Mignardise
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Stock is volatile for many of our picks. We mignardise signing up for restock notifications if needed.
And we’ve found the flavors, craftsmanship, and packaging of Recchiuti’s chocolates to be nothing short of sophisticated—and, for the right occasion, maybe even a little seductive. To suit people with different tastes, we offer a variety of other picks, including ornate little flavor bombs, sophisticated ganaches, and a vegan, nut-free assortment. Who these are for: Adventurous chocolate lovers and traditionalists alike—those who will appreciate creative riffs on a classic chocolate selection. We found the chocolate itself to be of high quality, with the subtle, long flavor that comes from great cacao. The bonbons aren’t too sweet, either. There’s just enough sugar to balance out the flavors.
By comparison, the Fran’s and Neuhaus chocolates we tried were too sweet for our liking. Among all of the chocolates we tested, the Recchiuti bonbons come in the most intriguing shapes and designs. Some have intricate patterns, while others look like little sculptures. The unique quality of the Recchiuti chocolates is in sharp contrast with the bonbons in a number of other boxes we tested. To top it off, the Recchiuti packaging—a matte black box that’s sexy, without being excessive or too obvious—looks and feels much more elegant than offerings from every other brand we looked at.
If the black box doesn’t appeal to you, Recchiuti sometimes offers seasonal versions with different packaging. The Recchiuti Black Box has become a popular gift among our coworkers in the years since we first recommended it, in 2014. Who these are for: Food enthusiasts who would enjoy exploring a wide array of flavors or tasting the nuances of different single-origin chocolates side by side. The quirky packaging enhances that sense of wonder. Each level of the two-tiered box pulls out like a drawer, revealing a mosaic of neatly arranged chocolates.
The bottom layer contains a quadrant of glossy chocolate tiles. What struck us was how true the promised flavors were and how much punch was packed into each bite. Though the Richart box contains a rainbow of flavors, the chocolates themselves are practically identical in appearance. For someone who enjoys the variety of sizes and styles in a more-traditional box of chocolates yet still craves a thrilling gastronomic experience, the Recchiuti chocolates would be a better choice.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared with that of some of the other chocolates we tasted, the coating of the Richart bonbons was a bit thick in ratio to the filling. But the filling flavors are so intense that they still shine through. For some people, the intensity of the flavors may be overwhelming, especially if the chocolates are eaten in quick succession. Shipping: Ships from France to the US and Canada. Who these are for: The chocolate purist, or anyone looking for a sophisticated gift. These are bonbons for purists because the flavors don’t range beyond nutty pralines and a couple of fruit-infused ganaches. You can still really taste the chocolate in each one.
Even in the black currant ganache—which hits you with a distinct currant flavor that’s so fresh it’s like sipping fresh juice—the complexity of the chocolate still comes through. Though sophisticated, La Maison du Chocolat’s packaging is pretty conservative and not as sexy as that of the Recchiutti chocolates. The textured box mimics pebbled brown leather, with the logo stamped on the back. It looks luxe, yet it’s also understated and reserved.
