Valentine’s Day (February, 14th) is fast approaching and one of the best ways to celebrate is with a box of chocolates. Whether as a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, good chocolate is always appreciated. Luckily, SF is home to several world-renowned chocolate shops for you to visit. Here are some of our favorite chocolate shops to snag something sweet for Valentine’s Day.
1. Dandelion Chocolate
This place is a dream come true for any chocolate connoisseur. This top-notch bean-to-bar chocolate maker produces chocolate bars with only two ingredients: cacao beans and sugar. Like fine wine, each bar represents the unique climate and environment where the cocoa was grown. They offer a limited-edition Valentine’s Day set, that includes treats from their confections teams and other talented partners. That said, any one of their treats makes a great gift.
Locations:
- 2600 16th Street
- 740 Valencia Street
- Ferry Building
2. Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Christopher Elbow crafts beautiful, hand-crafted chocolates, bonbons, and confections right in Hayes Valley. Their Valentine’s Day boxes are especially charming with unique flavors like strawberries + cream, lavender, and dark milk.
Location: 401 Hayes Street
3. Recchiuti Confections
This extraordinary chocolate maker produces thoughtfully blends single-origin chocolates to create complex and unique flavors. They also source fresh herbs like lavender and lemon verbena from local farmers’ markets to create signature infusions. Their Valentine’s Day boxes are beautifully decorated and include flavors like burnt caramel, ginger, and Piedmont hazelnut.
Location: Ferry Building
4. XOX Truffles
XOX Truffles is an artisanal chocolate shop in SF’s North Beach neighborhood. They specialize in French-style truffle creations, led by master chocolatier, Jean-Marc Gorce. Their truffle gift boxes range from 12 pieces up to 100 assorted truffles.
Location: 754 Columbus Ave
5. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
When it comes to anything chocolate, you have to mention SF’s own Ghirardelli. Their classics and seasonal chocolate treats are fun, approachable, and always tasty.
Locations:
- 900 North Point St Suite F301
- 801 Beach Street
- 2 New Montgomery Street
6. Five Star Truffles
This Castro district shop produces handmade chocolate truffles in more than 25 flavors, including liquor & vegan creations. All of their chocolates are gluten-free and available for delivery.
Location: 4251-A, 18th Street
7. Kokak Chocolates
This woman-owned artisanal chocolate shop specializes in small-batch single-origin chocolate including truffles, bars, and other treats. Their Valentine’s Day boxes include two-layer flavor combinations like guava jam and peanut praline, in addition to classics like marshmallow, sea salt caramel, and others.
Location: 3901 18th Street
8. Socola Chocolatier
This SoMa-based chocolatier draws on founder and Chief Chocolatier Wendy Lieu’s Vietnamese heritage to produce unique seasonal treats. Some of their truffle flavors include pandan coconut, Vietnamese coffee, tamarind sesame, and even phở with sriracha. They haven’t announced any specific Valentine’s Day box yet, but every collection that they offer is equally beautiful and delicious.
Location: 535 Folsom Street
9. Littlejohn’s Candies
This charming sweet shop has a strong focus on traditional English toffee, but they also do wonders with chocolate. They offer an assortment of Valentine’s Day boxes packed with their delicious hand-dipped chocolates.
Location: 1422 Market Street
Featured image: @recchiuticonfections via Instagram