Editors’ Choice
m cacao, Amesbury
If there’s ever been a chocolate shop that delivers more “OMG, you need to taste this” moments than we can count, it’s m cacao, which combines the traditional techniques of French chocolatiers with daring and modern ingredients and flavors. Try the exquisite “Chef’s Collection” assortment, with flavors like bourbon pecan praline and Hatch chile caramel; try some of their molten drinking chocolates like horchata and French spice with honey, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg; or make some of your own creations at one of their hands-on chocolate classes. 6 Chestnut St., Suite 211, Amesbury, 617-334-5777, mcacao.com
Readers’ Choice
Harbor Sweets, Salem
Harbor Sweets is rightly known for its beloved Sweet Sloops—the famous little sailboats of white chocolate-covered almond buttercrunch toffee dipped in dark chocolate and pecans—but their special collections are just as sweet. Try ones like the wildflower honey–infused Gather or Salt & Ayre, which features flavors like Thai ginger, chai, and Himalayan sea salt. 85 Leavitt St., Salem, 978-745-7648, harborsweets.com