A few years ago, chocolate cafés were a thing of rarity.

But today, Sydney’s chocolate culture has taken on another dimension with the number and variety of outlets that have opened up all over the city. Whether it’s an internationally renowned premium chocolatier or a local wanting to share their lifelong passion for chocolate, Sydneysiders know that a rich, smooth, piping hot cup of hot chocolate is never too far away.

Here is our list of top chocolate cafés to try, thanks to input from friends, family and our very own taste buds.

So in no particular order…

Max Brenner

Images of Max Brenner’s bald mug with his chocolaty snot running down his nose can be found on many far reaching suburban Sydney shopping centres. The rapid expansion of this café chain has led to a large following among the more casual chocolate connoisseur – the place that people know they can enjoy quality chocolate drinks and desserts without fail.

Max Brenner

Chocolateria San Churro

Chocolateria San Churro, originally from Melbourne, has also invaded Sydney’s outer suburbs. Their mascot boasts a thick mane of chocolaty hair (an opposite effect to Max Brenner). As the name suggests, authentic Spanish style churros are a signature dessert here.

Chocolateria San Churro

Lindt Chocolat Café

International chocolate makers Lindt & Sprüngli (poor Sprüngli, nobody remembers Sprüngli) made headlines nearly five years ago wehn it opened the world’s first Lindt chocolate concept store and café in Sydney. Lindt Chocolat Café serves up a delicious selection of cakes, macarons, ice cream and chocolate drinks that truly live up to Lindt’s ‘Excellence’ tag.

Lindt Chocolat Café

Guylian Belgian Chcolate Café

The now Korean owned Belgian chocolatiers Guylian have joined the party with the Guylian Belgian Chcolate Café in Sydney’s tourist hot spots. Bad news for all you seahorse aficionados – these seahorses are 0% seahorse and 100% chocolate.

Guylian Belgian Chcolate Café

The Boon Terrace Lounge

Microbiologist Fanny Chan opened Boon Chocolates with her brother Alex late last year after she returned home from studying the art of chocolate in Belgium. Recently on the cover of SMH’s Good Living, Boon has also attracted a devoted following amongst Sydney chocolate lovers.

Boon Chocolates

Adriano Zumbo Café Chocolat

Pâtissier Adriano Zumbo opened Café Chocolat late last year, riding on the success of his Pâtisserie. His unique creations are a must try for any dessert lover. His brief cameo on Masterchef is responsible for the recent increase in sales of croquembouche cones and witch’s hats.

Adriano Zumbo Café Chocolat

Disclaimer: Mr. Taste sometimes bases his research on his imagination.