Your guide to the best chocolate spots in Edinburgh

Those seeking the very finest chocolate experience should visit one of the capital’s Michelin-starred (and four AA Rosette) establishments. This Leith-based landmark on the dining scene is all about fusing modern European food with traditional French techniques and top local ingredients.

Some of Martin’s favourite delicacies include bitter chocolate fudge, chocolate tart with creme Chantilly, malt chocolate mousse with hazelnut praline and banana ice cream, cherry and chocolate tart, Valrhona caramelia chocolate and Valrhona Manjari chocolate (in case you’re wondering, Valrhona is a premium French chocolatier based in the small town of Tain-l’Hermitage in the wine producing region of Hermitage). The tasting menus all come with petit fours too; but be warned, they’ll look almost too good to eat.

What’s an Italian restaurant doing on a list of the best places for chocolate, you may rightly ask. Well, although Contini is best known as a family-owned trattoria, serving multiple courses of hearty fare prepared using ingredients from the brand’s kitchen garden, it is also a hub for creative chocolatey dishes.

Take a seat set in the 19th-century banking hall and order a Sorbetto Al Cioccolato (70% cocoa dark chocolate homemade sorbet), or a Torta Cioccolato (70% cocoa torta served with Katy Rodger’s creme fraiche and raspberry summer rose essence coulis made using fruit from Contini’s own veg patch), with a Negroni Cioccolato cocktail (made using Edinburgh Classic Gin, Punt e Mes, Campari and chocolate liqueur). And as they use such a high percentage of cocoa in their choccie puds, you’ll actually be doing your body a favour by partaking — darker varieties are packed with antioxidants, contributing to better heart health.

While on the hunt for the best chocolate spots in town, we’ve learned that sometimes the most delicious chocolate dessert can’t be found among sweet treats in a bakery but is often a hidden gem at a restaurant. Prestonfield House is a stylish and magical venue located away from the bustle of the city featuring historic public rooms where guests can enjoy a drink on the grass.

Apart from the peacefulness of the surroundings, what impressed us the most was the Afternoon Tea experience with a range of savoury and sweet treats. The highlight was the Earl Grey and chocolate orange gateau, ideal for those who crave chocolate but don’t want the flavour to be overpowering. But if you find yourself wanting more after you’ve finished your portion, you can always try their luxurious hot chocolate. Prestonfield House is also a great destination for a weekend away if you want to enjoy the peace a little longer. 

With how imaginative chocolate desserts are these days, hot chocolate is now criminally underrated. It’s true that it’s hard to get it right (no one wants a watery chocolate drink) but luckily Edinburgh boasts a lot of places that can itch that scratch. One of them is the Fruit Market, a contemporary art space with a bookshop and a cosy café where you can enjoy your favourite hot drink.

Their hot chocolate recipe is simple yet tasty and can be made with plant-based milk if you’re lactose-intolerant. You won’t find any fancy toppings here but there’s something relaxing about pairing a sweet treat with looking at the latest art exhibition. If you get hungry while exploring, you can always go back for one of the grilled sandwiches or soup of the day and another round of hot chocolate, of course.

The first thing we noticed and immediately liked about the Willow Tea Rooms was that the venue is located in the Old Town area. If you crave sugar a drive to the city centre might be worth it but it’s nice to take advantage of the trip and combine it with roaming the streets too (especially if they’re as beautiful as Edinburgh streets).

You could visit the Edinburgh Castle in the morning, walk around the area, then make your way to the venue for Afternoon Tea. Served from 12 pm, the classic meal includes a selection of savoury sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, homemade shortbread and a choice of cake. Chocolate lovers will be satisfied with a perfectly chocolaty cake and a chocolate brownie. There’s also Rocky Road made of milk chocolate. Yum.