Brussels, the chocolate capital, is known worldwide for its artisanal perfection and centuries-old tradition of chocolate making. In the winding streets of this city, three chocolatiers stand out in particular: Laurent Gerbaud, Mary and Wittamer. They embody different facets of Belgian chocolate culture and offer a truly exceptional experience for every gourmet.

Laurent Gerbaud: A modern taste experience

Tony Le Duc / Laurent Gerbaud

Laurent Gerbaud brings a breath of fresh air to the traditional Belgian chocolate scene. His philosophy is simple but sophisticated: chocolate should awaken the senses and open up new worlds of taste. He deliberately avoids added sugar and instead relies on the natural flavors of his first-class ingredients. He combines Belgian chocolate with exotic dried fruits and spices from all over the world, resulting in creatively harmonious creations.

Laurent Gerbaud

Gerbaud's chocolates stand for a modern, internationally inspired approach delighting both purists and chocolate lovers who love to experiment. His store is not only a place to go for connoisseurs, but also a place of discovery, where new combinations arouse curiosity and rekindle a passion for chocolate.

Mary: A touch of finesse since 1919

Mary

The story of Mary began in 1919, when Mary Delluc opened her own chocolaterie in Brussels. Today, Mary is synonymous with depth of flavor, delicacy and the highest craftsmanship. Her chocolates are still made according to traditional recipes and methods, with each creation made by hand. This attention to detail and pursuit of perfection has made Mary one of Belgium's most renowned chocolatiers.

Mary

Mary offers an extensive selection of chocolates, ranging from melt-in-the-mouth ganache fillings to fine nougat variations. The house style is unmistakable - classic, timeless and always elegantly packaged. It's no surprise that Mary was not only the first official chocolatier of the Belgian royal family, but also remained the only one for a long time. A visit to Mary is like a look back at the glory days of the art of chocolate, where tradition and indulgence are celebrated at the highest level.

Wittamer: Innovation and royal tradition

© Wittamer

For over a century, Wittamer has stood for luxury, tradition and unmistakable quality. Founded in 1910, the family business has developed into one of the most famous chocolatiers in Brussels. The flagship store on Place du Grand Sablon is a Mecca and attracts chocolate lovers from all over the world. Wittamer is also Purveyor to the Court of the Belgian Royal Family, underlining the exceptional quality of its products.

© Wittamer

Wittamer's creations impress with their balance between classic and innovative flavors. The chocolates are rich in flavor, with a fine chocolate shell and balanced fillings. Particularly famous are the elegant, artfully decorated chocolate pieces, which are often presented in elaborate packaging. Here, masterful craftsmanship meets aesthetics, combining tradition and modernity.

A journey through Brussels' chocolate landscape

Whether it's the avant-garde creativity of Laurent Gerbaud, the classical mastery of Mary or the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation at Wittamer - these three chocolatiers offer a unique chocolate experience. Each of these addresses tells a different chapter in Belgian chocolate history, but they have one thing in common: their art puts a smile on the faces of connoisseurs, transporting the palate into a world of indulgence.

Read more: The Canary Islands: Moments of pleasure in the middle of the Atlantic