid to tell you how wonderful it is. The packed house was a dead giveaway as to how popular they have become already. It's made with melted Ghirardelli chocolate and micro foamed milk that recently won him a best barista medal. They also do a Blanco version with a shot of espresso to give you a nice kick in the pants. More »
MoRoCo Chocolat
Feel like taking a trip to France mid-week, but hate the nasty jet lag and hassle at the airports? Try stopping in here for a traditional French sipping chocolate with the renowned Valrhona Chocolate, thick, silky and luxurious to the last drop. This ultimate indulgence is served in delicate white porcelain cups and come in a variety of flavours, including Vanilla Orange White Chocolate, or with a side of whipped cream. Talk about decadence, the French really do know how to do it. More »
Pain Perdu
Just north of the Annex, on St Clair and Rushton, is an authentic French bakery, complete with fresh baguettes and French radio stations playing quietly in the background. They start with an authentic chocolate ganache, made in-house, and then mix in either steamed whole milk, or creme diplomate, which is half custard and half whipping cream. Ohh la la, c'est magnifique! More »
La Merceria
This quiet little gem is the perfect getaway for a mid afternoon hot cocoa date for two. Don’t let it’s tiny size fool you, its packed full of delicious treats to sip and dip you way into a sugar induced haze. Thick, rich and classic, the hot chocolate is simple yet expertly made, and balances the perfect level of dark cocoa bitterness with a light sweetness, all poured into a cup made from love. More »
Rawlicious
The name says it all for this Junction hot spot (that’s also cool), using raw cacao butter, raw cacao powder and natural agave sweetener for their version of a rawly delicious hot chocolate. They also like to spice things up with random additions like ground nuts and coconut butter. It’s like Russian roulette for the thrill seeking chocolate lover in all of us. More »
Delight Chocolates
If you’re heading to the Junction for some afternoon tripping and you're not into raw food then your first stop should be Delight. Their thick ganache-infused hot chocolate comes in a variety of flavours, including spicy, which will warm you right through and through. There is also a Vegan option to appease your inner Alanis Morissette while still partaking in this sinful drink. More »
Bonjour Brioche
This trendy little brunch spot is a pastry lovers heaven, and happens to also serve up one mean cup of cocoa. You have to ask for it specially, because it’s not on the menu, but imagine the filling of a chocolate croissant, poured into a cup, and then heated with milk until its frothy. Take one to go, with a light flaky pastry, and hit some nearby antique shops to make the perfect lazy afternoon. More »
Balzac's Coffee
With two Toronto locations, this longstanding local coffee destination is where it’s at if you're looking for a complete organic hot chocolate. Using organic cocoa powder, cane sugar, and milk, this classic version is served up in beautiful surroundings. While the staff may be less than enthusiastic, the warm beverage makes up for any chill there may be in the air. More »
Fresh
The proof is in the pudding, or the name in this case. A blend of local cocoa powders and some homo milk make this simple treat into a “fresh” taste adventure for the ethically minded mouth. No need for a toque and mitts, this one will keep you warm while shopping near one of their locations in the Annex or Queen St. West. More »
Le Gourmand
Take a tasty trip to Germany with a thick and luscious melted German chocolate drink, made with whole milk, just like my motherland told me to use. This sinful treat is usually served pure and simple, or if you ask nicely, they will make you a condensed version that comes in a shot glass, and packs enough punch to knock your lederhosen clean off. More »
Mercury Espresso Bar
Don’t mess with a good thing, or at least that’s what I was told, when I asked about variations on the classic hot drink. They serve it straight up, chocolate powder and milk, no messing around, and your only option is the percent of milk fat, although they are not afraid to tell you that homo milk is the best. Hey, they said it, not me. More »
Clafouti
Feeling romantic? This tiny Queen Street French patisserie serves up authentic French cocoa hot chocolate, and is great for celebrity spotting, or a romantic first or 30th date. The small, but cozy surroundings transport you to another time and place, helped along by the waft of fresh pastries they are famous for, neatly stacked in old wine crates or in the small deli-style cooler. This classic is great for a walk in Trinity Bellwoods Park, kicking up fresh crispy fall leaves. More »
Adam and Eve Chocolate
The Village is slowly becoming a foodie mecca, and this hot chocolate is helping to put that area on the food map. Made with a top-secret blend of chocolate ingredients, and carefully mixed with fresh milk, this rich and decadent hot chocolate is not overly sweet. If you ask nicely, they will add in sprigs of fresh mint leaves for a truly unique treat that will leave you completely kissable afterwards. More »
Discussion
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I couldn't agree more, Soma's Mayan hot chocolate is killer.
NO WAY!
Where is Aroma? They have the best Hot Chocolate ever!!
I believe this vote deserves a recount.
How could you leave Aroma out????
Aroma Espresso Bar serves up a warm and comforting hot chocolate... steamed milk overtop a few of their little milk chocolate bars. Melty perfection.
Aroma is definitely my fav surprised its not here...
I believe Mr. DeBoer should pay a visit to Aroma today and edit the article at his earliest discretion!
Obviously the Aroma people are spamming.
To Arome Lovers:Thanks for the tip on Aroma. Unfortunately the "best of" sections are chosen by YOU THE READERS, and so it is my humble job to review and write about the places that the READERS have chosen. If you want to get involved and have a say, then look for the "voting poles" that we post up regularly and have your say. I sure hope that the Aroma posts were not spam from Aroma employees, because I would sure hate to have to remove and block them from the post. Remember to play fair!
I am also sad to see that Aroma did not make "The Best Hot Chocolate" on BlogTO
We won on Toronto.com! but not even a mention here...
I have been checking the blog every day of the week for the last 3 months or so to see the outcome of this contest.
Randy,
I am the first person affiliated with Aroma to write on this wall. I am happy to see that we have such a loyal customer base though.
THANK YOU EVERYONE
Aroma Espresso Bar Management
"If your looking..."
REALLY?
i wonder how the "readers" can be sooo different... Christopher DeBoer, you better check yourself...
not affiliated with aroma, just a very big fan
Toronto.com still exists? 40+ crowd going strong. ;)
♥Aroma♥
I don't often order hot chocolate when I am out, as I am more of a tea person, however I had the hot chocolate at the Gladstone the other day and it as amazingness!! Fair trade chocolate, nice creamy whipped cream on top, and the glass is rimmed with sugar and chocolate powder. It was a thing of beauty, and tasted perfect! HIGHLY recommended.
La Merceria is probably one of my favourite places in the city. Clafouti & Bonjour Brioche also warm my heart. Thanks for the compilation. :)
Also no affiliation with Aroma whatsoever and the sheer insinuation that I and the other commenters are affiliated to them is weird in itself. It is without a doubt the best hot chocolate in town, and considering the response here I wonder which "readers" Blog TO's team has polled for this...
i thought i had been drinking Hot Chocolate my whole life and then i ran into Aroma and started having REAL Hot Chocolate for the first time!
I think i have a better chance of figuring out how the universe was created then i do of finding out how Aroma did not make this list. Aroma is still #1 in my books!
Aroma hot chocolate is backed hard by me.
Publisher's Note: To clarify - Aroma was in fact not eligible for this list even though it was nominated. While we don't have a habit of explicitly stating this in the results, many long time readers of this site will know that we don't include global chains like Starbucks, Chipotle, Aroma and others in these lists. We don't have anything against Aroma, its staff or its hot chocolate but we feel there is more value for us highlighting the best of what local stores, cafes and restaurants have to offer Torontonians rather than have lists comprised of global chains like you might find on the aforementioned Toronto.com and other sites.
It's possible that some of you may not have realized that Aroma is a global chain. For more information you can check their web site. They have locations in Israel, New York and perhaps elsewhere:
http://www.aroma.us/
http://www.aroma.co.il/
Again, we don't have anything against Aroma and are not making a judgment on whether they are a good cafe or not or whether they sell good hot chocolate or not. In fact we reviewed the cafe when it first opened and you can read about and see photos of their hot chocolate here:
http://www.blogto.com/cafes/aroma
well i'm pretty much boycotting aroma now because of their spam above. thanks for letting me know how annoying you guys are before i spend any money there :)
Aroma is hit or miss nowadays. I used to go there at least once sometimes twice a week until their service and quality went sour. The number of times I ordered a mocha but got no chocolate in it or no espresso in it became very annoying. And when I finally complained, I was lectured on how the drinks were made and was told that it was impossible that anything was missing from my drink. I was told that I should return my drink right away, but if the drink is too hot to sip and try and I'm already on the subway I'm not going back to have them add the shot of espresso that is promised in a MOCHA! Also, if Aroma staff is reading this, the music played is obnoxious, but more palatable than the staff. I work retail as well and think you need to be reminded that you are in the service industry. Courtesy goes along way. Is it really too hard for the kitchen staff to toss a salad to make sure the dressing is all over and not just on top?! Really?! Oh, and Please and Thank you is always nice. I know that not all customers will repay you the kindness, but some of us do!
ChocoSol makes real, authentic, horizontally-traded, nutritious, and delicious drinking chocolate. Hot or cold. The end.
"It’s like Russian roulette for the thrill seeking chocolate lover in all of us."
That line is full of win.
It's more than a little insulting (and sad) that a few people can't come out and voice their support for a particular product or service without being branded as spammers. Smug comments from assholes like "Randy" and "lame-o" really grind my gears. See what I did there? I called them assholes. Do I know they're actually assholes? I don't. But I just assume, the way they assumed Aroma is spamming the comments. Why not jump to a few more assumptions while you're at it? What's wrong if a group of people shout out a brand they feel has been left out?
In other news... I see Tim's point on bigging up the little guys in Toronto and am all for it. But I also think it's important to point out some of the "big guys" (of which I don't really feel Aroma is a part of... come on, are you really comparing them to Starbucks?) do certain things well. It's not at the expense of the local guys, it's just how it is.
THE SOMA HOT CHOCOLATE IS LIKE DRINKING GRAVY WITH CINAMON & ORANGE PEEL
Actually, Linux Cafe has really amazing hot chocolate. Plus, it's just a great place to relax.
i like the vanilla bean hot chocolate over at second cup..can anyone recommend a place that offers something similar to that?
Nadege has amazing hot chocolate made with 85 percent dark chocolate!
Cool to see Delight made this list. Love their spiced hot chocolate. And love Soma's too of course.
who says that chocolate is bad? Chocolates have a lot good benefits on our body. You can prevent the formation of blood clots which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, Increase the flexibility of blood vessels in order to lower blood pressures, Provide energy and decrease the stress on the heart and Help with weight gains and decrease appetites LOL..