No one has ever died from Chocolate*, which is why this restaurant (which only sells chocolate dishes by the way) is able to be so coy in its name selection. If someone wrote “Death by Nut Allergens”, then there would be some rebranding in order.

Upon entering this restaurant on Broadway (one of a few throughout the lower mainland) I thought to myself, “I should be so lucky as to die from chocolate” however, upon eating the chocolate there, I reconsidered- slightly.

Death by Chocolate boasts that it is “the ultimate dessert destination”. I take no issue with this claim. Some might- if they’re in the mood for fruit salad. There were three of us, and for this reason we ordered four desserts. These items (there are thirty) are all quite rich as they are made with a calorie laden substance known as chocolate. We sat at our table near the back of the restaurant – in great anticipation of the food we had heard so much about. I was, I’m sorry to say, a little disappointed.

Perhaps its because my expectations had been built up unrealistically over the years. Perhaps it was because my cake was dry, and the chocolate quality wasn’t really that great. It dawned on me then and there that perhaps Death by Chocolate was not the be all and end all of chocolate desserts, that is was more a restaurant notable for the sheer range of chocolate selections and the fact that chocolate was in every item. It didn’t matter that I could have gotten my cake at Earl’s for the same price. I have decided that I need to revisit- and reevaluate though. Because, as I look at the website and the pictures of the dishes served, I find myself salivating a little.

*The editorial staff at Vancouvereatsout.com do not stand by this wild assumption.

Address:

1598 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604) 730 – 2462

If you’re on Denman street, try walking past Cupcakes without stopping in … I bet you cant do it! First you’ll smell the sweet smell of sugar then you’ll be enticed by all the classic pink decor and cute girls behind the counter. Once you’re inside you’ll find a wide array of classic treats; tiny ones, great big ones, coconut cream cheese ones, chocolate mint ones, pink ones, blue ones, hundreds of them!

Somthing else you’re likely to see is a lot of people. This place is popular for sure, but line ups are usually handled well, and you will need the time to pick out your perfect one (or one dozen!) anyway. They also bake mini cupcakes so you can try a few flavours instead of just one!

This little shoppe was started up by two friends, Heather and Lori, and has grown into a trendy wedding cake buisness and soon to be second location opening up in Kitsilano.

All cakes are baked daily from scratch and taste like the real deal your mom used to make!

The decor makes cupcake shopping a unique experience as its pink walls and classy retro style suits this sweet smelling shoppe.

Chose your own cupcake six pack or steal a deal with day-old six packs that still taste great! Cupcakes last usually 3 days anyways, unless they are Heather and Lori’s cupcakes which often are eaten by the time you make it out the door.

Address:

1116 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.cupcakesonline.com/

Well, the name speaks for itself really. There’s cheesecake here, among other things like coffee and tea, which you can drink with your dessert.

Now, being a place that focuses almost entirely on cheesecake, one would assume that would be important that it has some damn good cake. I’m disappointed to report that it does- and it makes my cheesecake (something I thought was pretty good) seem crummy.

It really is good though, and the owners keep it simple, offering other etceteras like coffee, cider and occasionally live piano. The restaurant is funky, and definitely could use a redesign- but would not necessarily benefit from it. The reddish-brown walls are dotted with posters and photos of musicians, celebrities- James Brown among them I believe- lending to an overall atmosphere that seems to blend perfectly with the cheesecake. There’s nothing pretentious here.

Cheesecake etc. is open for the dessert hours in the evenings (7:00 – 1:00 am) all week.

Address:

2141 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC