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 chocolate 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.
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.
GateauOChocolate
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 rain forest alliance. The cakes are finished with toasted almonds and comes in 6-inches and 9-inches.
Gluten-free deliciousness is right here in this bakery for a delicious chocolate cake!
Featured Image Credit: William Dean Chocolate
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