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Dulcinea Chocolate Café - CLOSED
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Dulcinea Chocolate Café
Review Highlights
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"...super friendly, and I love how they have free wi-fi here." In 3 reviews -
"The whipped cream was fresh." In 4 reviews -
"a perfect place to spend an afternoon." In 3 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Shannon M.
North Vancouver, BC
This place is freaking AWESOME.
The woman who owns the shop (and it's a family business, from what I gather, with everyone helping out) is so friendly and sweet and you can tell that she really loves this little place and everything in it.
Once she knew that we had never been before we were given a tiny sample of the Spanish drinking chocolate that all the chocolate drinks are based on. Holy crap, dudes. This stuff is gooooood. And we were assured that the chocolate is made fresh everyday using organic, natural ingredients while each drink is made special to order. Which means that it might take a little while to get to you as each one is a labour of love (and a lot of stirring).
The list of hot chocolate drinks is wide and varied and eventually I decided to try the Chocolate Chai (which was confirmed to be the owner's favourite of them all and I completely understand why) while my friend tried the straight up chocolate. Note: if not consumed while still hot it starts to look more like pudding than hot chocolate, just so you know. Still delicious! But you'll need a spoon.
I only tried one of the drinks but I most definitely need to go back (and back and back) to try out one of their many ridiculously good looking desserts, milkshakes, tea and, oh yeah, some more hot chocolate.
Plus, they often feature live music and have salsa and flamenco dancing nights! Ole! -
Review from Cindy B.
Came here with a bunch of friends after dinner and a walk around the English Bay. Being wimpy after living in the Bay Area, I found the late spring night a tad chili so the only local friend suggested this place.
The decor was simple and lovely, had an ideal neighbourhood cafe feel.
I ordered a shot of chocolate with churros, which was the authentic Spanish kind, less crispy than the Mexican one but I preferred those. The chocolate was thick and rich, needless to say decadent for dipping.
My only complaint about the place is how few chairs they had. We found a table large enough for ~6 of us but there was simply not enough chairs and some of us ("Thank you, gentlemen") had to stand while we enjoyed our hot chocolate. -
Review from Stacy B.
I read about Dulcinea a week before boarding the flight from Sacramento! I knew I'd end up there...the only question was, WHEN?
Well, after winning $273 in 20 minutes at Edgewater Casino was a good time.
So many chocolate options to choose from! Hot drinks, cold drinks, pastries...but I came for a milkshake. A thick, creamy milkshake. Easy, right? WRONG!
Everything starts with their 1528 base, whatever that may be. I'm told it's a Spanish chocolate that....well, I can't really remember. All I know is that a beautiful Senora gave me a sample and I could hardly wait for my Amaretto Shake to slide my way across that counter.
The place was packed, so I couldn't nudge my way to the counter to see how my shake was made. But it certainly wasn't your ordinary chocolate shake with some almond extract dropped in. The amaretto flavor was subtle, but notable. The whipped cream was fresh. And it all came together without being overly sweet. Just a great way to end my first day in Vancouver.
Come here, and ask for that 1528 sample. You'll thank me later. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
* Bad pun - but factual *
Ok, I gave Dulcinea another "shot" (pun intended on multiple levels) by getting the 1528 shot again. Once again it just wasn't as good as it had been originally - not as intense and not warm enough.
I'll have to re-visit Mink (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) and see if they are holding their leading position in the drinking chocolate wars!Listed in: Vancouver European Food, Free Vancouver Wifi, Vancouver Drinking Chocolate
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/13/2008
Uh-oh. Gonna ding a star on Dulcinea after getting a 1528 shot today. It somehow just wasn't their… Read more »
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12/13/2008
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Review from Rachel K.
Oh my god. I've fallen in LOVE!!!
This place was a must to check out when I read all these positive reviews on Yelp... I've walked up and down Denman Street so many times and would have never noticed this small little shop unless I was looking for it.
My friend knew I was dying to check this place out, and was very patient while I looked at the big menu that offered a variety of Spanish desserts, milkshakes, teas, and drinks. While I stood there trying to make a decision, the working staff offered us each a shot of Spanish hot chocolate... YUM!!!
We ended up ordering an order of Churros and Dulce de leche (Spanish toffee) milkshake... One sip of this milkshake, and even my friend who doesn't have my sweet tooth said: "WOW."
Totally worth the money, and I can't wait to go back. Beats an average, boring Starbucks drink ANY DAY!!! -
Review from Kal B.
Pretty damn good if you like chocolate as much as me. This cafe is located on denman st. close to many of the other dessert places on that street, namely Cupcakes, Marble Slab Creamery, Beard Papa's and Cookies by George.
They have a trademark Hot Chocolate called 1528 thats super rich, thick and creamy. It wasn't served very warm so I wasn't too impressed with it and have had a couple better, namely at Meinhard's and at Thomas Haas.
We also shared a few other desserts which were really good.. A chocolate truffle bombe, chocolate chip cheescake bars, and a mousse pyramid. All were pretty fantastic.
Those 3 desserts and 2 solo shots (size of an espresso shot) of 1528 came to about $18 so pretty good deal.
The quality of the desserts was better than expected as the decor and the outside of the cafe is pretty basic and nothing special (I must have walked by it at least a dozen times without ever thinking of going in).. compared to say even Godiva or Rocky Mountain Choc Factory which let the customer know that they will be getting quality products inside so maybe Dulcinea could do with a bit of a facelift.
The cafe is spanish inspired and also serves a chile spiced hot chocolate called Xocolatl which we didn't try but isn't served at many other places so may be worth a go.Listed in: Sweet Tooth Much???
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Review from Roanna Z.
This place really is sweet, and so was the nice Hispanic boy working today. I don't know which was richer, his brown eyes or the dark chocolate drink.
Beverages are lovingly made with high quality ingredients. The place is religiously chocolate, meaning lots of delicious chocolate-centric treats.
I love the ambiance in here. Beautifully detailed decor, the perfect harmony between homey and retail.
I will be back. -
Review from Susan D.
Toronto, ON
I have to say, this place left a bad taste in my mouth, but it has little to do with the food....
Maybe they've changed policies since--everyone talks about how nice and friendly they are here.
Still, a few years back, a little after it had opened, a couple of friends were playing music at this cafe, as part of an arrangement with the owners. It was an upaid gig--fair enough. One friend was just starting off and eager for the exposure. The other friend is a professional musician who normally gets paid for his gigs, but he was happy to play with our mutual friend this time for no charge. Not a super big deal in itself. They brought in their equipment, set it up, etc.
So, the place was empty--a summer evening on Denman; of course everyone is headed for the beach! Then they started playing. As soon as they began, people started looking into the cafe. Some came in and ordered, then sat down. Others took note of the place as they walked by. Still others paused, discussed whether to go in. By the time they took their first break, the place was hopping.
A few people left during the break. The guys got up for the second set, and people started coming in again... you get the idea.
After the gig, one of the musicians went and ordered something to drink (one of the specialty, non-alcoholic coffee drinks, I think). At least one--or possibly both--of the owners were there (the mother and daughter). They had both been around while their place filled up during the music sets. And they charged him for his drink! So sure--there was no arrangement for pay, nor for free drinks. But this guy had just played at their establishment for several hours. People were pausing on the street to take note of the place, and to listen to the music. Others were coming in to sit down--the two of them probably generated at least *some* extra business by being there, and at no cost to the cafe, since they weren't paying. I overheard customers talking about how good the two of them were--so the audience was certainly appreciative. And the owners couldn't even give him a free coffee, as a little thank you for doing that.
Not a super big deal in a way--the drink was maybe five bucks. But still--these guys lugged their equipment, set up and played for free. And not only did the daughter charge the musician for the coffee he ordered, but neither the mother nor the daughter stopped by, either during the break or after the gig to say "thank you" or "you guys are sounding great" or anything. I had stayed for the whole gig, and there was nothing--no acknowledgement at all. I double checked with one of the musicians after, and he confirmed that there had been no word of thanks.
It was a few years ago (so as I say, maybe things have changed; maybe they were stressed about things, or too busy serving all the customers the musicians brought in to be bothered), but I still remember this lack of generosity of spirit with something like incredulity. Way to support the arts, Dulcinea! -
Review from Nicole C.
Vancouver, BC
This place makes me long for Spain! If you've every found yourself sitting at a cafe in the old town of some Spanish city and wished that you could transfer the deliciousness of the cup in front of you home, then you will love this place!
The staff are informative, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the chocolate experience. From chocolate fiends to those who rarely indulge, there is something for everyone.
Next time you're looking for a pick-me-up, pass those other coffee shops and evil chains by, and stop by Dulcinea to delight in fantastic coffee, delicious snacks and oodles of chocolate. -
Review from Reena M.
I really like this place!! For nostalgic purposes, I decided to go with churros con chocolate like i had in Spain. They were okay. But despite that, I think I may have found a new potential lover. :-D I like the way they were served on a cutting board. The Xocolatl hot chocolate drink was really delicious too with just the right amount of chiles. This is the perfect place to come during the winter to warm up.
They have a variety of other chocolate desserts, which I would love to try next time. The cool thing about this place was that they have t-shirts!! And they sell some Spanish items. This would also be a good place to hang out and surf the web with your laptop.
I'm a huge fan.
Ooh, it's like ordering at a coffee shop where you pay upfront. But they serve it to your table. Please remember to tip! -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
I consider my discovery of Dulcinea my crowning glory of living in the west end. Nestled in between other little boutiques on Denman street, Dulcinea has an un-pretentious air and gives the vibe of being a little european cafe. I've sat by the window playing chess on rainy days, I've worked there (the staff are so kind, they let me move a table over to where there was an available power outlet).
I live for the 1528 shots of chocolate - but on days where I feel like I could sit and stay a while, it's the dominicano (amaretto, cinnamon and chocolate.. does it get better than that?)
Mari, the store owner, is lovely - she speaks spanish and will chat with you in her sweet 'mother hen' kind of way. There's a loyalty card system so that everytime you buy a drink you get a stamp leading to a free beverage of your choice.
I love that dulcinea is all about chocolate. The friendly staff, great food and amazing drinks are what have kept me a regular. -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
Tauted as a spanish chocolate cafe, I strayed away from this one since it had opened. I had my worries about the ability of any cafe to re-create a genuine spanish experience.
I've gone twice for reassurance. Let me tell you where I am coming from. I love Spain. My bias comes from living in Barcelona. Enjoying a cafe con leche and patatas omelette(aka patatas gravas) almost every siesta. I can't tell you how good it is.
First, they call it a tortilla. That's cool as long as it wows me with the taste. I will say, give it a try! I found it too be lacking some salt. I wouldn't say sprinkle it with salt before eating. It needs to be in the actual mixture. I didn't mind the thickness. I'm not used to that but there's always variation. All in all, it wasn't bad but it sure was not like what I've had in Barcelona.
Second, during siesta, I always parked myself onto the cafe's bar stool and ordered a cafe con leche. Dulcinea, dubs their version as Cafe Ole. Now, when you are sitting in a catalan cafe, i was never asked, 'tall, short or grande.' I never had a 'to go' cup. You sat and enjoyed the same size of coffee as everyone else.
The cafe ole I had was nothing like the cafe con leche I had but I really wanted it to be because it is one thing I really miss. Perhaps it was the coffee, milk or method they used. I was disappointed.
The older woman that was working behind the bar was an awesome person for sharing information about their products. If you go, chat with her about what they make. I walked in and she promptly provided a sample of their hot chocolate.
Customer service goes a long way. Makes me want to try it again.
I would like to add, the interior is quite inviting. Nice place to chill.
As for the desserts, there's plenty of chocolate to choose from. This would be a great place to take someone to enjoy what they offer especially the thick, rich hot chocolate they serve. Great for a rainy day.
Free Wi-FiListed in: The West End
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Review from Catherine R.
Ask for the dark chocolate chai (with soy) and prepare to melt into chocolate bliss..... (I think the owner made it to perfection).
I dinged a star because the second day we went in and had a different dark chocolate drink made by a young woman which was far too sweet. -
Review from Adam F.
I've been here twice now, first on a very foggy day in January, when I had the spicy hot chocolate, ordered full spice (which was a little to spicy for me in the end!) and second on a sunny afternoon in May, when I opted for the Vancouverite (chocolate with maple syrup and cashews). I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the maple syrup, but it wasn't overwhelming, and I quite enjoyed it. Definitely keep coming back here when I'm in the West End.
Oh, and the staff are always very friendly and genuine. -
Review from Jeanne L.
Vancouver, BC
A must for Chocoholics to experience the uniqueness and diverse
Spanish chocolate-based drinks offered. All drinks are made with a fine quality chocolate base (i.e. 1528) that is rich and not overly sweet.
The staff are warm & friendly but don't expect to get your drinks as quick as places like Starbucks & Blenz coffee houses. This place provides a "homey" feeling and makes their drinks with "love".
The seating is fairly small, so I wouldn't recommend a large group (8 ppl+) unless you take your drinks to go.
http://www.dulcineacho... -
Review from Tofuchhichi T.
Vancouver, BC
We found this randomly on Yelp as we love trying new food.
You have to LOVE chocolate to enjoy this as this Spanish dessert/coffee house uses chocolate as its major ingredients. It is a place for friends' gathering as its desserts are made to be shared. We have ordered 4 types of desserts to share and the one we all loved is to dip some sort of biscuits in its famous 1528 (hot chocolate). I love its Spanish coffee - Cafe Ole, great coffee smell, but not too strong (they made it less strong for us). -
Review from Steven M.
Vancouver, BC
Ranks up there with Mink in terms of best cafes with a chocolate focus in the city.
The staff here are super friendly.
They always ask "Have you been here before?!" all cheery.
One day I'm going to lie and say "no" just to see what happens. -
Review from andrew w.
To die for cafe au lait.
Good sundae too. I'd love to come back and try a couple more things. -
Review from Sara B.
While vacationing my travel buddy wanted ice cream. Too bad it was too late at night...
We came across this place and had a simple ice cream dish but....GET THE CAFE OLE!!!
I love coffee, drink it everyday, it is one of my favorite things to try while out and about.
This was the BEST I have ever had! -
Review from natalie s.
Vancouver, BC
So there's a coffee shop in the West End and it's not Starbucks. Perfect! I like the ambiance there, it's cozy and quiet. I also like their everything muffin, it's very good. And a couple other treats. Although some may see boxing a muffin or a little tasty treat as a nice touch, I always ask for a paper bag. I don't need to use all that paper to get it home.
Although I like this place, I'm still puzzled why when I ask for a coffee, there is always a reason to offer an Americano (which I don't mind and prefer really), they may say they are brewing a new pot or it's not hot, but that always seems to come up. Same price, it doesn't bother me, just odd really.
I like those who work there, it's a nice energy. -
Review from Sam E.
First of all, I should disclose that I am a raging chocoholic. As such, Dulcinae is the kind of enabler I dream about. Artisan chocolate blends made by hand are turned into milkshakes, hot drinks, cookies, brownies, cakes, mousses, and other delightful confections.
On top of the choco-goodness, the space itself is cheery and comfortable. Free wifi rounds it all out and makes it a great place to spend few hours catch up on email/facebook/textsfromlastnight. -
Review from Tracy P.
Vancouver, BC
We were looking for a nice coffee shop to sit and relax a bit and happened upon this place as we strolled Denman. Wanting to avoid a caffeine headache, we decided to try it out.
It's Very small and cosy. Very "West End". Much to my delight, they offered horchata, and I LOVE horchata! It was so delightfully refreshing on warm summer day.
The store owner, Maria? is an absolute pleasure. She has a sweet, motherly way about her, extremely bubbly, gracious and friendly. It's mum-ish customer service like that, that will always ensure repeat business from me.
We, unfortunately only stopped for a quick bevereen (my boyfriend only had a standard americano), but I definitely want to come back for a few of those rich cups of chocolate and an order of churros!
Perhaps on a Tuesday, where they have live flamenco dancing! -
Review from Namit M.
Very good and not too sweet basic hot chocolate. I have tried the X - with hot peppers and the Vancouverite with maple syrup.
Prefer the sweet Vancouverite and will keep returning to try the other concoctions. -
Review from Allen W.
Dulcinea is a small, quaint cafe which specializes in Spanish chocolate drinks and desserts.
We needed a rainy night activity and walked there last night to try it out. The staff greeted us at the counter with samples of the thick 1528, the building block in all of the chocolate drinks. It's thick, creamy, and filled with a robust chocolate flavor. Surprisingly, it's not overly sweet.
I ordered the Dominicano which is lightly spiced with cloves, vanilla, amaretto essence, and topped with cinnamon. The flavors were light and the spices not overpowering.
I also had to order the El Diablo cake which is dense like a decadent truffle. Each bite melted in my mouth, sinfully good. I will be returning to try more of the delicious drinks and confections! -
Review from Joe L.
Vancouver, BC
I wasn't sure if going to a chocolate café after indulging on sweets for the past month during the holidays was a good idea but I'm glad I did!
Having been a couch potato since coming home mid-day on New Year's Eve (aside from the few walks on which my dog took me), I was itching to venture out in the rain after finishing dinner at home on New Year's evening. Browsing on Yelp! for dessert ideas led us to Dulcinea.
After tasting a couple of sample shots of the rich 1528 (their house hot chocolate from which they make all other varieties), we decided on Dominicano (heavy on cinnamon and other spices) and Clasico (with milk and whipped cream) and shared their El Diable (a very decadent, rich and intense chocolate truffle gâteau.
We tried to savour our drinks and cake as much as we could because we just couldn't stop taking sips and bites. Our desserts went down rather quickly. We'll definitely be back soon to try something else on their extensive menu. -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
We're sitting here in a post-chocogasm haze. Wow, you have to try this place. Trust me.
We came for coffee after a chilly evening seawall walk. Inside, live music and smiling, happy chocolate-drinking people greeted us. We sat at the "bar" and were immediately offered a complimentary drinking chocolate. YUUUUM! They have many types of chocolate drinks here, some with whipped cream and nuts.
My favourite? The Dominicana: smooth creamy hot chocolate with cloves, amaretto and vanilla. Mmmmmm. -
Review from Jeffrey S.
Vancouver, BC
The service is a little slow but i think this is the charm of Dulcinea...it subtly forces one to slow down and relax. Staff are friendly and the chocolate is superb. I went to Spain in 2005 and this place brought a flood of memories back. I had the spicy Hot Chocolate (see my pic above).
Since summer is coming, they have icy coffee drinks too! Dulcinea is a welcome unique addition to the Westend and English Bay. -
Review from Kimli W.
Dulcinea is amazing. Incredible drinks, decadent desserts, and - here's the biggest thing - crazy reasonable prices. It's a very cozy place to spend an evening: an intimate coffee date, people watching, or just plain indulging your sweet tooth. I'll definitely be back to try other treats!
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Review from Liz M.
I love this place. I am lactose intolerant and there are actually chocolate I can have here. YUM. It's a stylish place with a mellow atmosphere. My bf and I LOVE this place. It certainly is a better day once I've come to this spot. Thank you Dulcinea.
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Denman street has awesome little treasures, and independant restaurans where you can try some unique goodies and treats. Ducinea is one of them... Promounced Dul - Soon- a - yah, this is a little spanish hot chocolate shop with a large wooden door welcoming you into it's little haven. It's was really home-y i found, and the ambiance is quite nice. I am pretty sure family own, but the lady was super nice. The selection is extensive, from teas, hot chocolates, to desserts, milkshakes and even tapas!
My lovely lady was craving a lavender hot chocolate and they eve had the actual flowers! We wanted to split and she offered to put it into two little cups for us to share, with the choice of regular or CHOCOLATE whipped cream!!!!
The hot chocolate was not as sweet (like Mink's)... which is original in its own way. Their drinks seem to focus more around spices and cinnamon, which can be a differentiator to other competitors.
The lady even came over to check on how the drink was and if there was enough lavender taste. She had steeped the flower in water to ensure that the flavours fully came out - how exotic :)
If you know someone who loves chocolate, they have cute t-shirts with chocolate slogans!
Note** they have LACTOSE FREE MILK!Listed in: World away from Starbucks..
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
This chocolate café takes place of the original cupcakes store location and then a few short-lived cafes that for some reason can't seem to survive at this location. Right beside a Vietnamese restaurant, a new yogurt place and underneath Tanpopo it shouldn't have a problem staying in business. Offering everything that is chocolate-the brown interior is very appropriate. The hot chocolate, dulce de leche, caramel filled sauces and cookies and cakes, pastries and cakes and South American desserts are really sweet. There is table service, teas and coffees.
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Review from Trish R.
Wow, I'm in love with this shop. If you're a chocolate lover, you MUST try the 1528 hot chocolate. The family that runs the place and their staff are oh, so nice - and they give you a little taste of this drink when you are deciding on your order. Don't miss out, you must order the 1528 as your first drink when you come here. It's thick and pure and the best treat ever! I've tried the other drinks and they're really good, interesting and a nice treat too, but you MUST try the 1528 and only later try the other interesting and yummy variations. :D
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Review from Tiffany G.
Stopped in here to get some takeout desserts on a friend's recommendation and in every respect it was above and beyond my expectations!
The counter staff took time to describe in great detail their favourite dessert items and give me whatever samples were available even though they were fairly busy, and very detailed instructions for the optimum heating method were handwritten on each box.
Plus the desserts were amazing! Their chocolate sauce is a perfect blend of flavours, not too sweet at all, and their churros are definitely the best I've had. -
Review from Sunil G.
The dominicano and the milkshake were both outstanding. The service was prompt and the wifi quick enough and free. There's nothing really to fault about this place except it has my pet hate, playing salsa at a Spanish cafe. Spain is not the place for salsa and has enough music without turning to the cubans! Also I spoke in a spanish accent to the server and she had no idea what I said. None of that took away from the quality of drinks though.
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Review from Mike N.
This place is, summarily, heaven! Parking in the area is a byatch, though.
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Review from Angel I.
I felt like I was in Europe here. The staff here are super friendly, and I love how they have free wi-fi here. All of the chocolate desserts are super yummy and the beverages are delicious--though the chocolate drink is still too rich for me, feel free to try their sample! This is my cafe of choice!
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Review from Barry M.
Hot chocolate was delicious, just wish there was more of it for spending more than $5 or $6 on the specialty kinds... it was drunk (drunken? drank?) very quickly..
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Review from Tracy D.
Vancouver, BC
My boyfriend and I live within walking distance and this place is a gem on Denman amongst the varied Pizza and donair places. Homey feeling, and I love that it's family run and that they bring live entertainment in every one in a while. The specialty hot chocolates are obviously awesome on the palette; not so sweet like you'd think, and not too overpowering on the palette, despite the myriad of spices used. Only exception is the Chocolatl, which has a bit too much chili for my taste, but the bf likes it. I prefer their 1581 (or whatever the number is) - you have to use a spoon!
Cheesecake is the smoothest texture, and the peanut butter cup is butter butter butter. Great texture and balance of sweet and saltiness.
Excellent for a date night or just stroll about town -
Review from Jacqueline L.
Vancouver, BC
I usually don't enjoy hot chocolate. They are either too sweet or too light. But my friend invited me to go try this little Spanish chocolate place. I was like, why not? That was a very pleasant experience! The service was really nice, which is not that common in Vancouver... The chocolate are tasty. Totally enjoyed it and would definitely become a regular!
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Review from Vanessa D.
Vancouver, BC
amazing. we stumbled home in a veritable chocolate coma after overindulging at this wonderful little spot. the 1528 is wonderful, (we dipped churros in it), the bread pudding made from croissants was some of the best i have ever had, and the grenada milkshake (avocado and banana) was fresh (nothing fake!) and tasty. try the magellan hot choc drink, so addictive. reasonably priced as well. the staff is friendly but quiet. i don't mind the little bit of waiting if it means they hand make everything to order. a perfect place to spend an afternoon!
