Peruvian Chocolate: The Best Shops in Lima

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Among all the famous foods to love in Peru, chocolate deserves a lot more hype than it gets, except in our family, because for us, chocolate isn’t just dessert—it’s practically a love language. And no one understands that better than our son, Niko. Every time we’re in Lima, he leads the charge on what’s become our unofficial family chocolate tour.

From elegant bean-to-bar boutiques in Barranco to nostalgic candy bars you’ll find in every Peruvian pantry, Lima is a sleeper hit for serious chocoholics. Whether you’re after truffles, cakes, or edible souvenirs, here’s how to indulge like a local (and a little like us).

Why Peruvian Chocolate Is So Special

Peru is one of the world’s top producers of fine aroma cacao—a premium classification prized for its complexity and natural flavor profiles. And what makes Peruvian cacao truly stand out? It all comes down to geography.

Cacao grows in incredibly diverse microclimates, from the steamy jungle regions of San Martín and Ucayali to the high-altitude valleys of Cusco and Ayacucho. Rich soils, natural shade, and ideal humidity conditions produce beans with flavor notes that range from citrusy and floral to nutty and bold.

Many of the world’s best chocolate makers source their beans from Peru—but in Lima, you get to enjoy them straight from the source.

The Best Chocolate Shops in Lima

The next time you’re in Lima, look for these shops to find the best chocolate.

El Cacaotal: Barranco’s Bean-to-Bar Star

This Barranco gem is Peru’s love letter to cacao. El Cacaotal isn’t just a shop—it’s a curated showcase of the country’s best small-batch chocolate makers. Each bar highlights a different region, from the fruity brightness of Piura to the deep richness of Cusco.

The staff here really know their stuff and offer tasting flights that walk you through the complex world of Peruvian cacao. It’s one of the most educational (and delicious) experiences in Lima.

• Location: Barranco

Look out for Maraná Chocolate: A standout Peruvian bean‑to‑bar chocolate maker, crafting bars from the finest cacao sourced in three distinct regions: Piura, San Martín, and Cusco.

ChocoMuseo: Chocolate You Can Make Yourself

Part museum, part workshop, part sweet shop—ChocoMuseo is one of Niko’s favorites. You can roast and grind cacao beans, pour your own bar, and sample everything from cacao tea to spicy hot chocolate. It’s fun, hands-on, and surprisingly informative.

There are two locations: one in Miraflores and another in Lima’s historic center, just steps from the Plaza de Armas.

• Locations: Miraflores and Centro Histórico

The Gay Baker: Lima’s Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake

This cake. One bite and you’ll get why we don’t “share dessert” when this one’s involved. Rich, dense, and outrageously chocolatey, The Gay Baker’s signature cake has reached legend status.

You’ll need to track it down via pop-ups or pre-order through Instagram—but trust me, it’s worth it.

Sublime: Peru’s Most Iconic Chocolate Candy

Sublime is chocolate nostalgia in a silver wrapper. Creamy milk chocolate with roasted peanuts—it’s the go-to treat for kids, abuelos, and anyone who grew up here.

We stock up in bulk before flying home. It’s not optional.

• Where to Buy: Supermarkets, bodegas, airport shops

Swissôtel Chocolate Fountain: A December Tradition

Every Christmas, the Swissôtel in San Isidro puts on a dessert spread anchored by its famous chocolate fountain. Niko lives for it—it’s become our holiday tradition.

The buffet includes one of Lima’s best chocolate gelatos, too.

• Location: San Isidro
• When to Go: December
• Must-Try: Chocolate fountain and gelato

Caffé Gianfranco: Lima’s Best Chocolate Gelato

A hidden gem near Huaca Pucllana, this quiet café serves Niko’s all-time favorite chocolate gelato. Dark, smooth, and deeply satisfying—it’s everything chocolate gelato should be.

Perfect after a morning exploring the ruins or a big lunch nearby.

• Location: Near Huaca Pucllana, Miraflores

What We Bring Home: Our Chocolate Haul Ritual

Supermarket Sweep

Before heading to the airport, we hit up Wong and Plaza Vea for:

• Cacaosuyo – Award-winning and beautifully packaged
• Milky, La Ibérica – A beloved Peruvian classic with a sugar-free option!
• Quma – Unique blends, high-quality flavor

Airport Duty-Free Favorites

Lima’s airport has a surprisingly good chocolate selection. Our must-buy? Chocolate-covered Aguaymanto (golden berries) from Britt Shop. Sweet, tangy, and dark chocolate–coated, they’re our go-to travel snack.

Britt’s chocolate line also includes great fruit and coffee bean options, and they often run buy-3-get-1-free promos—perfect for stocking up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Turn

I have barely scratched the surface here on chocolate, so I’d love to hear any favorite chocolate shops in Lima I may have missed here.

Tag me on Instagram @ohlalima or drop a comment with your go-to chocolate indulgence. I’m always looking for the next addition to our chocolate route.