In San Francisco, you’ll discover innovative, artisan chocolate makers elevating the sweet confection to new levels of sophistication.
To uncover uniquely San Francisco chocolates during your visit, I indulged in a thorough tasting experience over two days with friends Monica and Sid. By the end of our chocolate adventure, we were blissfully overwhelmed and perhaps collectively five pounds heavier. Thankfully, we have since recovered!
All the chocolate shops featured here produce their products locally, and they are organized in the order I would recommend them to any chocolate enthusiast visiting the city.
Indulge your sweet tooth or express your affection with one of these delectable San Francisco chocolate delights.
01 of 06: XOX Truffles
Address: 754 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Phone: +1 415-421-4814
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XOX Truffles has been a cherished San Francisco chocolate experience since I first entered its charming shop in 1998, and it’s a top choice for sharing the delight of chocolate with friends.
Renowned as one of the top ten chocolate makers in the United States by Chocolatier Magazine, XOX produces unbelievably delicious, artisanal chocolate truffles. Enjoy these uniquely shaped delights, triangular and hand-rolled in cocoa powder. While some opt for single truffles, a moderate-price plain box is available for you to share.
Jean-Marc Gorce, the chocolate maker, proudly oversees this establishment that opened in 1998. With a rich history, he humorously recounts his childhood adventures of sneaking chocolate from the kitchen drawers.
The process of creating XOX truffles is a journey across continents, from sourcing cacao beans in Africa to crafting them with care in the United States.
Gorce’s truffles boast an exciting range of flavors, and for those who are indecisive, assorted boxes are a perfect choice.
The shop is conveniently located near prominent attractions, making it a lovely stop when exploring San Francisco.
02 of 06: Recchiuti Confections
Address: 1, Ferry Building, Shop #30, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Phone: +1 415-834-9494
Recchiuti Confections can be found in the glamorous Ferry Building Marketplace, which is a must-visit chocolate shop in San Francisco.
During our chocolate tasting experience, the burnt caramel truffles captivated our taste buds, enticing us to momentarily forget our surroundings.
Renowned for their skill with texture and remarkable flavor pairings, Recchiuti sets itself apart with sensations like tarragon grapefruit and cardamom nougat.
They offer beautifully packaged truffles perfect for gifting, though I would encourage indulging in more unique flavors during your visit.
03 of 06: Dandelion Chocolate
Address: 740 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110-1735, USA
Phone: +1 415-349-0942
Dandelion Chocolate represents a pioneering movement in the chocolate-making scene, succeeding where established brands have left off.
Each chocolate bar is crafted from cacao beans sourced directly from proprietary farms, allowing for a unique tasting experience with a focus on quality.
The factory and store offer sampling opportunities, educational factory tours, and classes in chocolate tasting, making it an interactive experience. Customers are encouraged to ask questions as the process unfolds right before their eyes.
For those seeking dessert after a nearby meal, Dandelion’s late hours make it a convenient choice.
04 of 06: Jade Chocolates
Address: 4207 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118-3001, USA
Phone: +1 415-379-4231
Jade Chocolates, located a bit off the beaten tourist path, is owned by Mindy Fong, an innovator who incorporates Asian flavors into her chocolate creations.
The Dragon’s Breath bar, a favorite, blends bittersweet chocolate with smoky tea and a hint of chili. With a beautiful selection of chocolates, their offerings are hard to resist.
Jade’s gorgeous packaging makes for perfect gifts, and the prices are friendly compared to other shops we’ve visited.
05 of 06: Socola
Address: 535 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
Phone: +1 415-400-4071
Socola Chocolates, whimsically described with a flying alpaca mascot, specializes in inventive flavor combinations like chai and Vietnamese coffee.
With a cheerful staff and a small seating area, it’s a delightful spot to explore unique chocolate experiences.
06 of 06: TCHO
Address: 3100 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA
Phone: +1 844-877-8246
Although TCHO relocated from the San Francisco waterfront, their bars continue to be popular, renowned for flavors like Mokaccino, crafted with locally sourced coffee.
Visit their Berkeley location to discover more about their unique approach to chocolate making.
Ghirardelli, a historic name in San Francisco chocolate, continues contributing to the city’s confectionery identity with its acclaimed hot fudge sundaes.
If you’re looking to enjoy chocolate in a creamy form, don’t miss Gelateria Naia in North Beach, famous for its delicious gelato made with local flavors.
For those wanting to explore deeper into the chocolate world, consider taking part in gourmet chocolate tours, featuring tastings and interesting flavor pairings.
