When in Amsterdam, it becomes your moral imperative to see the windmills. Yes, and very much as a…read moretouristy item for your agenda, but the reality is, it's something that you just don't want to miss. If you're going to spend day, this is the place to do it at ! Zaans Gedaan is spread out over numerous acres and overlooks the water. It truly is breathtaking, and as an American, it was nice to have that experience in what feels like it's a little bit country, and it's a little bit rock 'n' roll roll... There are numerous shops throughout the area, all clustered together like a small little town. Each one specializing in something different than the previous one. There's ice cream shop, a hot chocolate shop, a cheese shop and so much more. I will say one of the things that I love about Europe is that the quality of food is amazing. I love that. They use far less sugar in their sweet items. As a girl with a huge sweet tooth, it's a big deal. We both loved the hot chocolate shop. There's an entire process for making it where you do it yourself and it's rather cool. The hot chocolate shop also sells ice cream so you really can't go wrong. You jump in line for your hot chocolate and there's one size cup And different containers telling you exactly how much of each ingredient to put in your cup. It's essentially a hot cocoa mix and some other fun things and then by the time you get to the end, they will add the hot milk and voilà, you have hot chocolate. it wasn't sweet enough for me, but it definitely was flavorful. The shop also has an entire line of flavored peanut butter. And if you ask, they absolutely will share samples of each of the flavors. The honey peanut butter was divine. Yes, you know that I bought peanut butter. I can't wait to bring it home and share it. I found that the people in the shops were all super sweet, and the tourist that ended up chatting with me, it felt like family. We made friends along the way, and we hope to spend time with them in the future. And if you're wondering... Yes, I also purchased the obligatory clogs because why not?!

I just looooooove this place! ZaansGedaan is one of those…read moreunique authentic places at the schans area. You can get a DIY hot chocolate milk and hear all about the production and history behind making chocolate. Do you have plenty of time? You can make your own chocolate from bean to a small cup of chocolate in about 45 minutes. Hard work, but fun and the people of ZaansGedaan will guide you in every step. Those people have a genuine passion for chocolate and their chocolate shop. Great! Need to stop by when visiting Amsterdam.

A cozy haven for chocolate lovers with lots of classic and new brands to try. Walkable in central…read moreAmsterdam and helpful service. Tried a few Bonnat bars I havent had before, and some newer Dutch brands using cacao from Indonesia (Bali) and Mexico (xoconusco). They also had Pralus, Amadei, etc. They have some homemade filled chocolates, looking forward to trying that next time.

If I could give more than five stars to this little shop (tucked in one of the many sidestreets…read morethat dot Amsterdam) I would. Before I get into the shop itself, The wife and I need to note the owner and hostess. She is, without a doubt, the nicest person we've ever encountered in any shop, restaurant or store. She truly cares about her wares, and seems to care in turn about your experience and that you be happy while you are there; if anyone ever earns the designation "hostess" it is her. For lack of a better descriptive, she is grandmotherly in the best way. My wife would insist (and I would agree) to give this shop five stars based on her service alone, even if the shop was drab and the chocolates mediocre. Fortunately, neither is the case. The chocolates are universally excellent and artisinally produced. She sells them in packaged form to take with you and savor in your home; however she also prepares a hot chocolate for you to enjoy in the shop or on the go, and it is incredibly rich without being too sweet. While not exactly inexpensive, it is also more than in-line with high end chocolates in Europe. What about the store itself? Well, the sense that our hostess belongs in a Harry Potter book as a kindly, magical shopkeeper is enhanced by the store's appearance. It radiates warmth as it is filled with chocolate-related antiques and knickknacks, charming designed displays and shelves overstuffed with quaintly designed sweets packaging. But make no mistake: the shop itself is meticulously clean and neat. As you can tell, I and my wife could gush about this shop for a long while. But I'll leave you with: go visit and say hello.

I know I'm echoing the previous reviews in some regard but really...this is as good as it gets…read more I've walked by this store many times and nary gave it a thought until last night when three ladies very passionate and enthusiastic about chocolate woke me up. When I mentioned to Debbie that I lived nearby the store she said, "that's dangerously close." That wasn't a tease nor a threat but an observation and she was right and knew it. She did say that with a grin on her face... So.....I had to check this out. Sure enough Debbie's excitement and enthusiasm for chocolate I could feel from outside as I gazed upon her grin from outside the store. It's a small boutique shop on a backstreet in the Jordaan area near the 9 streets on what is considered the 10th street in addition to the 9 streets. It has all different kinds of chocolate in all the nooks and crannies as well as books about chocolate interspersed throughout. There is a coffee machine/espresso machine and.....they offer tasters. Yep yep they sure do....tasters, samples....There is a long table with seats where they hold tasting sessions for groups, prearranged for 8-11 people with a choice on what kind of chocolate, be it dark, milk chocolate or whatever. They also have tasting events that they advertise via their newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter on their website. It's hard not to get excited about chocolate when you are in the company of people whose passion and love for it is so strong and so pure. I'm envious. Debbie had me fascinated with how much she knew and how deep her passion is for chocolate. It's truly amazing. I wanted to know more and had/have myriad questions but didn't want to take up her time. She was only too glad to answer my questions. She more than answered my questions with an impressive fluidity of knowledge.Being expert in her subject she was excited that someone else was interested to hear about and learn more. I'll just have to stop in more often to ask more questions and to learn more. I love having such a cool store so near to hang out at and to enjoy some chocolate along with an enthusiastic person sharing interesting information about it. Huge kudos to the owners of the store and to Debbie! I'll be back.

Quite simply the best hot chocolate I've ever had anywhere in my life! It's quite different from…read morethe standard tall, Dutch hot chocolate you'll find in most chocolate shops and cafes in Amsterdam, being highly concentrated, almost like an espresso drink and is *extremely* tasty and pleasantly stimulating as well. If I lived in Amsterdam, I'd be going here regularly. I have yet to try the eating chocolate from here, though - definitely next time I'm in Amsterdam.

Heavenly chocolatier that uses very unique ingredients such as tamarind and black currant while…read morealso featuring exotic chocolates with more robust profiles that stand alone without added flavors. Fun little spot in a cool corner of Amsterdam. The lady who worked there really helped us choose a nice combination of flavors that balanced out our sample. They've been there 20 years already for a reason!

One of my favorite shops in Amsterdam to visit and indulge. Puccini is for the real chocolate…read morelovers! I have been coming here for years. Their chocolate taste so good, it will have you craving for another box. When I walk in here I always feel like I walked in my little chocolate heaven. If you are fan of high quality chocolate, then you will not be disappointed. I love browsing at their beautiful display of diverse chocolates, and contemplating on which one I will explore this time. It's also one of my favorite places to go when I am thinking of the perfect gift to give someone. Service is warm, friendly and professional. It's definitely a win all around.

If you're a chocolate lover, you'll like this place. Lots of types of chocolates to choose from…read more You can also have them make a custom chocolate bar just for yourself and watch it being made. Located in the lower/basement level of a building. You have to take some steps down - careful as they're skinny steps. Inside is a small space and can get crowded. Stop by if you love chocolate or passing by.

I almost gave up waiting in line for this place. My husband convinced me to wait. It was well worth…read moreit. Although we have seen this brand in Florida, it was very fun and interesting to visit this attraction. I lobe the chocolate bar wrappers that said "I went to Amsterdam and got you..."

The chocolates are as beautiful as they are tasty. The owner was patient with SIX of us tourists as…read morewe took our time deciding what to buy (as well as to take a few pictures of her creations.) Stop here if you can! I only wish I had bought more....

OMG! So much chocolate…read more I'm not a fan of chocolate, but this place peaked my interest. And i'm happy it did. Flavor upon flavors with strict attention to detail....is how I would describe the assortment. You can tell she put A LOT of work into the presentations. I ended up purchasing gifts for family/friends. Also, the owner was the sweetest lady I met while in Amsterdam.

Yes, the ice cream is very delicious here, so make sure to check them out if you are in the area. I…read morewill make sure to come back soon to purchase a few of their chocolates. Especially the chocolate mango one. Also, I notice they had some lovely mother's day gift package to purchase for your mom.

Wandered in here during a day trip to Haarlem Beautiful…read moreclean shop with lovely displays I was in search of the perfect hot chocolate and after a disappointing cup made from Cocoa powder in Amsterdam, I found the holy grail here! They literally melt chocolate drops/discs with hot milk ... so creamy and not overly sweet... absolute perfection Purchased the chocolate sprinkles too! Gelato was also perfect.. wish I could have sampled everything in this gem of a chocolate shop. Best quality chocolate I found in Amsterdam!

Delicious mocha and fabulous presentation. If you love chocolate this is your place. The drinks…read morewere served with a little truffle, too. So cute!

Stumbled across this gem looking for coffee and something for breakfast. Located inside the…read morestation so convenient if you're in transit or staying nearby. The pastries were soooo good, flaky and warm. Coffee was good. Staff friendly and efficient.

Don't believe the hype. I have been wanting to try Leonidas chocolate for the longest, so I decided…read moreto make it happen today. Despite Dutchman suggesting that the chocolate tasted weak. So, I finally decided to see for myself if the chocolate was more about the brand, rather than the quality. Low and behold Dutchman was partially correct. The chocolate was not horrible, but it was not delicious either. It was just mediocre. I felt it was one step away from basic, which meant just ok. The pro about Leonidas chocolate is that the price is very much reasonable, despite the brand being overrated.

Adorable chocolate vendor at the "mall"…read more It's a small little kiosk, on the entry hall way. Lots of different options and flavors. I've enjoyed a couple different flavors, but really, the plain milk chooclate is best in my opinion!