Fresh rich chocolate with creative fruit blends also large blocks with whole hazelnuts were excellent

Okay, so there are two chocolate shops in Union Station - Läderach and Neuhaus Chocolates. Läderach wins! Läderach offers Swiss chocolates while Nehaus does Belgian. I thought I liked Belgian chocolate more (I'm a dark chocolate lover), but the creamy Swiss chocolate at Läderach cannot be denied. Läderach is my go-to chocolate shop to grab some festive holiday goodies - whether it's heart-shaped chocolate for Valentine's Day, chocolate bunnies for Easter, or a chocolate reindeer or angel for Christmas, Läderach offers a great selection for every occasion. This is premium chocolate, so it is pricey. The prices in the shop are the same prices as online. I do wish they had some kind of rewards/loyalty program, but I'm already a repeat customer without it. Nine times out of 10, there's a staff member standing outside the shop with a smile and a giant tray of samples to lure you in. Their chocolate hazelnut slab is smooth, rich, and delicious, and it has that perfect crunch from the nuts. Once you give them a try, you'll know what they're all about and will keep coming back for more! read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - Chocolate bunnies - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This candy story is located in Union Train station. The staff was very friendly. The hazelnut candy was amazing. I can't wait to go back and get more read more

See all

We visited Laderach while visiting Geneva, Switzerland a little while back. When we saw this spot in DC, we had to stop! There was a bit of nostalgia for us. The staff was supremely friendly and offered samples just like in Geneva. The chocolate is high quality and delicious. Overall, we had a great experience which furthered our love and memories from this chocolatier. read more

See all

Chocolate is my vice. Walking past this Swiss chocolate shop in Union Station when they were giving out free samples, got me. The caramelized hazelnut chocolate sample was so big. I ended up buying more and have no regrets. It's pricey, but worth it if you love creamy chocolate. read more

Rich taste! [Washington D.C.] When I see a chocolate shop I tend to look immediately for their milk chocolate peanut clusters. But wait! what are these beautiful chocolates presented as delightful slabs? Anyway, when I didn't notice any I asked the gal behind the counter if they offered it. So these are "gourmet Swiss chocolates with carefully sourced, quality ingredients and is synonymous with creativity and a unique taste experience." These aren't cheap. I had a sampling of the FrischSchoggi Hazelnut Dark Chocolate -- dark chocolate blended with large roasted and caramelized hazelnuts and it was divine! I ended up purchasing a small bark that I shared with the hubby. Made in Switzerland. Review #3656 read more

See all

Tasty chocolate store in Union Station. The staff is very helpful and friendly. It's a great place to get a host gift if you're visiting or staying with someone. read more

See all

Can you imagine a place described as "Chocolate Heaven"? This is as close as one can get! I highly recommend a visit and then another. The staff are knowledgeable, very friendly and helpful. read more

See all

I learned a little something over the last three weeks about myself. I'm a chocolate LOVER! While getting steps in at Union Station this girl got a craving for chocolate. I just knew that I'd find a place in Union Station. Not only did I find a place but I found two fine chocolate shops. In fear of having to share this chocolate, I deliberately didn't check in. I had to try because of course, I'm the chocolate monster of the DMV. (My baby says I'll give up my kidney before my chocolate.) All I can say is, I love it here! I'll be back. Babe if you're reading this, I ate it all even before getting to the office. I'll share next time. It's that good! read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

For some eye-popping chocolate watch the window at Laderach. Pieces of beautiful chocolate sit tempting and beckoning you to enter. The bark is $15.99 per lb. and the chocolate is smooth and really fine. They give out samples and I didn't hesitate when asked if I wanted to try any! YOU BETCHA! Gimme the whole tray!!! I tried the dark chocolate with hazelnuts. The hazelnuts were roasted and fresh. No rancid nuts and chocolate rich and smooth. I took a piece of dark chocolate with pistachios to go and it set me back $8.99. The lady told me the chocolate would not melt if I just wrapped it and kept it out of the sun. I was able to bring it safely home like a precious treasure without incident. read more

See all

Sherry was a great! She took her time explaining textures and flavors of all the items that peaked my interest. She also gave some wonderful recommendations to try. Great overall Experience! read more

Very pleased with the abundant nondairy offerings and helpful customer service. Purchased a gift to take home for the family!

The atmosphere welcoming very clean, polite staff.Sherry was amazing , knowledgeable and had great recommendations.

I went in to make a small purchase for someone. Brittany helped me. She was so sweet and made great recommendations, I ended up purchasing a few pieces for myself as well. The chocolate is delicious- I recommend. read more

Been wanting to try this since I came back from Switzerland. Apparently this brand is an upper end choice in Switzerland so I was curious to try it as even the supermarket store brands of Swiss chocolate are amazing. It's located in Union Station a few storefronts down from Neuhaus Belgian chocolatiers ironically. They sell their chocolate in two ways, prepackaged portions or by weight from slabs of chocolate. This takes a bit of getting used to as most people aren't used to buying chocolate this way. This is also not cheap chocolate so you can ask the staff for recommendations on how much of a portion to get or just try one of the prepacked options if you're unsure. They have dozens of different chocolate types to try. I went with some slab chocolate with cornflakes inside as this was my favorite type from Switzerland. They didn't disappoint and bought back many memories. They have the more conventional things such as chocolate with hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, etc also This is pricey chocolate and thus is a treat for me. But I will be seeking them out when passing through Union Station. Definitely check this place out. read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - Guilty pleasure and memories of Switzerland. Chocolate covered corn flakes. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've visited this chocolate shop twice and on both occasions have had a superb experience. I think a couple of the ratings here focus on something that isn't Laderach's fault - the business doors are open format so anything scurrying around Union Station will affect businesses there. That being said, the space is kept clean and there are immense varieties of chocolate and truffles. Mark my words when I say there is no chocolate better than Laderach's milk chocolate. I waited for years for Laderach to enter the US market after having the fortunate privilege of a coworker bringing a few pieces of their chocolate back from Switzerland once. They do have variety packs of their chocolates, but I do wish there were more plain variety packs just because I crave the milk chocolate more than anything. If you're looking for a "deal" so you don't spend $40 in one pop, they have smaller milk chocolate bars for around $6 which are just a couple ounces and are great small gifts for friends (if you don't eat it all first!). I am currently on the train with the chocolate and have started ravaging my purchase...so fewer friends will get chocolate from me because it's just way too delicious to wait. Beware of your self control around their chocolate! Also small thing but the cashier/shop woman was delightful today. read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - Milk chocolate bar - the bar is serrated for easy breakage - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

First came across Läderach chocolate on a trip to Zurich and I am so glad they have a shop in DC. Though I live in Chicago, I always make it a point to visit their Union Station location. Same quality chocolate, in many formulations and flavors, and same friendliness from the staff. read more

MMMM Delicious chocolate. Premium prices for premium chocolate. Well worth a treat or present. read more

Hand made Swiss chocolate shop inside of Union Station (main level). Good selection to satisfy any taste. Absolutely delicious. Last time I tried the same taste was in Geneva. We tried the white chocolate with pistachios and almonds, and milk chocolate with caramelized hazelnuts. Both are divine! Quite pricy though. But worth every penny ( and is cheaper than a plane ticket to Geneva) read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - White with pistachios &almonds, milk w/hazelnuts - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Quality chocolate - my goodness. Whenever I'm in DC to visit my boyfriend, I will ALWAYS make a stop by when they're open. I know it's a little overwhelming in the shop, definitely try the bars first - they're more to the back. The milk chocolate is my absolute favorite. I've purchased the variety packs as gifts, but I wish there were more plain varieties. I see reviews referencing rude staff but they're always helpful and sweet to me when I've visited! read more

If you're in Union Station and catch the gorgeous Laderach store-front, and wonder to yourself "is this chocolate as good as it looks and worth what it costs?" The answer is YES! So so so so good and so wonderful to look at too! And please prepare for sticker shock, but still so so so so so good (and absolutely gorgeous) Also, a shout-out to the gentleman working there alone on Saturday afternoon, April 15, 2023. What a lovely, helpful, knowledgable employee. The company is lucky to have him. After we dug into our treats later at home, it was clear he knew exactly what he was talking about and steered us in the right direction(s)! read more

I missed my train and needed some chocolate to make me feel better. The service was excellent and the chocolate Florentine was delicious. Thankful it's right in Union Station! read more

Thank you, Mr. Franklin, for most excellent and courteous service in selecting and gift wrapping a box of Easter chocolate. read more

Läderach chocolatier suisse - Chocolate Easter Bunnies - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

If only 0 stars were an option...today, I share a tale of not so subtle discrimination at the intersection of race and perceived class in your candy store. This incident occurred December 31, 2023 at approximately 1:15pm I was walking through Union Station and decided to stop at Läderach to pick up some of my favorite chocolates. I was VERY casually dressed as I was coming from my yoga class. I walked into the store and there were THREE shopkeeps working. Two were making idle chatter behind the counter and one (I presume to be the manager) was helping an older couple. With the exception of one customer, the other folks that were in the store before me had left. That customer is now being rang up by the 2nd male shopkeep. The 3rd shopkeep, a female, is still behind the counter. I've yet to be acknowledged. I am standing to the right of the couple that the middle-aged African-American manager is assisting. He sees me and looks away. He then motions to his other two colleagues and then looks at me as if I'm about to attempt to rob you all for your chocolate candy. The female shopkeep suddenly comes busting out onto the floor. But not to help me rather to watch me. She still doesn't acknowledge me or ask if I need help. The 2nd male shopkeep just finished with his customer and so I walk up to his register and he LITERALLY walks away and out onto the floor to join his female colleague for more idle chatter. I had to say "excuse me" to him several times to get his attention and to alert him that I would like to make a purchase. It was a highly uncomfortable experience. One that I find especially insulting. This incident has caused me to pause and think about how not just race but also how one appears to be of a certain class because of hair texture, clothing, and other attributes can provide certain privileges, or not, in social settings. This is the same store that I have been in on multiple visits during my work hours and while I was dressed in business attire. During those times, I've not been treated this way. Today I was not in a suit, my locs were not neatly curled and I was not wearing heels. I was wearing a hoodie, a puffy vest, and sneakers. Same person, different clothing, vastly different treatment. And this should not be. Anyone entering your store deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of what your shopkeep think of the person. Which brings me to my last point: The shopkeep in this store seem to have propped themselves up because of the name of the store and the costs per pound, but at the end of the day, unless they own stock, they are all hourly wage earners just like the rest of us average Americans. How three, fully grown ( well over the age of 40) individuals working in a candy store find the unmitigated gaul to thumb their noses down at their fellow American is beyond me. Please humble yourselves. read more

Test decent, not what the chocolate should test like and expensive. I was in the area and I love chocolate so I decided to give them a try. Not worth the long drive if you live outside of DC at least for me. Keep in mind this location is inside the station, so you would have to park you car and walk inside read more

See all

great chocolate! great atmosphere! super mega great customer service....Briana and I discussed the quality vs nuehaus....Briana disappeared for 1/2 a second only to return with 2 nuehaus truffles so we could do a taste test. BEST customer service experience of any retail experience in all history of DC experiences. I highly recommend..run don't walk read more

We enjoyed going into this large chocolate shop inside Union Station shopping mall. We got delicious orange and almond flavored dark chocolate. Disappointed that they did not carry any sugar free chocolate for people with diabetes. read more

See all

I'm a chocolate lover and this place definitely fulfilled my expectations. Was in town celebrating my anniversary .

I had an inkling that the chocolate here would be unlike any chocolate that I have ever tasted. I was certainly right. Just know that what you're paying here is quality over quantity. Customer service is a bit lacking. Hopefully this review would reach them. Smile more. If a customer is new, tell them your favorites or good starters for pralines and what not. You could get a good decent meal from the other restaurants but the experience of tasting quality and unique chocolates is definitely more memorable that getting a generic meal at any of the other fast food chains in union station. read more

Just delicious chocolates. Love the champagne truffles, and also the rum ones! (They are expensive though!)

The first thing I want to say is that the staff was amazing, friendly, and so open to let us try chocolates and ask questions. They knew there stuff when we asked some difficult questions on how their Tartufi was made. Any time we are nearby we will stop in to see Nelly, Deon, Caylan, and Jamari!! I can't say it enough that they were an amazing crew!!! The chocolate was also amazing but the staff in any customer service business makes it. read more

Live in DC but travel weekly home yo NYC out of Union Station. Visited this location on Friday, July 30th @ 3:22PM. Shop was empty completely; only one staffer working - sweeping the floor. I asked him if they had white chocolate with nuts. He simply points and leaves it up to me to guess what type of nuts are inside of the white chocolate bar. I than inquire about pricing of the bar and his response "you tell me to break a piece and I weight it." Lost by his lack of enthusiasm because the shop; again was empty I than asked "so; how much are the bars per pound." He rapidly responds back with soooo much attitude and quickness "$11.99 a pound." What a total douche. I will never visit this establishment. My budget was about $50. Looks like he and the store could have used it. Wouldn't recommend shopping at this place. He reminded me of a teenager getting his first job but clearly he was much older than this. He should immediately be replaced with a more enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly and customer friendly employee. What a bad look for the shop smh read more

Staff was rude, rude, rude. I've been coming since they opened and love the chocolate but today the customer service was just bad. I don't know if I want to go back. read more

In a city where keeping secrets is an art, this lovely Laderach Chocolatier is one of the best kept secrets!! I happened upon it at Union Station while purchasing an Amtrack Train ticket. the shop is very neat and clean, nicely arranged and the selection of chocolate is extensive. The management and sales staff was polite, knowledgeable, professional. They offered me many samples and knew a lot about each item. I bought several items, especially truffles, hazel nut dark chocolate with ganash and pistachio filled chocolates. I think the prices are reasonalbe for this very xcellent, fresh, high quality chocolate! I'll be going back soon! I could not have been happier to find a place like Laderach Chocolate! Ann in DC read more