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The Air Itself Tastes Sweet Inside This Beloved Westfield Shop Serving Authentic, Handcrafted Italian Gelato

Picture yourself walking into a space where the air itself tastes sweet—that’s exactly what happens when you step through the doors of The Chocolate Bar on Quimby Street.

This locally-owned gem has been delighting Westfield residents and visitors since 2004, earning its reputation as one of downtown’s most beloved specialty shops.

With over two decades of artisan chocolate-making and authentic Italian gelato crafted daily from imported ingredients, this isn’t your average dessert spot.

Owner Neil Grote brings more than 30 years of chocolatier expertise to every handcrafted treat. After managing gourmet chocolate stores in Boston, he returned to his hometown of Westfield to create something special.

The result?

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A cozy destination where European chocolate meets Italian gelato tradition, all made fresh on-site with an unwavering commitment to quality.

Gelato That Rivals Italy

The Signature Flavors: You’ll discover why locals keep coming back for flavors like Roche, which captures the essence of Ferrero Rocher candies with its hazelnut-chocolate perfection.

The creamy texture sets this gelato apart—it’s denser and silkier than regular ice cream, served at just the right temperature to maximize flavor. With over 25 rotating flavors crafted from the freshest ingredients, you’re guaranteed something new to try on each visit.

Seasonal Rotation: The flavors change throughout the year to embrace seasonal ingredients and holidays. Spring might bring refreshing lemon and raspberry options, while fall ushers in richer, warmer profiles.

Popular choices include stracciatella with ribbons of chocolate shavings, nocciola hazelnut, and the indulgent Mi Amore. Adventure-seekers love trying unique combinations like hazelnut mint chocolate chip or the crowd-pleasing Razzmatazz.

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The Works: If you can’t decide on just one flavor, go for The Works—a vanilla base loaded with cookie dough pieces, Oreo chunks, chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles. It’s basically a party in a cup, and the generous portion sizes mean you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Authentic Italian Technique: What makes this gelato special is the imported Italian ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

The slower churning process creates that characteristic dense, creamy texture that transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Rome. Note that gelato is seasonal and only available March through October.

Gelato Shakes & Cakes: Take your experience further with gelato shakes that blend their homemade flavors into drinkable bliss, or order a custom gelato cake for special occasions. Both options showcase the same quality ingredients and attention to detail.

Hand-Dipped Chocolate Creations

European Chocolate: Every piece of chocolate is hand-dipped daily using premium European chocolate sourced from France and Belgium. You’ll choose between dark, milk, or white chocolate bases, each offering its own distinct flavor profile and smooth finish.

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Creative Dipping Options: The shop takes traditional treats and elevates them with chocolate. Oreos become decadent discs of perfection.

Pretzels gain a sweet-salty contrast that’s utterly addictive. Fresh strawberries get dressed up for date nights or special occasions. You’ll even find chocolate-covered potato chips, gummy bears, marshmallows, and brownies—each one transformed into something extraordinary.

Signature Truffles: The in-house truffles are little works of art, combining rich ganache centers with beautiful chocolate shells. These aren’t mass-produced confections; they’re carefully crafted treats that showcase the chocolatier’s skill and creativity.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: A fan favorite that perfectly balances crunchy, salty pretzel with velvety smooth chocolate. The contrast in textures makes each bite satisfying, and they’re substantial enough to feel like a real treat rather than just a tiny taste.

Gift-Worthy Presentations: Beyond individual treats, you’ll find beautifully arranged gift boxes and platters perfect for corporate events, holidays, or showing someone you care. The visual presentation matches the exceptional taste.

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Coffee & Hot Chocolate Excellence

Espresso Drinks Done Right: The freshly brewed espresso-based beverages have earned serious praise as some of the best in town. Whether you’re ordering a latte, cappuccino, or mocha, expect quality roasts and skilled preparation that rivals dedicated coffee shops.

Legendary Hot Chocolate: This isn’t powder mixed with hot water. The hot chocolate here uses actual melted dark and milk chocolate from their warming vats, creating a rich, luxurious drink that ruins you for all other hot chocolates. It’s thick, indulgent, and intensely chocolatey—the kind of beverage that makes cold winter days something to look forward to.

Coffee Pairings: Grab an espresso to go with your gelato for an authentic Italian affogato experience, or simply enjoy a perfectly crafted cappuccino while browsing the chocolate displays.

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Downtown Charm: Located in the heart of downtown Westfield on charming Quimby Street, the shop sits among other specialty boutiques and restaurants that make this area a destination for strolling and shopping. The walkable neighborhood adds to the European cafe feel.

Cozy Interior: Inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting space that manages to feel both sophisticated and welcoming. The displays of chocolates catch your eye immediately, arranged like edible jewelry that tempts you to try everything.

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Seating Options: While the space is intimate, there’s enough indoor seating for small groups to linger over their treats. During pleasant weather, outdoor tables let you people-watch while enjoying your gelato or chocolate.

Sweet Aromas: The moment you walk in, the mingled scents of freshly made chocolate and brewing espresso create an atmosphere that makes your mouth water. It’s sensory overload in the best possible way.

Other Considerations

Pricing: Expect mid-tier pricing that reflects the quality ingredients and artisan preparation. While it’s not budget dessert, the generous portions and exceptional taste make it worthwhile.

A gelato might run around $4-6, while chocolate-covered items and specialty treats vary based on selection. Given the European chocolate and imported Italian ingredients, the prices align with what you’d pay at similar high-quality chocolatiers.

Parking: You’ll find street parking around downtown Westfield, which can fill up during peak shopping times. Plan accordingly, especially on weekend evenings when the area gets busier.

Family-Friendly: This spot welcomes families and has become a tradition for many locals who grew up coming here. The variety of options means there’s something for every age, from simple vanilla gelato for little ones to sophisticated truffle selections for adults.

Dairy-Free Options: The shop offers four flavors of sorbetto—lemon, raspberry, mango, and chocolate—all completely dairy-free. These refreshing treats provide bright, clean flavors perfect for hot summer days or anyone avoiding dairy.

Allergy Note: Important to know: all products are made in an environment with peanuts and tree nuts, so those with severe allergies should exercise caution.

Hours: The shop keeps accommodating hours, staying open until 9-10pm most nights, making it perfect for after-dinner dessert runs or evening date nights downtown.

Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards in-store or online, making it easy to share the sweetness with friends and family. They also offer shipping for chocolate gifts.


The Chocolate Bar
📍 112 Quimby St, Westfield, NJ 07090

Writer: Danny Russo
Click to read bio

I grew up on the Jersey Shore and now call Asbury Park home. Generally I write about local news and events, and local attractions around the state.