According to a study done by Dr. David Lewis, chocolate gives people a more intense and longer “buzz” than kissing does. All the more reason to grab some chocolate for Valentine's Day! Tampa Bay has several chocolate shops that make chocolate from scratch and have gourmet creations.

So bring your taste buds, love of chocolate and visit one of these local Tampa Bay chocolate shops before Valentine's Day gets here!

After you've picked up your chocolates head to these Wine Bars in Tampa Bay for Valentine's Day.

Chocolate Shops in Tampa Bay

William Dean Chocolates

3657 Midtown Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 at Midtown Tampa and 2790 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, Florida

With a location on each side of the bay to choose from, William Dean Chocolates has been around since 2007. The owner, Bill Brown, has studied with some of the top chocolatiers in the world.

The chocolate is made by hand in small batches and without preservatives. William Dean sells over 35 types of chocolate, including classics like hazelnut and salted caramel, and fun flavors like piña-colada and passion fruit!

All the chocolates are airbrushed or decorated in some way. Some have a simple design, while others are painted to look like a crown. They’re almost too pretty to eat.

In addition to chocolate pieces, William Dean also sells chocolate-covered jelly beans, feuilletine, chocolate bars, popcorn and more!

HAMPTON CHOCOLATE FACTORY

615 Channelside Dr Ste. 118, Tampa, FL 33602
Located inside Sparkman Wharf

New on the scene, this Tampa Bay Chocolate Shop is run by two Tampa area brothers. We love the totally poppable chocolate creations at Hampton Chocolate Factory, like caramel popcorn dripped in rich dark chocolate. Or get some sipping chocolate for a totally indulgent treat.

There are plenty of Valentine's Day selections at Hampton Chocolate Factory, of course!

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

401 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida

Schakolad is a local family-owned chocolate company that got its start in Florida. The first Schakolad chocolate shop opened in Winter Park in 1995. Since then, the shop has franchised in the U.S. and Israel. Schakolad has many categories of chocolate designs, such as Christmas and birthday themes, making it easy to pick a gift for someone special.

And you can bet they have Valentine's Day-themed goodies. There is even an option to get pieces of chocolate in a box made of chocolate!

Läderach

2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, Florida (International Plaza)

Läderach is a chocolatier featuring artisanal chocolate from Switzerland. Although it is a national chain, it is still a great chocolate shop in Tampa Bay.

Läderach’s signature product, FrischSchoggi™ (“Fresh Chocolate” in Swiss German) comes in over 20 delicious varieties, including milk and dark chocolate with whole roasted nuts and dried fruit. They have a FrischSchoggi Heart Strawberry-Curd for Valentine's Day.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier

777 N Ashley Dr Suite D-2, Tampa, Florida

It may be a franchise with locations all over Florida, but Peterbrooke Chocolatier is still a great choice for Valentine's Day. We love the cute boxes and buckets for Valentine's Day. The colorful interior of the downtown Tampa shop makes for a fun visit.

Just don't go here hungry otherwise you may go overboard with purchasing all kinds of chocolate treats.

GateauOChocolat

Available at select stores and Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete

A good gluten-free cake can be hard to find. GateauOChocolat, in St. Pete, specializes in gluten-free chocolate that the owner has perfected over several years.

The shop uses pure, dark Ecuadorian chocolate from places that are part of the rainforest alliance. The cakes are finished with toasted almonds and come in 6-inches and 9-inches.

Gluten-free deliciousness is right here in this bakery for a delicious chocolate cake!

Roasted!

11301 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, FL 33617

This unique shop is filled with imported Middle Eastern goods, including a wide selection of chocolates. Try the Arabic Ice Cream flavored chocolates or Raspberry Cheesecake filled chocolates. They also have a huge selection of dark and milk chocolate varieties and Turkish Delights.

Viktoria Richards Chocolates

4134 Little Road Grand, Trinity Plaza, New Port Richey, FL 34655

If you really want to impress your significant other on Valentine's Day, head to Viktoria's. Viktoria's artisan chocolates are almost too pretty to want to eat. Each flavor is handcrafted and takes two days to complete. The fillings are made with batches of Belgian chocolates and an assortment of purees. They're sculpted and painted in bright colors, from neon pink to iridescent.

Featured Image Credit: William Dean Chocolate

For dessert ideas check out: The Ultimate List of Dessert Spots in Tampa