Leonidas Love + Chocolate - Oakland

I love chocolate. And I've loved Love + Chocolate since finding their Walnut Creek shop a few years ago (my review here: yelp.com/biz/leonidas-love-chocolate-shop-walnut-creek?hrid=FdYU6AWOmd2gmcXZ40nHQg)... so to discover they've opened a second location in Rockridge? Oh, bliss.The store itself sets the tone: cozy, inviting, beautiful, serene. If you want to pause a minute, a couple of café tables make for great people-watching on College Ave. And of course, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, full of help for choosing your selections but never pushy or sales-y.Naturally the candy is the belle of the ball. Leonidas is true Belgian chocolate, creamy and intense and rich and balanced and... swooooon. This time I sampled some dark chocolates: the 'Manon Intense' dark buttercream with crispy praline, the 'Truffe Noir' truffle, and the 'Duetto' that surprised me with a hint of tart balsamic vinegar in the sweet strawberry filling (trust me, it's a little odd but a lot awesome). (And lest you think I've lost my edge and only had three pieces, take comfort: I also went home with a 16-piece assortment; a pack [OK, maybe two] of almonds in dark, medium and light chocolate; and a half-dozen fruit jellies. The marzipan was spared... this time.)When you visit, there's also Wisteria (florist) on one side, and Vino (wine shop) on the other, and La Farine (bakery) a couple doors down. So if you're planning a gourmet dinner or just treating yourself well, you simply can't find a better spot.BTW, if you want to share the love (+chocolate), they also ship! I've sent gift assortments to friends and employees several times and am always told they arrive pristine and delicious. I can't give Love + Chocolate a more emphatic 5-star rating. The place, the people, and the product are truly an escape from a hectic world. Show yourself some love and go get you some Love + Chocolate.

I received an email from Leonidas Love + Chocolate that their chocolate Santas and Christmas trees were 20% off, both dark chocolate and light. I tried to call them today to check whether they had them, but their Rockridge store phone number wasn't listed on their website, so I shrugged my shoulders and decided to take the risk of driving over since I was going to be at the Cheese Board anyway.When I reached Rockridge I found parking in the same area of 63rd as the last time and walked over to the shop, where I was greeted by a lovely woman. I told her I was looking for the Christmas trees and Santas in dark chocolate. She told me I was lucky, that they were on sale and I replied that I knew that because I was on their email list. She gathered what turned out to be 5, two Santas and three trees, I had part of one of the trees w/ my afternoon cup of tea and will have the rest tomorrow. Needless to say, it was delicious and I look forward to enjoying the others over time. The Santas look darker than the trees, so I wish I had bought more of them, but I'm not going to drive over there again to remedy that.

Welcome to the neighborhood! This delightful chocolate shop is the second location of the Walnut Creek staple. Serving up fresh, handmade chocolate with seasonal varieties - it's an incredible stop for a sweet treat or a local gift. While not cheap, I definitely did not find it unreasonable for the quality of chocolate and the trust they use fine ingredients. I recently popped in and picked up a chocolate pumpkin for my son who said it was the best chocolate he's ever had. He's 6, but he does know his chocolate.Skip See's (gasp!) and the other stuff and support your local chocolatier. I look forward to trying other indulgences in the future.

Cutest little chocolate shop on College Ave! Stopped by on a whim and got 2 pieces of chocolate. Prices were reasonable and the guy working behind the counter was friendly. The chocolates came in fun shapes like mushrooms and hearts. They were delicious and not too sweet. There is banquette seating by the windows with small bistro tables, but looks like most people order to-go.

I grew up eating Leonidas chocolate in Belgium which has entirely ruined me for most chocolate in the US... until now! Finally there is real Belgian chocolate right here in Oakland! Caution: you may not be able to eat lesser chocolate after this. You have been warned. Enjoy!

I should have reviewed this place a while ago. If you're looking for some delicious chocolate, this is the place. It's amazing that the chocolate all comes from Belgium. You would think it was created on the premises, it's so tasty. There's so much to choose from you end up buying a lot more than you intended, lol. If you haven't been, check them out.

Great family owned small business Amazing Belgian Chocolate! Great customer service!

Best chocolate in Berkeley/Oakland, especially if you like rich milk chocolates and pralines. Their crunchy hazelnut and almond mixtures are amazing, especially when paired with the buttercream fillings. I also am a huge fan of the fruit flavored chocolate fillings. Good service, helpful employees, and if you sign up for their mailing list they sometimes have special events and tastings. I'm always craving Leonidas!

I have been a customer of the Walnut Creek location for many years, but it wasn't until recently that I was able to stop into the Oakland location. What a wonderful addition to the neighborhood--beautiful aesthetic, friendly staff, and delicious Belgian chocolate. The display is similar to WC, decadent sweets laid out on a beautiful marble slab--something for everyone! Their seasonal flavors are fun to try, but if you like them, stock up! :)Their inventory is varied and a great place for holiday and hostess gifts--animals, Santas, eggs, liqueur filled bottles, shortbread, Advent calendars, the list goes on and on . . . This small, family owned business is a jewel box --stop in, you won't be disappointed.

What a wonderful gem of a place! As soon as you step into this small shop tucked into the row of businesses across from the Rockridge Safeway, you are transported to a cozy European chocolate experience. From the selection of over 70 chocolates all displayed in a large glass case, to the shelves full off beautiful gift boxes, and selections of shortbread - this shop is cute, chic, and chocolate goodness! The chocolates are beautiful Belgian bites of goodness- and reasonably priced too!This is a must for chocolate lovers everywhere!