Chocolate in Melbourne

I'm so sick of articles about chocolate in melbourne that only ever mention Koko Black, Haigh's and Max Brenner. Don't get me wrong, I love 2 out of those three, but there is so much amazing specialty chocolate around Melbourne that needs to be shared.

No 1: Shocolate, Fitzroy.

 Mindblowing. I would (and have) killed for some of their salted caramels. The staff are friendly and so proud of their product. It's so cute! I'll admit that I haven't yet tried their hot chocolate, but I look forward to it. They're apparently the only place in Australia to do a vegemite chocolate (which sadly I cant try, due to the gluten factor.) They get perfect flavour balance in all their products, from the passionfruit truffle to the french lady grey.

http://shocolate.com.au/

No 2: Xocolatl, Canterbury and Kew

Slightly overpriced, but fantastic flavours. I don't go there for the full chocolate experience, since the staff aren't quite as knowledgeable or passionate as they could be, but they do some amazing chocolates. The new summer range blends some fascinating flavours, such as goats cheese and raspberry. Old favourites are the balsamic caramel and the slightly weird but delicious Chios (tree bark) creation. Hot chocolates are always slightly disappointing though.

No 3: Ganache, Toorak

Beautiful chocolates, Drool-worthy cakes. only been here once, but was muchly impressed. That might have had to do with the fact that I'm an absolute sucker for anything tea infused, and the earl-grey chocolate here is incredible. Definitely looking forward to checking it out again sometime soon

Honourable mentions:

Koko Black. They might be run of the mill now, but they still do some truly excellent chocolates, and still try hard. One of the best chocolate mousses in melbourne. And their Amarena Cherry is an old time favourite. Still getting over the disappointment that their Dulce De Leche is not gluten free.

Sisko, Hawthorn

Almost more art then deliciousness, but well worth checking out. Their chocolate sculptures are as beautiful as they are delicious. Small range of individual chocolates, no soft centers, but some lovely flavours. Mostly involving nuts, so a heads up if you have an allergy. I remember their Sesame ginger with extreme fondness.

Dishonourable Mentions:

San Churros

Disgusting chocolate, disappointing hot chocolates. I presume the churros are the key to their appeal, but not being able to eat them, everything else is gross. And secretly laced with gluten. Sigh.

Max Brenner

Over-priced and over-rated. I appreciate that they were the first doing this sort of thing, but they have been far outstripped by their recent competitors. Mediocre everything.