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 »
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 »
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 »
Discussion
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Where is Aroma? They have the best Hot Chocolate ever!!
I believe this vote deserves a recount.
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
REALLY?
not affiliated with aroma, just a very big fan
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!
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
That line is full of win.
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.
I am a big fan since they opened their door about three years ago.
thumbs up for aroma, and there are a ton of great one-off little coffee places around that do it better