My best friend and I go to tea rooms as often as we can so when we saw a Groupon for William Dean we snatched it up right away! I know their reputation for chocolate but didn't know they did high tea! We brought it moms with us and had such a wonderful time. The food was delicious and the service was fantastic. Jamie came to our table at the end to see how everything was and you could see the passion for what she does written all over her face. She was so genuinely excited when we told her how delicious everything was... She personally made the scones that day and was so happy to hear we loved them. We will definitely be going back, just wish there was tea at the location in Tampa :) read more

William Dean Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

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Located in strip mall. Very friendly personnel. Everything is made by hand in house. Two flavors fit in one cup. $$$. Delicious read more

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Wow, this place is fabulous! We stopped in to try a few sweet treats after having brunch nearby. This feels like a very upscale chocolate shop with a huge glam chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Also there are a few chairs and tables to sit and enjoy all the sweet chocolates and gelato. They offer about 5 different flavors of gelato which you can also take home by the quart. The chocolate here isn't "just" a piece of chocolate, it's a true work of art. Each piece is beautifully designed and colorful! I tried the port, with port wine and figs blended in with chocolate as well as grand marnier, which was truly fabulous. Each piece is $1.50 each, a great deal for such a cool creation. I would definitely go here again read more

William Dean Chocolates - Is this chocolate or art work? Luckily, it's BOTH :) - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

The website was really hard to get to. The site doesn't list the flavors of the candy, just the prices. They are very expensive. Not knowing what you are ordering stopped me from placing an order. The candy may be great, but I'll never know because the site was awful read more

My in-laws sent me chocolates for Mother's Day. One of the cold packs in the box ruptured, and spread its goo over the pretty chocolates, destroying them. I emailed and called the company for a replacement or a refund for my in-laws. The "customer service" phone number went straight to voicemail every time a tried. No response to my messages. read more

William Dean Chocolates - a box of chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Amazing chocolates. So grateful for my financial manager gifting us a box and introducing us to this artistic culinary treat.

Delicious and beautiful chocolates. Definitely on the pricey side, but worth it for the quality. The Mexican Mango is definitely my favorite. Other favorites include the Earl Grey, Hazelnut, and Bananas Foster. read more

2009 Seattle Chocolate Salon Review Thank you for the special creations! Thank you for bringing the "Fruit Pate" triangles (sugar dusted gel creations of amazing fruit combinations with no chocolate)! I never would have thought that Maytag Blue Cheese belonged in chocolate... but the combination of a smooth almond marzipan, rich dark chocolate, and pungent Maytag was pure genius! read more

William Dean Chocolates - 2009 Seattle Chocolate Salon - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Amazing chocolates, gelato, and some pastries. It's a locally owned business where everything is made by hand. The chocolates are as beautiful as they are tasty. We've tried them all and we haven't found one we don't like although we're partial to the different caramel ones and anything coffee flavored. The staff is friendly and we come in every time we're in town. Even our 9 year old picked a return trip to William Dean over a family fun center on our last day of vacation. We try "fancy chocolates" every place we travel and these are everyone's favorites. If you are in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, it's worth the trip to this gem! They are also opening a store in Tampa. read more

William Dean Chocolates - a box of chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Been here a couple times and I've tried something different every time. I first tried the gelato and that was delicious! I recommend the hazelnut. I also tried this little brownie they keep at the front counter and AMAZING! Today I tried macaroons and a piece of chocolate and here's what I found: I had a chocolate, red velvet and pumpkin macaroon. The chocolate and pumpkin macaroons were frozen but the taste of them were very good. Maybe leaving them out a little bit they would of been even better. The red velvet was perfect!! It was soft and chewy and flavor was spot on! The chocolate I chose was the peanut butter crunch anddddd I wasn't a fan. Overall this is probably the best place in the area for gelato and macaroons. I'll be trying the pastries and more chocolate soon too. read more

William Dean Chocolates - Red velvet macaroon! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

We went here strictly to check out the place that had its sweet treats featured in one of our favorite movies...oh and eat some yummy chocolate. We told the person that asked to help us we had never been there. She just wasn't very informative. I asked about boxes versus individual from what she said I thought she was saying they didn't do boxes and the candy was $1.75 a piece and $2 per macaroons. We took sometime and explored on our own asked a couple questions and picked our chocolate. As I was paying the electric board behind the cashier popped up a page with boxed pricing she said the boxed prices were more it was better to buy individually. This was good info but info that I would have liked in a small tour of the different things the store had to offer. We loved everything that we tried. read more

Well they were a gift from a contractor and a very nice gift at that! They were just truly amazing. I think I didn't care for the strawberry one . Beautiful , smoothest chocolate ever melt in your mouth delish! read more

Wow! Wow! Wow! Go for the handmade, hand designed chocolate confections and do not skip the daily homemade gelato.

The chocolates are absolutely beautiful - virtually works of art. The grapefruit sorbet was the best I've ever had - it was like eating a Florida grapefruit and was very refreshing. Going back ... read more

Set off on a Saturday adventure to acquire treats for myself and some friends. What better place to go than the famed William Dean Chocolates? Upon entering this shop, I was really impressed by the elegant interior. There was a gigantic chandelier, all the decor was first rate and screamed refinement. The space is smaller than I imagined, with a small counter, a chocolate case and ten or so small bistro tables. It appeared that you could order beverages and pastries at the small counter and eat them at the tables. I didn't do that, I was there for the chocolates. The chocolate case was visually stunning, with gorgeous colors and well-labeled selections. The man who was took care of me was patient and helpful. However, a couple came in after me and were also ordering chocolates, so the space got cramped and I felt quite rushed (not the fault of the man helping me, I assure you.) I wished the other employee had asked them to hold on for two seconds so I could choose my eight gajillion chocolates in peace. The counter and case area is just too small for my comfort. Once I'd finished my selections, he whisked them away for packaging. Each gift was beautifully boxed and wrapped and I happily took the lovely treats away. I am SO glad I got myself some. These are some of the most incredible chocolates I've ever had. UN-REAL. The quality of the chocolate is the ultimate luxury. I particularly enjoyed the mint, coconut caramel and raspberry. If you're in the mood for a treat, it is worth the drive and price. read more

Wonderful chocolate, gellato and sorbet. Great staff, very helpful. This is art disguised as food. read more

Seriously the best chocolate I've EVER had. My husband got me a box for my birthday and I'm totally obsessed. Now it's my go to gift. Beautiful and delicious chocolate read more

William Dean Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

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I was able to try William Dean at the SF Chocolate Salon. With the longest line for the chocolate vendors and no one knew why it it was so long, my friends and I joined the line. Seriously, no one knew why the line was so long. The response from the couple in back of us was that they were giving away full size samples. I told my friends that if I am going to take a long time once I am at front and am going to try everything. Which I did. It took 25 -30 minutes to get to the front of the booth. Was it worth the wait, yes in deed. I keep true to my promise and tried all the samples that they had available. I must have spent 10 minutes at the front. I got to meet and speak with William, who is very passionate with the chocolates that he creates. From the samples available, I really loved the peanut butter and jelly bar. (Honestly, I loved everything) It's a 6 inch bar of layered peanut putter and fruit jelly, covered with chocolate. It was to die for, thus my purchase. Not paleo in every way. But if I am to break my paleo diet, this is how. I am happy that I was able to try these magnificent chocolates of William Dean. You have made me a lifetime customer. read more

Everything you heard about this chocolate is true. It is literally to die for. I bought a gift box of 5 truffles for $12 and it comes in a fancy blue box that symbolizes posh. I tried the coconut caramel and the PB&J. The chocolates are silky smooth and tastes exactly as it is described. I've wanting to check this place out for years and I'm so glad I passed it on the way to Redington Beach and just pulled in. read more

A great place to explore chocolate. There are many different flavor options and all are a piece of art by themselves. The owner Bill is often in the store and will give you insight on how to choose the perfect chocolate for you. They have several options to taste so you can decide what you would like to buy. Being able to taste is great, as the cost is slightly expensive. I however can outweigh the cost by the quality of the product. I have tried many different chocolates, in many areas of the US. Each candy store having a different look and feel. I would say you will not find another chocolate shop that can compete with the quality and service you will recieve at William Dean. read more

The best chocolate in the world! When I want the best chocolate I make a special trip over to William Dean and buy all of my favorite pieces. Sometimes I share and other times it's just my own indulgence! They are so beautiful and taste so wonderful! You will never know unless you go and try them for yourself. The chocolate was featured in the movie Hunger Games as one of the decedent treats during the train scene. Buy them fresh, enjoy within 3 weeks and never refrigerate. Enjoy the photos! read more

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The chocolates are delectable works of art. They are my go to for all occasions. The staff are extremely friendly!

On my last visit the plan was to get all Passion Fruit, but 2 others caught my eye that I hadn't tried. Banana Foster, and Mexican Mango. While the Banana Foster was good , I wish It packed more of a Rum punch. It would have been way better. The Mexican Mango is suppose to be filled with a layer of green Chilis and Habanero, but packed no heat at all. I was not crazy about the overall flavor either. I've tried a bunch of William Dean Flavors, but if I go down the list, this review could get long, and I'm trying to keep it as short as possible. They're good chocolates, but the only ones that I will jump in my car for, from now on, when the WD craving hits are... #1 Passion Fruit. Tangy Deliciousness with strong distinct flavors of Passion Fruit made with White Chocolate Cover. Oh man, it's so good it actually makes me crack a smile, and close my eyes when I bite into one. :-D Peanut Butter Crunch , I hate to even say this word in the same sentence , but Reese's on Steroids. It kicks a Reese's ass though. So Peanut Buttery with little Crunchy pieces that make it extra special and different , and the shape.... Well, coolest shape and Color ever . A Gold Crown. It is really the King of all Peanut Butter candies . ...And last but not least, Tropical Caramel which is Passion Fruit and Caramel mixed in one. Good , but not as enjoyable as the Plain Passion Fruit. This one is also made from White Chocolate. These 3 are my personal favorites. If I'm in the mixing mood next time , these will be the 3 winners or else I'm just filling the box with all Passion Fruits, and maybe 1 PB Crunch;-) I give WD 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it's not better than my other favorite chocolatier that has more enjoyable flavor choices, BUT the WD choices that I do like are Delish. read more

William Dean Chocolates - PB&J, PB Crunch, Strawberry Caramel, Macadamia Caramel Key Lime, Passion Fruit, Tropical Caramel, Dulce de Leche - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

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We travel a lot and always seek out specialty chocolate shops along the way. William Dean is by far our favorite! We prefer dark chocolate and exotic flavors but there's something for everyone here. Prepare to pay more for top quality but their chocolate is so rich that your gourmet sweet tooth will be satisfied with 1-2 pieces. Our favorites are Port & Plum, Mexican Mango, Lavender, and Espresso but you really can't go wrong with anything you choose. Friendly staff, beautifully boxed chocolates, and they ship! Be sure to ask about the story behind their Sixty Roses chocolate bar. read more

I am not here to tell you lies. Anyone who gives this place 5 stars is lying. I am here to give you the facts. And here they are: 1. You walk in here and it's a big room with good lighting and the chocolate is, well, lacking. Isn't this a chocolate shop, you ask yourself? Yes! So where's the chocolate? The shelves are mostly bare, the "chocolate case" is half-empty. But there's plenty of staff. Oh yes the staff. 2. The staff are idiots. They are falling all over themselves to help you, but when you ask them something, they either don't know how to answer your question, or they are out of whatever you are asking for. It's kind of like the staff you encounter at Walmart only these people are dressed better. Example: Me: Which of the chocolates are milk chocolate ones? I don't like dark chocolate. Staff member: The fruit ones. I look at the fruit ones and all of them say "in dark chocolate covering" on the description card. Morons. 3. They have all sorts of things on the menu, but they are out of these things. I asked for a tart; nope, they don't have that. Then why is it on the menu? I asked for a lemon bar. They didn't have that either. Then why is it on the menu?I stopped asking for things on the menu. 4. They sell macarons, but they serve them to you FROZEN. Yes, frozen. I asked why, they blamed it on the Florida humidity. Are you joking? I have been to countless macaron places in Florida and never been served a frozen macaron. Dumb. 5. The chocolates themselves are good, not out of this world. And they are extremely expensive. You have to be selective about which ones you choose because not all of them are good. I recommend key lime and biscotti. 6. Don't even think about getting the gelato. It's complete crap. 7. I would not go back to this place. It's better just to go online and order chocolates from Europe. UPDATE: The owner of this place responded to my review. Please notice how he did not specifically address any of the criticisms I listed. That's because my criticisms are legitimate and valid. My only comment to his comments is: How nice that you have won awards and that Jennifer Lawrence eats your chocolates. But awards mean nothing to the would-be customers walking into your store being offered FROZEN macarons, mislabeled confections, empty shelves and clueless staff. read more

The tea service was great! I have been to so many and this one was really out of the park, I really recommend it. First, the tea is a great selection from Tea Bella. Something for everyone. The savory was just as good as the sweet and that is cool given that this is a chocolate maker. The service was extremely warm and attentive while not being obtrusive. Another huge plus, with the tea service, we got 20% off all other purchases, so I got a 20 piece box of the prettiest, most tasty chocolate I've ever had. My only ding is that the service is in the operating retail space as well, so a little bit in the middle of the traffic and forming lines--but this was busy season after all. read more

Discovered this little chocoateir shop in Belleair Bluffs, Florida. It looks so elegant both inside and out. The shop is gorgeous with their chocolate truffles beautifully displayed. These works of art are almost too beautiful to eat. Their chocates are all made on site with all natural ingredients and imported cocoa from France. There are so many different flavors to chose from and they also they have a selection of homemade gelato. I was greeted right as I walked in the door. The customer service was excellent as well as extremely professional and was able to answer every question I had for her. I loved being able to see the chocoateir at work in the back. This is truly an impressive chocolate experience. They have moderate to high end pricing but won't break the bank but worth every penny. Definitely recommend this shop for your sweet tooth indulgence. You too will be saying "Godi** who"? read more

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William deans is amazing, they have one of the most unique selections of chocolates, macaroons, and gelato. They make everything on location in the shop, they have been featured in the hunger games movies, and is an award winning staple in Largo. This is a must to give it a try, you will not find another place like this anywhere in Florida. The expresso chocolates are very good, as well as the coffee macaroons. They are a tad expensive, however for once in a while it is worth the price for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into making them. 5 stars for the uniqueness this place gives to the Largo area. read more

The chocolates were wonderful! The choices of flavors were extensive. I bought some for a gift and that's where my experience fell flat. They were put into a plan white box without anything to separate them from one another, just a jumble of chocolates. I felt that with such a high end establishment they would have spent more thought on the presentation. The jumble of chocolates in the plain white box did go into a very nice tote bag so that was something. By the time the recipient got to the chocolates they were all bunched up in the box. There is a perceived value with an establishment of this nature and I felt that it fell a little short. read more

The chocolates are great but we always come for tea. They always have a variety of delicious teas to try along with yummy sandwiches and sweets. Staff is always on top of they game and very informative. read more

I don't know which was better - the tea experience or the discount that you receive for going to the tea. There are only 4 tables, but my friends and I were having such a good time, we were in our own little world. Loved the insulated tea glasses and we all enjoyed our tea. I miss cubes of sugar served at other teas vs the sugar packets we received. Sandwich and scones were very good and fresh. And oh the desserts-truly the best part!! Will definitely be back for the tea and to pick up their amazing and beautiful chocolates!! read more

William Dean Chocolates - Just some of the beautiful chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Each piece of chocolate is a masterpiece in itself and then you take a bite into it and you're equally impressed. Rumor is they're opening up at international mall-until then, enjoy these wonderful morsels at Datz and at their flagship store in largo. read more

i love William Dean Chocolates! they have the loveliest chocolates! little beautiful works of art. i send them every year for Christmas. i recently added their incredible gourmet popcorn. my favorite is their macadamia variety, but that pecan cinnamon is also fab. One negative though. i purchased 4 tarts, each a different flavor. two were based on croissants and were good. the other two, a raspberry & chocolate and a salted caramel were BEAUTIFUL, GORGEOUS, but they were definitely not up to the normal standard. We didn't even finish them. i understand trying some new stuff. However, your old tarts were so incredible i purchased them for company. My daughter comes to town and each year, since Covid, asks if you've started making them again, especially the one covered in nuts. Just saying, if it ain't broke....lol This one negative won't stop us from going back and trying more tarts or from buying tons of your delicious chocolates and popcorn. And thank you for being here and surviving Covid. read more

Wonderful. Originally scheduled this afternoon tea for Mothers day but then had to cancel, so i rescheduled for my friends 40th birthday. You have to make reservations either by calling or email and both times they replied promptly and accomdated me. They failed to confirm my final appt but that is ok because i did. When we arrived the table was set up, server quickly approached introduced herself and the rest of her team. Each person gets their own pot of tea and then the tiers of food comes out. 4 different kinds of sandwiches, 3 scones, and what felt like an endless tier of desserts which we could not finish. To go boxes were offered and when i paid my bill much to my surprise i was given a small discount per person. 4 teas and 2 gellato's came to around $100. I was very pleased. Service was excellent all the way around. Food was beautiful and delicious. read more

William Dean Chocolates - Top tier of desserts - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

The perfect place if you're looking to buy a truly special box of artisan chocolates. They're beautiful AND delicious and the boxes for the chocolates are like works of art in and of themselves. There's also gelato/sorbet, which was a little wasteful for my taste but still good. Knocking off a star for that and also because the shop itself could be a little nicer looking. read more

William Dean Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

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Mmm chocolate. I had the opportunity to try this chocolate at a Yelp event. Just wow. They are absolutely gorgeous with colorful, hand-painted designs. Seeing this made me think that it was really cool, but probably didn't taste as good as it looked. Completely wrong. I ate a mint chocolate and a raspberry chocolate and they were both delectable! They just melted in your mouth and the flavors were not too overpowering. Great idea for holiday gifts! read more

We just moved into Belleair and our new neighbors brought over a box of the most incredible pieces of art, also known as William Dean Chocolates. Like many before us who have experienced them, we felt guilty eating the artwork....but not too guilty!! So amazing and so close, which means we will be there...a lot! read more

Wow, wow, and wow. These are artisan quality candies. They are beautiful and delicate, with so much flavor and texture packed in one square inch of chocolate...I just don't know how they do it. What a lovely gift for someone who really appreciates fine chocolate! I had the pistachio and was blown away. Enjoy!! read more

Last week I attended a Croissants and Laminated Pastries class at William Dean Chocolates in Clearwater. In full disclosure, I purchased this class at my own volition and I can't say that I wasn't slightly disappointed at first. For $50/person, I thought we would actually have our hands dirty, making these pastries ourselves. The event listing even said "All tools, equipment, and ingredients will be provided for each participant" so from that I thought we would have our own station. I even called William Dean Chocolates to ask if there was a dress code for the class and was told to wear closed toe shoes, preferably jeans, and to remove all hand jewelry we didn't want to get messy. Wouldn't you have thought the same as me? In any case, I had a great time and learned a lot. I got to take home one of each pastry made and I snacked on desserts, all while dressed like we were going in for surgery. Taught by Chef Tim Brown, we watched him go through the motions of making dough, rolling dough, creating filling, and shaping the pastries. Full of knowledge, Chef Brown made our class enjoyable with his banter and earnestness. We learned how to make croissants (chocolate and almond), brioche, puff pastry, sticky buns, cronuts, and more. I have to say that I never fully realized how much butter is necessary for the perfect croissant. An unbelievable amount of butter was used and I kind of felt sick watching, but the end result was delicious. Now I've had cronuts before at my favorite bakery/restaurant and I love the crispy, flaky, doughy experience that these desserts promise. We tried the typical cronut with croissant dough and then we tried them with brioche dough (croissant won, which is probably not surprising). At the end of the class we each left with a box full of these goodies that was made right in front of our eyes. A cool experience with treats to fill your drive home with, William Dean Chocolates has rated well in my book. If you are looking for a cooking class, check out their event page for updates. There may be a small hiatus and then the offerings will be back in full swing. read more

Afternoon Tea was amazing! Took my granddaughter.We loved trying all the different finger sandwiches , tea and the great confections !! Marsha our host was the best . It was a wonderful experience read more

William Dean Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Belleair Bluffs, Florida

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