These 3 California chocolate spots rank among best in US, Yelp says. Here’s why
Calling all chocolate connoisseurs!
Whether your fix is a handcrafted bonbon or dark chocolate gelato, you might find that your next favorite chocolate spot is in California.
That’s because the Golden State is home to three of the nation’s top 10 chocolate joints, according to the review website Yelp.
The list is created by identifying chocolate businesses and ranking the spot based on volume and ratings of reviews left by Yelp Elite Squad Members.
Coming in at the 5th spot is Los Angeles’ andSons Chocolates, formerly known as Teuscher Chocolate, a family business that’s been selling the sweet stuff since 1983.
Owned by two brothers, the chocolatier offers a wide variety of unique bonbon flavors like that of ginger caramel crunch, hibiscus honey or flavors like double milk chocolate for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
“As a lifelong chocoholic, it should be criminal that I have never done a chocolate tasting before. andSons went above and beyond to make my first tasting the most beautiful experience!” a reviewer said about the Beverly Hills based eatery.
About a 220-mile drive northwest from Beverly Hills is Raphio Chocolate, in Fresno, landing in 6th place.
Since 2016 and with the name inspired by the owner’s sons Raphael and Rio, Raphio Chocolate sources their cacao beans from around the world to offer customers the likes of 72% cacao from Peru or 92% cacao from Ecuador.
The ingredients list being as short as organic cacao, organic cane sugar and organic cacao butter, makes for the majority of the bars to be vegan-friendly and others keto-friendly with only being sweetened by monk fruit, a zero calorie sweetener.
“I can’t wait to be back on my next visit and to try their homemade ice cream gelato, brownies, cookies, drinks, and much more! What a beautiful spot!” a reviewer said.
Hanna’s Chocolates in Pleasanton came in at number 8 with “mouthwatering options” for their customers.
The chocolate shop’s mission is to “put a smile on people’s faces by creating chocolates for them and their families,” with reviewers saying the “quality is amazing.”
The chocolaterie offers a range of bonbons like their “savory-sweet fusion” of fig and goat cheese or their marshmallow stuffed chocolate bar.
According to Yelp reviews, those who came to Hanna’s Chocolates “strictly for the Dubai chocolate” did not leave disappointed, with one person saying, “I ate this in the car and had instant regret that I did not buy more of these or opt on getting the large size, 5/5 stars!”
“This is definitely a place I’ll be coming back to, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a gift or just a little pick me up!” someone else said.
As for who took the cake on best chocolate spot in the U.S. and Canada – JinJu Patisserie in Portland, Oregon, landed the slot and was awarded the 2025 James Beard Award for “Outstanding Bakery.”