NY Chocolate Road Trip: Vosges, Marie Belle, Lindt & Lazar’s
While wandering through SoHo on a recent trip to New York City, I discovered several outstanding chocolate shops worth a stop. Each offered a distinct take on chocolate—craft truffles transformed into creative candy bars, refined hot chocolate, nostalgic marshmallow confections, and classic European-style chocolate bars. Below I describe the highlights from Vosges, Marie Belle, Lazar’s, and Lindt, so you can plan a delicious route next time you’re in the area.
Vosges: Bold Flavors from a Chicago Chocolatier
Vosges is a Chicago-based chocolatier that recently opened a SoHo location. Their truffles are inventive and elevated, and many of those flavor profiles are available as candy bars. One standout is the Gianduja candy bar—an excellent choice for anyone who loves hazelnut paired with smooth Belgian milk chocolate. The texture and balance of hazelnut paste with creamy chocolate make it easy to see why this bar draws repeat purchases. If you enjoy nut-forward confections that feel both luxurious and approachable, Vosges is worth a stop.
Marie Belle: A Stylish SoHo Boutique
Marie Belle opened a new shop not far from Vosges, and it’s a lovely addition to the neighborhood. The store pairs an elegant retail presentation with a curated selection of chocolates and chocolate accessories. I was charmed by a leather binder designed to look like a chocolate bar—an example of the store’s playful, design-forward approach to chocolate merchandising. In the back of the shop there’s a small bar area that serves rich, hand-crafted hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is indulgent without being overly sweet, showcasing quality cocoa and thoughtful preparation. Marie Belle combines giftable items with a satisfying tasting experience, making it a great stop for both shoppers and chocolate lovers seeking a warming drink.
Lazar’s in Great Neck: Marshmallow and Nostalgia
On Long Island, Lazar’s Chocolate operates a shop in Great Neck that captures a more nostalgic side of chocolate and confections. I visited to sample several of their marshmallow-based treats and was pleasantly surprised by the light, airy texture and fresh flavor of their offerings. The maple marshmallow and s’mores variations were particularly memorable—each bite balanced sweetness with a soft, pillowy consistency that felt homemade and carefully made. If marshmallow-centered confections appeal to you, Lazar’s is a destination worth driving for. Their ability to keep marshmallow so light and fresh is impressive and a testament to good technique and ingredient quality.
Lindt: Classic European Chocolate
Lindt has expanded its presence across the Northeast in recent years, and I visited one of their stores during this trip. The retail space is visually appealing, and the product lineup highlights Lindt’s signature smooth milk chocolates and specialty bars. My favorite from their range is the wafer and milk chocolate bar—a crisp, layered bar that pairs airy wafers with creamy milk chocolate for a satisfying contrast in texture. This particular style of bar is widely available through various retailers and remains a dependable, crowd-pleasing choice for everyday enjoyment or travel snacks.
Final Thoughts
SoHo and nearby neighborhoods offer an enjoyable variety of chocolate experiences: artisanal innovation at Vosges, a chic boutique atmosphere and hot chocolate at Marie Belle, nostalgic handcrafted marshmallow confections at Lazar’s, and dependable European classics from Lindt. Each shop has its own strengths, so whether you’re after inventive flavors, stylish gifts, a cozy hot chocolate, or nostalgic sweets, this short New York road trip delivers a little something for every chocolate lover.