Belgium is internationally renowned for their chocolate. For world pastry-champion turned master…read morechocolatier, Pierre Marcolini elevated his craft so that his brand is now synonymous with "haute chocolaterie". He put emphasis on putting a higher percentage of cocoa in a smaller piece, minimizing the sugars. He also puts emphasis in sourcing cocoa beans directly from the growers. Each piece is assembled at their factory in Brussels and delivered to their shops all around the world. I was introduced to Pierre Marcolini in Japan of all places when the No1DP gifted chocolate to me at their shop in Tokyo Station. However I didn't know about the brand all that much until I took a Beer and Chocolate Tour offered by the Brussels Journey (https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-brussels-journey-bruxelles-2?hrid=_rEIZsWrygpqHYK9wROIKQ). I guess they must be renowned if random passerby attempt to take a sample while the host was giving a lecture about the brand. She and her 2 assistants literally had to shoo quite a few people! It's really a haute chocolaterie when they're the only one in the chocolate tour that doesn't give you a 10% discount. --- A day later I went to their flagship shop. There was a really nice lady at the counter that helped me with the process of buying chocolate there. I got a variation of their signature box Malline Découverte where I was able to make a custom box. Note that this is the only option to make a custom box. The box fits around 35-40 pieces and costs €39. There were plenty of premade boxes for sale but if I was going to pay €39 for a box I might as well enjoy each piece. My favorite pieces are almost all variations of a theme as they contain something crunchy. Not a big fan of fruity chocolate in general. - Câlin fondant/lait (almond and hazelnut praline, Quimper wafers and Madagascan vanilla caramel, coated in dark or milk chocolate) - Pavé de tours fondant/lait (a crunchy blend of hazelnut and almond praline with Quimper wafers, coated in dark or milk chocolate) - Torsade (Avola almond praline gianduja with caramelized Piedmont hazelnut crisp, coated in milk chocolate) - Earl grey tea (ganache infused with subtle bergamot notes of Earl Grey, coated in milk chocolate) [NOTE: I remember this distinctly from Japan and luckily this was one of the chocolates sampled on my tour.] This is best consumed with coffee or tea. They have locations in some of the higher-end shopping districts of London, Paris, Tokyo and of course Brussels. The closest place in the US is sadly in Hawaii.

There are plenty of chocolate shops throughout Brussels, although this shop was ultra classy…read moreresembling a Louis Vuitton of chocolates. The inside was elegant and had giant chocolate eggs randomly on display. It did not have the original Brussels chocolate vibe, but there were a decent selection of chocolates and the multi flavored macarons looked amazing. The pistachio centered chocolates were my favorite. Directly in front of the shop was a push cart with a woman selling freshly churned ice cream for 6.50€. Type of place to purchase a beautiful gift box of chocolates but still many other places nearby with a warmer ambiance, although not sure if better chocolates.

I purchased some macarons from the location in Brussels Airport (A Gates). It was delicious! They…read moreonly had two flavors, but they were my two favorite flavors (pistachio and rose). Prices were reasonable for both the chocolate and macarons (about 2 euros for a macaron, 20 euros for a box of chocolates).

I came here during my time in Belgium since it was at the train station Brussels and the staff was…read moresuper kind and helpful in helping me find what I wanted. They do not offer samples but you are able to buy chocolate individually they also have the gift wrapped the chocolate is delicious the prices vary from 5 for individual to 20+ for variety packs

Amazing. Tasty! Lovely. Get a plain one to go and eat it up! Quick serve if you figure out the good…read moretime. And feels like a coffee shop.

The reviews of Maison Dandoy are mixed and while I wanted to like it, I thought it was just okay…read more I enjoyed their front room the most where they sold cookies, crackers, chocolate, totes, and gifts. There's an option to pick a box or tin and fill it the cookies of your choice. The waffles themselves are something I can make at home and save the €15. I ordered the basic powdered sugar waffle, liege style. My husband ordered the Belgian style waffle which was topped with macerated strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Again, the waffle and strawberries weren't warm so it was like eating a dry stale cold waffle with cold strawberries and a scoop of ice cream. Disappointing to say the least. I'd pass on this place and stick with the street vendors where you can watch them make it in front of your eyes and served warm.

I would say difficult to rate. There are two The chocolate company underneath the staircases of the…read moremidi-terminal in Brussels. Both carry a large variety of Belgian Chocolate and do this well (I mean selling it). Both will not get an extra price for atmosphere or store design (so only 4 stars). Their approach is straight forward: You want chocoloate, truffles, pralines of Neuhaus, Godiva, Corne Port Royal, Galler and some others come here, you get it. Order, pay, go - very good if you are late for the train

While on a walking tour of Bruges,our guide suggested we try Leonidas for their Belgian Chocolate…read more They only use 100pct pure cocoa butter and have been in business since 1913. Known for their Master Chocolatiers,they have over 1200 stores in 40 countries. The staff was super friendly and even offered us a few samples including GF chocolates. Definitely stop in the next time you see a Leonidas Chocolate Shoppe.

The service at this chocolatier near the Grand Palace was outstanding. They took time with each…read morecustomer and were helpful with making suggestions. I was able to select a custom box of only gluten free, only dark chocolates and in many flavors. The quality of the artisanal products is amazing and they have been producing them for over 110 years. The shop is well lit and the displays elegantly feature the chocolates. They have shops in many locations in Belgium but also here at home in Northbrook, Illinois.

After the chocolates I brought back from my earlier Brussels trip was so well received, I made sure…read moreto introduce Neuhaus to my SO during our June trip. This store was one of the smaller ones we visited but its proximity to the Grand Place made it the obvious choice to duck into and escape the heatwave and indulge. I liked this store in particular since the staff were always warm and outgoing. They also were very generous in the sampling ;) Our newest favorite flavor was the calamansi Sensation. It was dark chocolate wrapped around dark chocolate ganache but with a very distinctive calamansi citrus flavor. We love calamansi and never imagined tasting it as part of a praline. If you really want to try it then go now since it will only be available during the summer! Lastly as part of their frequent buyer program, the store includes free samples to go. Staff just need to scan your Neuhaus Insider QR code and that's it. SO's taste buds agreed Neuhaus was the Belgian chocolatier on this trip and we'll be back.

Their triangle shaped chocolate makes them stand apart from other shops. The salted caramel was my…read morefavorite.

Lovely chocolate store, this is haute cuisine chocolate indeed! Of course it's a bit snobby, but…read morearen't you expecting that?

Fabulous chocolate - terrible US delivery - arrogant response. Ordered two small boxes of…read morechocolates and paid €30 for delivery to California. Was told I would receive a tracking number, but never did. After a week and half a dozen emails, the company unable to tell me that the package had been handed over to USPS, and after a delivery attempt with no one home, was sitting in a local post office. The chocolates had slightly melted and stuck to go box bottom. The company's response to my complaint was "there is actually nothing that went wrong."

High end chocolate shop - has the royal seal of approval from the King of Belgium!…read more Had amazing pastries and ate outdoors on sunny Fall day on their patio. The flavours were amazing and so rich and luscious. Pricing was fair for this quality. Have tried their chocolate in the past. Pricy but soooo good!

Amazing selection of pastries, chocolates, and a few sandwiches. Different coffees are available,…read morealong with hot chocolate and chai matcha. The chocolate eclair was divine. The employees were pleasant and helpful. Outdoor seating only or to go.

Visiting Catherine's was a bucket list experience that I'm glad I was able to do. The best part was…read moreCatherine herself making our sandwiches! We were able to make selections from over 100 different cheeses as well as a variety of cured meats. The sandwich rivals my other fave from Alain Alain in Paris. It's a small but charming and quintessential Belgian shop. Traditional in every sense of the word. Simply put, it's a cheese lover's paradise. Catherine is extremely kind and patient as are her employees. They offer the ability to taste samples before making decisions. They're very helpful with making said decisions as well. A haven for like minded cheesemongers means the line can sometimes go out the door, especially at lunchtime. It is well worth the wait because so much love and care goes into every transaction with every customer. A most divine experience indeed.

Three years later it is still good but not what we had been preparing for from our prior visits…read more Think this was our 6th trip to Brussels (first in 2011) and always made Catherine's our first stop. We arrived and there were a few younger workers and they were pleasant. We started to order our sandwich and asked about a little of rocket to go on it. And they said they had none. Then we asked about some roasted red peppers and they said they did not provide them either. Then they went to the back and put the sandwich together. Everything had been pre sliced and just waiting in the back to be put together. Guess we were spoiled. In the past we have always watched the sandwich being patiently made right in front of us. Not this time. We took our sandwich and were a bit surprised at the slices of of cheese...some thick and some average. Not the thin cheese were were used to. The ham had much more fat in it than normal. It was just different. Somewhat dry...the roasted peppers could have solved that issue. Sadly, we don't know if we will return. We normally make numerous stops(at lease 3) when in Brussels and this time once was enough. Hopefully next year it will be back to normal. The guys were friendly just lacking...