Where to find the best hot chocolate in Melbourne

Hot chocolate is a completely different creature in winter. Save this list to take it to the next level.

Mörk Chocolate Brew House

Visit Mörk for an artisan cup of ethically sourced hot chocolate. Campfire is the star, recreating the nostalgia of a childhood bonfire. It comes complete with house-made marshmallows. Prefer to keep it simple? The chocolate makers are also brewing cups from 50 per cent cacao all the way up to a rich 100 per cent cacao drop! You can find Mörk all over the city including North Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market, Equitable Place and their newest store at Centre Place.

Le Petit Château

This French-inspired dessert house has brought the viral Parisian-style hot chocolate to Melbourne. It comes thick and rich, served in a glass rimmed with crushed biscuit and overflowing with silky whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce and marshmallows finish it off. Sip slowly, it’s dramatic and built for photo moments.

Sicilian hot chocolate

Try hot chocolate the Sicilian way at Cannoleria on Lygon Street. The perfect accompaniment to your crispy cannoli, the rich blend comes in two limited-edition flavours. Choose from dark chocolate and pistachio or white chocolate. There's even the option to add on a ricotta-lined cup for extra indulgence. Available from 18 June, for limited time only.

Rongcha

The dessert masters at Rongcha have gone all out and conjured up a winter beverage like no other. Introducing the s'more hot chocolate. The rim of each cup is topped with house made marshmallow fluff toasted to perfection. In goes crumbled fudge brownies and hot chocolate. It's then topped with a generous dollop of freshly-whipped cream.

Pidapipo

Melbourne's famous gelato shop is back with its gourmet hot chocolate. Make a beeline for Pidapipo in Carlton and Degraves Street and order this velvety drink. It's made with 70% dark chocolate and served with a scoop of fior di latte gelato and marshmallows. It's then topped with hazelnut brittle to add a bit of crunch.

Seven Seeds

One of Melbourne’s finest coffee roasters also happens to make superb hot chocolate. Seven Seeds’ version is made with ethically sourced vegan chocolate by Birdsnake. To make your own hot choc, pick up a pack of Birdsnake’s Ecuadorean drinking chocolate in store. Or, even simpler, a jar of their Strange Magic single-origin chocolate sauce. Just add a tablespoon to hot milk.

Chokolait

The Belgian hot chocolate from Chokolait will transport your taste buds to a winter wonderland. The chocoholics at the helm of this Royal Arcade spot can add cinnamon, chilli or mocha for extra flavour. For a jolt of pure chocolatey goodness, order a milk or dark hot shot. The rich bev comes served in a tall glass, thick enough to spoon up but still sippable.

Market Espresso

As the name suggests, coffee’s the specialty at Market Espresso. But you can also stop in for Melbourne-made hot chocolate. Their baristas’ own blend of hot chocolate packs a dark, 70 per cent cocoa punch. Or go for the lighter, creamier 40 per cent cocoa range. The kiosk-style cafe is in L Shed at Queen Victoria Market.

Heartattack and Vine

Friendly neighbourhood spot Heartattack and Vine is one of Carlton’s quiet achievers. The vibe is relaxed European, with the focus on warmth and hospitality. Their Spanish hot chocolate is made with house-made ganache and chilli orange syrup. It’s an absolute winner. To add a touch of France, enjoy with an almond croissant from Noisette.

Bowery to Williamsburg

Bowery to Williamsburg offers a ‘coco deluxe hot chocolate’. But don’t come expecting glamour at this New York–style cafe. Hot chocolates are served in NYC deli takeaway cups. It’s the perfect partner for a NYC-style pastrami on rye or slice of cheesecake. Want something different? Try their peanut butter hot chocolate, boosted with Reese’s famous Peanut Butter Cups.

Koko Black

You’re spoiled for hot chocolate choice at Koko Black’s flagship store in Royal Arcade. The signature beverage is 54 per cent dark chocolate, cream and milk, giving it a rich flavour. Or mix it up with mocha, salted caramel, chai or chilli variations, with your choice of milk. For hot choc on the go, grab a takeaway from the kiosk outside the Town Hall store on Swanston Street.

Parco

One of Melbourne’s cutest drinks-to-go spots is Parco. It’s a tiny kiosk on Argyle Place in Carlton, and hot chocolate here is by Koko Deluxe. A silky-smooth mix of West African cocoa powder and Aussie cane sugar, it’s vegan and gluten free. Opt for soy or almond milk, and it’s basically a health food. Plus, it’s specially made for cooler weather.