Koko Black is a Melbourne chocolate and dessert cafe that made its way to Canberra a few years ago.
The Canberra store sits on the ground store of the
Canberra Centre, outside near the corner of Bunda Street and Sosta Crossing. The cafe is open during the day, but it's at nighttime when the chocolate cafe really fills up.
For something simple you can get hot and cold drinks, where chocolate is of course the main star. Hot chocolates can come with blends of chilli, coffee, or hazelnut. Various coffees and teas also grace the hot drink menu. The ice chocolates are decadent with a scoop of chocolate ice cream as well, seasonal menus can add a twist to the drinks.
If you're coming to Koko Black to really indulge, then you can't skip over their dessert menu. The chocolate desserts also vary seasonally, but you can expect things like brownies, mousses, cakes, and pastries. Their changing menu also means you'll see a few fruitier items appear on the menu from time to time, which is great when chocolate seems a little too much on a hot summer's night.
When it's not serving up desserts and drinks, Koko Black is also the storefront for their range of chocolates. You can buy boxed chocolates and various other gift options in store, or small chocolates can also be purchased individually.
Escaping into Koko Black is always best in winter, when a hot chocolate is the perfect way to beat the chill. The cafe is cosy without being too squished, and the store and dining sections are suitably separated so you don't have shoppers intruding on your dessert.
The store is like a mature version of the candy shop in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Instead of the brightly coloured lollies of every kind, Koko Black has wall to wall chocolate and a warming atmosphere. Cherubs hold up the lights, and delicious treats fill all of the cabinets.
Dessert at Koko Black won't be the most exciting dessert you'll have in your life, but if you're a fan of chocolate it's a nice way to indulge.