What a fun activity to do on weekends! I'm a huge chocolate fan and somehow I found this place online and we decided to join their chocolate tasting event. And I'm so glad we did! Our guide was phenomenal explaining how chocolates are made from bean to bar. My favorite was Zorzal and I cannot go back to other chocolates which is a problem! lol I bought one to take home but I need to restock them again! read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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#DecadentChocolate Rich, velvety, indulgent chocolate from different countries.. Yum. I've had their chocolates at this location and at expos. Their chocolates are soo good! My faves are pecan wood smoked salt, coconut milk, and cherry blossom (not necessarily in that order). I thought it was cool how they serve butterbeer. read more

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Hidden in the office buildings of Chantilly - one of those small local businesses in the same area of Ono Brewery/Odd BBQ, Toimoi Bakery, and Simply Desserts. This chocolate factory is a cute, intimiate shop and cafe that specializes in their chocolate and hot chocolate, both are award winning! We booked a reservation for their Wine & Chocolates tasting experience with our friends, $49/person. If you're not a drinker, you get a free chocolate bar of your choice! Basically you get to try 5 of their specialty chocolates with 3 different wines (red, white, and dessert). Someone explained where their cacao beans come from and how the chocolates are processed, and we got to see the action too, which was pretty cool! Definitely recommend the experience, just a fun time and excuse to drink and chat with our friends LOL Minus the experience, you can also just come visit, buy some chocolates and/or hot chocolate, and grab seat :) read more

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River Sea Chocolates can be found in Chantilly Square, where the building it resides in also houses other vendors. I love learning about their sustainability and how support for River Sea supports the Amazon River cleanup! I stopped by to grab some variety of chocolates: +the Hawaiian Salt Dark Chocolate (70% cacao) +the Smoked Salt Milk Chocolate (pecan wood-smoked) +and, the Organic Milk Chocolate (lightly sweetened) I also noticed their 'craft hot chocolate' menu, and wanted to try one of their beverages; I went for the 'Classic', which was prepared with a lightly sweetened Ecuadorian chocolate, topped with chocolate toppings and housemade whipped cream. Unfortunately, this tasted very thin and super watered down, in which I was actually expect something thick, creamy, and a more stronger taste of their chocolate. This was undrinkable. The chocolates that I purchased were tasty, and it was a nice way to satisfy a chocolate craving. Staff were friendly, and there were a handful of seating inside. I loved the decor and the setup, especially the large stuffed sloth! They also offer tours and party/get-together options, which was great. Plenty of parking available in the large lot. +avoid the hot chocolate beverages +tasty chocolate samplings +friendly service read more

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This is such a cute little spot for all my chocolate lovers! It's hidden right on the side of where odd bbq is located. They have yummy artisan hot coco and fresh in house made truffles and chocolate bars. Their factory is literally located at the same spot as the store. It's not a huge spot but definitely a local spot worth visiting. We got a couple of chocolate bars and truffles of unique flavors - all were very yummy!!! My fave coco drink was the butterball which is Harry Potter inspired for fans like me Overall I highly recommend this spot! Also the staff are super friendly and informative. We got to try a few samples of their truffles. read more

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Delicious chocolate in a great environment. They also offer chocolate tasting classes which seem very interesting. I will definitely be coming back :) read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

My wife and I took our grandson to River-Sea Chocolates for its Bean-to-Bar experience. It was not only informative, but a lot of fun, and tasty, too. It was a chocolate tasting designed for kids that included a hands on presentation about how cacao is grown and then processed into the chocolate we love. We got to remove the husks from cacao beans and set aside the nibs. Then we saw the various machines that roast and process the chocolate, and finally, we got to wrap our own individual chocolate bars. The staff was very friendly and made the whole experience a fun one. Of course, chocolate bars and other products are available to take home, so we had to buy some for later. If you're looking for a fun learning experience for kids, this is it. Highly recommended! read more

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We stopped in for a cup of hot chocolate last weekend and left with candy bars as well. That's how good the chocolate was. The guy working there (Ryan, I believe) said that the store has been there for around 6 years so my fiancée and I were shocked we didn't know about it yet. Highly recommend stopping here if you want to support a local business and get good chocolate in the process. They also really love sloths and have plenty of sloth merch for sale. They also have chocolate tasting experiences available where they pair chocolate and wine together. Ryan said they're trying to get their chocolate making area open again so they can offer chocolate making classes as well. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

It happened to be chilly outside and I happen to find exactly what I needed...River Sea Chocolates! First, this is such a cute place because it gives a neighborhood vibe instead of the super crowded gigantic coffee spot that happens to also serve hot chocolate! As soon as I walked in, I was hit in the face with sweet smell of raw chocolate. I KNEW this was about to be a hit... After entering, there is a 'factory' of chocolate to the right (and I understand they offer tours). Staff was busy creating all sorts of chocolate goodness and did not mind me looking strange at them in progress. After admiring them, I took a few steps forward to enter what I would call the 'cafe'. They have the most thoughtful gifts for chocolate lovers in your circle. From chocolates mixed with fruits to global finds...they will have something for you to grab. I thought the pricing was fair and worth it after trying some myself. For hot chocolate, they offer several options and two caught my eye: the mint and rose petal...so I had to have both. I will say that each cup was an absolute delight for about $8 per cup. They took their time carefully crafting each one and even added whip cream on my mint chocolate. If you prefer more of the extra sweet cup of chocolate, this is not it. River Sea's chocolate is more of the real semi-sweet chocolate that allows you to taste everything (in my case...the mint and rose). I would consider this a local gem that you must give a try!! read more

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I've been coming here for a while and have purchased some AMAZING chocolate and this 2024 season is no different. My go to is their white chocolate...yeah, yeah, people tend to say, that's not real chocolate. Wellllll, it's still done to perfection here! But that's not what this review is about. I purchased their FRUITCAKE bar this year and OMG: silky, rich, decadent chocolate with pieces of fruit, you can actually see! This is now my favorite bar and since it's seasonal I feel like I may have to develop hoarder tendencies and stock up. The staff is always super friendly and informative and the smell when you walk into the store is divine. They offer chocolate tastings which I'm hoping to attend in 2025. read more

River Sea Chocolates - AMAZING artisan seasonal bar! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

If you're looking for something special, check out River Sea Chocolates in Reston. (11495 Sunset Hills Rd). When they say craft chocolates, they mean it. The different flavored truffles and chocolate bars are delicious and unique. The staff are wonderful - very kind and friendly. This place is definitely a must try. The Reston location is a bit hard to find but don't give up - follow the "craft chocolates" signs. It's one of the buildings on the right towards the back of the business park. read more

Chocolates were amazing! Small place with lots of goodies at a reasonable price. I will definitely go back for special occasions.

Food: amazing! I loved the whole experience! Service: Ryan, Krissee and Natasha was so the best! Ambiance: I loved everything about this place. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

My cousin recommended we come try River Sea Chocolates out since it is we're usually around the corner at Ono and Odd BBQ. It is actually literal steps from the brewery. It's a little shop where a bunch of other small food related shops are set up. River Sea doesn't just sell good chocolate bars and unique hot chocolate but do tours and tastings as well. You can kind of see where they make the chocolate too when you walk in. We've tried the chocolate bars and are big fans already so we bought 3 more (Cherry Blossom, Caramel, and a Hawaiian Salt). We also got a Mint Marshmallow and Cherry Blossom Hot Chocolate. Both were very delicious. Probably some of the best hot chocolate we've had in the area. Great place for a sweet treat and more if you want it. If I am in the area I will definitely be stopping by. read more

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We stopped by the Chantilly location for a chocolate tasting. This was an experience which included education and eating chocolate, how perfect! This bean to bar chocolatier is leaving a small carbon footprint while empowering native farmers and exhibiting mindful conservation techniques. And the chocolate is DELICIOUS! You don't have to sign up for a tasting to try the chocolate, but the education you get from the tasting makes you appreciate what you are tasting. Now lovers of overly sweet and uber milk chocolate, may not like every bar, but dark chocolate lovers will really fall head over heels. I have a new found appreciation for tasting chocolate now. I have learned to savor and eat it slowly. I will recommend this place to everyone I know! I will also be back to pick up some hot chocolate and more bars. River Sea Chocolates is just a lovely place! read more

So cute and cozy atmosphere! The staff was really sweet and gave us lots of chocolate samples. Truly unique place. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolate selection - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

I'm a sucker for great chocolate and WOW does River Sea Chocolates deliver! The chocolate is outstanding and the selection of flavors is wonderful. There are unique flavors you won't find anywhere else, such as raspberry vanilla tea (made with local tea) or a current limited flavor of peach IPA. My favorite was the double bean double buzz coffee flavor, yum. I enjoyed sampling and learning more about chocolate from Danielle - she was just a wealth of information! I will no doubt be back for a full chocolate tasting & tour. Oh, and the hot chocolate is highly recommended, especially with a shot of espresso. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Hot chocolate menu - and gelato for a cold treat! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Very mixed feelings. Super cute idea. Located in an office building, so it's slightly hard to find. Signage could be better. Once inside, cute. The person leading our tasting was knowledgeable, which was appreciated. The wines they used were all nice except Breaux Wine a VA wine. $50 a person is kind of steep for what this is. Chocolate is ok, nothing fabulous. read more

Deliciousness 4/5 Happiness 5/5 We came here for a kids tour and were all thoroughly entertained. We got to shell some cocoa beans (and eat the nubs!), they had some fun guessing games, and the tour guide himself was really personable and engaging. He alone really sold me on the deliciousness of the chocolate even before I'd had a bite. Really great customer service (and the woman working the cafe area was great too!). The chocolates themselves live up to the hype. I liked every flavor (including the unsweetened ones) and they have quite a variety of chocolate bars. The gift shop is also nice - with coffee, wine, and stuffed animals also for sale. Yummy! The cafe left me wanting a bit more. We got three different varieties of hot chocolate and none of them really stood out. I think it would have helped if the beverages had been hot rather than lukewarm. The cost is also very high (not overly surprising given their dedication to being eco-friendly and being a small-business), but be prepared for spending over $100 for a family of 4 if you end up getting anything after the tour. read more

We have visited a bunch of chocolates places around the US included "famous" chocolate places and we definitely think this one is the best! Highly recommend you give this place a try specially the Zorzal 72%!! read more

River Sea Chocolates - Zorzal 72% chocolate bar! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

The staff was patient and friendly. They educated us on their chocolates and made recommendations based on my preferences. Very cute shop. - E read more

Best chocolate ever. Took a Tasting Flight and Tour. We got a chocolate education and got to sample 5 different chocolates. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative. The shop is small but cozy. Welcoming. read more

River Sea Chocolates - The chocolate we tasted - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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so much fun. educational taste testing chocolates from beans around the world for adults paring chocolate with wine

Stopped by here on my way to pick up my weekly Toi Moi order. It's my second time here, but definitely not my second time trying the chocolates since I will typically pick up some pieces from Weird Brothers. We stopped by and had the Mango Passionfruit truffle, the sipping chocolate (my favorite!), the salted caramel hot chocolate with espresso, and we purchased 2 bars as well. We're honestly so lucky to have this gem of an establishment nearby. I'll be excited to see if they have a storefront when they move their operations over to Reston! read more

Best chocolate ever. I come out of state just to have this chocolate. I recommend anyone to come out and try this when they can

What a fun local place! We came for the summer reading program rewards and are back this weekend for the Chocolate Binge. The chocolates, hot chocolate, and wines are amazing. The employees are friendly and helpful and the vibe is relaxed. There's a small cafe for chocolate treats. Put the anniversary Chocolate Binge on your calendar for next year. S'mores, chocolate and wine tastings, make your own chocolate bars, sack races with chocolate bar prizes and so much more!! Ask about their membership program that you can subscribe to for a month or more- might just be back to try that. read more

I decided to come here since I heard about it on social media. The place was a little hard to find but once you go in it is a rather small place. We decided to get some chocolate bars but really were excited about the hot chocolate. It was a little steep, but it was made meticulously, and I got the classic one. It was a fantastic hot chocolate. I just do not know if the price was really justified. The chocolate bars were ok too, but I am not sure if I would go back. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Best hot chocolate we ever had ! I am going to be a regular here and I am surprised that is is so close to where we live read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

This place is awesome. You can do wine and chocolate tasting. Eli was a really nice tour guide. He gave us a lot of knowledge on the chocolate and the wine. All the wine is from VA. You can also make chocolate. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Yes! I'm so glad we finally got a chance to try River-Sea Chocolates. Not far from home, we really need to pay a visit to the store one day. We placed an order online. Free shipping is available for orders over $50, very grateful for that. Within days, a kind employee rang our doorbell with a bag of our goodies. They were friendly and professional. Everything was neatly wrapped in a beautiful bag. They even threw in a few complimentary samples, super sweet of them. Thank you! They have an amazing selection of chocolates and they all look delicious. We tried a couple and really enjoyed each one. Not overly sweet, smooth, creamy, clean to the palate, and made with quality ingredients. We love all things chocolate and I'm so glad this wonderful chocolate shop is close by. read more

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A tour for your tastebuds, best chocolate I've had in my entire life and I swear by it! Our tour guide Davey was sharp and friendly, and the place itself felt very welcoming and homey. Hershey Lindt and Dove can eat both their hearts out, and their own stock because nobody is buying their bar shaped crap! read more

We came here for a tasting today and it was delicious!! I highly recommend it if you like dark and milk chocolate! Everyone is very sweet and friendly and above else knowledgeable. They really teach you a lot about chocolate and have a nice variety of bars at a reasonable price. If you get the chance I would stop in and check it out! read more

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The hot chocolate here was so decadent! I loved the salted caramel hot chocolate with an espresso shot. It was the perfect drink for satisfying my sweet tooth and it gave me some much needed caffeine! The staff were super friendly too! My only qualm is that it's a very small cafe so there's not much seating if you want to enjoy your hot cocoa in the shop. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

We went for the kid's tour and tasting and it was a lot of fun and very informative! The only downside was that some of their machinery was not in the factory and was in the process of being moved to a new location, so that was a bit disappointing. The chocolate here is fantastic! They take so much care in selecting beans, preparing, and packaging the chocolate. It is hard to find really well made chocolate (the popular store brand is junk compared to their products) and I have only come across a few shops that do it really well-this is one of them. The hot chocolate is so delicious as well! I only wish we lived closer! read more

We enjoyed our visit doing the wine and chocolate tasting. Mariano was super friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of chocolate making. What a great experience, highly recommend attending. The chocolate was excellent! read more

Amazing chocolate I loved the chocolate tasting here and it was amazing, a truly great experience, especially with Eli working there read more

We did a wine and chocolate tasting on Valentine's Day. Ryan was an excellent host and tasting guide and literally had an answer for any questions our group had. The chocolates were delicious and the pairings very well done. The other couples were also great company. This was a totally last minute decision to go to this and it was probably one of the most fun valentines evenings I've had! Also, we bought lots of chocolate and the princess coffee to bring home and we've loved all of it! read more

River Sea Chocolates - Chocolate selection and first wine pairing - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Do you wanna know why River-Sea Chocolate Factory has so many Five Star reviews? Because this place is awesome...it is an awesome oasis for chocolate lovers nestled in the 'burbs of Western Fairfax County. River-Sea mostly definitely seems out of place in the nondescript office park where it is located, but don't let the sterile environment fool you. It's worth plugging the address into Google Maps and navigating to this small shop, which is also close to the Chantilly Expo center. Upon arriving into the parking lot and following the directional signs to their entrance, the smell of scrumptious chocolate welcomes you. I attended their Valentine's Day tasting event in Feb. 2020 with some family members and was super impressed with the passion that founders Mariano and Krissee bring to River-Sea (https://www.riverseachocolates.com/about-us). Mariano explained that River-Sea works diligently to partner with the actual farms in cacao producing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia (https://www.riverseachocolates.com/the-cacao-farms). Instead of working with large commodity brokers, dealing directly with the farmers ensures higher quality products as well as supports sustainable agriculture in those countries. All the chocolate products are small batch produced on premises, and the quality goes beyond the usual "artisanal" label. I would characterize the products here as "high-end bespoke". Where else can you find flavors such as Lapsang and Licorce? Or Organic Dominican Republic 72% dark chocolate? Or one of my personal favorites, the Hawaiian Salt Dark (70% cacao). While I'm not going out much these days in this era of COVID-19 lock downs, one of my treats is taking a trip to River-Sea every month as part of their "Exotic Chocolate Lover's Club" (https://www.riverseachocolates.com/plans-pricing). This is one of the BEST DEALS going if you are chocolate aficionado. Every month, the chocolatiers create FOUR full size chocolate bars for only $20 (in-store pickup...it's $30 if you want them to mail to you). And at $5/bar for hand crafted chocolaty goodness, that price beats any other so-called "high-end" chocolate you will find at Target. Honestly, for super high-end hand crafted chocolates, the prices at River-Sea are VERY reasonable. I've been a member of the choco club since April, and this is one of the few things which has helped to maintain my sanity. Also super bonus that when you show-up to pick up your monthly chocolates, that you are also eligible for a free specialty hot chocolate beverage. I recommend the Fire Hot chocolate; it's not too sweet with some spicy chili notes which hit back of your throat. River-Sea is great hidden gem and worth supporting to ensure chocolate lovers in the DMV can get their fix for many years to come. read more

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Mariano was great at explaining everything for our tasting. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all our questions.

It's nice to stumble upon a hole in the wall shop. It's even better when that shop is phenomenal. This small chocolate shop offers a welcoming atmosphere with a delicious variety of chocolate. We were able to sample different chocolates but the sea salt caramel was easily my favorite. All the chocolate is made on-site. I ordered the salted caramel hot chocolate and it was divine. I highly recommend getting the whipped creme when given the option. With seemingly endless options, I will be back to try more. read more

River Sea Chocolates - Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia