There’s nothing like steaming mug of rich, dark hot chocolate to brighten up your day, especially during winter. We’re hot chocolate fans here at Menus, so we went in search of some of New Zealand’s best cafés for hot chocolate.
Here’s where you can get your fix this winter:
Ponsonby Road’s Café Cezanne is one of my favourites. The massive bowls of creamy hot chocolate, colourful wall murals and tasty cabinet food make it very easy to linger Cezanne. You might just pop in for a hot chocolate, but could find yourself staying a while!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 11:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:30am to 11:30pm
Price range: $5 to $12
The Chocolate Boutique is just about as close as chocoholic can get to Heaven on Earth. Their shop offers over 100 different flavours of chocolate. The on-site café is famous for its Italian denso (thick) hot chocolate, which is available in chilli, Mexican spice and double chocolate. Try it with one of their decadent, delectable desserts. Just thinking about it is enough to make your mouth water!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am to 9:50pm
Price range: $5 to $12
If you’re heading north on a road trip this winter, stop in at Chocolate Brown in Warkworth. Pull up a chair by the roaring fire and try the famous Chocolate Brown House Hot Chocolate, its rich and chocolatey and served with lashings of whipped cream. They also have a large range of exotic chocolates available in their store.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm
Price range: $5 to $15
Butlers Chocolate Café in Wellington is part of a global chain of luxury chocolate cafes and shops owned by Butlers, an Irish company. Butlers calls itself a “purveyor of happiness” and it’s true, their exquisite hot chocolate will certainly put a smile on your face. The White Hot Chocolate is to die for!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Price range: $5 to $12
Scorch O Rama is a family friendly café with stunning water views over Scorching Bay. They do a mean hot chocolate and have something for every taste and every pocket, from the stack of $5 pancakes to the more substantial BLT.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5:30pm
Price range: $5 to $30
The team at She Choclat in Governors Bay are passionate about all things chocolate and cacao. Even the savoury dishes on their restaurant menu have a chocolate element! The “Chocolate Elixir Drinks” made from the finest Belgian chocolate alone are worth the visit, they come in a range of flavours including Mayan (chilli), jaffa (pure orange oil), ginger, peppermint and crème brulee.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am until late, Saturday 9am until late, Sunday 9am to 5pm
Price range: $5 to $20
Theobroma Chocolate Lounge upstairs in Riccarton Mall is a veritable chocolate emporium. They’re also dedicated to the art of chocolate and an array of products that use chocolate in novel ways. Drinking hot chocolate at Theobroma is a novel experience in itself. The hot chocolate is served in mugs with burners underneath to keep the liquid warm.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm
Price range: $5 to $15
Editorial by Nicholas Chidley
24 July 2012
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