OK, so by now you know we’re sweet on San Diego. But you know what’s sweet in San Diego? The local chocolatiers that work their mouthwatering magic year-round, whipping up confections that almost look too pretty to eat. Almost. With Valentine’s Day today, we’re sharing some of the sweetest shops in our city where you can grab treats for those you love.
Eclipse Chocolate | 2145 Fern St., South Park
The chocolate confections are crafted from scratch and packaged by hand at this neighborhood shop. We’re smitten with this heart-shaped box of beauties and the Sea Salt Collection.
We’re bananas for these beautiful berries. | Photo via @seaportfudge
Seaport Fudge Factory | 859 W. Harbor Dr., Seaport Village
This longtime shop at the waterfront landmark is known for its candy apples, holiday-themed goodies, and, of course, its fudge. For Valentine’s Day, don’t miss the chocolate-dipped strawberries or Oreos drizzled with red and pink perfection.
Find Chi Chocolat (yes, pronounced like the movie), inside Bayan Kitchen + Café. | Photo via @chichocolatsd
Chi Chocolat | 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 103 (Barracks 19 at Liberty Station)
Tucked inside Bayan Kitchen + Café, this chocolatier specializes in truffles, bon bons + chunky slabs of premium chocolate with a definite “wow factor.” To give you a taste, the “Breaking Bars” come in flavors like chili mango, pink peppercorn and edible flowers.
The allure of this glimmering downtown San Diego spot is strong. | Photo via @wlfpir8
Ghirardelli Ice Cream + Chocolate Shop | 643 Fifth Ave., San Diego
You can literally smell the sweets wafting in the air when you walk past this shop in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. You’ll find a variety of those classic Ghirardelli chocolate squares, bars, baking mixes and chocolate chips — and you can treat yourself to a sundae, shake or hot cocoa.
So pretty in pink. | Photo via @sweetpetiteconf
Sweet Petite Confections | 3582 Mt. Acadia Blvd., Clairemont
This artisan confection shop whips up gourmet chocolates, bon bons, salted caramels, meltaways, specialty marshmallows, barks, and ice cream (we’re seeing a cool pattern here). The gift baskets offer a little bit of everything — for the Valentine who likes it all.
Läderach | 7007 Friars Rd. (Fashion Valley, between Macy’s + JCPenney)
The Swiss chocolatier is in the midst of a US expansion and this storefront is the brand’s first in San Diego. The shop offers 85+ varieties of chocolate imported from Switzerland, plus its signature “FrischSchoggi” (“fresh chocolate” in Swiss German) in 20+ varieties such as dark chocolate with roasted nuts and dried fruit.
Nibble Chocolate | Pacific Beach, Old Town + Little Italy
This locally founded company has been making handcrafted, small batch chocolates since 2013. Owners David and Sandra aim to preserve the health benefits found in cocoa — and its deliciousness — without any of the unnecessary additives.
Pro tip: You can also find these chocolates at the Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays, and the Hillcrest Farmers Market on Sundays.
Chocolate Haus | 947 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach
Since its 2004 debut, this chocolatier has been making sweets using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can build your own box of chocolates by selecting from a long list of varieties and confections, or you can pick up perfectly crafted, pre-made treats.
Teuscher, 7863 Girard Ave., #204, La Jolla
This Swiss chocolate shop offers a huge selection of sweets ranging from truffles and pralines to hand-dipped fruits. Even better, there are special extended Valentine’s Day hours for last-minute shoppers.
The creative fillings are part of the fun at Seabreeze Craft Chocolates.
Photo via Seabreeze Craft Chocolates
Seabreeze Craft Chocolates, 3840 Valley Centre Dr., Ste. 604, Carmel Valley
This spot is owned by former lobbyist-turned-chocolatier Jim Lantry,
who’s known for making chocolates featuring fun fillings based on his favorite flavors and culinary trends. Lantry also teaches group and private classes centered on the art of chocolate-making.
Chuao Chocolatier, 2350 Camino Vida Roble, Ste. 101, Carlsbad
This Carlsbad factory makes sustainable, handmade chocolate using Venezuelan cocoa. While you can now find the brand’s bars in grocery stores, nothing beats a trip to the “Joy Factory” and store at its headquarters. The brand also offers factory tours, though they’re currently on hold.
Of course, this is a sampling of San Diego-area chocolatiers. If we missed your favorite shop, drop us a line and tell us about it: hello@thesdtoday.com.
