During the holiday season, that kind of just passed, I could not escape IG reels that romanticized the power of hot chocolate. Apparently, it can be so rich and thick (European Style) that it is part healing warmth and the other part just wildly delicious. So I decided to go ahead and find a cup of thick, and rich cocoa to hit me with holiday splendor, the kind that can re-assemble Frosty after his final melt. My friend Conrad and I were the duo who ventured to ChocoVivo to try chocolate, on chocolate, on chocolate, with some water on the side. ChocoVivo is in Culver City. The place itself is on Washington Blvd amidst some bars, and eateries. This place lends itself to be a dessert spot, an experience for chocolate lovers and those who are not, and anyone who just wants to experience the taste of chocolate in-depth and in odd luxury. As soon, as I entered, I made a beeline for the counter. I was overwhelmed with all the chocolatey choices: pastries, drinks, squares, with the list continuing exhaustively, it even included a chocolate skull that might serve better as decoration than a treat. I excused myself and went to use the restroom, I dared not ask questions to understand my options, when my bladder was full. I might make rash decisions, due to my inability to focus. And with so many options in front of me, I wanted to sample what was right and balanced for me. I wanted to sample chocolate, I just did not just want to taste chocolate. My trip to the facilities was a small adventure in itself. I passed a room with a man working on his laptop. But the room, seemed to be, like a Sultan's rest-room. It had pillows, hanging lamps, and a cream like colored that reminded me of sun-kissed sand. I clipped the room. There is a Minion (from Illumination fame) chilling in one of the couches. Another picture shows, a fishing net (maybe) with make-shift clouds pouring out of it, also leafs and butterflies. It seemed to be the remains of a shipwreck but it also held decorations that could have made the space more beautiful. I believe, and I could be wrong, of course, that this room used to be functional. A place to lounge, and see beauty, while enjoying chocolate. Now it was a forgotten room, whose purpose never fulfilled, and thus had stuff scattered around. I am sure, everyone can relate to that feeling, of getting stuff for an imagined room that never quite materializes and thus the room becomes storage, more than anything. Kondo deliver us! After, I came to the cashier, I ordered a hot chocolate. Conrad made a point, that the hot chocolate I ordered was not the European sipping hot chocolate that I had talked about on our car ride there. He then. made a point, that I should read a menu and then ask questions. I ask questions, as I read the menu. I eventually, ordered two hot chocolates, (one for him and one for me) and then we sampled 12 chocolate squares--- a sampler. The total was close to 60.00 dollars so this is an experience that is not going to the local mart and buying a Hershey's bar. The 12 chocolate samples were just great and enough, there were bigger samples, which I considered buying, but the price deterred me. The one that I got was super appropriate for both of us, by the end I was enjoying slightly by force, I mustered the strength to finish the half marathon. The full marathon would have tapped me out. The samples came with a card. Conrad was the one who was consulting the card, so we could not what chocolate we ate. It was truly fun, to be with someone who read of the information of the card, and then we tried to identify the taste as the card described. I wish I would have taken a picture of the card, but honestly, I am more of a determine by taste taster than a person who wants to be informed of what he is tasting, to know what he is tasting. I do remember the worst tasting chocolate we tasted--- it had black tea infused into it, I do not remember its cacao percentage, each chocolate had a cacao percentage. The hire the percentage, the sweeter the chocolate. The black tea had this earthy and tea taste that was profound. I guess imagine tasting. a black tea without sugar that is kind of the taste I struggled with. I am glad I tasted this chocolate, however, because it was part of the whole experience. I did not drive to the beach and endure a pothole, I drove to the beach and was both intrigued and jolted by the bounce that the pothole produced. Some chocolates I really enjoyed, the hot chocolate was goodness in a cup. The chocolate sampler also came with an espresso that was split into two cups. I was provided a knife to cut each chocolate. I put the knife in the center with one arm, and use the other hand to pierce the chocolate. My halfs were not perfect. Sometimes Conrad got the bigger half square, sometimes I did. I annotate all this so one knows that when you visit ChocoVivo you will need to work, if you want to split those chocolates, but the work was part of the fun! read more

See all

Came here with a friend for the first time-what a nice little gem of a place, particularly if your a chocolate lover-like most are. Here you will have the opportunity to both test, buy, and indulge in various types of chocolate of high quality and within the upper range of cacao levels, all the while enjoying an espresso, American coffee, and or another type of your favorite hot beverage. This is all done in a nice little quaint spot that only has a few seats to pull up and plop down in-so know that in advance CSA or Customer Service All Star Mocha was on hand to show my guest and I the ropes, recommend a few of his favorites, blend our drinks, and do it all with a smile....would highly recommend. read more

See all

What a hidden gem that deserves and needs more hype! Quality chocolate served here in many forms, with lots of tastings including chocolate or hot chocolates or cooke flights. We got their chocolate chip cookies and omg they were incredible. I really loved the brown butter salted but the Mayan chocolate chip was SO good. It had "spice" but in those warming spices. I can't wait to come back here it was so delicious and great for any chocolate lovers. read more

ChocoVivo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Highly recommend the standard. Perfect balance of sweet and bitter. Peaceful ambiance with lovely tunes. Served with a smile! Will be back. read more

Hi. My name is Jeff and I'm a chocoholic Hi Jeff I have no desire to beat this problem. I revel in it. I went to ChocoVivo with one goal-to experience a chocolate coma. I was successful. We had a half-flight of chocolate pieces (which came with an espresso and a wonderful explanation of each bite). The selection gradually grew in sweetness (with one piece containing some hot peppers). This was as close as I could come to becoming a chocolate expert. Each piece offered different flavors and cocoa levels. I was abuzz. Oh, and we had liquid chocolate, a drink I miss from Spain. That was fabulous. They offer tours of their facilities. They grow their own chocolate beans. This place is amazing. read more

ChocoVivo - A brief history of dark chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Still on the hunt for authentic European-style hot chocolate. I had high hopes for this place since they advertised it as European hot chocolate, but it wasn't quite what I expected. I ordered the sipping chocolate, and while it was a richer, more bitter version of regular hot chocolate, it lacked the smooth, thick consistency that defines true European style hot chocolate. American hot chocolate tends to be more watery, and this fell somewhere in between. Even though it wasn't what I was looking for, it was still a great experience. This is a unique, specialized chocolate shop, and I'd recommend it to any chocolate lover. read more

See all

At least for the drinks and cookies, ChocoVivo is pretty solid. European hot chocolate and regular hot chocolates have a reasonable set of choices, and the cookies we had were served hot and loaded with chocolate chunks. Service is friendly, at least given how late in the day we arrived, and the decor is best described as homey. They had the windows open at the front, which was both welcoming but a bit chilly in the fall if you were to sit by them-- the actual establishment was quite comfortable, just the window area that was a bit drafty. read more

Wow the taste of chocolate and the richness of such a simple ice hot chocolate! Next level! Definitely coming back for more in the future! The ambiance is just picture perfect for some chocolate cravings! Service is right on point as well! read more

Did the chocolate tasting. It was delicious and so much fun. Micah and the owner were so passionate and knowledgeable about chocolate that you couldn't help but lean in. A great experience to have with friends. Always amazed at how these secret gems are scattered throughout Culver. HIGHLY recommend the tea-infused chocolates. Will def return to pick those up :) read more

Stumbled upon this cute chocolate and coffee cafe while waiting for my car to be washed down the street. Cozy and charming inside - perfect place to read a book or get some work done with a yummy drink and snack. Friendly service as well. Will be back! read more

ChocoVivo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

OMG what a special little gem in LA. I can't ever compare to any other stores that serve high end chocolate like this. In this little shop you'll be able to order coffee, tea, and a mix of drinks. Of the options available, I always opt for the standard hot chocolate. Have you ever sipped something and your first reaction was Oh My God? Well this hot chocolate did that for me. I got the standard 60% sweetness and it was perfect, not too sweet with a hint of chocolatey sweetness. I say yes it's a bit pricey but so worth it as a sipping drink. I will definitely be back next time to get my hot chocolate fix. read more

If you have never try the amazing cacao, this is your chance. The owner is really busy at peak time but if you could catch her, she's full of knowledge when it comes to cacao. Cacao promotes the growth of stem cells! Watch this clip https://www.facebook.com/reel/1985559468606465?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e read more

ChocoVivo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The chocolate they make here out of this world and rivals juggernauts such as Lindt and Ghirardelli. These chocolataires make their own chocolate right from the cacao bean using ancient cacao cultivation that has brought many jobs and is operated by women. Yay girl power! My favorite part about their pastries are their chocolate chip cookies. I feel that these cookies are special as I can taste the love and effort they put into their cookies. The Mayan dark chocolate cookie is unique because while it is bittersweet, the flavor of the cookie itself makes it enjoyable especially with a cup of milk on the side. While I always come here for the cookies, I'm certain that other desserts they have here will knock your socks off! The ambiance of the place is beautiful as they have an area where you can sit and enjoy the sights of passing cars. More so, this place is furnished as if you are out in the jungle farming for cacao beans. If you are ever making your way to visit this delightful location, please look for metered parking and be forewarned that there is a sitting fee to eat your dessert. read more

I came out of my way to have the cappuccino with the toasted marshmallow but they were out of marshmallows so I was a little disappointed. I really liked the coffee quality. The two girls working were super helpful and friendly. read more

Odd hours and unfriendly and cold. Reached out several times and received poor response regarding online order pickup

I want to start by saying what an amazing person Patricia the owner and creatress of this gem in Mar Vista is! Not only has she created a yummy experience that is unique to anything in the area, she also has thoughtfully and lovingly curated products that inspire love, togetherness, and healing of the heart and mind,... no matter the occasion!!!! Patricia's warmth and integrity to provide the highest quality experience at Choco Vivo, is truly the flavor of every delicious sip of warm caco!! Thank you for creating such an extraordinary experience for me, I can't wait to return with all my friends! read more

Delicious and cozy! Kind employee!! Thank you my bestie and I shared a hot chocolate and we enjoyed it so much. read more

ChocoVivo - Hot chocolate!!! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I used to come here a bunch and although the hot chocolate was good, I was perturbed by one associate in particular. He was a tall black guy and he was really rude- he served me a bunch of times, 5-6. Not only was he rude but his fingernails were SO DIRTY. I don't know if he still works there but man he sucked and now when I think of their mayan hot chocolate I think of dirty fingernails. Probably why I don't go back. read more

had the salted brown butter chocolate chip cookies and the dark fudge brownie cookies, both were super delicious and pretty big too, so it's worth its price point at $6.50 each. this placed seemed like a cool, cozy desert spot. definitely coming back here to treat myself again, and want to try their hot chocolates read more

ChocoVivo - Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

When caught on the Westside during a rain storm the only thing I wanted was a hot chocolate-- how lucky for me that ChocoVivo was right down the street! What's unique about this spot is that they make their drinks with their own house-made chocolate bars (all of which are vegan!) so when ordering you follow the steps of choosing a style of drink (hot chocolate, sipping chocolate, mocha, etc;), picking your base milk (whole, almond, oat) and then finishing by selecting which of their chocolate you'd like. As a newcomer this process was a tiny bit confusing for me (I had to clarify which chocolate I should get if I like my drinks especially sweet!) but the cashier directed me toward their 65% cacao bar which I found to perfectly satiate my sweet tooth. The store is very cozy and we luckily found a seat right away, but there were only two tables and a small bar area to choose from for seating, so I could foresee it being difficult to dine-in under different circumstances. That being said, there was a curtain drawn in the middle of the cafe which hid additional seating behind it, so I wonder if they occasionally open up this area to customers during peak hours. When all was said and done I spent around ~$11 on my hot chocolate, which is a little pricey for the amount that you receive but I see this as a once-in-a-while treat-- so it was ultimately worth it to me. I'd happily come back if I found myself in the area again! read more

ChocoVivo - Sipping Chocolate & Hot Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I've been there 6 or 7 times in the past year and they are wonderful! The Mayan Sipping chocolate is my go-to, but the cookies are amazing as well Very sweet staff and good community feel. Can't wait to go to one of their events! read more

I love the chocolate drinks from here but not so much their chocolate bars. They're a bit grainy to me. I lean towards the 90% but I normally like savory foods over sweets. I've had their chocolate pizza with pepperoni and it's interesting but I wouldn't get it again. read more

This is one of my hidden gems. I appreciate their hours for a cafe that's open past the afternoon. I also love that they specialize in cacao, legit dark rich chocolate drinks! I came here recently to study a bit and I found a spot with an outlet, which was a bonus on top of my sipping hot chocolate. I also am a fan of their Mayan hot chocolate. It tastes sooo authentic and comforting, the chile pieces really makes a difference. It's not spicy, it's just right, kind of resembles like champurrado. Indoors is lovely as well, I love the vibe it's peaceful read more

See all

Came here on a Saturday night and it wasn't crazy busy but all the indoor seating was taken. There's not many places to sit if you're planning to dine in as it's a small but mighty restaurant. The vibe was super cozy and fun but the service wasn't great and I wish we got the spectacular service everyone else is raving about. Although the service was lackluster, the cookies for the flight were delicious and freshly baked!! We enjoyed our warm cookies and ordered a small glass of milk. While the prices are steep, the chocolate is definitely yummy. I'd come back to get an actual hot-hot chocolate. read more

See all

Incredible chocolates! Thanks to Marc of AndSons Chocolatiers for directing us to check out ChocoVivo! Walking into the shop is like walking into an alternate reality. The decorations surround you in a greenhouse like environment from the ceiling strewn with leafy foliage to the hippie words lettered on the wall. In the corner there's a paper tree strung with love notes from past clients. Around the shop, products range from the main attractions- chocolate drinks of every kind and chocolate tasting flights, to butters and bars and a fridge full of natural beauty and wellness products and even more edible treats. Prices are reasonable and range a wide amount. In the front, they have a $85 slab of chocolate infused honeycomb, but on the menu you can get a full chocolate flight of $15 for 15 pieces. We tried the Mayan Tradition hot chocolate, the frozen hot chocolate, the Secret (a not-at-all bubbly but refreshingly tart drink that is either wrongly advertised as bubbly or is just wrongly made when we got it), the filled chocolate churros, as well as a flight of tasting chocolates and a special edition limited Lavendar and Blueberries 70% chocolate bar to go. Sitting in the shop is a calming experience, and there's even a guy randomly playing the flute outside the shop who may or may not be a store employee or just a random unaffiliated human being outside. Either way, if you're looking for delicious stone-ground chocolate from Tabasco, MX then this is your shop. The stone-ground texture isn't as strong as the tezture of the ones I've had in Oaxaca, but I appreciate that, If you like your chocolates dark, I highly recommend ChocoVivo. Shout-out to the store emp (tall guy in green jacket with stylish updo) for a delicious hot chocolate and for mixing it with 100% dark when I asked for a darker version of Mayan Tradition! The store owner was very methodical and efficient with preparing our to-go chocolate flight, which we appreciated as well. Thanks ChocoVivo! read more

See all

The best coco in town -- pure, rich, and effortlessly elegant. A sip of luxury in every cup.

This place is such a hidden gem. It is literally 12 minutes from my place and I didn't find out about this place until 3 years after. As a huge chocolate person, this place is chocolate heaven to me! It's got array of dark chocolate that goes all the way to 100%! They make their chocolate in house too! Very authentic and delicious. Starting with the menu offering, superb and unique. They have the coffee, the hot chocolate, and most important the special set of chocolate square tasting from lighter to darker percentage with interesting flavors. I went with bittersweet mocha: 80% dark, and it was subtly sweet and perfectly balanced. Though, it kind of got little too dense half way through my drink haha. No surprising there. My girlfriend bittersweet hot chocolate. If you are looking to order a 3 piece tasting or other tasting, there will be a separate menu for that. It has all the different type of chocolate offering. I cannot remember exactly the 3, but Mayan tradition was one and the other one was a "surprise me" choice. And the tasting was pretty much from 50% dark to 85 % dark. And the amazing staff who helped us was Francisco. He took his time to educate us about the menu and the chocolate. And we had a blast learning it! We will definitely coming back for other options in the future! read more

See all

We had the chocolate tasting experience and it was out of this world. I've never tasted chocolate like this before. The cookie flight was also delicious. This place is an absolute gem. Please support it. read more

The hot chocolate was really good, definitely worth the drive! It was very rich & not too sweet. My husband got the Sipping Chocolate (European Style Hot Chocolate) with Oat Milk, & 75% Cacao. I got the traditional Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk & 75% Cacao. Honestly both were delicious. The European Style was more of a melted liquid chocolate to drink, thick & rich. The Hot Chocolate was your traditional Hot Chocolate but rich in flavor & not too sweet. Service was great. There was only one girl working & even though it was a little of a wait time it ultimately worth the wait. Nothing is premade. Ambiance was lively. read more

ChocoVivo - They offer a variety of Chocolate products, all handmade. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fresh made chocolate from raw cocoa beans. They have some lighter chocolate which is also really delicious but the dark chocolate is their specialty. There is also a variety of sample choices where you can sample several different flavors and strengths of chocolate. A very fun and tasty experience for all. read more

Wonderful selection of chocolates, exotic cookies, and chocolate beverages (and much more -see their menu)! A truly delicious experience. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. In the meantime, I took home some 80% drinking chocolate in "chocolate disc form". I can't wait to make up a batch! read more

The hot cocoa here is off the chain, and the cookies are fantabulous. The ambiance has a chill vibe to it, and the owner of this place is super cool. read more

ChocoVivo - Hot cocoa at 60% with cinnamon and a big chocolate chip cookie - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wow! Cacao! Wow! I was stunned when I went into Chocovivo! Patricia immediately asked if I needed help and she gave me a nanotour and lesson on cacao beans and chocolate. The tiny space was packed full of displays of chocolate culture and the hand crafted process of making chocolate. They have a direct connection to a farm in Tabasco, Mexico where they source all of their beans. I ended up with 7 types of chocolate. The chocolate that ranged from 65-75%, and included the Heirloom Criollo White Cacao Bar, Mexican Vanilla Bean, Hazelnut and Sea Salt, Mac Nut and Coconut. I also purchased the Cherries, Almonds, and Peppercorn, and the Ugandan Chocolate with Vanilla and Black Sea Salt. Oh. My. Goodness! Chocovivo has special beautifully made vessels to sip your hot chocolate concoction, crystals, books, cacao bean jewelry, decadent desserts to consume on site (a la mode if you wish) and nut butters mixed with cacao. They also stock bulk cocoa butter, cacao nibs, and fancy 89% chocolate chips. There is even CBD cacao oil and beer or port with chocolate! I plan to come back when she restarts on-site classes. Thank you Patricia for the education and delectable delicacies! read more

See all

Amazing!!!! I love this place. Some of the best chocolate milk i've ever enjoyed. We ordered a cold brew and an iced hot chocolate without the ice. I got a 70% cocoa and whole milk. It was delish!! Cute little shop with street parking a couple of outdoor tables and a nice, clean restroom. The service was friendly and quick. The cold brew was tasty as well!! read more

See all

First time being in a legit, artisanal chocolate place rather than buying chocolate bars from the gas station. Pretty chill ambiance. There are a few high stools to sit at inside and a few more seating options out front. I highly recommend buying a beverage and just chilling outside. The churros were delicious but I wish I bought the extra side of chocolate sauce. The chocolate filling already inside was adequate but I have a sweet tooth for good choco! read more

ChocoVivo - Chocolate Churro Bites filled with Dark Chocolate with Hot Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

love the ambiance and the cookies are yummy! The hot chocolate is super good as well must try! read more

ChocoVivo - best Hot Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Some of the chocolate is pretty good and it is a pretty cool little place. If you order the chocolate flight, though, you will be absolutely gobsmacked at how little you get for how much money you spend. You know those Mr. Goodbar mini-bars you used to get at Halloween? About two mini-Goodbars' worth of chocolate is $15. Holy hell. read more

Came on a rainy night to get some coffee. It's a small space but great space. The chocolate was delicious and the coffee good too. A bit bitter without the chocolate but if you'd like to sweeten it more they do have sweeteners on the side you can put in. read more

We got the sipping chocolate, which was like a really rich hot chocolate and the cookie flight, which they baked right after ordering! The smell was amazing. The place was also very cute and cozy. Definitely will be back for the sipping chocolate! read more

ChocoVivo - A Set of Cookies - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Best sipping chocolate in the SoCal region (Especially the European Style). Got the 75% Cacao with hot water. It had any amazing thick and creamy texture (Soooo Yummm).. Could get one of these everyday :) Also found some interesting craft chocolate bars in the cafe/store. Grabbed one of them with lavender and blueberries also (Very different texture .. its more sandy and raw but very good). I'll def swing by when I drive up to LA/Culver City for more sips of incredible goodness !! read more

See all