Thomas Haas Chocolate

Not a big space, but there is a pretty varied selection of desserts and pastries as well as soup and sandwiches and a full coffee/tea menu on offer. Tables are placed very close together so there isn't much sense of intimacy, but even so I like the layout of the cafe. The tables are all placed near the windows so they get natural light, and there's this one corner that looked really cozy. There's a fenced-off patio area that's also a little cramped but still has those nice fresh-air vibes. Given that they're usually busy, I much prefer the tight seating situation over a scarcity of tables. The appropriately chocolatey tones of the interior are very aesthetically appealing.
I ordered:
Tomato & bocconcini sandwich: Also included avocado, which added a nice texture and didn't steal the show from the other ingredients, and roasted red peppers, which added little bursts of flavour. Very tasty, a little messy - could have perhaps used a little less aioli to make things from slide around less, but it's not like there was WAY too much as it was.
Champagne truffle cake: Delicious! The very dark chocolate ganache coating was heavenly and all in all there was a very nice play of flavours going on here. The inherent sweetness of the cake was balanced out by the bittersweetness of the dark chocolate and the booziness of champagne.
Iced London fog: Very memorable! Usually I pay attention primarily to the quality of the tea and not so much the vanilla syrup, but here, in addition to using a very fragrant earl grey, I couldn't help but notice the strong vanilla bean flavour, which was achieved even without using a ton of syrup to sweeten it. I'm very impressed because some places struggle to make the iced version of London fog properly unless they use tea powder, but this tasted like steeped tea and was perfect.
In addition to the very good food, the staff here were all very pleasant to interact with, and it was a good sign to see many people behind the counter with clear roles to keep organized and on top of the traffic.

For classic chocolate this is my favourite shop. They have standards, such as caramel with a dash of sea salt, and, extremely dark bars. My favourite for me is the whiskey chocolate, wince it's 2 of my favourite things. They are always busy, but the team gets you your chocolate in no time.

They have lovely cakes and pastries as well, but the chocolate is always my favourite! The shop itself is a classic French feeling. A gem in kits!

Wow, can't believed I've never reviewed the OG Chocolatier of YVR.
Keeping this simple as possible without being redundant.
My faves: Double Baked Almond Croissant, Hot chocolate, Chocolates.

My rant:
Pear Frangipane
Compared to whole foods pear frangipane (which I haven't seen since 2021...), Whole Foods win. Why? (and I have made this before like 3X and I was very successful). The pear is to hard, and not poached properly even if its not ripe, you can cook it longer with a bit more cinnamon. The pear brine wasn't sweet enough. The pear was rubbery in the tart, with how it's placed so closely, it's suppose to be fanned out so ones fork can glide through it until you hit the tart crust with a bit of resistance. The almond frangipane filling had no almond flavour, that is too basic to skimp out. The glaze is weak also for the finish, you had a raspberry layer but no apricot glaze? I don't get it. Overall it was doughy and under seasoned with no pear flavour or almond flavour.

My low review hopefully balances out the line up at the Haas Haus.

The cake here is solid. The chocolate is fantastic.
Croissants are crispy, buttery and satisfying.

Thomas Haas and crew are super talented. Their chocolate art display is always out of this world beautiful.

I absolutely love the Blak collection. Still remember my first bite after my good friend spoit me with it on my birthday one year. I knew this is 'the' chocolate cake on my list.

This round, we tried the yuzu mousse. Beautifully balanced in texture and flavour. Definitely light when you want dessert and had no room.

The mango coconut mousse though!!! It is my new favourite amongst the many here.

Pear tart also made a lasting impression

Delicious, quality chocolates, amazing food, a cozy vibe and absolutely out of this world service. Thomas Haas Kitsilano is one of my favorites and go-to for chocolates! Everything is perfectly balanced and the staff really know their menu well. The hot chocolate is always made to perfection, and pairing it with a nice light passion fruit mango cheesecake is the way to go! I love how the cheesecake was just the right size and not too dense or sour either. I highly recommend!

What a treasure to be able to savour such a wonderful dessert, really a pillar in chocolates, gateaux, other desserts and pastries in Vancouver for so many years, this creation is also a standout.

Attractive to the eye, the vibrant colours really popped. The fusion of a classic seasonal fruit tart with crème and lemon curd was unbelievably tantalizing.

We have gone to heaven with so much lemon curd, tart and sweet at the same time, great texture and so balanced in flavour, We fought for the last bite.

The pâté sucrée rounded out the whole experience with a desirable richness and sweetness. The crumbly texture was a great compliment to the smooth gentle toppings.

Their desserts are to die for, but the ambiance and layout of this place are unnerving. Upon entering you are greeted by the ever-present grey three tiered plastic bussing dolly loaded with bus bins and dirty dishes set just outside the front door. The indoor seating area primarily consists of a grouping of tables and a stationary counter with chairs which do not leave the room needed for the endless stream of customers to walk around, resulting in being bumped by each one as they walk by or access the bathroom. If you're just there for take-out you're smothering and bumping into the seated. There is some outdoor seating, if you're up to hanging out with that dish and bin laden dolly. The staff work hard with the tiniest sliver room behind the counter. Not sure why all this gets overlooked by the regular smug elite who flock there.

Sublime. Where do I start? The variety of viennoiserie left me wanting more than I could eat in one sitting. Light, flaky and with the right balance of crisp and buttery. The double baked chocolate was a favorite. The pistachio and traditional pain au chocolate satisfying. But it was the pastries that blended a smooth, rich and neither too sweet nor overwhelming that left us wanting more. Beautifully boxed for a trip over to friends for dinner. Then top it off with a hot chocolate to cut the cool winter morning and we are off to the races. Do I need to say anything more? We'll be back.

Came right before closing and I was lucky there were a few things left! Got the raspberry mousse chocolate cake and hazelnut cake which were wonderful as expected! Not too sweet yet extremely decadent, the cakes here are definitely a must try!

I also picked up their last hazelnut danish and it is flaky, topped with almonds and again, not too sweet. I wish I had come earlier to try more tonight but I am more than pleased with what I was able to snag the last of!

One of my favorite bakeries, especially during Hot Chocolate Festival, it has one of the tastiest, chocolatiest, offerings and I've been impressed with them for the 2nd yr in a row.

Other than hot chocolate, their double baked almond croissants are definitely one of the best in the city (currently priced at $5.5/each). Super oily though but I don't get it thinking its going to be healthy. Also try their chocolate bars to go; I like to pickup their Chai chocolate bar to enjoy later whenever I come.

They've got several seats/tables indoors and they've got patio seating but its always full when I come so you do have to wait a little bit for a table to clear out if you want to dine-in.

Free underground parking can be accessed by going to their back alley. But elevators don't work so be prepared to climb a flight of stairs.