The Xocolatl Garden — Attraction in Carmel-by-the-Sea

TLDR: High end, very meticulous (in a good way) chocolate shop.

I went here with a handful of friends and had to drive 3 hours to get to Carmel and found this place by accident trying to make sure none of my friends got lost. I wasn't going to buy anything initially because I don't like dark chocolate but bought a couple samples anyway and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. There's a place in the store that sells individual pieces of chocolate for $1.50 or 75 cents so if you are skeptical you can spend a dollar and decide for yourself. There are also truffles for $3 a piece near the register.

Here's some pros and cons of the chocolate and the store The chocolate does not taste synthetic, it is not waxy or plasticky. It isn't acidic like a Hershey's chocolate bar. It's smooth, the bitterness of dark chocolate is at a moderate level, it's comparable to dark caramel vs light caramel, the bitterness adds depth and flavor. The aftertaste is pleasant. The chocolate snaps when you break it which means it's been tempered, and there's a good amount of cocoa butter. It's shiny, firm, there's no white streaks running along the chocolate, it's high quality and been handled properly. The staff is cordial, you won't feel pressured to buy anything. You get what you pay for which is important. (I am cheap but will splurge on loved ones) and you will be spoiling whoever you gift this stuff to. The environment and area is also nice, feels safe, and is clean. It's definitely an experience coming here, food can be an experience and this would count as one of them. This doesn't seem to be some gimmicky, overrated, or overpriced store even if it's in a tourist area. Don't get the cannoli's from the café in Carmel though, it kinda sucked.

Here's a couple "complaints" It's pricey compared to decent chocolate. $9 chocolate bars aren't what an average person can buy for themselves but as a gift it's a good option. For a small business and the quality of the products it's more than fair. This shop is also sustainable which is something I forgot to mention. There's not a lot of milk chocolate or white chocolate for the people that prefer that. Edit: There is but still mostly dark chocolate. The store is in a small space, it's cozy and a little hidden away. On the business card, there's 2 websites. One is Choquiero chocolates and one is a chocolate marketplace, for business sake it would be helpful to point out which is which or have separate business cards to rule out confusion whenever someone asks for a business card.

Compared to other chocolate, like Lindt, Ghirardelli, Milka, Godiva, Dove, they are decent but won't blow someone out of the water. Ghirardelli isn't great, it's gritty. Dove can taste waxy, Lindt is good flavor wise but melts so easily that it can create a problem with international shipping. I can't compare to Cadbury, Hershey's, "World's finest chocolate", Kitkat, etc., aren't fair comparisons because its low quality chocolate, it's not marketed to be high end.

There's nothing detrimentally bad about this place. Overall the experience is very pleasant. I'm coming back because my stepmom loves dark chocolate, so I can give her something she'll be able to experience...

Carmel-by-the-Sea has plenty of hidden secret places to discover; wander off the beaten path just a little, into a narrow alley or down a park trail, and you may be rewarded with one of the sweetest rewards of all: chocolate!

The Xocolatl Garden was one of these random, unexpected, but wholly welcome finds: accessible either via a festoon-lit narrow alley from Ocean Avenue, or via a winding path leading north from Piccadilly Park, this absolutely enchanting hidden plaza, with its tiny shop against one wall, serenades you with its silence and solitude, and invites you in to sample some of the finest chocolates that the world has to offer!

Hershey? Nestle? Never heard of 'em. This is real cacao, folks, for real enthusiasts, coming in hard or soft, rich or dark, and filled with everything from pistachio cream to red chili peppers, and a whole lot more! Brands and flavors you have never seen (and quite possibly may never see again) can be found here! If you have a sweet tooth of any level (even one that is virtually non-existent, as mine is), you're still likely to find a chocolate concoction of some sort to pleasure your palate!Carmel-by-the-Sea has plenty of hidden secret places to discover; wander off the beaten path just a little, into a narrow alley or down a park trail, and you may be rewarded with one of the sweetest rewards of all: chocolate!

The Xocolatl Garden was one of these random, unexpected, but wholly welcome finds: accessible either via a festoon-lit narrow alley from Ocean Avenue, or via a winding path leading north from Piccadilly Park, this absolutely enchanting hidden plaza, with its tiny shop against one wall, serenades you with its silence and solitude, and invites you in to sample some of the finest chocolates that the world has to offer!

Hershey? Nestle? Never heard of 'em. This is real cacao, folks, for real enthusiasts, coming in hard or soft, rich or dark, and filled with everything from pistachio cream to red chili peppers, and a whole lot more! Brands and flavors you have never seen (and quite possibly may never see again) can be found here! If you have a sweet tooth of any level (even one that is virtually non-existent, as mine is), you're still likely to find a chocolate concoction of some sort to pleasure...

Nestled at the end of a twinkling, lantern-lit alley – a passage reminiscent of a real-life Diagon Alley – lies this place, a chocolate shop that feels less like a store and more like an enchanting journey. As you emerge from the vibrant alley, you're greeted by a hidden, fragrant garden, a peaceful prelude to the magic within.

Step through the doors and embark on a miniature world tour of flavors. This isn't just a chocolate shop; it's a curated collection of cocoa artistry from across the globe. You'll discover unique treasures, from unexpected flavor fusions that will surprise your palate to exquisitely crafted chocolates that are almost too beautiful to eat. Prepare to spend time marveling at the sheer creativity and breadth of their offerings – the "crazy to amazing flavors" are truly worth savoring and contemplating.

We had an absolute blast exploring the delightful world of Cacao and are already looking forward to our next visit in...