Belgium has become a byword for chocolate, and Bruges goes so far as to have a museum dedicated to the brown stuff so, as I have been suffering from Easter fever and desperate for some cocoa after seeing 1001 adverts for chocolate Easter eggs recently, I thought it would be a good idea to sample some of the wares available in this World Heritage city.

And after a day here, you’ll be pleased to know I put my waistline on the line (selfless, I know…) in a bid to bring you the best cocoa Bruges has to offer. Here is my chocolate selection box:

The local choice

Côte d'Or, Spegelaere is where many locals go. There is little design and no packaging frills, but this old-fashioned, family-run chocolatier, a short walk from the city centre, sells some of Bruges' best truffles, fabulous confections and its signature product: a big bunch of chocolate-covered marzipan 'grapes'.
Spegelaere: 92 Ezelstraat (00 32 50 336 052)

Chocolate with a twist

Dominique Persoone has brought a new range of tastes to chocolate-making, marrying the humble cocoa bean with all sorts of unlikely flavours. His pairings sound improbable, until you try them. Havana Cigar? Sake? Both gorgeous. Oyster? Saffron Curry? Even better. His marzipan with black-olive purée has to be eaten to be believed. He is one of the few Belgium chocolatiers to feature in the Michelin guide and The Chocolate Line, his chic HQ is on Simon Stevinplein, one of the loveliest medieval squares in Bruges.
The Chocolate Line: 19 Simon Stevinplein (00 32 5034 1090)

One to sniff out

Situated in the shadow of the Belfry of Bruges, Chocolatier Van Oost is a small establishment with an excellent reputation for handmade pralines. It's on a hectic shopping street, and is easily overlooked – the best way to find it is to allow the scent of warm chocolate to lead the way. Once inside, accustom yourself to the rich displays then note the vats of molten chocolate being stirred out back in the workshop – a real sweet treat.
Choclatier Van Oost: Wollestraat 11 City Centre (00 32 50 33 14 54)

Keeping it in the family

Perhaps Bruges' smoothest and creamiest chocolates are at Chocolatier Dumon. Madam Dumon along with her two sons, Stefaan and Christophe, make superb handmade chocolates daily and sell them fresh. The Dumons don't provide English labels because they believe it's best to describe their chocolates in person, so it’s not uncommon to find a small crowd gathered around the chocolate display case.
Chocolatier Dumon; Eiermarkt 6 (00 32 50 34 62 82)

Hot chocolate heaven

And for the true chocolate connoisseur, you will appreciate Tea-Room De-Proeverie located in the Sukerbuyc shop. Enjoy hot chocolate along with a sampling of chocolates in front of a toasty fireplace. With the chocolates to eat, and the hot chocolate to drink, it’s a rather indulgent experience, but one that chocolate enthusiasts visiting Bruges shouldn’t miss.
Tea-Room De Proeverie Katelijnestraat 6 (00 32 50 33 08 87)

Those are my picks for the best chocolate shops in Bruges but if you don’t agree let me know – there is nothing worse than being wrong and ending up with Easter egg on your face…