The best. The best I've had to date. Or in the words of Drake "the best I ever had" on repeat. Here, that refrain is warranted. I used to be a diligent frequenter of Tobi Tobin in Malibu for their chocolate. I never knew it was simply John Kelly marked up!! My goodness. That was a shock and relief all at once. I was so grateful to find my beloved chocolate AGAIN after TT closed but was shocked I was buying from a secondary distributor who did not disclose. Mind blown. Regardless, so grateful for this super decadent chocolatier on Montana. I love it so much I stopped in on a work trip when back in LA to gather my faves and my husband collected me some upon his recent trip back. I had a delightful chocolate bunny for Easter. Goodness it's just the best. I love the chocolate walnut and the marzipan I tried recently was a new introduction and a delight. Their chocolate embodies the joy of life. Each bit is pure pleasure! Have sent it as a gift and plan to get more as a gift on a future trip. Their chocolate does not disappoint. I adore! read more

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John Kelly Chocolates is my go-to when I need a gift for people who don't really need anything--but love chocolate. It's a great client gift, and if I want to impress family or friends and make them feel a little extra special, this is what I buy. I do wish it were a bit more affordable--of course--but I also understand why it's priced the way it is. You really can't go wrong. It tastes amazing, the quality is excellent, and the staff is always kind and helpful. read more

This Montana Ave chocolate shop is dangerously good. The chocolates are rich, gourmet, and seriously addictive--perfect for gifting or treating yourself. At $4-5 per piece, they're definitely on the pricey side and not dramatically better than See's, but the quality and variety make them feel special and thoughtfully crafted. The shop has an upscale yet welcoming vibe, and the staff are consistently friendly and extremely helpful. Free samples are a nice touch and make it hard to leave empty-handed. Great for a one-off indulgence or a polished gift. Yum!!! read more

Very fine chocolates and a nice display and variety in the store. Street parking is limited but even if you have to walk a block or two it is well worth it. read more

I am never in Santa Monica, but while I was there for an event I stumbled upon John Kelly Chocolates, a chocolate shop on Montana Ave that is a really cute walkable street. I just couldn't resist walking in....I'm a sucker for chocolates, and this shop is all about high-end, gourmet treats. Definitely priced on the higher side compared to See's, but the quality speaks for itself. Their signature truffle fudge is rich, smooth, and decadent. I picked up a few flavors and was impressed by the variety of flavors that they had. These are the kind of chocolates you savor. The store associate was friendly and the shop felt upscale yet welcoming. It was nice that they offered a free sample. I'd recommend picking up a few pieces either for yourself as a treat or I imagine these would be nice as gifts as well. read more

Another favorite spot in town for chocolate! Besides, if none of the outlets were accessible for you, you could find them in some grocery stores including Gelson's and Bristol Farms! My go-to's their Montana store, which would be nice walkable area with plenty of cafes and restos on the same road. The petite store carried handful of options and they frequently offered some samples to try. During summer they even sold chocolate soft serve! Online order's another option and they're great gift alternative. John, one of the attendants there, was super friendly and amazingly remembered me even after skipping my visit for months. They had chocolate truffles, cookies, chocolate-covered dried fruits, and chocolate bars; all came in multiple sizes. I've been huge fan of their truffles and I highly recommend the Dark French Grey Sea Salt and Peanut Butter with Himalayan Pink Salt. They're my top dynamic duo, blending sweet and salty flavors in decadent chocolate! They do offer more options, which are equally awesome, like espresso, walnut, caramel, and more. read more

These chocolates are soooo delicious. I have slowly become addicted. They are also perfect for gift giving. The young man working there named Evan was incredibly kind and helpful and made the shopping experience even more fun!! read more

I was looking for fine chocolatier, since I am a chocoholic. I found John Kelly chocolates. It is handmade, all natural ingredients with high quality Belgian chocolate, gluten-free. It is made with non GMO tapioca syrup. Their Easter bunny chocolate was decadent. I bought 12 piece signature hand- crafted chocolate collection for spring. I thought overall this box was fantastic, although there were 2 or 3 that I was not a huge fan of their taste. I also bought 41% cacao hand crafted chocolate bar. Overall, I enjoyed the richness of their chocolate. read more

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After searching various different chocolate places that refuses for John Kelly, we're pretty good and the fact that they made in-house chocolate was also a huge plus once I arrived at the store come to find out the chocolates are now made in San Francisco, but ship to Los Angeles, which is not a big deal.. they used to make them in shop,( WEHO) but no longer .I went to the Hollywood location to pick up the chocolate as a gift.. and evethey offer samples, but the samples are being offered or basically just one chocolate chocolate for the day and give free samples to the public to come in. I didn't get to sample a whole bunch of different chocolates only what was on average, which was basically one chocolate, but for the most part, I purchased some and took them home to try them. The chocolates were good decent but no wild to hear or nothing amazing to bring me back to the store again to buy them. Of course he's chocolate are gonna run a little pricey they are gourmet chocolates so just understand you're paying for something is basically being custom-made and is a craft so you're paying for it which I have no problem with. read more

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My wife wanted to give John Kelly chocolates as a gift. I came to this shop with some ideas from her direction but not exactly what I wanted. The woman working here was extremely helpful and friendly. I ended up calling my wife for direction but the saleswoman had me covered. Along with the gift, I ordered more chocolate to try at home. There's a lot of good variety here. They also had samples. There's another store in Hollywood. Because it's classy and special vs. a big chain, it's a good gift. I definitely want to return to buy more chocolates. read more

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Amazing chocolates. Highly recommend. Parking is tough so I walk over. Normally they have some type of discount when you purchase allot. No discount this time so I only purchased a quarter as much as I use too. Oh well, maybe next time. Only $120 this time when I normally spend $480. read more

Stopped by to pick up some chocolates for a gift. I was looking for something fancier and luxurious than Godiva or See's and my friend recommended this place. I purchased one of the assorted boxes on display and they were so nicely packaged. Great for gifting. I sampled one of their chocolate that has larger gains of salt sprinkled on top and it was very rich. It was different almost fudge like which didn't expect. Ill try the other chocolates and report back. read more

Best chocolate on Earth! Best staff anywhere, the nicest, kindest people. When I walk into the store, I wish I could taste everything! read more

I am a chocolate fanatic and finding the best ones in each city is one of my lifelong missions. When I lived in Manhattan, I loved the chocolate at Manon from Belgium, but sadly they closed and I moved on to other purveyors of almost as good but not quite candy. Until I found John Kelly, that is. Made right here in Los Angeles, for many years with only the best ingredients, each piece is a trip to Nirvana. The individual portions are huge, so it is possible to split each piece and share it. The stores are spotless and they process your selections speedily. I was able to assemble custom boxes to take as gifts over the holidays and one for my household. The box in this picture was composed of: Semi Sweet Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Espresso, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Pumpkin Spice, Dark Chocolate Bourbon, Semi-Sweet Chocolate & Caramel with Hawaiian Alaea Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate with French Grey Sea Salt, and in the little box, a single piece of the Walnut Caramel Cluster with Mediterranean Sea Salt. This box will last two weeks at our house! The prices are commensurate with the quality, so I don't think about it. I would rather consume top quality products, restricting the quantity, than the reverse. Once you have these, you won't want to go back to inferior products. And, it's nice to buy from a local artisan! read more

John Kelly Chocolates - a box of john kelly chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My favorite chocolate in North America. Small shop with variety of flavors. I usually like to choose individual chocolates but they also sell boxes read more

Yum! Loved the beautiful selection. Very tasty! Friendly service. Great fur a one-off bite or gift.

Fall has arrived at John Kelly Chocolates Santa Monica! Beautiful store, Delectable Chocolate. read more

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Being thoroughly impressed these days is a rare and beautiful happenstance. Because I received most delicious signature John Kelly Chocolates in celebration of my birthday in '18, I decided to gift my friends and clients this holiday season. Yesterday, November 14, 2019 around 2:30PM, I ordered online the following: 6 boxes 2-Piece Dark Chocolate with French Grey Sea Salt 2 boxes 4-Piece Signature Handcrafted Chocolate Collection 2 boxes 6-Piece Signature Handcrafted Chocolate Collection Today, November 15, 2019 at 9:00AM as per my building's concierge text, my order arrived via FedEx in pristine condition complete with temperature appropriate storage instructions until gifting time. Like I said, being thoroughly impressed these days is a rare and beautiful happenstance. Only downside at online checkout was when prompted to acquire a 10% discount on a first time order, although I was emailed the code, checkout didn't accept it, regardless I'd order again or better yet visit a John Kelly Chocolate brick and mortar location. read more

IBE AWARE OF HIDDEN BOX COST!!!! have been stopping by here for years to pick up chocolate for after dinner parties or hostess gifts, today was the first day I asked for a receipt and noticed they charge $3 for the box they put your chocolates in. Feels a bit off putting and sneaky since no one has ever mentioned it would be extra for the box. Just wanted to share the feedback since it made me feel a certain way as I walked out after learning about his hidden cost. If I buy 8 pieces of chocolate for $30 - just give me the box John!! read more

Lots of appealing chocolate options...ranging from their renowned truffle fudge to chocolate bars spanning several levels of cocoa content. I really liked their dark chocolate truffle fudge infused with bourbon. It doesn't have that sharp jolt from liquid liquor in the middle of other chocolates I've had. Rather, it's skillfully saturated within the broader fudge content. I also had their chocolate soft serve ice cream, which I enjoyed. For me, even the small (3.5 oz) version was more than sufficient. It's not often that a chocolate shop sells its own ice cream. One point I'd mention is that their pricing structure can be quite bizarre...but not necessarily to your detriment. The small truffle (1 oz) costs $3.55, while the large one (1.7 oz) costs around $4.10. That's a 70% increase in size for only a 15% increase in cost...which certainly makes the larger truffles more efficient from a cost perspective. But the topping for the ice cream costs only 50 cents...and, while it's broken up into pieces, it's actually a reasonably sizable amount...even more than the 1-oz truffle. I don't understand the logic. But you should take advantage of more efficient pricing where it presents itself. read more

Love this place. My go-to spot for last minute gifts. Nice to bring to chocolate instead of wine.

Don't care how you gift wrap it- it was gross! Gold chocolate bar is waaay over priced and the exchange rate of gold sucked. Lol There we're white specks inside and a bland taste. I'd rather have See's Candy. The lady is friendly-ish until you inquire why something rings up at a different price. The display table had a 50% off sign next to the gold chocolate truffle bars, which had a gold chocolate truffle bar sign about 3 inches from the sale sign. But it was the unmarked basket of chocolate hearts that was really 50% off she said. She looked at us like we were dumb. I have a picture! See what you think. Anyway, not good and not nice. Avoid and go somewhere else. PS the Harry Potter style chocolate frogs taste like average Easter candy. read more

John Kelly Chocolates - Mislabeled products. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Very nice shop, staff, and candy appearance and taste. Choco covered orange peel and apricots are superb.

Great chocolate and service. The price is insane so I usually just come here when they have sales occasionally. It's not affordable and I sure hope they don't just cater to rich folks. read more

I wanted to share my sincere appreciation for John Henry! I arrived at 5:45pm and was determined to buy gifts for four different people with various tastes. John Henry was so friendly and so helpful in helping me choose and customize the chocolate; gift box; and ribbon! He even worked with my budget. It made the experience so fun in being able to personalize everything. On top of everything, we ended up still working on the gifts that I hadn't realized it was past 6PM, and he and Kathleen were so helpful and didn't make me feel like I had to rush out of there. I wanted something straight from LA (they live in London), and these chocolates very much are the perfect, luxurious find. Thank you John Henry for the perfect experience for such special gifts for special people. Cris read more

I was in John Kelly Chocolates on Montana Ave. Recently, I had no idea what to get and I have never been there before but had heard the chocolates were amazing through a colleague. First, the atmosphere is so cute!! I was encounter by Susan who was great and phenomenal! She walked me through the different flavors and helped put together a few gift boxes as a present. The gift box's were a BIG HIT! Thanks Susan, you are amazing and cant wait to shop more here because of you! Thank you John Kelly for hiring such an amazing person who cares about their clients. read more

I was disappointed with the service with the staff member named John. When I went into the store, he pretty much ignored me. When one of the other staff members that I've seen there for years saw me, she immediately came over to help and restored my faith in the best service and quality chocolate. read more

Absolutely wonderful staff John Henry was so sweet he noticed I needed a hug and kindly asked if he can give me one. I went back before they closed to continue my purchase since I was at an event up the street. It was so nice to see how a simple hug and kindness helped me that day. Also Loved the chocolates as well very delicious. Definitely will be going back read more

I was walking by and decided to give their chocolate a try and I am glad I did! It's a bit pricey, but I love treating myself to their milk chocolate and peanut butter truffles. Worth the price! read more

My mom randomly wanted to get some chocolate so we decided to give this place a try. We got eight different chocolates + a chocolate covered candied orange. I tried each one, and my favorite was the habanero + jalapeno one. It's got a nice kick that pairs well with the chocolate. All in all, the chocolates are a little too sweet for my taste. The flavors are good and interesting so I think the place is worth a try! I don't think I'll go a second time though. read more

They make the most delicious chocolate dipped cookie! I went in to purchase some treats. I am not ashamed to admit that i ate one after the other because they are just so damn good! They do beautiful complementary wrapping if you are giving as a gift! Very classy and amazing quality products! read more

John Kelly Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Disappointing rude service, which was a shame considering that the shop was completely void of other customers...although given the quality, this is perhaps unsurprising. read more

some of the best chocolates I've ever had. randomly discovered it on a walk around the neighborhood and just picked a few to go. I was shocked when we finally ate them how delicious they were. I also (dangerously) discovered that they can also be delivered through many of the food delivery apps. read more

Incredible chocolate. This is fancy stuff & pricey but very worth it. Makes a perfect gift, which is what we we did with what we bought. The person working here was so kind & patient while I looked at every single gift option they had. She even changed the color bow on the boxes - it's something they offer which is a nice touch. They have vegan options which I appreciated greatly. Must try the chocolate covered apricots. Holy moly they are good. Bought the chocolate covered cookies for a friend and heard they were out of this world, so try those! Will definitely be back again. read more

Their fudge is amazing and must try. The dark chocolate with sea salt is their most popular and def see why. It is rich and creamy and the pop of sea salt is amazing. Their other must try is their semi sweet walnut fudge. Tip - you can ask for samples of any of their chocolates before buying them which is great and you know exactly what you're getting. Unfortunately - they have no dairy free options and all of them except their chocolate bars have dairy. read more

John Kelly Chocolates - Semi sweet chocolate with walnut - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I am very fortunate enough to have family members who send me Chanel perfume every year for my birthday, as an older couple who has no "grandkids" but only has "granddogs" they have always been exceptionally generous when it comes to taking me places or gifting me amazing gifts. Of course, this puts a lot of pressure on a young 25 year old woman. Where on earth do I get a gift that is posh enough to express my thanks towards a $150+ bottle of joy? Unlike my family members I am not lucky enough to share the same 90211 zip-code, I can't just run to my Benz, and drive to the nearest luxury boutique... Unless of course that luxury boutique specialized in chocolate and my "Benz" is my Camry with the big scratch down the passenger side of it from the one time I was so exhausted from working 70+ hours a week I fell asleep driving! That I can do! My relatives and I had a lunch date the other day and a few hours before the engagement I found myself in Santa Monica dropping a friend off. I had mentioned to her that I was about to drive to Hollywood so that I could pick up a gift from John Kelly and she told me about this (smaller) location that is located smack-dab in Santa Monica. After finding near-by metered parking a few blocks down (the neighborhood looked wonderful, I could have parked closer, but I wanted to enjoy the ambiance of walking around on a bright-sunny morning) I was able to run into J.K. and pick up a 12-piece box (about $48) of mixed chocolates for my relatives to enjoy. While the price may seem a bit exorbitant I MUST add that these are no "run of the mill" chocolates; they make See's (a personal favorite of mine) seem like something you would buy in an aisle of Rite-Aid and Godiva (yummy; but also on the exorbitant price scale) doesn't stand a chance next to them. Each piece of John Kelly chocolate is large enough to split (during our post meal coffee hour we were cutting them into 3-pieces each and we all had enough to enjoy ourselves). Factor that in with the delightful creaminess that comes with each bite and you have a serious "Wow!" factor on your hands! John Kelly also wins at presentation. Every little thing in their store seems to have the perfect place, and you will not see anything out of line - ever. Boxes are clearly stacked on shelves with labels set up in front of them telling you both the flavors and the prices. Everything is clear so that you shouldn't have any questions but if you do a worker is there to help you. They also have samples of chocolate neatly placed on the counter for you to try; and I suggest you sneak a bite or two. As well as buying the box of chocolate I also bought two mini-gifts, a bar of dark chocolate for my parents and a bar of milk chocolate hazelnut for myself ($6/each). These bars alone would make a great pick-me-up for anyone, or a nice little gesture for a chocolate lover. They are simply wrapped and a very good size for the price. For my walk back to the car I also bought a single piece ($3.25) of the white chocolate vanilla; it was divine! It goes without saying that my relatives absolutely adored their gift! John Kelly is a great chocolatier to visit, and I promise you you will not leave empty handed. Every time I have gifted it the recipient has always had a massive smile on their face and it will continue to be my go to "fancy" gift. read more

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Peanut butter with dark chocolate and sea salt. Ay! The selection is not huge but everything I tried was good. Most with dark chocolate. Great dessert option after eating at Locanda Portofino. It's just across the street. Average price is 3.00 each. Not cheap. read more

Seriously, John Kelly has the best chocolate I have ever eaten. THE FREAKING BEST. The pleasure and comfort that their chocolates give you are only rivaled by sex. It's that damn good. Recommendation: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramel Dark Chocolate read more

John Kelly Chocolates - Assorted Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Large pieces (1 oz) and bold rich flavors. Dark Chocolate Pink Alaea Hawaiian Sea Salt with caramel, Dark Chocolate with Habanero and Jalapeño, and Dark Chocolate with Gray Sea Salt. If you like spicy, they have mild or hot; I chose the hot and loved it, but there is a milder Chipotle and Ancho version.The gray sea salt interior with rich truffle filling and generous sea salt. The Pink Alea Hawaiian Salt Truffle bite with a thin layer of caramel. read more

John Kelly Chocolates - Pink salted caramel chocolate, habernero & jalapeno dark truffle and gray sea salt dark - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Santa Monica, California

If you're going to splurge on chocolate, this is the place to do it. I came back to give JK another try after a horrible experience at their Hollywood location and I'm glad I did! The chocolates were as delicious as I remembered them to be, and I got the chance to try the peppermint flavor for the holiday season which ended up being my favorite! Their signature truffle fudge with sea salt to die for--decadent, creamy, and not too overwhelmingly sweet. And the outer shell is coated with belgium chocolate and es bird is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Pricing is on the expensive side, but keep in mind that you are getting handmade chocolates, made with quality ingredients and in small batches. Definitely worth the splurge every now and then or on special occasions. My bf absolutely LOVES these and I always try to get jim a box for Valentine's day every year. Parking can be difficult, but I got lucky and found neighborhood parking down the street. I'm thankful that they haven't opened an OC location, otherwise I'd probably find my wallet a lot smaller and waist a lot bigger. read more