Where to find the best hot chocolate in Melbourne

Hot chocolate is a completely different creature in winter. And these cafes 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.

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.

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 edge of each cup is topped with house made marshmallow fluff toasted to perfection. In goes a sweet biscuit sandwich. Then the final touch is a delicate shaving of 70 per cent dark chocolate.

Local Folk

A Kensington favourite, Local Folk serves brunchy goodness every day of the week. Order a hot or iced chocolate beverage, with your choice of milk. Soy, almond or lactose-free. Then decide on your breakfast, brunch, or lunch. A bowl of fresh fruit granola, or smashed avo on sourdough? Most local folk can’t go past the breaky gnocchi with mushrooms and halloumi.

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

Go boozy with your order and try Mabu Mabu - Big Esso's hot chocolate drink. It's sweetened with Seven Seasons bush honey and features a shot of wattleseed coffee liquor with steamed milk. There are also alternative milk options for all the vegans out there. And if you like the sound of that, pick up a take-home tin from the in-house shop at this Indigenous-owned business.

Black Star Pastry

The pastry legends at Melbourne's newest laneway cafe have dreamed up a cake-inspired hot chocolate. Black Star Pastry's hot choc mirage is every bit as decadent as the mirage cake. The smooth butterscotch flavour comes from a blend of Rooibos tea, caramel and Madagascan Manjari chocolate. It'd be rude not to double down with a slice of its namesake layered mousse cake.

Riverland Bar

Chilly Melbourne weather can only mean one thing. It's time for Riverland to bring back the OG boozy Milo cocktail. The indulgent hot bev comes with maple syrup, oat milk and a big swirl of cream. It's spiked with dark rum to warm you up from the inside out. Keep the toasty drinks coming with a boozy Biscoff cocktail and steaming cups of mulled wine.

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.

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. Their signature beverage is 73 per cent dark chocolate and milk giving it a rich and creamy flavour. Or mix it up with mocha, salted caramel, orange 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.

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.

Pidapipo

Melbourne's famous gelato shop is branching out with a gourmet hot chocolate. Make a beeline for Pidapipo in Carlton and order this velvety drink. It's made from rich 72% dark chocolate served with a scoop of fior di latte and marshmallow gelato. The final touch is a hazelnut croccante – a classic crunchy Italian sweet.

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.