If you’re ever in Sydney, and need a warm drink, then you might want to consider some of the best hot chocolate in the city. With this in mind, we’ve listed five of our favorites below.
Rustic Pearl
Rustic Pearl in Alexandria is one of the newest and most popular hot chocolate joints on the scene. Not only does this place serve up a quality brew, but it also does a great job at providing an alternative menu to its customers. A breakfast of eggs and toast, paired with an organic honeycomb and some clotted cream, may sound a little mundane, but this establishment knows how to make it special.
The small restaurant serves up a full-blown breakfast, but it’s the hot chocolate that really deserves the attention. While this little cafe is only open for COVID-19 (the one that’s not for you, me, or anyone else), it’s still worth a stop. Plus, you’ll be getting some tasty grub as well.
For something a little more low-key, the Turkish inspired restaurant has four laudable hot chocolates to choose from. Each is the real ole’ and the best part is that they’re all vegan.
Coco Children’s High Tea
The Coco Children’s High Tea is an interactive experience for the young and young at heart. Guests will enjoy a handcrafted sausage roll, a mini chocolate milk shake, and a fun craft activity. At the end of the tea, they will have the chance to make their very own headbands and hair clips. There is also a surprisingly sized selection of bespoke Coco chocolates to sample, including the classic cocoa praline and the more exotic coconut and pistachio variants.
What better way to pass the time than with a decadent high tea? From classic cream scones to modern creations such as a mango oolong tea tart, guests are sure to find something to their tastes. Served in bespoke tea ware based on Princess Diana’s designs, this is one afternoon tea experience that’s definitely worth a try. For just R180 per child, this high tea experience has it all. Among other things, it features a mini Alice in Wonderland cupcake, a handmade large freckle, and a bespoke high tea experience designed for children. If you’re after something a little more grown-up, there’s a Coco Classic High Tea for more mature palates, or a two-course high tea experience with a cocktail on the side.
Daily Provisions
Daily Provisions is a neighborhood bakery that serves everything from breakfast to dinner. They have a variety of classics, including breakfast sandwiches, sweet treats, and roast chicken dinners. Their specialty is their crullers, which are ring-shaped pastries made from dough that’s deep fried. The interior is soft like eclairs, while the exterior is crunchy.
Daily Provisions is owned by the same team behind Union Square Cafe. It’s a casual all-day cafe that’s open from 8am to 10pm. You’ll find two small tables and a single counter in this quaint, cozy restaurant.
Daily Provisions has two types of hot chocolate: a velvety, rich one, and a smooth, vanilla marshmallow version. You can also get a cup of half-and-half, which is a blend of milk and cream. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more substantial, try their bacon sandwich. Served on fresh-baked focaccia, it’s topped with caesar dressing, mozzarella, and spinach.
You’ll be able to order your food on real plates, so you don’t have to worry about leaving any trash behind. In addition to the signature crullers, you can also get a cake or an egg sandwich. These are all priced at $7, so they’re a great deal.
Grounds in the City
If you are a chocolate lover, you can visit Grounds in the City, a cafe in the Sydney CBD. They have 17 hot drink options to choose from. There is also a long list of teas. It is open Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-6pm.
It is a stylish cafe with a quaint Orient Express-style interior. The decor includes hand-made stained glass windows and custom-cast enamel doors.
For a treat, you can order one of the many pastries or cakes from their Grounds Bakery. You can also choose from a range of teas, coffees and cold brew.
The cafe has an enchanting setting and a great menu. You can also find a deconstructed mocha and hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate is a delicious, quick way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. They serve it in cut glass cups on vintage crockery saucers. To top it off, you can get it with softly whipped cream.
Their signature milk chocolate is ready to steam. When you order your mug of hot chocolate, you can opt for extra chocolate drizzle on top.
You can also try a range of other hot drinks. Try their chocolate affogato. Or, order a cup of ‘European-style drinking chocolate’ in dark or light.
Rivareno
Rivareno has a plethora of ice cream and gelato flavors, along with a slew of granitas and hot chocolate options. Their signature rich Italian style hot chocolate is the real deal, and is one of the best frothed up concoctions around. Whether it’s a date, or just a cold winter night, a trip to Rivareno will surely warm the heart and soul.
The company has thirteen branches in Italy alone, and another two in Sydney. They’ve got the triathlon of ice cream topped with a tasty hot chocolate, plus a menu of other nifty tidbits like fresh made crepes and waffles. Aside from being an Italian import, the ice cream company also has a slew of awards to its name, including the ‘Best Gelato in Italy’ from independent food guide Golosaria. Considering their many accolades, the staff at Rivareno certainly care about making a good impression. So do yourself a favor and head over to their Barangaroo store, located at 33 Barangaroo Avenue, or their Crown Street location, to try out their signature hot chocolate.
While there are a number of Italian ice cream and gelato shops on the Sydney side, Rivareno stands out from the crowd with its unique offerings. You can order the ice cream snogging potion, or the affogato, or the gummy worm to be specific, but the star of the show is definitely the hot chocolate.
T2’s Chilli Chocolate
A well-stocked bar or nightclub would be a shame without a hefty serving of T2’s Chilli Chocolate on offer. It’s got a hefty dose of the finest dark chocolate and a decent amount of chili, albeit the latter is a tad bit of a splurge. The best part is it’s only 5 bucks. Well worth the splurge for the chocolate connoisseur in your circle of trust. Whether or not you’re on the prowl for an aforementioned splurge, T2’s Chilli Chocolate should be on your short list for next time you’re in the mood for a high-brow alcoholic beverage. Of course, T2’s aficionados can indulge in a little retail therapy in the form of a T2 Xpress delivery. With T2’s no-nonsense price and service guarantee, you know you’re getting top notch quality and service. Whether or not you’re a dedicated fan of the drink, you’ll find yourself wowed by the experience.
