Chocolate Boutique Cafe, Parnell (New Zealand) by Bilby Blue

I have been visiting the Auckland suburb of Parnell for many years, and over that time the Chocolate Boutique has been one of the must-visit places for locals and tourists alike. It is in the “quaint” part of Parnell Village, just by the old-fashioned red telephone box, with tables spilling out onto a small terrace, and shaded by trees in summer.

If you can squeeze in through the crowds you will see colourful displays of sweets in jars, rows of chocolates in cabinets and the beribboned Asian-style “noodle boxes” (each colour denoting a different variety of sweet treats). Its own brand chocolates are made in New Zealand from Belgian Callebaut chocolate, and the shop also stocks fine European chocolates, such as Valrhona from France and the Belgian Cavalier diabetic chocolate.

However the really popular attraction is the café, and in particular its signature Italian denso.

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