Waffles, beer, frites and chocolate was basically the itinerary (: we started with waffles on our…read morefirst morning in Brussels and I can't think of a better place to begin than at Maison Dandoy. The ambience of this location really makes it special. I was really looking for a Hallmark movie themed experience and starting here was perfect. My waffle was scrumptious and a great start to the day. Highly recommend.

The reviews of Maison Dandoy are mixed and while I wanted to like it, I thought it was just okay…read more I enjoyed their front room the most where they sold cookies, crackers, chocolate, totes, and gifts. There's an option to pick a box or tin and fill it the cookies of your choice. The waffles themselves are something I can make at home and save the €15. I ordered the basic powdered sugar waffle, liege style. My husband ordered the Belgian style waffle which was topped with macerated strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Again, the waffle and strawberries weren't warm so it was like eating a dry stale cold waffle with cold strawberries and a scoop of ice cream. Disappointing to say the least. I'd pass on this place and stick with the street vendors where you can watch them make it in front of your eyes and served warm.

The chocolate in here was absolutely beautiful. Everything was homemade and delicious. Everything…read moretried I loved. This is where you should get your chocolate!

Being a chocolate connoisseur with an affinity for odd and unique flavors, I surprisingly did not…read morelike the basil- or thyme-flavored chocolates here. Both tasted medicinal (2 stars off). The other flavors were as you would expect. Why not even lower stars? Well, they were still chocolates...

While on a walking tour of Bruges,our guide suggested we try Leonidas for their Belgian Chocolate…read more They only use 100pct pure cocoa butter and have been in business since 1913. Known for their Master Chocolatiers,they have over 1200 stores in 40 countries. The staff was super friendly and even offered us a few samples including GF chocolates. Definitely stop in the next time you see a Leonidas Chocolate Shoppe.

Leonidas was founded in 1913 and has been a leading chocolatier ever since…read more I must admit I was losing control with the free samples lol. But alas, I made purchases for myself as well as for friends and family. They are a certified supplier to the Belgian Royal Household. They use 100% pure cocoa butter and all fresh ingredients. Known for their pralines, I absolutely needed to have some. And did I! The orangettes are divine. My other favorites include: Napolitains White Manons Salted Caramel Bar Hot Chocolate They also have gluten-free options. Walking into the store you're immediately greeted with the unmistakable scent of the finest chocolates. It's mesmerizing. The store is immaculate and so very Belgian.

Out of all the chocolatiers in Belgium, this has to be one of my favorites. Galler stands out…read morebecause not only is the quality top notch, but also intentionally affordable. Though Galler remains modest, whether it's in their cost, branding or initiatives, they should not be overlooked as they are indeed one of the suppliers to the Court of Belgium (see crest inside store). The chocolate here is delicate and smooth, light, and delicately sweet. I've ordered a variety-- 19 to be exact, and can already promise you, each one will be savored accordingly. SERVICE: A monsieur helped me with my order, and was incredibly patient, astute, and knowledgable. He overheard me telling someone my partner was lactose intolerant and took that into account when I was interested in purchasing some chocolates. Even when I asked which chocolates would be more cost efficient (ie: pre-packaged bars, etc), he didn't try to upsell.

Galler was our favorite chocolate shop that we visited while in Belgium. We initially stopped in to…read moresample a few truffles while on a food tour and went back afterwards because we learned that this is one of the few chocolate shops that is owned by a legitimate chocolatier according to our guide. We purchased truffles, chocolate bars and advent calendars to bring back for gifts.

We visited this chocolate shop just down the street from another store…read more We found a lower cost of chocolate but we learned that that's because they use more sugar in their chocolate than some of the higher end chocolate houses. Don't get me wrong it's good chocolate but not a rich and has less cocoa in it. For gift giving get this chocolate and save the higher end for yourself but it's still Belgian chocolate and can't go wrong with that.

I visited La Belgique Gourmande on a Wednesday early evening & there weren't too many people in the…read morestore. The interior was beautifully decorated. The store has a self-serve structure where everything is priced by the pound. The workers were very friendly--one even greeted me with a free sample & we had a lovely conversation about traveling. The rumors are true: Belgian chocolates are absolutely delicious. I enjoyed the treats so much that I even made a second trip to bring one of my friends back to try some for themselves. I would definitely visit again the next time I'm in Brussels!

Did I really not review my favorite (and only) Belgian souvenir?…read more On our way back to the tour bus, we stumbled across this place and was immediately welcomed by the wonderful saleswoman. She was very personable and patient, taking in our considerations for gifts to bring home. I ended up buying a small box of assorted chocolate squares to share. After sampling a few of the squares over time, I can confirm that they are delightful. Smooth, creamy, not too sweet. The flavored options (orange, earl gray) weren't overpowering. And the white chocolate square was buttery. But I also expect nothing less from a Royal Warrant chocolatier. Honestly, if you can make it to Brussels or Bruges and want to try the real deal with the Royal seal Belgian chocolates, I cannot recommend this place more!

I wanted to support Mary, a woman-owned chocolatier. Mary's chocolates were pretty good, but I…read morenoticed their shapes were slightly inconsistent. For a chocolatier that prides itself on serving its chocolates to royalty, it seems like care is not taken for precision. I did enjoy some of the interesting flavors like Earl Grey or orange liqueur. I suppose the taste trumps shape.

AI gave me a list of chocolatiers to try in Belgium and Pierre Marcolini came out on top. I was in…read morethe Galleria area and found one there (turns out there's a second one a few doors further down!). I had great customer service with a super nice sales associate who was patient with me.She even gave me a transportable bag with ice for keeping my purchases just right. I bought a couple of assorted chocolates that she recommended a picked up a bar at the counter as well. I highly recommend this chocolatier. Beautiful chocolates and quite the variety.

Friendly service and a sample to taste upon arrival. Beautiful store with much to look at. We took…read morea recommendation and purchased three small candies. Good quality and tasty!

Elegant chocolate shop that came highly recommended by the info place at the Grand Place. They…read moresupposedly sell chocolates from multiple chocolatiers. Came on a weekday morning, so there is no other customers in the shop. We got a combination of dark chocolates/tryffles in a plastic baggie as the smallest "box" contains 25 chocolates. Chocolates are delicious and seemed very high end by price and by taste (per my partner as I could not tell).

I wish they had online store as well…read more The best chocolate experience and real Belgium waffle! We got couple of their popular mix chocolate collection for souvenir and everybody loved it. I cant lie, the waffles didn't make it home, I finished them before our flight :D The dark chocolate on Orange peels is very recommended.

In the grand place.. I'm not a chocolate or candy…read moreperson..but a friend suggested I go for a hot chocolate while there.. I'm glad I did..dark chocolate not too sweet...it was great. I recommend

Ok so while on the Eurostar from London, I received my first lesson in chocolate. I was told that…read moreit's not pronounced "gah-dive-ah" like Americans say but rather "gah-dee-vah." So now I know! Nevertheless, I think I died and went to hot chocolate heaven. We ordered two salted caramel hot chocolates which were served on trays with a side of whipped cream, a side of chocolate and a cup filled with chocalety goodness complete with a chocolate Santa plopped right on top. The store was inviting and filled with many chocolate delights. We ordered two additional pieces to go along with our order.i ordered the chocolate with caramel and pecan shavings and Aidan ordered the lemon chocolate. Despite the hefty price of $20usd for 2 cups of hot chocolate and 2 add on chocolates it was well worth it.

My boyfriend says this is the best Mediterranean patisserie in Brussels! It has a variety of…read morePastries inspired by the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. If you've never had these types of pastries, I would highly reccomended you try. They are often very petit, with intricate twisty shapes. Very different from something like a French pastry. We stopped in on a weekend trip. It is right near the Grand Place, so mark this spot on your itinerary around the palace. The shop is like a scene in Harry Potter. The pastries look magical, glittering with different colors. Sits perfectly in with the surrounding architecture. The shop keeper was very nice and efficient. She spoke to my boyfriend in French and me in English. I bought two pastries. I round pastry with pistachios, and a pastry similar to a fig newton, but with dates. Both were amazing!

If you've had enough chocolate in Belgium, make a stop here for Turkish delights and other sweets…read more I thought it was reasonably priced, and I enjoyed all the samples that the generous owner gave me, when I was deciding what to get. Make a stop here. It's a beautiful little shop with friendly service. I liked taking these treats home with me.