If you love chocolate, you must visit Cacao Sampaka. We (or maybe just me) loved it so much in…read moreMadrid, that one of the first things we (okay, I) did was scout out the closest Barcelona location and make sure that we paid it a visit amongst all the Gaudi and dining we had planned. What I really liked were the "collections" of different chocolates, arranged by "theme", and with 16 pieces to a box and at least 2 of each kind, so that you can savour each mouth-watering hit of deliciousness with someone else. This in itself is a bigger deal than it may seem, as I quickly realized that it's kind of lame when you say, "OMG can you BELIEVE how much like real truffle this tastes? Oh wait, I ate the only piece..." Wah wah. There are 8 collections in all (you can by the entire collection of 64 pieces if you want!), which include single bean origins; dried fruits and nuts; spices; flowers and herbs; liquers; fruit; truffles; and innovations. I've tried the single bean origins, fruit, and innovations collections, and am waiting to dig into a box of spices which made it with us back home. The single bean origins was fantastic, allowing us to compare and contrast the subtle notes, side by side, of chocolates from places like the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Granada, or Ecuador. The fruits were far from the overly sweet and pungent cream or jelly filled renditions one might be more familiar with, but crafted delicately so that the fruit flavours were gently infused into the chocolate itself. The innovations collection was, surprisingly, more variable in deliciousness that I might have expected, but interesting to see how flavours of soya or black truffle might sit alongside chocolate, or even parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. What Cacao Sampaka has to offer extends far beyond just these collections, as there are a huge variety of not only other chocolates, but even wines to match. It really is a chocolate wonderland, and if it were not for the fact that our vacation had to come to an end, I would most certainly have been plunged into the depths of type 2 diabetes as my visits to Cacao Sampaka would have most certainly never ended.

Delicious chocolate, chic store, great customer service. I haven't had anything from their cafe,…read morebut the chocolate is just divine. They have so many wonderful and exotic flavors! I want to try them all!! I'd definitely return!

Un clásico imperdible en Madrid Visitar la Chocolatería San…read moreGinés es toda una experiencia. Los churros son crujientes por fuera, suaves por dentro y el chocolate espeso y delicioso, perfecto para mojar. El ambiente tiene ese encanto tradicional que te transporta en el tiempo, y el servicio es rápido y amable a pesar de la cantidad de gente que suele haber. Ideal para desayunar o disfrutar de una merienda auténticamente madrileña. ¡Un sitio que no puede faltar en tu visita a la ciudad!

Delicious Churros in Madrid with chocolate sauce. Order and pay in front and get a table; they'll…read morebring it to you once you've ordered. Enjoy.

Very cute modern chocolate shop with all sorts of truffles, chocolate bars, and chocolate-covered…read morenuts. However, I was disappointed that the shopkeeper had a tray of chocolate pieces that were obviously free samples, yet she failed to offer any to me.

Known for their Russian Cake, Panettone and other seasonal sweets Pasteleria Ascaso dates to 1890,…read moreand though the storefront at Calle de Zurbano 25 appears modern the traditions inside date back decades while still forging forward with modern items and techniques. Born in Huesca, and now the sort of upscale Cafe where well-heeled ladies linger over Tea, it was on the recommendation of a local gourmand that the flourless Russian Cake was skipped in favor of its Lemon-tinged cousin, the Citrus Porcion a bitter but tangy cloud seemingly build of little more than Meringue, Cocoa and Citrus. Not about to forego Mil Hojas, Ascaso's version shattering beneath Pastry Cream around a layer of Custard, even the Palmier outpaces others in Spain's Capitol thanks to exquisite lamination that is best eaten sitting down to avoid making a mess of buttery crumbs and Sugar.

Delicious. Tried the lengua de nata (light chocolate layered pastry with cream filling that had a…read moresmall chocolate buried within...probably one one of the best desserts I have ever tasted), as well as a small slice of marzipan cake (also wonderful), and their glazed apple palmera (think as light and flaky as strudel, but shaped like a pretzel). Will be back to try their turron soon (of which they had many artesianal choices). Posh, modern and very clean for eat in or take away. We took our to go along with a couple bottles of nice riojas wine. A must stop in Madrid for high end sweets and gift baskets.

Great service, we walked in for lunch around 1pm. Quick and efficient service, nice ambience so we…read moredidn't feel rushed and everything was excellent!

The little croissants in the window are to die for. They are super soft and glazed to perfection. I…read morehad one with crab and lettuce and a smaller one with Brie and turkey and tomatoes. I will definitely be back to eat another zillion before I leave Madrid. Most of the small sandwich places around the area look okay but this place looks like magic. They even gift wrap your sammies for you. What?! If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Your tastebuds will thank you.

From the owner: Chocolateria, Churreriaread more

From the owner: Bombones de chocolate Cajas de bombones…read moreBombones a granel Tabletas de chocolate Trufas de chocolate Snacks Cestas de chocolate Etc.

The Moniberic location on Cea Bermudez is great-- everything I like about the other location, but…read morewith the added bonus of more space. The staff there are super knowledgeable about wine, ham, and cheese, and they are always eager to make a good recommendation if you're not sure what you want. They also frequently have wine or ham tasting events that I'm dying to try. I'm always a fan of gourmet food stores that double as bars, and my friends and I love to meet up and grab drinks here after work. Last night, we noticed that they have an aperitivo deal for vermouth and a tapa for 3 euros-- so that will probably be the next thing we try there! Overall, a cool neighborhood full of interesting bars, great staff, lots of space, and most importantly, lots of cheese!

I stopped by to give a look and I liked that it was possible to buy very small Bocadillos de Jamón…read moreto have just a snack without eating an entire baguette.