The Sweetest Chocolate Shops in Montreal

Find it: 162 Rue Saint Viateur O, 138 Atwater Ave., chocolatsgg.com The low-down: This shop’s chocolate ideology is “back to basics,” and it employs handmade techniques, simple ingredients and personalized packaging. Sometimes less is more. Prices: $8 each for bars; $5.75 to $75 for a box of assorted chocolates The most unique: Extra-Virgin, a virtuous combo of 70% dark chocolate, extra-virgin olive oil, fruit and nuts The most photogenic: Each chocolate has its flavour written in artistic typography on top. Plus, you can buy an assortment of chocolates in a leather box for a seriously chic gift.

Les Chocolats de Chloé

Find it: 546 Ave. Duluth E, leschocolatsdechloe.com The low-down: The old-fashioned storefront and bright, modern interior make this charming chocolate shop the perf backdrop for sinking your teeth into one of their gourmet truffles. Prices: $6 each for bars; $13 for a box of six to $50 for a box of 25 The most unique: Basil. The licorice notes in this fragrant herb pair perfectly with the decadent chocolate, and it’s topped with a sprinkle of green sugar. The most photogenic: Raspberry. A hibiscus flower makes for a delicate and dainty topper.

Divine Chocolatier Inc.

Find it: 2158 Crescent St., divinechocolatier.com The low-down: This homey chocolate shop has the celeb stamp of approval from Penelope Cruz, Pierre Trudeau and Johnny Depp, who have all visited the shop and tasted the treats on offer. Prices: $6 to $10 each for bars; $16 to $150 for a box of assorted chocolates The most unique: The roster of autumn-inspired treats, which are packed with flavours like Cinnamon, Chestnut, Pumpkin Spice, Apple Caramel and more. The most photogenic: De la Rose—it’s brushed with 24K gold (NBD)

Chocobel

Find it: 374 Rue de Castelnau E, chocobel.ca The low-down: This chocolate shop, located in the quaint Villeray neighbourhood, has a cute little counter where you can see owner and chocolatier Yanick Belzile whipping up his next creation. It’s also stocked with ice cream, truffles, fudge and more delicious desserts. Prices: $1.50 each; $18 to $49 for a box of assorted chocolates The most unique: Strawberry and Tarragon. It has buttercream, strawberry purée and plenty of fresh tarragon, which adds bittersweet notes of licorice. The most photogenic: Each sweet is the definition of simplicity at its finest, with elegant engravings on the surface that let the chocolate do the talking.

Chocolats Andrée

Find it: 5328 du Parc Ave., chocolatsandree.com The low-down: The sweets at this inviting chocolate workshop space and boutique are proof that you shouldn’t mess with a good thing—it has been using the same techniques and tools since 1940. Prices: $26.50 to $88 for a box of assorted chocolates The most unique: Pelure de Pamplemousse. Take a bite, and your mouth will be filled with a burst of tart grapefruit. The most photogenic: Chocolat Noir. This chocolate confection is wrapped in an iridescent veil of green and yellow that looks almost like a gemstone.