9 chocolate shops in Brussels you shouldn’t miss

Brussels is famous for its chocolate and a visit to the Belgian capital wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the local delicacy. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t visit the city without reading this definitive guide to the best chocolate shops.

Nehaus

In 1912, the world’s first ever pralines (Belgian chocolates consisting of a hard chocolate shell with a softer filling) were created by Nehaus. And to this day they still sell some of the most delicious chocolate in Brussels. Their shop in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Galerie de la Reine should be your first stop on any chocolate tour of the capital. 

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Frederic Blondeel

Frederic Blondeel is known to serve the best hot chocolate in Brussels, rich, creamy and velvety. So pull up a table in the cosy shop and sip away on a sweet treat. And if you’re a fan of hot chocolate then you’ll also love our guide to the best hot chocolate in Paris. 

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Macrolini

One of the most famous Belgian chocolate makers, Pierre Marcolini has a chocolate boutique in the historic district of Sablon. He buys unprocessed cocoa beans direct from local producers and transforms it into chocolate in his own workshop making the process a real labour of love. If you prefer your chocolate light and sweet then maybe skip this though, as Macrolini’s are rich, dark and ever-so-slightly bitter. 

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Wittamer

The chocolatier of choice for the Belgian royal family, Wittamer is a Brussels institution. They serve classic Belgian chocolates as well as more inventive recipes and a variety of cakes, tarts and pastries. They even made the wedding cake for the latest royal wedding so you know they’re doing an exemplary job. 

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Passion Chocolat

Not as old and established as some of the other chocolatiers on the list, but that doesn’t mean Passion Chocolat is any less worthy of praise. This mouth-watering shop in Sablon serves unexpected flavours smothered in delicious Belgian chocolate. No preservatives, extracts or concentrates are found here either.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Belvas

Belvas was Northern Europe’s first organic chocolatier, serving sweet treats that are organic and sometimes even gluten and sugar free. Sounds too good to be true right? The taste is like any other high-end chocolate in the country but you can eat it without any guilt. 

Source: Yummy Planet

Elisabeth

With five stores dotted around the capital, you’ll never be too far from one of Elisabeth’s chocolate havens. Not just for chocolate, you can also indulge in delicious pastries, lighter-than-air meringues and caramelised almond biscuits. 

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Lawrence

Combining exotic flavours of the Middle East with classic Belgian chocolate, Lawrence is a unique player on the chocolate scene in Brussels. The Arabic-style interiors are just begging to be photographed and the chocolates are lined up in pleasing symmetry. They import their dates from palm groves across Jordan, Dubai and Saudi Arabia ensuring truly authentic flavours. 

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Bruyerre

First opened in Brussels in 1909, Bruyerre have spent the last century honing their chocolate-making craft and expanding worldwide, selling their chocolate in 38 countries across the globe. Their palm oil-free pralines are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious business and their ribboned boxes make the perfect gift from your visit to Belgium. 

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