It’s a classic that works. Giving a gift of chocolates from an artisan chocolate shop in Madrid is almost always well received. In this case we are not talking about churrerías where they serve a very thick hot chocolate, although it is always welcome, but to those chocolate shops where there is usually a master chocolatier capable of making magic with this ingredient that in itself does not have a hint of sweetness.
1. La Duquesita
If La Duquesita’ s chocolate palm doesn’t make your date fall in love, nothing will. So crunchy, so flaky, with a veil of chocolate perfect for not cloying and leaving you wanting more.
But it’s not all chocolate palms: La Duquesita is Oriol Balaguer ‘s sales space and, in the adjoining number, the renowned pastry chef also boasts a Tea Room, where he shows his most avant-garde work. Either of the two spaces is perfect to enjoy the most refined chocolate and its most special forms.
fernando VI Street, 2 (Salesas)
2. Bombonería La Pajarita
Renowned for its violet candies and, of course, for its chocolate bow ties, this candy shop has been making sweets for more than 150 years. Inaugurated in 1852 by the great-grandfather of the current owner, La Pajarita works chocolate with love and tradition (famous are its liqueur chocolates, the marron glacé or the assortment that you will see displayed in its showcases every day). For Valentine’s Day, they also work on their heart-shaped chocolates filled with violet ganache.
📍 Calle de Villanueva, 14 (Recoletos)
3. Moulin chocolat
Moulin de Chocolat is headed by Ricardo Vélez, who calls himself “The Cocoa Chef” on Instagram, and who has also been elected as the best pastry chef in 2023 by Madrid Fusión. It is not a bold claim, therefore, to say that this is one of the best chocolate shops in Madrid. Their chocolates are easy on the eyes and do not disappoint the palate, but their torrijas the bakery, roscones and other typical pastries make it a versatile bakery.
Velez also directs other sweet institutions such as the Chocolatería San Ginés or the pastry shop of the famous restaurant Lhardy.
📍 Calle de Alcalá, 77 (Salamanca district)
4. Sampaka Cocoa
Cacao Sampaka is an artisan chocolate shop in Madrid that was born in Barcelona in 2000 and has a third store in Japan. Everything you buy here has chocolate in it, you can’t miss it. They have teddy bears, special edition tablets, such as the Gaudi one; boxes of chocolates designed for special dates, such as Valentine’s Day and spreadable cocoa cream, among an endless number of options for (cocoa) lovers.
📍 Orellana Street, 4 (Salesas)
5. 24 ounces
24 ounces doesn’t have customers, it has parishioners. The feeling that this small store and chocolate workshop gives is that whoever goes once, repeats. Carmen Capote is the founder of this recognizable space and says to Madrid Secreto the company’s philosophy is to treat chocolate manually, by hand, without machinery. And with natural ingredients, greatly reducing sugar consumption.”
Here, in addition, you never know what you’re going to find because 24 ounces has a new product every week with new ingredients.
📍 Calle de Zurbano, 54 (Almagro)
6. Bombonería Santa
La Bombonería Santa began selling chocolates in the 1920s. In a short time it became the favorite place for the Madrid bourgeoisie to buy handmade sweets. Today, Santa is an example of a generational business that has brought to our days the most traditional flavors, among all the variety of products, the most outstanding are: the trocos, the curly ones and the almond and hazelnut rocks.
Santa is known not only for the great quality and taste of its chocolates, but also for its beautiful and elegant packaging. They use colorful fabrics and papers to make your candies the best possible gift. In addition, on Valentine’s Day they prepare heart-shaped boxes in different colors and shapes for the most romantic gourmands.
📍 Calle Serrano, 56 (Salamanca neighborhood)
7. Kaicao
The hashtag instahealthy seems to be created just for them. Kaicao chocolates contain no added sugars, but are sweetened only with dates, making them a superfood with a sweet tooth.
This small chocolate shop located in the heart of Lavapiés is part of the bean-to-bar movement, which seeks to change the chocolate industry by using ethically traded cocoa beans from single-origin farms. A sustainable and healthy alternative, as well as delicious.
📍 Calle de la Encomienda, 15 (Lavapiés)
8. Oriol Balaguer
His name has already appeared on this list before, but no wonder when it comes to a true master of chocolate. In the Salamanca neighborhood you can find Oriol Balaguer’s store, where you can find from panettones to chocolates and chocolates with a clear sign of identity: sophistication and, of course, a taste at the height of one of the best chefs of the sweet side of gastronomy.
📍 Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 44 (Salamanca district)