Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Master Chocolat
Bernard Callebaut, the face and talent behind Master Chocolat, has built an incredible brand with his 41 years of chocolate-making experience. This local chocolate shop has four locations and is recognized worldwide for the incredible quality of its chocolates. Grab an assorted box of handcrafted chocolates to make your next family gathering a bit more special, or build your own by choosing from more than 40 varieties. Flavours range from classics like salted caramel or hazelnut praline to something a little different like banana cream pie, blueberry pancakes or Dom Perignon Champagne strawberry truffle.
Four Calgary locations, masterchocolat.com
Runners-up
Cōchu Chocolatier
Cōchu started as a small basement business in 2017, and has since grown into a full-blown Willy Wonka operation. Owner Anne Sellmer has created a chocolate shop full of amazing sweet delights — you can even enjoy a glass of drinking chocolate straight from the fountain — and offers all kinds of handcrafted treats. The seasonal bonbon flavours are must-try items, but cōchu also offers plenty of unique (and international award-winning) chocolate bars.
429 8 Ave. S.E., 825-431-2402, cochu.ca
Purdy’s Chocolatier
Purdy’s has been operating for more than 100 years, and with six locations in Calgary, it’s easy to get a box of deliciously crafted chocolates for your next gathering. Purdy’s offers a huge selection of chocolate varieties available in a multitude of gift boxes, as well as chocolate bars and seasonal, holiday-themed treats for every time of year.
Six Calgary locations, purdys.com
Chocolate Lab
Stop by one of Chocolate Lab’s two Calgary locations for some beautiful chocolate bonbons that are almost too good looking to eat (almost). Create your own box by choosing from flavours ranging from cardamom orange to vanilla matcha, or grab a collection box instead. Chocolate Lab also has chocolate bars that come in more than 20 flavours, as well as plenty of other chocolate treats.
203 8 Ave. S.W.; 4, 21 Highfield Circle S.E., 403-455-3022, chocolatelab.ca