As a chocoholic, I’m always on the quest for the best hot chocolate experience, particularly during the festive winter season. There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a rich, velvety cup of hot chocolate during the most jolly season of the year! Brace yourself for a cosy, festive winter in Europe as I share the most exceptional spots for a cup of hot chocolate bliss!
1. Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid, Spain
Step into the vintage charm of San Gines in Madrid – this historical cafe has been operating since 1894, serving hot chocolate and freshly fried churros, the best duo-combo ever made! This is a must-visit for all chocolate lovers, as each dunk of the hot churro in the dense hot chocolate is an experience in itself.
To get a seat at the table, you’ll first have to stand in a queue and place an order. The line can be long, but don’t worry; their service is fast, and you can enjoy delicious churros and hot chocolate in no time!
Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain
2. Gelateria Danieli, London, England
Gelateria Danieli is more than just an ice cream shop. This charming gelateria is also one of London’s finest hot chocolate gems, with their hot chocolate priced at a mere £3 (MYR 17.45)! What makes Danieli’s hot chocolate stand out is its richness in texture – it’s not just a drink; it is so thick that you need a spoon to indulge it.
The best part is that you can recreate this divine treat at home by purchasing their authentic Italian hot chocolate powder from the store!
Address: 16 Brewers Ln, Richmond TW9 1HH, United Kingdom
3. The Old Chocolate House, Bruges, Belgium
Nestled within the quaint town of Bruges, The Old Chocolate House is a haven dedicated to all things chocolate. This cosy family-run tea room offers an interactive hot chocolate experience, where you are treated to the delightful surprise of crafting your own cocoa elixir.
It’s a satisfying and fun experience, with each chocolate chunk melting into the milk, witnessing its transformation into a rich cup of hot chocolate. If you’re craving more chocolate, head downstairs to visit their chocolate shop before leaving and take home a box of their delicious chocolate bites as sweet mementoes.
Address: Mariastraat 1c, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
4. Le Barbare, Lausanne, Switzerland
Le Barbare is an iconic cafe in Lausanne that’s also a favourite spot for the locals to dine at. This cafe serves seasonal dishes and is also known for its luscious hot chocolate, called the ‘Chocolat chaud Marta’.
It is arguably the best hot chocolate in town, with just the right consistency, not too dense but still holds the richness of a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Located just near the Lausanne Cathedral, you can take your time to sip the heavenly cup of hot chocolate while overlooking the charming town of Lausanne.
Address: Esc. du Marché 27, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
5. Cafe & Conditorei 1842, Zurich, Switzerland
Cafe & Conditorei 1842 is a living legacy in Zurich, known for crafting exquisite traditional pastries since 1842. Stepping into this charming cafe feels like you’re stepping back in time, wrapped in the cosy ambience of a traditional tea house and with an additional touch of festive decor all around.
Their hot chocolate is a testament to classic indulgence, made with perfect consistency and rich in cacao flavour. Enjoy your cup of hot chocolate alongside their irresistible apple strudels for a complete confectionery experience!
Address: Napfgasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
6. Rausch Schokoladenhaus, Berlin, Germany
Rausch Schokoladenhaus is not your average chocolate shop; it’s a chocolate heaven and a must-visit destination in Berlin! There is no other chocolate shop similar to Rausch, as the shop is so massive it is even referred to as a chocolate department store, with multiple levels of chocolate goods and a dedicated chocolate cafe.
When you’re in chocolate paradise, you can’t leave without trying their in-house hot chocolate at the cafe located on the third floor, with a spectacular view of the Gendarmenmarkt! Their hot chocolate is a masterpiece, making it the perfect way to cherish the cocoa experience.
Address: Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin, Germany
7. Chocolatte, Helsingborg, Sweden
Chocolatte stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of chocolate, renowned for its unique artisanal pralines that have won multiple international chocolate awards. Beyond their edible pieces, their hot chocolate is also one of Sweden’s best-hidden treasures.
Chocolatte pours their artisanal craft into every cup of hot chocolate, made with a blend of premium cocoa beans. They have perfected the art of hot chocolate, where every sip is a true delight of rich flavour, bringing an instant surge of joy.
Address: Drottninggatan 14, 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden
8. Angelina, Paris, France
Established in 1903, Angelina is an elegant and luxury tea room where you can experience the famous hot chocolate delicacy known as ‘L’Africain’. This hot chocolate has a thick texture but a smooth velvety feel, made with a secret blend of African cacao beans that hits all the right notes for a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
