Compartes is chocolate for the fashion and design-obsessed set.

Based in LA and handmade in small batches, it’s known as some of the best chocolate in the world. Beyond that, the attention to branding and packaging raises it to art-worthy.

When the neon sign in their Melrose shop proclaims that Chocolate Is Art, they aren’t kidding!

Like most of my brand discoveries these days, I first stumbled upon Compartes while perusing Pinterest. Filed away in the back of my mind, I was in LA last month and spotted a sign emblazoned with that unforgettable logo. Tucked inside a location on Melrose alongside Alfred Coffee (which is worth checking out for the decor alone), the tiny chocolate boutique was covered floor to ceiling in black and white geometric patterns of tile. And, the most beautiful packaging lined the walls — the boxes of Love Nuts really stood out, creating the coolest gradient effect. It almost reminded me of the VHS rental stores I frequented in the 90s, except with cooler spines. 😉

In the Compartes world, chocolate isn’t just chocolate — they have some of the most original flavors I’ve ever heard of. Check out their crazy selection of chocolate bars for yourself!

If you’re wondering about the history behind Compartes (because I sure was!), it was founded in 1950 and with its European-focused chocolate making, quickly picked up fans including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Frank Sinatra (really). Today, Compartes is headed up by Jonathan Grahm, who is known as a chocolate prodigy of sorts, with 100 over varieties of Compartes concoctions under his belt.

While Compartes tastes amazing, the packaging only adds to its charm and I wanted to show you a few of my favorites — because when you visit the shop, there’s no way you’re walking out empty-handed! Pictured above are The Romantic, Biscuits and Honey and California Love. Yum!

Okay, are you as obsessed yet as I am? Thankfully, you don’t have to travel to LA to get your fix because Compartes offers its best sellers in its online shop. My next purchase? The Stumptown Coffee Bar.

Interior and still life photos: Shauna Haider.
Product photos: Compartes Chocolatier.
For even more Branded posts, click here.