Aurora Grace

I didn't ask about this store's history or the mission of this place. I was legitimately distracted by the aroma of chocolate as I entered. There are cheery plants among displays of various chocolate bonbons and truffles. There's a mini freezer with batch pints of ice cream. The open kitchen is stainless steel and marble study of chocolate making. In short, the store is adorable. The chocolates look very sophisticated. Every size and combination of chocolate they make is would be a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Aurora Grace is an absolutely lovely shop AND person! An amazing back story of starting a business after a career training at the best restaurant in the world. Beautiful chocolates hand made, unique, and packaged for you ans gifts even when it’s a last minute drop in as was the case with us!

I love this place! The main attraction are the bonbons but they also make other baked goods e.g. cookies, scones, chocolate bars. The bonbons are beautifully hand painted and they taste as good as they look. One of my favorite bonbons is the Thai Tea, but they are all fantastic flavors. I'm also in love with their cherry chocolate scone. The bonbons are a bit pricey at $3 a piece but I think it's worth it. If you're visiting South st this place is a must visit!

Updated: we ordered 3 gifts and the other two arrived with fast shipping in great condition. They were huge hits. We loved the illustrations with the beautiful chocolates. We will likely order again in the future. We just wish we had the hindsight to order my mom’s with ice!—we will next time (and would reorder her mother’s days gift if they weren’t sold out) It was such a bummer that when my mom’s Mother’s Day gift was delivered all the chocolates were melted. Highly recommend choosing shipping with the optional ice pack to avoid this experience.

I really thought this place was going to be great, the chocolates look beautiful, but they are not good and they are a bit pricey. The shop itself is appealing, it’s located in a nice area and there are a lot of nice plants, however there is a strange odor, which there should not be, the store should smell like sweets, but it doesn’t. Also the store was open, but the front door was locked and we had to ring the bell. It was a weird visit.

The bakes goods here are okay, they are pretty pricey for what you get. The service is the opposite of lovely and isn't that great. They gave me a different cookie than what I asked for. The best thing about this place is that it's cute. But I would go to other bakeries in the area before coming back here.

This review isn’t about the product; never got to try it. Made two attempts to patronize this shop to no avail. They have a doorbell to ring to get in. I rang it, seeing through the glass at the door that there was a woman sitting right at the counter, about 4 feet from the door, just ignoring us. Last time I had a similar experience, rang the doorbell, waited, rang the bell again, nobody opened the door 🤷‍♀️ Waste of time. Won't attempt again.

Heavenly! Beautiful shoppe with lovely artisan chocolates, macrons, truffles, baked goods, and more! Everything I have tried is delicious and fresh. Excellent choice for gifting.

Today I went to Aurora Grace Chocolates at the 525 S. 5th St. store to pick up my bag of seconds that were sold via another website so that they do not have to throw out perfectly edible foods. I'm glad I visited as the chocolate is excellent. This tiny store is filled with many different products, mostly chocolates. They have chocolate bonbons in so many awesome flavors including strawberry lemon, honey Taheen, mango passionfruit, espresso, dark chocolate orange, pecan praline, blueberry, carrot cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark chocolate coconut, dark chocolate raspberry, dark chocolate hazelnut, very berry, sea salt, caramel caramel, apple and yuzu lemon. Those were just today's flavors. There are others in rotation. They also have hot chocolate mixes including a spicy one, granola, jarred candies, candles, bath salts, and packaged chocolate bar pieces. Additionally, they have house-made pastries like chocolate chip cookies, scones, and macaroons. The store then brings in the outside with many plants and cacti and reading material. See my pictures! The very helpful single staffer was able to answer my questions and very friendly. Although I had only purchased one set of seconds, I opted to buy two more on the spot. The bonbons are usually $3 each and come in 3, 5, 10, 15, or 24 packs. When I got back I was highly anticipating the pieces. In one pack I got raspberry and lemon. I have yet to open the other two. What I tried was delicious and had to stop myself from eating them all. Very happy with Aurora Grace Chocolates.

Was in the area and decided to stop in to this lovely shop. They had Too good to go bags, so i got one of those and also purchased this delicious looking container of malt balls. The chocolates are like little jewels, so delicious with wonderful fillings, the raspberry was my fave. I regret not getting more! Will definately stop in next time im in Philly!

Thanks to TooGoodToGo. I tried this classy chocolate place and I like it a lot. I don't know what the flavors were but it looks like they have wine tasting chocolate and floral flavored chocolate. Better than other chocolate shops that kind of bore me that are just higher quality chocolate only. The chocolate visuals stick out nicely. I think of a low key version of Duff Goldman's cakes except no drama and craziness and chocolate instead of cake. Storefront is small and cute with no seating area or I didn't see one. Makes me wish I could enjoy a coffee w the chocolate here if there is a seating area, and they do offer coffee. I initially was going to try to go to this place on Mother's Day but they were closed but their offer still showed up on the TooGoodToGo app. Despite that slight frustration, I was kinda in the area again and wanted to try this place out in this fashion. Staff, guessing owner, was very fast with giving me the TooGoodToGo and parking was very limited for me. So, I was glad she was quick. This place is here to stay.

The Raspberry Pistachio Bark is AMAZING! It's a thin dark chocolate bar with pistachio chunks and sea salt with light raspberry shavings. The raspberry is subtle and just makes for a great flavor combination with the creamy dark chocolate. Also tried a few or the truffles which were also great. Definitely worth a visit. Very friendly owner / chocolatier. 62% dark chocolate studded with caramelized pistachios, freeze dried raspberries, and French sea salt.

Stopped in to buy some chocolate gifts and got some macarons as a treat. Absolutely so flavorful, and perfect mix of crispy and chewy texture at room temp (be patient). The vanilla bean is my fave, followed by lemon poppyseed.

A special gift and searching for some chocolates. I came on Tuesday night, not realizing they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Luckily, owner or manager was stocking up and preparing for an event. I was so happy because I was coming from NJ on a trip and I was not planning to come back. She was so kind and suggested a few items. We ended up buying the gift box of 15 specialty beautifully made flavored chocolates. The packing box is beautifully presentable as a gift. I wish they made a smaller version gifting box for the 10 count. Sadly, I didn't take a picture before gifting it away.

Such beautiful hand painted chocolates! I stopped off at the Farmer's Market at Rittenhouse Square and found Aurora Grace Chocolates. The team at the Farmer's Market is awesome! Kind. Smart. Excited and passionate about what they do. They showed me and explained the different painted chocolates. I have a wedding tomorrow. I'm pairing ($) my card with the most lovely chocolates ever!

Aurora Grace is not the place to go if you're looking to buy a mess of candy to give out on Halloween (unless you want to be the coolest person ever, in which case, please let me know where you live!) This list will probably grow, but here are my can't miss items for now... - Any of the cookies, especially if you can get them fresh. They're so perfectly gooey! - The vanilla bean marshmallows. Hear me out: I usually hate marshmallows. I generally think they're boring and just a tasteless waste of calories, but these have such an incredibly delicate flavor. Just thinking about them now is making my mouth water! Also, the store is super cute and the staff has always been kind -- literally no reason not to support this small, local business!

Love the cute and cozy environment with macaroons and truffles on display counter and chocolates and bark on the shelves. The truffles melt once in your mouth with the dark chocolate with the mousse flavor of your choosing. Definitely give this place a try if you are in old city.

Aurora Grace has the most absolutely stunning, colorful and carefully decorated bonbons. They are beyond gorgeous and super delicious to boot! They come in a variety of delectable flavors. Salted tahini honey, creme brûlée' and mint chocolate are our favorites. A box of these decadent, smooth pieces of art is sure to make anyone smile and be "wowed". Really, it's such a memorable presentation. In addition to perfect light, brightly colored French macarons, they also sell these adorable Gritty and Phanatic bars. They are my kids favorites!! They are splatter painted in the team's colors with cute little eyes. The Gritty, which is our mascot of choice, is made of pretzels, caramel and peanut butter. It's so sticky icky good...and cute, too! The place just off of South Street is beautiful with exposed brick walls, plush navy velvet pillows and super fun marble pineapple tables. It's adorable. This is such a wonderful place to stop, whether for a special sweet gift or just for yourself!!

One of the best peanut butter chocolate cookies I've ever had! And it was just how i like it - 90% chocolate chips and 10% actual cookie!

Revisited the store today and was greeted by the owner. She replaced the prior issue with beautiful hand painted chocolates. These were as delicious as they were pretty. If you need a host/hostess gift these are sure to impress!!! Good customer service is the hallmark of any consumer driven business. I look forward to returning often

I only got one macaron but I need 10 more right now!!! That raspberry macaron was the best I've had. Even ladurèe. My first lemon poppyseed cupcake with passion fruit cuts and vanilla bean butter cream icing. It wasn't good because the passion fruit was missing. But this time with promise that was super weird and voila the passion fruit curd. Yessss. I need passion fruit macaron! I also got the passion fruit chocolate ball. Out of this world. Worth a lot stop

Had my eyes on this place for awhile now and thrilled to order from local businesses during this holiday season for gifts! Their bon bons are visually captivating, and their taste is even more alluring. Delicate and decadent chocolate goodness. I'm excited to purchase a larger box this season for myself to try more flavors, and share the joy of these bon bons to others around me. Staff was very helpful and friendly as well! Hoping to come back to try other products eventually that were recommended, might wait till the new year comes around to avoid a sugar crash :)

Aurora Grace chocolates are quite possibly the most beautiful chocolates I have ever seen - and I have seen a LOT of chocolate, growing up in Switzerland eating Frey, Cailler, Bloch, and Villars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These chocolates are like jewels, so colorful and pearly that all I could do for a few days was just to stare at their smooth, glistening surfaces. Once I finally mustered enough courage to eat one (or three... or five) I realized that not only are these beautiful, but they are also delicious! Each of Aurora's perfectly shaped chocolates consists of silky, flavored chocolate ganache encased in a smooth, colorfully painted dark chocolate shell made with high quality chocolate (Valrhona, I believe). Aside from the artistry, I also love that these chocolates are not too sweet, allowing me to easily go through half a box without feeling sick. I'm glad I was able to acquire a box of these chocolates at the Rittenhouse Square farmer's market during a quick visit last weekend. (Props to Jason and Ashley for their friendly service!) I'm very excited for the brick and mortar location to open soon - my visits to Philly will be so much sweeter!

I purchased the Yelp KIT from Aurora Grace and it was fantastic, as expected. Included in the $25 kit is some "ball park bark" - thin, dark chocolate speckled with popcorn and peanuts - plus a pint of vanilla bean ice cream (creamy and delicious!) and, finally, an adorable Philly Phanatic bar which has so far proven to be too cute to eat. I placed my order online for next day pick-up and received a notification that it was ready earlier than anticipated. My husband picked up the order when he was out running errands, easy peasy. I love fancy chocolates and ice cream so I'll be keeping Aurora Grace in mind for gifts for friends (or myself) in the future!

The macarons tasted like sand paper. The chocolates were gritty and cardboard like. But the worst was the owner (who also happens to be the chef/chocolate maker) herself who happens to be Aurora (she named the store after herself); she appeared unprofessional, made unkind remarks to customers at the shop, and was down right discourteous. The hygiene levels at the shop is horrendous; it's amazing how their licenses are still valid- go check out their basement where items are made- it's dirty, utensils & containers aren't cleaned regularly, and they don't wash hands as per kitchen protocols-- very unsanitary conditions. Check out all the other 1 and 2 star reviews, we are not the first ones to state this and won't be the last, unfortunately. Not only they seem to demonstrate lack of any culinary & pastry skills, but also their lack of hygiene & general regard on how to treat people is downright abhorrent. Their treatment of customers demonstrate bigotry at highest levels, is apparent in favoring certain demographics over others which speaks volumes about their business model. God forbid you mention the products tasted awful (which many ppl have), they will not only reply with essays of excuses (as to how it's the buyers fault for not eating it right away as "chocolate needs to be freshly consumed", maybe it sat too long in the gift givers house, etc) but go on to become defensive instead of actively listening to the reviews & doing something constructive with it; i.e better their culinary skills, retrain staff & owner in etiquette & customer service (and general human interaction) and most importantly learn to take constructive feedback with grace and ability to improve. Not graceful at all, their brand name shouldn't have the word "grace" in it. They are inept, unskilled, and prejudiced; plenty of other local business' that could benefit from foot traffic- go anywhere else, save your $, tastebuds and sanity.

Read that you have to order 1 day in advance online. I went there 5 mins before they opened and said I stopped by on the off chance they could sell me some things they had even though I didn't order ahead. They said no, that's not how they're doing orders right now. I said you don't have anything in there on your racks that's not earmarked that I can buy? And given the same answer. They can run their business online if they want, but unwillingness to bend the rules even slightly for a willing customer, nevermind to make some extra money, tells me a lot about a business.

I recently stopped by the Aurora Grace booth in Rittenhouse Square during the Farmer's Market. You knew you were gonna get something special right away, as people were lining up to pick some delicious treats. I picked up a pumpkin cupcake with salted caramel icing, a lemon poppy macaron, and mini salted caramel apple pie. Let me tell you, these items were magic to my tastebuds! The mini apple pie was my absolute favorite, perfect crust and amount of filling, exactly what I wanted in a salted caramel pie and beyond! Everything I bought was delicious and full of flavor too, not too sweet either, so I loved the balance in each item. I am so happy I stumbled upon their booth, and cannot wait to stop in the store or visit the booth again to try more items...especially the gelato!

It was a bit of a happy accident that I heard of this place---I was looking for a pie on Thanksgiving, and my usual spot Magpie (RIP) was sold out. A quick search led to an Eater article mentioning that Aurora Grace would be doing a sneak peek of their (then unopened) shop in addition to selling pies. Excited to support a new business, I picked up an ultra-rich and ultra-delicious bourbon pecan pie that ended up being a huge hit at my family's Thanksgiving dinner. From then I knew I had to come back when the shop opened. Well, the shop is open now on 5th Street between the Lombard and South, and the treats and pastries are as good as ever. I had a cheddar, ricotta, and potato savory galette as well as the small box of macarons. The galette was small but filling (it was basically my breakfast) and had great flavor. The macarons were so good that I basically ate them all in one sitting. One nice thing about buying the box is that it comes with a paper slip telling you about the flavor of each macaron. As a disclaimer, I should note that this is not the cheapest place in the world. One of those gorgeous bonbons will run you $3. One cupcake is $4. But when you walk in the shop and literally see Chef Aurora in the back decorating chocolates, you appreciate how much labor goes into each treat and learn to respect the price point. There is still so much at this shop that I need to try, and I can't wait to go back.

Not only does this place have the most absolutely amazing chocolate ever, their service is second to none. I first discovered them when they donated little bonbon packages for healthcare workers at the beginning of the pandemic, and since then, I've been hooked. Their bonbons are beautiful, decadent, smooth, with unique flavors and textures. Their store front has been closed since the pandemic, so you'll either have to purchase their products at a farmers market or online and with storefront pick up. I picked up some bonbons today on a hot day, and they wrapped my chocolate with a cold pack inside a cooling package. This store will probably be one of my most missed things about Philadelphia when I do move away.

Just dropped in quickly to check ot the candies. Beautiful chocolates of every description. Obviously an artist at work here. Didn't buy or taste, maybe next visit.

Lots of choices if macarons and adorable truffles. However I saw a fruit fly in the truffles display that deterred me to try.

When I want to impress someone I know where to go. Aurora Grace is the place! One time we were in Rittenhouse Square and they were at the farmers market, and I bought my little friend a macoroon. Well needless to say I'm still buying her macoroons! For Valentines's day I bought my daughter the heart filled with various goodies. I kept the mallott. I'm sure I will be buying plenty more. I always know it will be delicous!

Went for their "soft opening" today. Picked up the box of cookies (pictured) to bring for Xmas eve and also a Cherry Chocolate Scone, a Potato & Cheese Galette, and a Double Chocolate Cupcake. The scone was nice and light with a good crumb. It would do well alone or hold up to a bit of cream or jam. Galette was very good with a surprising heat/spice to it. Cupcake =perfection. Prices were a little higher than expected but I am new to the city so maybe that's just what things cost.

I haven't been back to the AG store but I've since tried their macarons at a few farmer's markets and had a better experience so I am updating my review. I enjoyed all the flavors and they were fresh. The bonbons are gorgeous but I still have yet to try them.

4.5 stars - Excellent handcrafted chocolate shop. The chocolate Bonbons are beautiful and hand painted. I recommend the Dulce du Leche, Cheery cobbler, liquid salted caramel and the Pecan praline / Vanilla caramel. Incredibly good. The homemade Gelato was very good as well, I tried the salted caramel. The staff are super helpful, patient and friendly. It's expensive but that's to be expected given the beautiful handcrafted product. Need to try the brownies next time. Highly recommend and a great gift idea. BK

Loving custom Chocolates which look like Art with creative ingredience in the most delicious Chocolate ever!!! This is your Go To when you have a craving, gift or just want CHOCOLATE.. as well as cookies, breads. Chocolates are superior,as is the STaff, who truly care about your happy experience .Favs ..dulce, spicy, salted caramel, Thursday Farmers Market on Chestnut @ 12th,( i think just closed for the winter.)is a spot to pick up Aurora Grace goodies as well ! Josh is super friendly, explains all the ingredience Sea salt, bee pollen, lavender Chocolate bark is AMAZING +calming for the 4pm pick me ups!! I love eating Chocolate,wherever i travel, and must say AuroraGrace gems are as delicious + beautiful as anywhere!! REALLY Special ~ enjoy

So I came across this place while looking for something sweet in the area. I didn't know what to expect but I must say, the chocolates feel like a luxury! In all honesty, you get what you pay for because the flavors are so rich. Also the flavors advertised are surprisingly similar to the actual item. I tried the Thai tea chocolate and is was yummy. Would return for sure.

Thank you for your amazing treats for the hard working poll workers on this important election.. Fantastic !!!

I just received a set of chocolates for Christmas and they are delicious! The quality of the chocolate is great and the fillings are creative and very well done. They're also beautifully decorated and look stunning in the box. I'll be buying these regularly from now on!

I had my first order go missing in the mail... typical USPS mistake, but then the customer service was amazing. They got the replacement sent out immediately with next-day delivery! The chocolates were so delicious and the macarons arrived in good shape. Special thanks to Jessie who quickly resolved my issue and treated me like a VIP customer!

Dangerously delicious. And I am really picky with bakeries and chocolate (ruined by living in Switzerland). This new place is a must go.

Beautiful place with just as beautiful goods! Their banana bread is out of this world. Their bonbons are almost too pretty to eat. Friendly staff.

YAY! They're on Caviar! I can still get my scone/cookie/chocolate fix during "COVID lock-down"! They're baking to order, which means I got warm scones. Perfection. (I did a pick-up at store -- they have a doorbell.) A.G.'s exceptional goodies honestly do help ease the stress of the quarantine doldrums.

Beautiful hand painted bonbons. I've sent these chocolates to others as gifts, but hadn't actually tried any myself, but everyone always loved them. I was happy to see a stand at the Rittenhouse Market, so I picked up an assortment of 5. Can't wait to try some of their baked goods.

I cannot say enough good things about Aurora Grace! On the 28th of December I had a party to celebrate getting married over the summer. We had not planned on having a cake because it was not a "wedding", but at the 11th hour changed our minds. That's where the fabulous folks at AG stepped in. Aurora arranged a cake tasting, and helped me select the cake/frosting combos(we opted for the pumpkin/chocolate chip with a salted caramel buttercream). She also worked with me on the final design which turned out beautifully. While I was in their lovely shop, I had to try the lovely macaroons and beautiful chocolates! I ended up with a delicious cake, a medium tower of macaroons, and a two chocolate box that held the name/place cards for the tables. Amy helped pull everything together and made the whole process go very smoothly (thank you!!!). My guests were wowed by the presentation (delivered and set up by AG -much appreciated!), and delighted by the flavors. Everyone I had the opportunity to work with was fantastic and everything they made was delicious. I will work with them again anytime I get an excuse to!

Really good macarons! They absolutely delicious! The chocolates there are also really good! The top it off, the aesthetics of everything just makes it so much more spectacular! My only complaint is the price. There are other places that have macarons of the same caliber for cheaper. However, you are paying for the hard work going into the hand painting chocolates!

I had been hearing about this shop for a while and had wanted to go. I lucked out and they had a stand at the Rittenhouse Square farmers market! The guy at the stand was super nice and easygoing (I kinda expected a slightly snobbier experience for a high end sweets shop) and everything we bought was delicious. Their chocolate chip cookie might be my favorite in the city - big chunks of chocolate, soft center, lightly salted.

Wonderful handmade chocolates and other treats. I love their granola!

Aurora is a lovely space to stop in for a delicious treat (their scones are incredible!), but their bonbons and truffles also make really memorable party gifts. I recently worked with them to create adorable gifts for all of our guests at my parent's 30th wedding anniversary party. They were a huge hit and got rave reviews from everyone. Their chocolates are also a great option for host/hostess gifts! Can't recommend enough!

Aurora grace chocolates are beautiful, handmade and taste even better than they look. I come her often for gifts, Andy hey are always a hit..

I just had the bonbons from here tonight with my boyfriend. He works in Old City and after seeing a write up on philly.com he said how he wanted to stop in. I was not disappointed when he came home tonight with a small box of these bonbons. They were the most flavor packed bites of chocolate I have personally ever tasted. The combinations were unique and paired amazingly together. The box had 9 total inside and my boyfriend and I ate every single one. I told him we have to go back and get more. The strawberry balsamic, passionfruit, malted milk ganache and the coffee ones were a few that made us want more!

I love patronizing a local firm who also has a charming shop. Stopped in on Valentines Day for an emergency gift. The shop is quaint and pretty. I was greeted by a friendly young woman who helped me select a box of nine beautifully designed and flavored truffles. $3 apiece which is fine for this quality of chocolate. Where things fell apart was at checkout. Here it is Valentines Day and I'm being handed my gift in a plain brown box. Okay, I guess that's how they do it. I asked if a ribbon could be tied around the box. "Sorry, no ribbons" was the answer. How about a nice little bag with tissue paper. "Sorry, we don't have any." So I took my $27 plus tax box of chocolates and glumly left without even a bag. Aurora Grace, I wish you well. But if you are going to compete with the John & Kiras in this town you better class up your packaging.

I work around south st and when I found this gem I was so happy!!! Their double chocolate chunck cookies are really good! Perfect actually. The outer part is a little bit crispy and the inside oh my god! It's so soft and freaking good.

Amazing. What a great find. Aurora Grace is not only beautiful but their food is too. Their chocolates are impressively hand painted and their macaroons look amazing too. Their pasteries are cooked to perfection. Try the banana bread and hot chocolate - you won't be sorry! Easily the best cafe in the area!

Bought a variety of items from them recently: 1)Macarons were frozen 2)scones were completely dry and had a sand-like texture 3) 9 piece bonbon box had pubes in it and the filling was grainy. Workers were sweet and helpful though. Completely overpriced for frozen products

I was delighted to find this new (for me) addition to the wonderful businesses on 5th Ave near South St. Allowed to sample some of the chocolates, I can attest to their deliciousness on par with their beauty. I'm planning on giving some great gifts from here this year to family members who already have enough "stuff." I couldn't resist purchasing a nice (as in not grotesquely oversized as in most ice cream shops) portion of mint chocolate chip gelato - it was divine, and a great way to treat myself on my walk home. Visiting this wonderful corner shop reminds me of Europe. A lovely experience.

Terrible. Got these chocolates as a gift for Valentinea day and theyre so awful I spit it out. The chocolate has a weird musty taste. It tastes like how my basement smells when it rains.

The food was far from good. Macaroons were as dry as sandpaper and most likely frozen. Not sure if all the employees were following Covid Protocols, as I saw some without gloves. Would HIGHLY recommend other bakeries in the area for your pastry needs!