NOTE: Unfortunately this lovely place is now permanently closed.

I LOVE chocolate and my absolute favorite place to get my fix is Traviata Chocolate & Gelato Café in Lisle, Illinois. The café is owned and operated by Violeta who makes all of her customers feel special, and has an amazing ability to recall small snippets of information you may have shared on a long ago visit.

I discovered this little gem while visiting the 2012 Chocolate Expo at the Morton Arboretum. Arunas (Violeta’s son) told me it was located right down the street. I drove straight there after leaving the Expo, and I have been a huge fan since then.

On a typical visit, I can choose whether to have an espresso drink, a chocolate treat, gelato, or some combination of all of the above! I am often asked what is my absolute favorite item at Traviata. That’s a tough call. Here is my list:

1. Dark Chocolate Turtles
2. Blond Chocolates
3. Dark Chocolate Mini Truffles
4. Coconut Gelato
5. Sea Salt Caramel Gelato
6. White Mocha (Espresso drink made with Blond Chocolate)
7. Caramel Latte

These are my favorites, but there are many more offerings available. Chances are you have either accompanied me to Traviata, or have been the lucky recipient of a Traviata chocolate treat. Whether you have or haven’t, stop in and give them a try. If you too are a fan, feel free to sound off in the comment section sharing what your favorite Traviata item is. If you haven’t already, stop by.