It's the kitchen. You go here to see the Fortunato confections being made. And to get a cup of free hot chocolate. This is not a chocolate maker. It's a chocolatier. Fortunato chocolate uses cacao from the Marañón river canyon of Peru. Brian Horsley & Dan Pearson (owners along with other family members) discovered cacao from this region with a large percentage of white cacao beans. Genetic testing revealed it to be a unique variety of Nacional cacao long thought extinct & related to the Nacional cacao of Ecuador. It's not the rarest cacao in the world, but it is remarkable. Fortunato send the cacao to Switzerland and has Felchlin make chocolate from it for Fortunato. The chocolate has an exceptionally smooth texture & a thick & luxuriously creamy mouthfeel. Flavors are primarily floral, with a strong hint of slightly citrusy fruits & caramel. There's also an underlying current of earthy & nutty flavors hinting at coffee. But the floral notes sing here so much that you would swear (too much) vanilla is added. None is added. The overall effect is a rich, barely bitter, & profoundly dark chocolate that brings different flavor notes almost every time you taste it. This palate & soul-satisfying chocolate keeps you coming back for more. And then they make confections--many, many, many of them--here at this small commercial kitchen and sell them. Worth a visit. read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Not interested in almond instead of walnuts, fruit? All the extenders so a chocolate lover who would pay the worth for the one pound bars. I would like knowing all that has changed in resources? Farming, is the chocolate continuing to be made in Switzerland by the most valued chocolatiers? Thank you. read more

This location is a bit hidden. We saw their sign for the World's Best Hot Chocolate by Top Pot doughnuts and became intrigued. Im happy that they are open on Mondays. The hot chocolate was really good and only $2 a cup. They let us try a variety of chocolate samples and gave us some information about the history and business connection to South America. I ended up buying a few bags. The mango papaya chocolate was amazing in the store, but tasted a bit off when I brought a bag home. The customer service and chocolate samples onsite were great. I would visit again if back inthe area. read more

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Amazing chocolate with an incredible story! I love how they found a cacao plant in Peru thought to be extinct for over 100 years and now propagated it into thousands of new plants to produce the purest chocolate! read more

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Turns out Fortunato Chocolate has been in business for 15 years selling exquisite Peruvian chocolate to restaurant wholesale accounts. They pivoted to include retail and online access since the pandemic. I had not heard of them until seeing them featured on KING5 Evening two days ago. So late this foggy morning I headed from Shoreline to a non-descript building off a main arterial in Issaquah...a long drive but easy peasy using Google GPS and travelling during off peak hours (1/27/22). Oh darn, I coincidentally just finished my last bar of dark chocolate. Yeah twist my arm when it comes to rare sources of chocolate, lol. First thing upon entering is that scent of chocolate and the retail area. Various items available to sample, for purchase, and of course, say yes to the kind offer of free hot chocolate with marshmallows! There is also active production from cacao bean to bar going on, seeing staff members busy at work. I can tell there is a huge market for their product after seeing the boxes all wrapped and palletized ready for shipment. Definitely check out their website, www.fortunatochocolate.com for additional detailed information about their company, product line, and recipes. Full disclosure as a former assistant pastry chef, one featured recipe, please they are called macaRONs, not macaROONs. Sorry, I digress with this PSA. I had a pleasant convo with one of the owners, Adam, while onsite. Very welcoming and personable. But more folks were stopping in, so I kept my convo brief. I did purchase a 500 gram bar of their Fortunato Number 4, 68% dark chocolate ($20) and an 8 ounce bag of Javier's Hot Chocolate Mix ($10). I am sipping this delicious sample as I am writing this post. Detour off Exit 17 on I-90 East while in Issaquah, and support a family run, single origin chocolate company. Delicious! read more

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Visited Fortunato Chocolate in Issaquah today, sampling some of their chocolates, drinking hot cocoa and purchasing some house roasted chocolate almonds. Everything we tasted was delicious and creamy. The chocolate covered almonds are truly the best I've had. (We took our samples and cocoa outside to eat/drink, for Covid safety. Highly recommend, if you're in Issaquah or want to treat yourself to some delicious chocolate, from the rare Fortunato farm Pure Nacional cacao trees in Peru. This is apparently one of the best cacao sources in the world. The gentleman who helped us was super nice. read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Free samples - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Owner there working with lots of conversation about their origin and the 2 brothers who made the business using cacao that had been considered extinct. Amazing chocolate! read more

I would love to love this chocolate but I created 2 orders 6 and 2 days ago and neither order has gotten further than a label printed. I've sent two emails neither of which have been answered and there is no phone number to be found anywhere. Gorgeous, mostly functional Web site that there is no service behind that I can find. read more

Seriously the best chocolate turtles I've had in my life! This family-owned shop is worth the visit. Free hot chocolate is always a plus. Ingredients used are made with clean ingredients and none of the icky stuff. All natural. read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Chocolate turtles - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

A total fan! The factory store is humble, but the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and you can watch them package various products and get a personalized explanation of how they make the chocolate and decide what new products to offer. And you can taste free samples of a host of products to your heart's content! As important, the chocolate is one of the best in the world, and yet very reasonably priced. Anthony Bourdain traveled to the origin of this specific chocolate in Peru in his No Reservations show several years ago, to find and taste the once thought extinct, genetically pure and still rare white cocoa beans which are the basis for Fortunato. The company pays its farmers ten times Fair Trade prices and created an ethical, no compromises on quality production chain from Peru to Switzerland to Issaquah (of all places!) where it packages and sends the product out globally. We have been a fan of its smooth rich taste for years; you can tell the huge difference from larger industry chains which have none of the care in their process. Needless to say when we visited from Denver we loaded up on many of the products, as well as the free samples! read more

This is so dangerous because I'm about 5 minutes away from Fortunato Chocolate. This might be my favorite chocolate on the Eastside. I first heard about Fortunato and their Peruvian chocolate when I went to grab a donut at Top Pot and I saw their sandwich board signs. I thought I'd check it out. At their first location, they offer free hot chocolate and all the chocolate products to sample. I just love their fruit bar combinations. Orange Marshmallow Dark Milk Chocolate and the Mango Chili Dark Milk Chocolate Bars are my favorite. The bars are $9, but they're high quality bars. I also love their regular Dark Chocolate Cacao bars. The 68% Dark Cacao is my favorite. I buy their bars and cut them up and when I need something sweet to end the night, I'll have a little piece of the 68% Cacao to curb those cravings. Finally, I also recommend the chocolate covered dates. They're perfect for charcuterie boards for something to snack in the day time. Fortunato just opened their 2nd storefront and looks like they'll be bringing in more foot traffic. Currently, for their new opening, they're handing out frozen chocolate bananas. If you're in the Issaquah area, I highly recommend coming here and picking up some chocolate to take home. read more

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Boutique chocolatiers may not exist soon, thanks to the sustained droughts in the major cacao-producing regions of the world, which have raised cacao prices to levels on the likes of Hersheys, Mondelez, and Barry Callebaut can afford. Get whatever chocolate you can from Fortunato while it's still around. read more

More yummy offerings for our 2nd visit. Dark chocolate covered dates, pretzels and awesome s'mores. Plus the free hot chocolate is still flowing. Yum and double yum! read more

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It's so rare to see 5 star reviews on YELP but it's understandable that Fortunato has 5 stars because the chocolate tastes THAT good and the in-store experience is that pleasant! I highly recommend this place for all sorts of gourmet chocolate for all tastes! read more

We've been ordering chocolate from Fortunato online for the last year or so, and are constantly amazed by the quality. Really complex, fruity flavor that is super addictive! We just found out they opened a physical location, and went for the first time yesterday. Delicious free hot chocolate, and a really fun selection of products- they are experimenting with a bunch of small-run products they don't have online. They also have a cool little exhibit about the chocolate making process, and what makes them unique. Highly recommend- if nothing else, stop by for some free hot chocolate! read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Chocolate haul! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

I was pulled into Fortunato Chocolate from an Instagram ad stating "free hot chocolate daily." Four magical words that brought me into this land of unlimited delicious chocolate sample. The staff was very kind and let my friend and I sample pretty much all of the chocolates they had around. Each one more delicious than the next. We walked out with some vegan chocolate brownies to gift to a friend and will definitely be back for more delicious chocolate and great service in the near future. read more

I was expecting awesome chocolate but it's just like any other chocolate. I do like their hot chocolate though.

They do not list manufacture/best buy/expiration dates on their products. They were kind enough to start a refund for me for what I purchased as I will not be consuming products that are not labeled for safety reasons. Hope they reconsider doing this. read more

For the last couple years I have been visiting and I love this place. The workers are so kind and engage a lot with the customers and if we ever have any questions they're very helpful. The chocolates are real great quality I love the chocolate mangoes the most. read more

Wow! What an incredible find. My wife and I stopped in while shopping and were blown away by the free hot chocolate, tasty samples, and came home with delicious gifts for friends and family. I'm not sure I've ever had such good chocolate for such a great price. We'll be back. Often. read more

One of the gems of Issaquah. This place has the best chocolate, that is manufactured 5 minutes away. It has the best cocoa beans that was only sold to Michelin star restaurants and others. This retail location is new. The service is fantastic too. The staff is so courteous. It's mind blowing. My fav part os the free hot chocolate. They have the worlds best hot chocolate and they are giving it for free. It creates such a good vibe in the Seattle weather. read more

I buy their chocolate online and it's the most delicious chocolate ever!! You have to try the 68% tablets

Great tasting chocolate.. very happy with purchase.. will definitely be buying more in the years to come .. only request would be to make an even higher percentage dark chocolate. 75-85% read more

Very good quality chocolate for baking needs and their grab and go creations are delicious. You'll always find something new. The brother owners are so kind and welcoming to everyone who walks in, encouraging them to come in and try some free hot chocolate any time. My baby loved the frozen banana dipped in chocolate too. They have two locations now. Take the time to learn their story. It's really cool! read more

My friend and i had heard of this place through another. We were delighted to find how delicious the chocolates were and we enjoyed some free hot cocoa as we were selecting items to purchase. If you want the best quality, nothing beats Fortunato Chocolate! read more

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We stopped on our way to rei, curious of the place and my daughter attracted by the free hot chocolate. The latino music is very welcoming and choices are amazing. We bought a chocolate nut bar, my daughter had her free chocolate drink. Simple and unique and excellent chocolate taste ! We really hope every chocolate lover stopped there. Thank you. We will be back soon read more

Really tasty chocolates, especially the dark chocolate and love the chocolate-fruit combinations (and the ability to sample pretty much anything they have in the shop)! Also so cool that they have vegan ice creams available! And just really friendly folks. read more

Fancy Chocolate & Plant Based Ice Cream! Beautiful, clean interior and friendly staff. Lots of delicious offerings and great for gifts! read more

Well I wanted to love this chocolate based off reviews and comments. I tried the samples in the store and it was amazing. Then I purchased some and got home and it was a case of different quality of products for sure. The samples where creamy and amazing. So I bought a $10 block for the wife. When she opened it up the 2 pieces on top looked amazing but where white and old looking underneath where they seated together for packaging. The chocolate was gritty and not pleasant to eat at all. Maybe it was old maybe just bad product I have no idea. I did give them a chance to fix or explain the issue by submitting an email with photos attached and apparently they try to address issues quickly. Well it been over 5 days without even we are sorry and looking into this email. So buyer beware check your chocolate before you leave the store. This could be a fluke and I hope it is because the samples in the store where amazing. read more

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Not sure what to think about this place.. In going to their website, I have totally mistaken that this was a chocolate dessert place in which you can also buy their chocolate. NOPE! It is literally a small warehouse-like place that sells chocolate in bulk or small confectionery, such as hot cocoa mix. Don't get me wrong, service was great, you get to sample their chocolates, (which btw, is fabulous) and of course their infamous social media attention grabber - "FREE HOT CHOCOLATE DAILY!" I think Fortunato has a missed opportunity on their hands. I think they can do pop-up collabs that uses their chocolate with local bakers to sell cakes, cookies, desserts, etc. I think of they did not with their space and not just commerce this place would be amazing! read more

This is the best chocolate! The samples are the stuff for sale and I love their in store customer service! Free hot chocolate and frozen bananas and to see my suggestions incorporated the next time I come in is awesome! Chocolate dipped gummy bears, Oreos, Rice Krispies and more! Love to give this chocolate as a hostess gift and to eat myself. The almond peanut bar is sinful! read more

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It turns out that Issaquah has another chocolate place. Not only just another chocolate place, but a rare premium Peruvian chocolate maker. Being a big fan of dark chocolate, I stopped by. It's really close to Gaslamp Grill & Top Pot Donuts. Met one of the owners, he was very nice giving generous samples and explaining about the business. After trying some samples, I bought a hefty dark chocolate bar and some chocolate covered peanuts. They were both incredible, furthermore they were made from pure ingredients and no additives; therefore sugar content is pretty low. I will be going back soon to purchase some chocolate covered pecan turtles. Only thing that I wish is that the nuts would be covered in darker chocolate. Turns out they pay 10 times the premium to the farmers they work with directly in Peru; the owners literally fly down to Peru every month to bring back the beans - if you are a chocolate fan, be sure to stop by or order from their website. I wonder if they sell to Fran's chocolates....... They used to be wholesale only until Covid happened so this might be one of the only few good things coming out of Covid. A++++ read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Chocolate covered peanuts & dark chocolate bar. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

best chocolate i've had in the seattle area! nice people who are knowledgeable and hardworking

Wow! Beautiful chocolate. Did I mention, smooth, perfectly melting chocolate? Add in free hot chocolate (wow!) and a variety of chocolate creations. I got 3 different types of chocolate for my chocolate loving relatives and some of their hot chocolate mix. Yes, I got some for me too...cannot lie. Luxury chocolate here in Issaquah AND we had fun joking around too! read more

Fortunato Chocolate - My treasures! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Their chocolate is not only good but does good with the way they work with growers to pay a fair price for sustainable cocoa. They have some wonderful flavors in addition to chocolate bars. Great family business and they obviously care about the quality of their products. read more

Amazing chocolate, super friendly and really knowledgeable. Good to support local and sustainable / eco friendly products too!

Great service and super friendly the truffles look amazing will be back for one, we were offered lots of free tasting and hot cocoa. We decided on an assortment box and they are all good. The turtles were my favorite. read more

Fortunato Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Everything is done above and beyond any expectations one could have about a world class chocolate company. Dan, Adam, and Brian are truly an inspiration for what they do and what they share to the world with all thanks going to the Peruvian Cacao Farmers of Pure Naçional Cacao growth. read more

One of the best chocolate bars I have ever tasted! Very original with exquisite flavors I really recommend this place.

Great chocolate and friendly staff. Plenty of options for gifts or to treat yourself to good quality chocolate.