Dandelion Chocolate — Restaurant in San Francisco

Dandelion Chocolate has gained a well-deserved reputation as a purveyor of exceptional artisanal chocolates. As I sit down to write this review, the memory of their delectable creations lingers on my taste buds, leaving a lasting impression.

First and foremost, what sets Dandelion Chocolate apart is their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each chocolate bar is carefully crafted from bean to bar, with a meticulous attention to detail. Their dedication to sourcing high-quality cacao beans directly from farmers is evident in the complexity and richness of flavors found in their chocolates.

One aspect that truly stands out is the variety of flavors and origins they offer. Dandelion Chocolate's offerings span from single-origin bars to unique limited-edition releases, each showcasing the distinct characteristics of the cacao beans and the terroir they were grown in. From the fruity and floral notes of their Madagascar bars to the deep and earthy tones of their Ecuadorian creations, there is something to entice every chocolate connoisseur.

Moreover, Dandelion Chocolate's commitment to transparency and ethical practices is commendable. They work directly with farmers, ensuring fair and sustainable sourcing practices that benefit both the communities and the environment. This level of transparency instills confidence in their products and allows consumers to savor their chocolates with a clear conscience.

In terms of texture and mouthfeel, Dandelion Chocolate excels. Their bars exhibit a smooth, velvety consistency that melts luxuriously on the palate. The balance of flavors and the attention to the chocolate's texture create a truly indulgent experience.

It is worth mentioning that Dandelion Chocolate's dedication to the craft extends beyond their bars. Their café and dessert offerings are equally impressive, featuring a range of delectable treats, from hot chocolate to pastries and truffles. The passion and expertise displayed in their creations are evident in every bite.

While the quality of Dandelion Chocolate is undeniable, it's worth noting that their products do come at a premium price. However, considering the exceptional craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and the unique flavor profiles they offer, the price is justified for those seeking an elevated chocolate experience.

In conclusion, Dandelion Chocolate sets a high standard in the world of artisanal chocolates. Their commitment to quality, ethical practices, and flavor innovation shines through in every bar. For chocolate enthusiasts seeking a remarkable sensory journey and a taste of true craftsmanship, Dandelion Chocolate is an experience not...

I haven’t actually been to the shop, but I’m reviewing my online experience. I had to email them with a lot of questions, and they were quick to respond and helpful. I ordered the hot chocolate mixes. I got gingerbread, the house one, and the mocha. They’re very simple blends with sugar and chocolate. The mocha has coffee, and the gingerbread has spicesr. They’re all real chocolate that’s grated into a crumbled consistency for easy melting.

You use about 3 TBS per cup. I used them in my hot chocolate machine, but unfortunately, it’s finicky, and this still isn’t quite fine enough to dump it all in at once, but if you just spend a few extra seconds to let the milk heat a little and wait a few seconds between adding each spoonful, it’s fine.

IT’S SO GOOD! I was really worried about it being overly sweet, and it’s not. In fact, my partner wanted to add a little additional sweetener (instead, I added whipped cream, and he said that made it sweet enough). The regular House chocolate is really good, and the Mocha is incredible. I’ve had a million coffee-chocolate concoctions, but none quite like this. It’s just a little different and about as close to perfect as I can imagine. The slight bitterness of the cocoa with the coffee and being not super sweet just makes it amazing. I think next time, I’ll try it with a spoonful of molasses in it. The seasonal Gingerbread one is delicious! It’s surprisingly gingery, and not cinnamony, like I was anticipating. Ginger is definitely the forefront flavor. The only negative is that this one is just a tiny bit gritty, but I would expect as much with the punch of spice that’s in this.

All of these flavors are VEGAN! I looked high and low for mocha hot chocolate flakes that were vegan (and not insanely priced), and let me tell you, it’s slim pickings in the US.

And can we talk about the freaking adorable glass vials the chocolate comes in?!?! It’s a way better deal to buy the bag, but now I have to buy more of the jars just because they look so stinking cute in my moody kitchen.

I really want them to offer the grated or flaked chocolate without sugar, so that I can use whatever sweetener I want (vegan honey, molasses, strawberry or apple syrup, agave, maple syrup/sugar, etc).

But I’d also like to see them offer other flavors too! Like chocolate raspberry. Or maybe a hibiscus-rose infused (pink) cocoa butter hot chocolate? Or a white chocolate apple cider (I have a recipe for this and it’s delicious!).

I haven’t tried the rest of their products, but if I’m over here raving about hot chocolate, I’m sure the rest are...

TLDR: great chocolate & horrendous service.

Dandelion's chocolate lives up to the hype. I've been a fan for years. However, the service of employees at this specific location has really deteriorated over time. In my last couple of visits, the staff seems consistently disgruntled. The most recent visit has been by far the worst experience. I was called to the counter to pick up my large order for four people. When I got there, I asked the employees if everything on the counter were mine. I was told "Yes" and thus carried everything back to my table. When I went back to the counter later to check in on the rest of the drinks, the employee at the counter scolded me for checking in. In addition, she complained that I took someone else's drink earlier on and she had to make them another one. I explained that I was called to the counter to pick up the order, and had in fact double checked that everything I was picking up was indeed mine and received an affirmative response. She ignored what I said and continued to chastise me for taking someone else's order. At this point, her coworker interceded and said she was the one who said yes and thought I was referring to the food only. I left the counter at this point as it was clear that neither employee was going to own up to the situation or simply apologize, lest treat a paying customer with respect. It truly left a bad taste in my mouth. I understand this location gets really busy and the staff is likely overwhelmed, but it is still no excuse for the way they treat customers. The staff at the Dandelion Factory nearby is much nicer and actually seems to care about having customers. Avoid this location if you can. I will not...