Koko Black: A Chocolate Experience Steeped in Elegance
Nestled at the Bourke Street entrance of the Royal Arcade, Koko Black isn’t just a chocolate shop — it’s an experience, a retreat, and for many, a ritual.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with rich textures — dark wooden cabinets, polished marble counters, and gold accents that shimmer beneath soft lighting. Behind the glass, rows of meticulously crafted pralines, truffles, and artisanal bars sit like precious jewels. But it’s not just about how it looks. The aroma is heady, comforting. Here, chocolate is not a treat — it's a moment of indulgence.
You can watch as chocolatiers gently swirl ganache or hand-pipe fillings into glossy shells. Their creations are made with ethically sourced cocoa and inspired by both European craftsmanship and native Australian ingredients — think wattleseed caramels, macadamia pralines, and dark chocolate laced with Tasmanian sea salt.
Founded in 2003 by Shane Hills, Koko Black began in this very city. The vision was simple but ambitious: to create premium, handcrafted chocolate that would rival the best in Europe. Today, Koko Black has stores across Australia, but its Royal Arcade flagship remains something special — a symbol of origin, tradition, and enduring beauty.
In many ways, Koko Black and Royal Arcade are made for each other. Both celebrate craft, legacy, and sensory richness. The arcade — built in 1870 — was Melbourne’s first retail arcade and still stands as a testament to elegance. Koko Black continues that legacy with each chocolate-dipped strawberry and delicate truffle.
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