The Gleaner went on a mission to find the best hot chocolate on Bloor
By Rose Harbener
The Gleaner set out on a seasonal mission to taste every hot chocolate offered by the cafes on Bloor Street with the aim of ranking the top three. Each cup was evaluated for flavour, texture, and the right balance of sweetness. After braving the snow and after much deliberation, we have crowned three cups of cocoa perfection the winners.
Wildhearts Cafe, 509 Bloor St. W.
If you’re craving a hot chocolate that perfectly captures the cozy feeling of having just built a snowman, look no further than Wildhearts. They’ve truly perfected this delightful winter treat. The drink’s perfectly balanced sweetness makes it the ultimate comfort in a cup. Besides the creamy sweet deliciousness of their hot chocolate, Wildhearts also offers a wide selection of drinks and pastries. The interior boasts a cozy, laptop-friendly atmosphere for patrons, and the disco ball spinning on the ceiling lights up the space with a unique charm. The walls are a vibrant canvas, always adorned with artwork from local artists that changes periodically, ensuring there’s always something new to see. The owner, Sean Lacey, opened Wildhearts in early 2022 and has made it their mission to create a welcoming space that blends community, creativity, and delectable drinks.
Nadège Patisserie, 494 Bloor St. W.
Nadège Patisserie is a renowned French pastry shop in Toronto founded in 2009 by Chef Nadège Nourian and partner Morgan McHugh. Nadège offers authentic French pastries and drinks and their gourmet hot chocolate embodies the Parisian elegance of their store. At five dollars a cup, the luscious consistency is rich, but not overly thick. It is crafted with chocolate from the high-end French brand Valrhona, which has made it their mission to become masters of taste and chocolatey goodness. Nourian, a fourth-generation pastry chef, honed her skills in France and decided to put them to use when she opened the first Nadège location on Queen Street. She went on to open the Annex location in May, 2022. Nadège is celebrated for its innovative and artistic approach to traditional French pastries and drinks.
Công Càphê, 424 Bloor St. W.
Công Càphê, a delightful Vietnamese-based cafe, opened its first North American location in the Annex in November 2023. Công offers an enchanting experience with their silky, dark hot chocolate sprinkled with a dusting of cinnamon to elevate its rich velvety flavour. In 2007, Công was born in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. Founded by the visionary Ling Dung, this vibrant cafe captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese flavours. Công reflects Dung’s treasured childhood recollections of Hanoi between 1976–1986 and represents a new vintage café design trend that encapsulates Vietnam’s rich cultural legacy.