Coco Loco

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from many years’ research of the best bars, bakeries, pie shops, Mexican joints and chocolate cafes in various cities, it’s that sometimes the city’s gems are not within walking distance. Melbourne is the same, and Northcote is one of those completely underrated suburbs brimming with them. This here is a lovely little Northcote blog. The main strip High St teems with cute shops with incredible window displays like The Friendship Tree and In The Woods, lots of little restaurants and a dark and incredibly sexy chocolate bar called Coco Loco. 

I went all by myself to Coco Loco after finding one of their postcards in my top drawer. I desperately needed a hot chocolate to cure a serious case of the blahs and was hell bent on going somewhere new. I think I said ‘meh’ no less than 63 times that day and not once after that night. The beautiful walnut bar, low lighting and a very long and engaging conversation with chocolate alchemist Khaled Sherbini himself, had me spending two hours sipping my warm drink and trying the amazing couverture 70% and 55% dark chocolate relishing all that and the jazz on offer. I ordered the Cocolero –  a cinnamon hot chocolate with Coco Loco’s specialty, cashew milk, a secret family recipe and a vegan and and gluten free alternative to dairy and soy. It was silky and didn’t interfere with the flavour of the chocolate one bit. Coco Loco has a lovely history with Khaled continuing his grandfather’s legacy, best explained on their website. Feasting at Coco Loco isn’t cheap, but it’s the price you pay for quality, plus it’s certified fair trade and organic and utterly divine.

Definitely worth the tram ride.

Visit their website.

Coco Loco, 219 High St, Northcote, VIC 3070