Let’s be honest—Toronto winters can be brutal. The wind tunnels at Yonge and Eglinton, the sluuuuuush, and you’ve probably said, “It’s so cold my eyelashes are freezing” at least five times. (And that's just indoors. Turn up the heat, for goodness sake!)
The balm for winter's malaise? Hot chocolate. Sweet, steamy, velvety hot chocolate. It’s winter’s way of apologising for its nonsense, and in this city, it’s downright magical. Here’s where to sip your way to chocolatey bliss.
Delight Chocolate – The Junction
A trip to Delight is like meeting hot chocolate’s more sophisticated older cousin. They take their craft seriously here—organic, small-batch chocolate melted into perfection. Go for the classic if you want to play it safe, but I'm down for the peanut butter hot chocolate.
Soma Chocolatemaker – Distillery District & King West
Soma isn’t just a hot chocolate—it’s an experience. Their Mayan hot chocolate is rich, velvety, and infused with just enough spice to keep you warm for days. This is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a delicious secret. Pair it with a snowy stroll through the Distillery District, and you’ve basically got a scene from a Hallmark movie.
Creeds Coffee Bar – The Annex
You might already love Creeds for their coffee, but their hot chocolate is the unsung hero of winter. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re winning at adulting. Grab a pastry while you’re at it because life’s too short not to double down on carbs and chocolate.
Le Gourmand – Spadina & Queen
Not one, but six different hot chocolates, including 85% dark. It’s the kind of cup that makes you want to curl up by the window and watch the world freeze while you stay perfectly toasty. And don't get me started on their chocolate chip cookies. I swoon.
Nadège Patisserie – Multiple Locations
Ah, Nadège. Known for its stunning pastries, this French-inspired café also serves a hot chocolate bomb that will transport you straight to Paris (or at least make you forget about the snow for a minute). It’s rich, silky, pairs beautifully with their macarons and has a surprise inside. Très chic, très warm.
Sorry Coffee Co. – Yorkville
Sorry, but we’re not sorry about including this Yorkville gem. Their hot chocolate is smooth, creamy, and downright unapologetic in its deliciousness, with 60% Dominican dark chocolate and the milk of your choice. The minimalist aesthetic and prime location make it a perfect pit stop while you’re dodging snowdrifts and pretending winter doesn’t bother you.
Doug’s Public House of Cocoa (Made Up, But We Wish It Existed)
Just kidding—this doesn’t exist. But admit it, Toronto could use a hot chocolate pub, complete with marshmallow flights and chocolate pairings. Someone make this happen.
What’s Your Favourite Hot Chocolate Spot?
Toronto winters are long, but they’re also the perfect excuse to drink your weight in hot chocolate. Whether you’re indulging in the Annex, exploring the Distillery, or hunkering down in Yorkville, there’s no wrong way to sip your way through the season.
Know a hot chocolate spot that’s missing from this list? Share it! Because when it comes to hot chocolate, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.
The balm for winter's malaise? Hot chocolate. Sweet, steamy, velvety hot chocolate. It’s winter’s way of apologising for its nonsense, and in this city, it’s downright magical. Here’s where to sip your way to chocolatey bliss.
A trip to Delight is like meeting hot chocolate’s more sophisticated older cousin. They take their craft seriously here—organic, small-batch chocolate melted into perfection. Go for the classic if you want to play it safe, but I'm down for the peanut butter hot chocolate.
Soma isn’t just a hot chocolate—it’s an experience. Their Mayan hot chocolate is rich, velvety, and infused with just enough spice to keep you warm for days. This is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a delicious secret. Pair it with a snowy stroll through the Distillery District, and you’ve basically got a scene from a Hallmark movie.
You might already love Creeds for their coffee, but their hot chocolate is the unsung hero of winter. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re winning at adulting. Grab a pastry while you’re at it because life’s too short not to double down on carbs and chocolate.
Not one, but six different hot chocolates, including 85% dark. It’s the kind of cup that makes you want to curl up by the window and watch the world freeze while you stay perfectly toasty. And don't get me started on their chocolate chip cookies. I swoon.
Ah, Nadège. Known for its stunning pastries, this French-inspired café also serves a hot chocolate bomb that will transport you straight to Paris (or at least make you forget about the snow for a minute). It’s rich, silky, pairs beautifully with their macarons and has a surprise inside. Très chic, très warm.
Sorry, but we’re not sorry about including this Yorkville gem. Their hot chocolate is smooth, creamy, and downright unapologetic in its deliciousness, with 60% Dominican dark chocolate and the milk of your choice. The minimalist aesthetic and prime location make it a perfect pit stop while you’re dodging snowdrifts and pretending winter doesn’t bother you.
Just kidding—this doesn’t exist. But admit it, Toronto could use a hot chocolate pub, complete with marshmallow flights and chocolate pairings. Someone make this happen.
Toronto winters are long, but they’re also the perfect excuse to drink your weight in hot chocolate. Whether you’re indulging in the Annex, exploring the Distillery, or hunkering down in Yorkville, there’s no wrong way to sip your way through the season.
Know a hot chocolate spot that’s missing from this list? Share it! Because when it comes to hot chocolate, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.