Chocolate is one of the most universally loved foods on the planet. Every year, more than 7.5 million tons are devoured around the globe, and it’s not hard to see why. Few things speak to us the way chocolate does. It crosses cultures, generations, and milestones without saying a word.
It’s been worshipped by ancient civilizations, traded as currency, poured into wedding cakes, slipped into lunchboxes, and handed over as a silent thank you.
It’s not just a sweet treat, it’s a symbol of connection, comfort, and celebration.
Chances are, you have some form of chocolate nearby right now. And if you don’t, you're probably wishing you did.
But what makes chocolate so powerful, so deeply comforting, and so universally irresistible?
At Compartés, we think it’s because chocolate isn’t just something you taste; it’s something you feel. Every piece tells a story, carries a memory, and invites you to connect with traditions handed down for centuries.
That deep, nostalgic, almost instinctual craving is what drives everything we create at Compartés. In this guide, we’ll show you what makes our chocolate for chocolate lovers so different. From our rich history and handmade artistry to the bold flavors and thoughtful touches that define who we are.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our homemade chocolate obsession started in 1950, inside a quiet Brentwood kitchen with a dream that felt bigger than the space it was born in.
Mr. and Mrs. Compartés, rooted in Italian heritage and guided by their deep love for European-style confections, began crafting gourmet chocolates by hand, tempering chocolate using only the finest cocoa solids. They did this for neighbors, friends, and anyone craving something richer than the ordinary.
However, what started as a small-batch labor of love quickly grew into a treasured West Los Angeles institution.
Before long, Compartés expanded from that single kitchen into the Brentwood Country Mart and later to Montana Avenue, where it became a name people whispered with reverence.
Our chocolates were passed discreetly between Hollywood legends and shared across family tables. We served icons like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and even Winston Churchill. Not just with sweet treats, but with something that felt like a secret, something meant to be savored and remembered.
For decades, we built our reputation on craft and care, becoming known for chocolates that felt like stories. Each box held more than flavor. It carried intention and legacy.
But every legacy needs someone to carry it forward. And in the late 1990s, after nearly fifty years of sweet tradition, the Compartés family passed their company to the Grahm family. That’s when our story took a turn toward the extraordinary.
Jonathan Grahm was only 15 when he first stepped behind the counter and into the kitchen as a chocolate maker. What followed wasn’t just a continuation of what came before; it was a complete reimagining of a recipe.
Driven by obsession and instinct, Jonathan honored the recipe he inherited while reshaping it through the lens of his own creativity. He didn’t just run a chocolate shop. He studied, traveled, tasted, tested, and dreamed, always asking one question: How can chocolate speak to people on a deeper level?
With each passing year, Jonathan shaped Compartés into something more than a heritage brand. And today, we’re proud to say we’ve grown into one of the most iconic artisanal chocolate brands in the country. However, our hearts still beat with that same rhythm from 1950.
It’s what keeps us grounded in tradition while always pushing forward. Making sure every chocolate bar, every truffle box, every sweet bite stays true to what chocolate is meant to be: Personal, powerful, and unforgettable. Because for us, chocolate for chocolate lovers means honoring the past while making space for what’s next.
Handcrafted Artistry
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when obsession meets craftsmanship, step inside our kitchen. This is where every bar, truffle, and confectionery begins. Not on a factory line, but at the hands of a small, passionate team who treat chocolate like a canvas.
We don’t believe in shortcuts. Every piece is made from scratch, slowly and deliberately, using time-honored techniques and the kind of focus that’s rare in a fast-paced world. From tempering and molding to dipping and garnishing, our chocolatiers and artists are present every step of the way. There’s no automation here, only skilled hands and careful eyes, tuned to catch the smallest detail.
Still, technique is only part of the story. What truly sets us apart is creativity. Every creation begins as a conversation between the past and the present. We start with flavors you know and love, like that childhood scoop of ice cream or a freshly baked donut. We then reinterpret those flavors through a gourmet lens. Adding our unexpected twists and thoughtful design touches to create something familiar, yet entirely new.
That balance of comfort and surprise is what defines chocolate for chocolate lovers. It’s more than texture or richness. It’s about the moment of connection. A taste that stirs a memory. A bar that tells a story. And a bite that brings joy, even if only for a moment.
For that reason, our inspiration comes from the heartbeat of Los Angeles. From its art, energy, culture, and the way it blends old soul with new ideas. Every batch we make is a reflection of that spirit, translated through chocolate in a way that feels personal and full of meaning.
Chocolate shouldn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth. It should speak to you. And that’s the kind of artistry we aim to share in everything we make.
Unrivaled Taste and Quality
Beyond the artistry, there’s the flavor. Because no matter how beautiful a dark or milk chocolate treat looks, it’s the taste that lingers. And at Compartés, that lingering taste is where the magic begins. That’s why every bar, truffle, and chocolate confection we make is built on the foundation of taste profiles that have been years in the making.
- It starts with our signature 73% dark chocolate. It’s bold yet balanced, with a depth that never turns bitter.
- Then there’s our milk chocolate. It’s rich, velvety, and so smooth it melts effortlessly on your tongue, leaving behind nothing but pure satisfaction.
- And finally, our white chocolate. People often tell us it’s the first they’ve ever truly loved. Creamy and complex, it’s crafted to surprise even the most skeptical palates.
But an unforgettable flavor doesn’t just happen by accident. It starts with sourcing the best ingredients from around the world, such as cocoa butter and powder, and then pairing them with the best of what’s right here at home. That balance is what gives each bite its unmistakable character.
We handpick berries from California farmers' markets, pick and press citrus at peak ripeness, and use nuts straight from the orchard, still fragrant with freshness. Every element has a purpose. Whether it’s Japanese matcha or Madagascar vanilla, each ingredient is chosen to highlight the chocolate, not hide it.
That same philosophy guides every flavor we dream up. For example:
- Our California Love bar blends dark chocolate with sourdough pretzels for the perfect salty-sweet crunch.
- Our Donuts & Coffee bar turns a beloved morning ritual into something indulgent, folding real donut pieces and roasted coffee into smooth milk chocolate.
- Even traditional birthday cake gets reimagined as a colorful, breakable bar, packed with joy and a hint of nostalgia in every bite.
And you’ll find that same creativity and precision in our chocolate truffles. Each one is filled with flavors like sea salt caramel or lavender-infused cream, offering a tiny, decadent moment you won’t forget.
At Compartés, we also believe great chocolate should be for everyone. That’s why we make sure our collection includes world-class vegan chocolates and gluten-free options, handcrafted with the same obsession for flavor and texture. We want everyone to experience chocolate that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying, no matter their dietary needs.
At the end of the day, the best chocolate for chocolate lovers doesn’t just meet expectations, it redefines them. It comforts, surprises, and invites you back for another taste again and again. And that’s the kind of quality we’re proud to create, every single day.
Gifting Excellence
Perhaps what defines us most, beyond the chocolate itself, is how deeply we understand the power of a meaningful gift.
For nearly 75 years, our gourmet chocolate truffle boxes and handcrafted chocolate towers have been trusted as symbols of luxury, celebration, and thoughtfulness. They’ve helped mark life’s biggest milestones, close important deals, and deliver joy in moments that words alone couldn’t reach.
That same sense of meaning is present in everything we craft. We believe a truly memorable gift should feel thoughtful from the very first glance to the final bite. Every detail, from the design of the packaging to the flavor inside, is created with the idea that chocolate for chocolate lovers should offer more than just something sweet. It should feel personal, intentional, and unforgettable.
This idea comes to life in our gourmet chocolate boxes. Each one is a carefully curated collection of artisan truffles, seasonal specialties, and signature creations. The result is more than a box of treats; it’s a complete experience.
However, for those occasions that call for something even more generous, our chocolate towers provide an added sense of excitement. Multiple tiers of handcrafted chocolates, elegantly tied with ribbon, offer a visually stunning gift that delivers surprise and delight with every layer.
As for moments that call for warmth and sharing, our chocolate gift baskets offer a different kind of joy. Each one is filled with thoughtfully selected chocolate assortments that are perfect for group celebrations, heartfelt thanks, or sending a bit of comfort to someone’s day. Whether sent to an individual or a team, these baskets feel both meaningful and festive.
And for those seeking a more customized experience, we offer a wide range of personalized chocolate options. From printing your logo directly on the chocolate to creating bespoke packaging and curated flavor assortments, our team works with you to make your gift feel completely your own. With over 200 custom configurations available, it’s easy to find something that fits the occasion and speaks directly to the recipient.
It’s this level of thought and craftsmanship that has earned the trust of some of the world’s most respected names. We’ve had the honor of working with companies like Tiffany & Co., Netflix, HBO, Louis Vuitton, and The Oscars. They come to us because they know what we know: chocolate has a language of its own, and a truly exceptional gift should say what words sometimes can’t.
Because in a world filled with forgettable gifts, Compartés creates something that lingers. Not just because of how it tastes, but because of how it makes people feel. That’s the heart of what we do. And it’s what we’ve been perfecting for generations, one handcrafted box at a time.
A Modern American Classic
While tradition is deeply rooted in everything we create, our passion lies in reimagining what chocolate can be for the world today.
At Compartés, we’ve taken the timeless pleasure of fine chocolate and given it a modern identity. One that honors the past while pushing the boundaries of flavor, design, and experience. It’s this balance of heritage and innovation that has allowed us to turn a beloved classic into something entirely fresh, unforgettable, and distinctly American. That’s what sets us apart.
However, our gourmet chocolate bars aren’t just known for their taste; they’re recognized as works of art.
With over 100 hand-designed bars that fuse flavor with fashion, style, and design, our collections reflect a level of creativity rarely seen in the world of confections. They’ve even been featured in the Smithsonian Museum, where our packaging stood alongside some of the most iconic American designs in history.
That dedication to detail and craftsmanship has earned us widespread recognition. We’re proud to be the only chocolate ever awarded a perfect score by Bon Appétit, a true testament to the care we pour into every bar, truffle, and confection.
And we’re equally honored to be Oprah’s go-to chocolate gift year after year. Her love for Compartés speaks to the heart of what we do—creating chocolate for chocolate lovers that’s not just luxurious, but deeply meaningful.
Every creation from our Los Angeles kitchen is made by hand using the world’s finest ingredients, but it’s the emotional connection that truly defines our work.
Compartés is more than a chocolate shop. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and indulgence, all wrapped into one. From classic flavors reimagined through a gourmet lens to bold, unexpected combinations that surprise and delight, each bite offers something unique.
That’s why our chocolates aren’t just enjoyed. They’re remembered. Shared between generations, offered as gifts with intention, and treasured long after the last piece is gone.
Start Your Compartés Chocolate Journey Now
Chocolate is all we’ve ever known, and every piece we craft is made to stir something deeper than just taste.
At Compartés, we’ve spent nearly 75 years turning simple moments into lasting memories through flavor, beauty, and care. Whether you're reaching for comfort, celebration, or connection, we’re here to help you find a chocolate creation that truly speaks to the heart.
