William Dean Chocolates

Set off on a Saturday adventure to acquire treats for myself and some friends. What better place to go than the famed William Dean Chocolates?
Upon entering this shop, I was really impressed by the elegant interior. There was a gigantic chandelier, all the décor was first rate and screamed refinement. The space is smaller than I imagined, with a small counter, a chocolate case and ten or so small bistro tables. It appeared that you could order beverages and pastries at the small counter and eat them at the tables. I didn’t do that, I was there for the chocolates.
The chocolate case was visually stunning, with gorgeous colors and well-​labeled selections. The man who was took care of me was patient and helpful. However, a couple came in after me and were also ordering chocolates, so the space got cramped and I felt quite rushed (not the fault of the man helping me, I assure you.) I wished the other employee had asked them to hold on for two seconds so I could choose my eight gajillion chocolates in peace. The counter and case area is just too small for my comfort.
Once I’d finished my selections, he whisked them away for packaging. Each gift was beautifully boxed and wrapped and I happily took the lovely treats away.
I am SO glad I got myself some. These are some of the most incredible chocolates I’ve ever had. UN-​REAL. The quality of the chocolate is the ultimate luxury. I particularly enjoyed the mint, coconut caramel and raspberry. If you’re in the mood for a treat, it is worth the drive and price.

I’m not sure if this is a chocolate shop or an art gallery?
I happened to see it one day in my adventures in roaming in Clearwater and stopped in. First this is dangerous for me because I am a diabetic and this place will put you in a coma.
The chocolate is not your typical candy this is artsy and high class taste. It is very rich which again very bad for me. I couldn’t help myself just this once. I didn’t try the gelato, I was already on a sugar rush.
This is like having a gourmet chocolate shop right here at home and you didn’t need to fly to Switzerland. I just wish I could eat more of this decadence.

This a super cute, quaint, café style place is in the heart of downtown Clearwater. I work downtown and it took me forever to finally get around to going, but I’m happy I made it. Really good sandwiches, love that I can get pre-​cut fruits and cheese or veggies and ranch. Great food market set-​up with so many ala carte options and gifts. Also, really friendly customer service. I will be eating lunch here more often.

Great choclates and gellato. Prices are super high but every year we treat ourselves to a small box. Since it is only once a year it is worth the expense!

On my last visit the plan was to get all Passion Fruit, but 2 others caught my eye that I hadn’t tried. Banana Foster, and Mexican Mango. While the Banana Foster was good, I wish It packed more of a Rum punch. It would have been way better.
The Mexican Mango is suppose to be filled with a layer of green Chilis and Habanero, but packed no heat at all. I was not crazy about the overall flavor either. I’ve tried a bunch of William Dean Flavors, but if I go down the list, this review could get long, and I’m trying to keep it as short as possible.
They’re good chocolates, but the only ones that I will jump in my car for, from now on, when the WD craving hits are… #1 Passion Fruit. Tangy Deliciousness with strong distinct flavors of Passion Fruit made with White Chocolate Cover. Oh man, it’s so good it actually makes me crack a smile, and close my eyes when I bite into one. :-D
Peanut Butter Crunch, I hate to even say this word in the same sentence, but Reese’s on Steroids. It kicks a Reese’s ass though. So Peanut Buttery with little Crunchy pieces that make it extra special and different, and the shape… Well, coolest shape and Color ever ! A Gold Crown! It is really the King of all Peanut Butter candies .
…And last but not least, Tropical Caramel which is Passion Fruit and Caramel mixed in one. Good, but not as enjoyable as the Plain Passion Fruit. This one is also made from White Chocolate. These 3 are my personal favorites. If I’m in the mixing mood next time, these will be the 3 winners or else I’m just filling the box with all Passion Fruits, and maybe 1 PB Crunch;-)
I give WD 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it’s not better than my other favorite chocolatier that has more enjoyable flavor choices, BUT the WD choices that I do like are Delish.

After receiving a box of chocolates from William Dean as a gift a few years ago, it has become my go-​to place for a unique but delicious gifts. The chocolates and macaroons are beautiful, hand made, and never fail to delight. Some of the flavors are a little wonky, I didn’t really like the Mexican Mango, and anything with coffee is strong so make sure to follow up with something sweeter. My hands-​down favorite is the salted caramel chocolate and I challenge anyone to find a better piece of candy. Crème brûlée, strawberry caramel, and dulce de lece are also popular among myself and family. You can purchase beautiful and sturdy gift boxes for an additional fee but it isn’t necessary, as they will wrap them for you for free if you ask. The staff is always very friendly and will help with selecting the perfect chocolate.

Too much attitude!!! Too rude!!! I had never been there before, I was looking at the chocolates because I thought they were pretty. The server got very frustrated with me for taking too long to order. There were three employees in the store and my family were the only customers there. Did not understand all the attitude. Just left and never tried the product.

Had the most wonderful afternoonWe visited this local chocolatier for a fun mother/​daughter tea on Saturday, January 16, 2016 with a generous 25% off Facebook offer.
Though we’ve been to high teas in Manhattan, London, and Hawaii, William Dean’s afternoon tea was by far one of the best we’ve ever experienced.
We had a reservation, and were greeted and seated immediately upon our 1 pm arrival. Our server allowed us to view and smell a variety of teas prior to placing our order — each of us were given our own choice of tea — yes, a pot per person! Let me warn you though, the selection of teas is so extensive, you will be amazed at the many options. Early Grey is my favorite, and they brewed it so perfectly, I required a second round. Oops!
Our server was incredibly patient, and checked on us frequently. She was also extremely knowledgeable, which was very helpful. We were presented with an unbelievable amount of delectable finger sandwiches and sweet treats consisting of scones, upscale pastries, macaroons, and their famous artisan chocolates. Would definitely suggest to any friend!

Wonderful variety of really lovely and flavorful artisanal chocolate. The gelato is very tasty, too! I would recommend this place to anyone who loves chocolate!

The tea service is awesome! They have a huge selection, definitely something for everyone. And the sandwiches, pastries and desserts were incredible!

We stopped in for a gelato, which was great, but once I saw the chocolate display case, we had to get some.
The chocolates are really good, but they are each an individual piece of art that you stick in your mouth.
If you buy a chocolate bar in the grocery store line, don’t bother. But if you love a true chocolate truffle, this is one of the best you can get anywhere.

A Groupon deal brought this place to my attention. Though I did not buy the deal I was determined to visit based on the reviews I’ve read and the pictures of their creation that I’ve seen online. Boy am I glad I went. The pictures do not do justice just how beautiful and artistic the chocolates they made were. Small wonder that their creation was featured in the Hunger Games movie. They were not only beautiful but were very, very good as well. We got salted caramel, peanut butter crunch, key lime, crème brulee, and many others that I can’t remember any more. We got about 15 pieces. They are pretty pricey but I think it’s worth it. My favorites are the salted caramel and key lime. We got some gelato to enjoy in the premises, loved that as well. We also got a lemon tart to go, that did not disappoint either. They have high tea here which I thought would be a fun experience. Maybe I can try that when I visit with my mom. I wish they had an outlet here in Los Angeles. I have been dreaming of their chocolate.

I came here a while back with my girlfriends for one of their birthdays. The people were really nice and friendly. The sandwiches were really good and the tea was phenomenal, I took some home. Would come back!

Wonderful. Originally scheduled this afternoon tea for Mothers day but then had to cancel, so i rescheduled for my friends 40^th birthday. You have to make reservations either by calling or email and both times they replied promptly and accomdated me. They failed to confirm my final appt but that is ok because i did. When we arrived the table was set up, server quickly approached introduced herself and the rest of her team. Each person gets their own pot of tea and then the tiers of food comes out. 4 different kinds of sandwiches, 3 scones, and what felt like an endless tier of desserts which we could not finish. To go boxes were offered and when i paid my bill much to my surprise i was given a small discount per person. 4 teas and 2 gellato’s came to around $ 100. I was very pleased. Service was excellent all the way around. Food was beautiful and delicious.

I stopped by here a couple of weeks ago to buy some chocolate as a birthday present. The candies are beautiful and come in a great variety of flavors like PB&J, Earl Grey, and Coconut Lemongrass. The woman at the counter paid special attention to the box presentation since she knew it was a gift. She made sure to place each piece to make the prettiest box.
While I was there, I tried the gelato in the Italian Butter Cookie flavor. It was divine.

The tea service was great! I have been to so many and this one was really out of the park, I really recommend it.
First, the tea is a great selection from Tea Bella. Something for everyone. The savory was just as good as the sweet and that is cool given that this is a chocolate maker.
The service was extremely warm and attentive while not being obtrusive. Another huge plus, with the tea service, we got 20% off all other purchases, so I got a 20 piece box of the prettiest, most tasty chocolate I’ve ever had.
My only ding is that the service is in the operating retail space as well, so a little bit in the middle of the traffic and forming lines – but this was busy season after all.

I don’t know which was better — the tea
experience or the discount that you receive for going to the tea. There are only 4 tables, but my friends and I were having such a good time, we were in our own little world. Loved the insulated tea glasses and we all enjoyed our tea. I miss cubes of sugar served at other teas vs the sugar packets we received. Sandwich and scones were very good and fresh. And oh the desserts-​truly the best part! Will definitely be back for the tea and to pick up their amazing and beautiful chocolates!

I have not been in to the store, but have purchased the chocolates, and I have to say they are seriously THE BEST chocolates I have ever, ever had. The flavors are all fantastic. They truly taste like what they are. My favorite are the peanut butter ones, because I am a peanut butter fan, but I really love all of them. I wish I lived closer, I would stop in all the time! A friend sent me the macarons for my bday– I will say they were much smaller than macarons I have had from other places. Next time I am in town I hope there is a tea going on!

Been here a couple times and I’ve tried something different every time. I first tried the gelato and that was delicious! I recommend the hazelnut. I also tried this little brownie they keep at the front counter and AMAZING! Today I tried macaroons and a piece of chocolate and here’s what I found:
I had a chocolate, red velvet and pumpkin macaroon. The chocolate and pumpkin macaroons were frozen but the taste of them were very good. Maybe leaving them out a little bit they would of been even better.
The red velvet was perfect! It was soft and chewy and flavor was spot on!
The chocolate I chose was the peanut butter crunch anddddd I wasn’t a fan.
Overall this is probably the best place in the area for gelato and macaroons.
I’ll be trying the pastries and more chocolate soon too.

I know where I’m heading the next time I make the wife angry, this place. What a nice assortment of chocolate art. It makes me want to open a chocolate factory in a small French village and shake up the rigid morality of the community.
The place is like an art gallery, very clean, and very eloquent. They make everything by hand in small batches and without preservatives. They also have a nice selection of gelato.
We ended up getting six pieces, I ate the expresso chocolate. It was delicious, but I actually felt a little bad about ruining a tiny piece of art. The wife and child also enjoyed their chocolates. Although I’m not normally one for sweets, I would return.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go watch Johnny Depp in Chocolat. Don’t judge me, it’s a delightful movie.

Wow, this place is fabulous! We stopped in to try a few sweet treats after having brunch nearby. This feels like a very upscale chocolate shop with a huge glam chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Also there are a few chairs and tables to sit and enjoy all the sweet chocolates and gelato. They offer about 5 different flavors of gelato which you can also take home by the quart.
The chocolate here isn’t «just» a piece of chocolate, it’s a true work of art. Each piece is beautifully designed and colorful! I tried the port, with port wine and figs blended in with chocolate as well as grand marnier, which was truly fabulous. Each piece is $ 1.50 each, a great deal for such a cool creation. I would definitely go here again