Chocolate Maya

What are they selling.... " CHOCOLATE!?!?!?"(think of SpongeBob episode ;) I could have spent all day in this place. Decisions, decisions.. how can I just choose a couple? They have so many intriguing flavors. Ghost chili apple cider caramel had a nice heat with the chocolate caramel flavor- not so much apple, but a warm delightful treat. I also bought the Moka Cherry dark chocolate bar from Tanzania. There were actual cherries inside- very unique tasting. Will be returning again to spend another hour trying to decide what other fun things to try.

Picked up a beautiful box of bonbons to take as a hostess gift for a weekend getaway. Picked out al my favorite dark chocolate ones - miso ginger, lavender eucalyptus, jasmine tea, mint, chipotle, pistachio, orange blossom, urfa chile, bourbon date, and more. Our hostess was blown away not only by their beauty and the incredible airbrushed finishes, but also by the incomparable flavor.

Chocolate Maya appeals to all ages. I may be of an advanced age, but my 23-year old son brings every out-of-town girlfriend here on his Santa Barbara tour and it sounds like it's always a highlight.

Maya travels the world, visiting chocolatiers and farmers. Chocolates are made by hand by Maya herself and they are nothing short of world class.

Small selection of high end chocolate bars that are well sourced with simple organic ingredients. There was a good selection of both traditional and unique truffle flavors. This could satisfy any taste palate in my option. The shop is very small. Service from the employee was kind but she was not able to answer any of my questions without asking the chocolate maker. When I asked about favor profile of the chocolate bars the woman working could not answer that question nor my question about how flavors come through in some of the truffles which I am accustomed to being answered when I've been to many other chocolate maker shops.

What a lovely place. If you are touring SB stop by here, you will not be sorry! I tried the fig and port, the passion fruit, the rose and raspberry and the salted caramel chocolates and they were FABULOUS. Clearly quality ingredients are used here. I still have a fun goat milk milk chocolate bar yet to try! I really enjoyed my stop here and I wish I lived closer. The chocolates were so unique! I wish I could have tried more- but it was a hot day and I was worried they would melt as I walked.

Cool little chocolate shop with plenty of selection! I ended up coming because I saw that they have some pate de fruit. Picked up a couple for the train ride home and they did not disappoint! Would definitely come back again!

The chocolates here are divine. I'm not a huge chocolate fan but this place makes the most delicious bites I have ever tried. Stop in and get some if you're in the area. My favorite was one with a red dot it had some heat but not too much.

Yummy, yummy!!! This place has amazing chocolates and most of them are homemade. The sea salt caramel was to die for; the caramel was soft and creamy and truly melted in your mouth. I also enjoyed the strawberry grenache. It really tasted like a chocolate covered strawberries, one of my favorites! The chocolates were all so adorable and even made into cute shapes with dye. I will definitely be returning for more scrumptious treats down the road to please my relentless sweet tooth.

Beautifully handcrafted and designed. The bonbons made in-house are out of this world, and they also have a large collection of chocolate bars from around the world.

From State Street driving onto Gutierrez Street, the public parking lot on the left would be most convenient. The storefront is just a few steps away, close to other businesses like Santa Barbara Roasting Company and Backyard Bowls. 2 customers max inside due to social distancing, I was the only patron for a bit but a line start forming outside. The Chocolate Lounge was unfortunately closed.

The lady behind the counter was so kind and helpful. I was overwhelmed by all the choices, I basically just asked, "what is the best milk chocolate bar you have?" She was more than happy to point out her top choices and explain a bit of the background behind each bar. I was leaning towards something a little crunchy, so I went with Dick Taylor Hazelnut Milk Chocolate. With hazelnuts from Oregon and cacao from Brazil, every bite was delightful. It was more of an earthy chocolatey taste, with the milk taking the backseat on this one for subtlety, but enough to bring balance to the flavor.

I also went home with a box of 8, all very solid choices:
- Salted Caramel: Dark shell with a bit of rum and sea salt
- Fresh Mint: Dark ganache, lemon & mint combination
- Ecuadorian Heirloom: 85% cacao is pushing it but it was good
- Hibiscus Flower: I didn't get to try this one but they loved it!
- Pistachio: chocolate shell with creamed pistachio
- Lavender eucalyptus: dark chocolate with flower and honey infusion
- Orange Blossom Caramel: White chocolate in a dark shell
- Turkish Coffee: 70% cacao and a hint of finely grounded beans

Kudos for offering a variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, sustainably-sourced, high quality chocolate.

European drinking chocolate with a South American twist? Had to try this. Outside the streets of Rome or Melbourne, it is hard for me to find authentic drinking chocolate. Drinking chocolate is 6 ounces of melted chocolate deliciousness- not to be confused with hot cocoa. Chocolate Maya has a menu with a few different options. I selected the drinking chocolate with habanero because why not! Most of my experiences blending chiles into chocolate have been favorable. Thankfully, this spot validates my feelings. So what if the weather is 80 degrees! Chocolate is good anytime. The drinking chocolate is delicious. The habenero is quite subtle to my over-infused spice palate, with a good flavor. The shop itself is small, colorful and fun. They sell a variety of handmade truffles, and bars of chocolate. Staff members are friendly. I definitely plan on returning for some more drinking chocolate.

Don't know why I previously gave this incredible chocolate shop 4 stars.. they deserve 10... always helpful, always having different selections of incredible chocolates. Large vegan selection. Rare chocolates made fresh with top ingredients. The pictures do not do them justice. Deliciousness hot cocoa and other freshly made drinks. Packaged chocolates. If your craving delicious chocolates in Santa Barbara.. this is the only place to go!!!