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In due time, we’ll all be moving about freely, and day trips will be back on the agenda. And when that time comes, Frankfurt will welcome you with open arms. This ultra-modern city boasting one of Europe’s most skyscraper-dotted skylines recently transformed its lackluster inner core into a stunning Old Town, giving those who haven’t been there in a while good reason to schedule a return visit.
Forays into any new town are often at their best when they center around a landmark, event or quest for a certain item. My most recent visit took me on a search for the city’s best chocolate, and I’m happy to report on my discovery of these three gems:
Bitter & Zart: This independent chocolate shop in the newly renovated Altstadt opened in 2003. In its cute and cozy interior, patrons will find shelves stacked high with a mouth-watering assortment of bars, candies and pralines. The wares are a mix of in-house production and goodies imported from all over Europe. Here, the service was friendly and competent, although no samples were offered. The pralines I took homemade for a gorgeous, gooey treat. Next door, the plush, 1920s-inspired vintage salon of the same name serves coffee, tea and delicious patisserie. While it’s so popular it can be hard to get a seat, it’s worth the wait. Their thick, rich hot chocolate is a rare and decadent treat.
Braubachstraße 14, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
Läderach: This Swiss chain is conveniently located on Zeil, Frankfurt’s famous shopping street. Upon entry into its sleek and spacious premises, one of its friendly staffers approached me with a tray upon which some eight various truffles rested, and I happily plucked out one of these cocoa-y, buttery, treats. My take-home selection of caramel and pistachio pralines didn’t disappoint either. The complimentary chocolate heart tucked aside my luxuriously boxed and bagged order was one of those extra touches that set a visit to this shop apart. Another trip to Frankfurt just for a second round of those wonderful truffles is definitely in order.
Zeil 72-78, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
Konditorei Chocolaterie Opitz: This independent chocolatier has been making Frankfurt’s city life sweeter since 1878 when previous generations set up shop. Centrally located but tucked away on a not-so-heavily foot trafficked side street, the compact shop offers artfully arranged walls of chocolatey indulgence and an eye-catching selection of creamy gateaux. The complimentary praline I was offered had a subtle hint of cinnamon and a liqueur whose taste I recognized but couldn’t quite identify? The proprietress smiled encouragingly but gave nothing away. Again, my take-away pralines went down a treat – and all too quickly. This shop also runs a café right around the corner, which I look forward to visiting on my next chocolate-fueled exploration of Frankfurt.
Großer Hirschgraben 28, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
