The Hands Down Best Chocolate Shop In California Isn't See's Or Ghirardelli

One of the first things you might spot when visiting San Francisco is the illuminated Ghirardelli sign that towers over the city's shoreline. The chocolate brand, which was founded in the Bay Area in 1849, is synonymous with the state, as is See's Candies, another historic local company with stores scattered throughout the world. But if you're only going to stop at one California chocolate shop, it should actually be a different San Francisco darling: Dandelion Chocolate.

Dandelion is an award-winning craft chocolatier based in the vibrant Mission District. Unlike bigger brands such as See's and Ghirardelli, all of Dandelion's bars are made with just two ingredients: Cocoa beans and sugar. The company runs off the principle that chocolate is like wine — there are so many different flavor profiles to tap into, why add anything else? That means no vanilla, preservatives, or even cocoa butter, which allows every note to shine through.

You can taste the difference immediately, which led to Dandelion being named on Tasting Table's list of the best chocolate shops in every state. Each product is rich and indulgent, with a deep, complex flavor that changes by bar. Like most San Francisco residents, I've had the pleasure of visiting Dandelion Chocolate numerous times and can attest to the fact that once you sneak in for your first free sample, you'll be returning for many more. Ghirardelli and See's will always be classics, but Dandelion simply offers a more refined experience that feels natural, unique, and totally Californian.

Dandelion follows a single-origin approach, meaning the cocoa beans are ethically sourced from one farm at a time. All roasting and grinding takes place on site at the Dandelion Chocolate Factory on 16th Street, which visitors can actually tour during operating hours. The factory hosts a lot of different events, and every one feels like an elevated version of Willy Wonka for adults. You can take baking classes, learn about confectionery, or simply walk around while sampling products made by some of the best chocolatiers in the U.S.

Dandelion operates a few other stores in San Francisco as well as a Las Vegas outpost. Things are still run by co-founder Todd Masonis who, in classic Bay Area fashion, started making chocolate in a Silicon Valley garage in 2010. Now, the products are available to ship all over the U.S. If you're trying it for the first time, I personally recommend the 70% Semuliki Forest bar. I also asked a staff member for their favorite during my last visit and they pointed me to the Tumaco bar.

The European hot chocolate is also a luxurious cold-weather treat and the handcrafted advent calendars are legendary. If you can't make it to California, here are some other places to sample craft chocolate. Ghirardelli is always a good backup — we love the company's new milk chocolate bars. See's is more about boxed products, so save that for gifting, whether it's for others or yourself.