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.

We continued our tour of the best Belgian chocolate shops, so had to stop by Mary's. The attendant…read morewas very nice, giving us samples of the various 'eggs' being offered for Easter. They cater to tourists, so bought a nice box of chocolates take back as gifts.

Was told by a friend that I had to try the chocolate here! We sought out this location for the…read morechocolat Mademoiselle. I heard this chocolate confection will leave me weeping! The store is immaculate and the chocolates are all hand made and displayed beautifully! I got a small bag which had about 5-6 pieces. I let the store clerk pick my chocolates but made sure to get the Mademoiselle. I know what he meant by you will weep. You will weep when you have eaten the last bite! Best chocolate I've had in life thus far! (This review was written before having hot chocolate from Angelina's in Paris!) just saying .

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.

Waffles, beer, frites and chocolate was basically the itinerary (: we started with waffles on our…read morefirst morning in Brussels and I can't think of a better place to begin than at Maison Dandoy. The ambience of this location really makes it special. I was really looking for a Hallmark movie themed experience and starting here was perfect. My waffle was scrumptious and a great start to the day. Highly recommend.

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.

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.

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.

I wanted to support Mary, a woman-owned chocolatier. Mary's chocolates were pretty good, but I…read morenoticed their shapes were slightly inconsistent. For a chocolatier that prides itself on serving its chocolates to royalty, it seems like care is not taken for precision. I did enjoy some of the interesting flavors like Earl Grey or orange liqueur. I suppose the taste trumps shape.

I visited Mary Chocolatier on a Wednesday early evening. When I first passed by, it was very…read morecrowded so I came back later when there was no one else in the store. One of the workers, Sebastian, was very friendly--we had a lovely conversation about the chocolates & traveling. This was the second chocolaterie I visited that evening, but I'm excited to report that it's now my new favorite. I got a variety of chocolates--I even brought a friend for a second trip later on so they can try it for themselves & I picked up more treats to try for myself as well. I came back one more time to buy some of their products to bring home for my friends in California. I wish they had a location closer to home, but this is definitely a chocolaterie I'll keep returning to whenever I'm in Brussels.