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Chocolate lover? Give in to temptation with a trip to Brussels. The Belgian capital, birthplace of the praline invented by Jean Neuhaus in 1912, is a true paradise for food lovers. Brussels chocolatiers have continued this tradition with exceptional know-how and exceptional cocoa beans that combine quality and innovation. The city is still full of world-famous chocolatiers and historic houses, each with its own style and specialities.
In Brussels, you can visit chocolatiers’ workshops, take part in tastings and even create your own individual pieces. The choice is yours! Discover the secrets of chocolate making and fully appreciate its richness—whether you’re a pure dark chocolate or a milk chocolate enthusiast. Come to Brussels and give free rein to your love (or obsession, as the case may be) of chocolate through these immersive experiences that you won’t soon forget 🍫.
What is the best chocolate in Brussels?
In 2024, Gault et Millau named Yasushi Sasaki the best Belgian chocolatier in Brussels. This prestigious gastronomic guide praised the excellence of his creations, which combine tradition and innovation with unparalleled finesse. Sasaki’s chocolates are true works of art, combining perfectly balanced flavours with a visually stunning presentation. This award highlights Sasaki’s exceptional talent and dedication to the art of chocolate.
Mary Chocolatier
Everything at Mary Chocolatier chocolate shop in Brussels is sumptuous, from the dazzling chocolate displays to the Art Deco interior, not to mention the pretty pastel or white/gold chocolate boxes. Mary Delluc was the first female chocolatier in Belgium and played a key role in transforming chocolate from a medicinal coating to a luxurious delicacy. She opened her first boutique in the heart of Brussels in 1919, which a hundred years later is still considered one of the best chocolatiers in town.
Neuhaus Chocolates
When he opened his pharmacy in the Galeries Royales in 1857, founder Jean Neuhaus was the first to think of coating bitter medicines with chocolate. In 1912, his grandson Jean II created the first Belgian praline, a confection with a soft centre surrounded by a hard chocolate shell. The Belgian praline was a huge success and you can still order the original recipe from the Neuhaus chocolate boutique.
The brand has always provided Belgians with quality chocolate, now made with cocoa from their own cocoa plantation. They are also the official chocolate supplier to the Belgian Royal Family!
Maison Wittamer
Wittamer is another historic family business and chocolate shops in Brussels, with the first bakery and boutique opened in 1910 by Henri Wittamer and his wife Marie. Now run by the third generation of Wittamers, the company remains at the forefront of the Belgian chocolate industry, producing innovative yet consistently excellent chocolates. Be sure to try the Earl Grey Ganache, a simple chocolate bite with a delicate tea flavour – absolutely divine.
Maison Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini may be a newcomer to the Brussels chocolate scene, but he has certainly made his mark on the industry since opening his doors in 1995. Considered one of the city’s finest chocolatiers, Marcolini follows a ‘bean to bar’ philosophy, guaranteeing the excellence of his chocolate by working directly with the world’s best cocoa producers. He brings the cocoa beans to Brussels, where they are roasted, ground and tempered.
Trendy and ‘in the know’, Marcolini helped create Maison Kitsune’s ultra-chic bento boxes, Victoria Beckham’s hearts and produces Oriente Cuba chocolate, being one of the first to be authorised to import chocolate beans from the Baracoa region of Cuba.
Factory tour and tasting at the famous Frederic Blondeel
Frederic Blondeel is another master chocolatier who follows the “bean to bar” philosophy. He brings the beans back to his factory and roasts them in a 1953 Santos Palace roaster inherited from his grandfather. Blondeel creates divine heritage chocolates, but his experimental chocolates are simply sublime. Try the basil and lemongrass or the chilli and ginger – so good. Tours of the Blondeel chocolate factory are available from tour operator Once in Brussels.
Is Brussels known for chocolate? Of course—it even has two museums!
Chocolate is very important in Brussels, so it comes as no surprise that the city has not one but two museums dedicated to the sweet treat.
- Choco Story is a small museum where you can get an introduction to the history of cocoa and its production, as well as a fun demonstration of how pralines are made.
- The Belgian Chocolate Village Museum in the Koekelberg district of Brussels offers interactive exhibitions, chocolate sculptures, a greenhouse with living cocoa trees, a café and chocolate-making workshops.
A Belgian chocolate-making workshop with Laurent Gerbaud
Want to try your hand at making chocolate? Do you think you could be the next master chocolatier? Every Saturday, Laurent Gerbaud, one of the best chocolatiers in Brussels, offers a 90-minute workshop in which you will learn about the different types of cocoa, prepare chocolate moulds and decorate your own chocolate masterpieces – absolutely delicious!
Chocolate cycling tour in Brussels
You can ease the guilt of eating too much chocolate by cycling around Brussels and discovering some of the city’s best chocolatiers. Pro Velo will take you on a four-hour calorie-burning, blood sugar-lowering ride through some of Brussels’ most beautiful neighbourhoods and famous chocolate shops. The tour includes a bike, guides and the opportunity to sharpen your senses before indulging in an afternoon of chocolate tasting.
One of the most offbeat things to do in Brussels!
