Updated February 3, 2023. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking sweet. Enjoy these five chocolate shops with some of the tastiest treats in Northern Virginia.
Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates
Local business Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates is the first enterprise of the nonprofit foundation Every1 Can Work. Every1 Can Work was created to provide permanent employment opportunities for young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Nearly 85 percent of young adults with cognitive disabilities are unemployed, but not unemployable. The chocolate is divine, particularly the chocolate-covered Oreo pops, chocolate marshmallow pops, and solid-chocolate heart pops. Pair them with a cup of Cameron’s delicious private-blend coffee for a sweet treat. 9639 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Potomac Chocolate
Venture down to Occoquan to taste incredible chocolate that melts in your mouth. Potomac Chocolate, based in Woodbridge, was founded in 2010 as the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the DC-Metro area. With Valentine’s Day coming up, you’ll want to get your honey a Potomac Chocolate’s “Milk & Cookies Bar,” spiced with flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and more. Chocolatier Ben Rasmussen bakes speculaas cookies from scratch, and then crumbles them into the milk chocolate. Yum! 304 Mill St., Occoquan
Cocoa Vienna
Co-owners Sam Aboulhosn and Staci Meruvia are native Northern Virginians. Aboulhosn has been in the chocolate industry for nearly 20 years. They have owned owned three different chocolate shops in the DC area. Meruvia was previously a flight attendant and is happy to be pursuing her dream of owning a local business. Their chocolate is unbelievable — in addition to their truffles, ganache, and fruits and nuts candies, they have over 1,000 molds to create the perfect gift for your loved one. 120 Church St. NE, Vienna
Artisan Confections
Artisan Confection’s handmade chocolates are almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll manage. The chocolates are made with the best ingredients — both locally, like organic mint grown on a Maryland farm, and internationally, like decadent French Valrhona chocolate. There are truffles for every taste, from strawberries and cream, to a Nutella crunch, to a black cherry version dipped in dark chocolate. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Ste. H, Arlington
River-Sea Chocolates
With a shop full of truffles, hot chocolates bombs, and chocolate bars, you are sure to find the perfect chocolate treat for your loved one at River-Sea Chocolates. If you’re looking for an extra special Valentine’s Day treat, preorder a box of chocolate covered strawberries, covered with organic dark chocolate, creamy milk chocolate, and real white chocolate. 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 100, Chantilly
This story was first published on February 7, 2022.
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Food newsletter.