The Chocolate Restaurant Worth Traveling to Virginia For

This chocolate restaurant is 100% worth traveling for whether you've coming from California, Michigan Florida or beyond. It's especially a no-brainer if you live in the DC Metro area and Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County, is a short drive. You need not be a chocolate lover to visit. The only prerequisite is desiring a fresh, inventive meal with incredible flavors.

Location

The restaurant is within a beautiful shopping complex, called the Village at Leesburg. It's facade is unassuming for the magnificent flavors and inventive combinations inside. There is plenty of parking there. If you can't find any on the streets in front of the restaurant there are two complimentary, large parking garages on either side of the Village.

Address: 1605 Village Market Boulevard Southeast, Leesburg, VA 20175

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #restaurantdesign

The Chef and Concept

Chef Santosh Tiptur dreamed up this amazing chocolate restaurant as a child. He had visions of what it would be like to create and share his confections with the world and many years later he was able to bring his dream to fruition. He brings with him years of expertise working for luxury brands and experiences and his travels around the world. He's a proud resident of Loudoun County and wants to positivity influence the community with his food, chocolate classes and celebrations of people who live in, and visit, the area.

I must also mention their wonderful General Manager, Samet Yuksekgonul, who welcomed us to the restaurant with open arms and a huge smile! His positive energy and enthusiasm for The Conche set the tone for an incredible visit.

Watch this video for an overview of the restaurant:

Design and Comfort

This chocolate restaurant isn't kitschy or cheesy – it's design is so well done and walks a fine line between cozy and sleek. You walk in and see a model of a “conche”, the namesake of the chocolate restaurant. This tool is used in a key step of the chocolate making process, deepening the chocolate's flavors and textures over 72 hours. It's right next to their chocolate boutique where you're able to purchase a variety of artisan chocolates, handmade on the premises.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates

The sexy bar beckons with its liquor options on display and bartender in plain sight so you can easily see what he or she is crafting. The chairs wrap around the bar and have a clear view into the Chocolate Lab, as they call it, so you can see what desserts and candies are being created nearby. Booths line one wall of the space and create an intimate feel as you softly sink into their comfort, and tables and chairs are available closer to the front area of the restaurant. We sat there so we could enjoy the natural light streaming in from the front windows.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #restaurantdesign
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #restaurantdesign
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #restaurantdesign

Learning about Chocolate

There is a map above the windows of the Chocolate Lab marking the “Cocoa Belt,” that Samet point out.  It's a map of areas they source chocolate from, but know they only use the finest chocolate from France, a brand named Valrhona, world reknown for its incredibly high quality. (I was excited I knew the brand from my Paris by Mouth experience a year before!)

We were welcomed into the kitchen for a class for the senses. The room is purposely and precisely temperature controlled to 68 degrees and, on average, 55% humidity.

First we had a short lesson in where chocolate comes from and some flavor varieties. I had never thought to do this with chocolate before then, but we were instructed to first rub the chocolate to release its scent and smell its aromas. Next we were encouraged to take a bit and let it sit on our tongues to taste and feel the true essence of its flavor. We tasted white, milk and caramel coins, vastly different from each other. Finally we were encouraged to chew it and once again feel its texture on our tongues. Doing this will give you a deeper appreciation of chocolate!

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates

We were then given a demonstration of chocolate “enrobing” and how their machine coats anything that passes through it in chocolate.

After the machine covers the bars a pastry chef cuts rectangles from a thin decorative transfer sheet, with a colored cocoa butter design on it, and applies them to the bars' surface. We tasted the flavor combination that was being put through the machine and all I can say is (and excuse my language) – holy shit! I would have never thought to pair pumpkin with lemon. Flavor pairings are a specialty of Chef Santosh Tiptur and he truly blew my mind with this one. It was DELICIOUS. Even if this seasonal flavor isn't in the boutique when you visit I assure you all of his flavor pairings are on par.

This wasn't a unique experience for us – adults and children are able to take classes there too!

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolateboutique #artisanchocolates

Food at this Heavenly Chocolate Restaurant

It's hard to know where to start recounting the meal because thoughts of it hit me in the palate with a rush of delicious rich flavors. Thus, I'll simply start at the beginning!

We ordered:

  • Ahi Tuna Poke
  • Parmesan and Rosemary Fries
  • Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
  • Avocado Flatbread

If you think you've had pokes and flatbreads before perhaps you have – but the elevation The Conche took them to was mind-blowing! Everything was so fresh and well prepared. I cannot remember the last incredible meal I had where every single thing we ordered hit the nail on the head in all regards. The presentation, flavors, textures, freshness, and individual portions were spot on.

Ahi Tuna Poke

Menu description: Avocado Mousse, Ginger Soy Puffed Wild Rice, Cucumbers and Daikon, Sambal Tuile, Cocoa Nib Crunch

My jaw literally dropped when we bit into this. We broke the beautiful Sambal Tuile carefully placed atop the round poke creation with our forks, grabbed a little of everything for the bite and BAM! I was swept away. I could have ordered a dozen of these and finished every last bite it was that good.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #tunapoke

Parmesan and Rosemary Fries

Menu description: Aromatic Parmesan Fries, Zesty Tomato & Herbs Dip, Calabrian Chili & Chocolate Dip

I never met a French fry I didn't like. I love that they had two options for dipping sauces because I am a condiments girl! Both dips were great and the chocolate dip was not sweet. There was a hint of cocoa in there; it wasn't overpowering.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #flatbread #frenchfries #vegetarian

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower

Menu description: Crispy Greens,Cauliflower Florets, Zesty Sweet & Sour, Garlic Ginger Sauce

I love that they had a few vegetarian items on their menu because I tend to er on the side of living like a pescatarian. The presentation on this was beautiful!

Avocado Flatbread

Menu description: Blueberry Arugula Pesto, Diced Avocado, Strawberry Lime Feta Cream, Toasted Sunflower Seeds

I know what you're thinking. This doesn't look like a flatbread. That's because it's on a level we're all not used to! Technically everything rests on a flat…bread. And it packs a lot of delicious punch. The sweet flavors are perfectly balanced with savory ingredients.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #flatbread #creativemeals

Drinks

What's a visit to a chocolate restaurant without a chocolate drink? One of my favorites features of the drink menu at The Conche in Loudoun County is they have flights! This was perfection to someone who loves to taste a little bit of a lot of options.

I chose the Cocoa Flights, of course, which included a portion a little larger than a shot glass of the Conchecolada, Conche Old Fashion, and Moussetache. They were kind enough to give me a chocolate mustache lollipop with a surprise of Pop Rocks candy inside! Who doesn't love a good photo opp?

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #chocolatecocktails We also tried the incredibly picturesque (and yummy) “Allure” cocktail. It is alluring, topped with Cotton Candy! They have a cotton candy machine on site specifically to make it fresh for this drink! It contains pear vodka, lychee syrup, lemon, rose water and Brut Rose. It must have been meant to be because it perfectly matched my manicure I had from the day before, treating myself to an overnight in Leesburg's https://sometimeshome.com/LansdowneResort Resort and Spa.

Lastly, we tasted their twist on a classic, The Conche Old Fashion created with the usual ingredients but with Aztec Chocolate Bitters added.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #craftedcocktails #cottoncandy

Dessert, The Final Act

We ordered a little too much for two people {but I don't regret it}. Thankfully we had leftovers to take with us and you know what they say: There's always room for dessert! We had three!

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #desserts

One was a simple, elegant piece of chocolate from their Chocolate Boutique at the front of the restaurant. It was well balanced with coffee flavors and the texture sublime.

The second was Manjari, which was a fluffy round pastry with had the following inside: Madagascar chocolate mousse, vanilla creme brûlée, dark chocolate brownie, and a salted caramel center. It was served with salted caramel ice cream, made in-house.

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #desserts
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #desserts

Thirdly, we were presented a place with four various sweets. The Opalys had a warm Medjool date and toffee pudding with a beautiful branded chocolate disk slowly melted on top of the dessert before our eyes. Bourbon butterscotch sauce danced beneath it. The plate also had an elegant scoop of ginger salted caramel ice cream place on top of a crumbled sable breton, served beside a shot of white chocolate vanilla bean foam. We were lucky enough to have a taste of their vanilla bean Chantilly cream too. It was almost too pretty to eat. Almost!

Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #desserts

Please note: we thank The Conche and Visit Loudoun for generously hosting us. All the opinions in the post are ours and we bring you genuine content with real facts, photos and thoughts. Always.

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Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate
Looking for things to do in Leesburg, Virginia and Loudoun County? We have a chocolate restaurant worth the drive no matter how near or far you live from VA. The food and dessert photography will make you want to lick the computer screen! Click through for thorough info and descriptions of this scrumptious place! #visitloudoun #VIsitVirginia #ChocolateRestaurant #SometimesHome #LoudounCounty #Virginia #themedentertainment #themedrestaurant #chocolatelovers #chocolate #cottoncandy

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