Carian's Bistro Chocolates
3.34/5.0
Gabriel Russell
5/5.0
08, Jul 2025
Sophisticated and Well-Balanced
Combines sweetness and bitterness with finesse. Pistachio?rose and black?pepper ganache were highlights. Flavor complexity rarely found in mass chocolates. Delivery arrived pristine.
Nora Kelly
5/5.0
24, Jun 2025
Elegant Flavor Pairings
Each bite highlights careful pairing of high?quality ingredients. Sea?salt caramel is divine; hibiscus?berry brings refreshing tartness. Packaging is sturdy, keeps chocolates intact. Warm handwritten note included. Best box under $40 I?ve tried.
Noah Rodriguez
3/5.0
12, Jun 2025
Mixed Quality Across the Box
Mixed feelings here. The dark sea salt and citrus ganache had depth and nuance, but others like almond crunch tasted stale. Texture inconsistency stood out?some were grainy or overly oily. Loved the note cards describing flavors, but the box arrived with a dent on one corner. Customer service offered an apology but no replacement. Willing to try again if they improve quality control.
Ava Miller
2/5.0
09, May 2025
Packaging Strong, Taste Lacking
The box looked upscale and gift-worthy, though tastily it's basic. Lack of balance between sweet and bitter; everything bleeds into sugar. Texture thin in places, almost crunchy. Given price, expected artisanal quality.
Stella Ward
5/5.0
09, Apr 2025
Fine Chocolatier Experience
Feels like visiting an upscale bistro. Clean flavors like lemongrass?coconut and cardamom?lime. Kritique: shipping box bulged slightly?but inner packaging protected it well. Worth the few extra bucks.
Mason Williams
2/5.0
18, Mar 2025
Good Look, Not Good Flavor
Beautiful presentation but disappointing taste. The strawberry cream tasted like artificial syrup. Texture of chocolates didn?t melt nicely, leaving waxy mouthfeel. Support was polite but unable to compensate fully.
Elijah Taylor
3/5.0
25, Feb 2025
Tastes Vary Too Much
Loved one or two flavors, but rest were overly sweet or bland. Packaging nice. Overall?okay, but not reliable.
Sophie Wong
5/5.0
28, Jan 2025
Unexpected Flavor Joy
Tried the chili-cinnamon variety?surprisingly balanced heat and sweetness. Really creative and memorable. Packaging elegant too.
Landon Campbell
5/5.0
19, Jan 2025
Exquisite Flavors, Perfect Presentation
A sublime chocolate assortment that impresses both visually and sensorially. Every piece is glossy, crisply molded. Taste profiles: salted caramel, citrus?mint, coffee?maple, everything balanced. No two alike. Ganache inside is creamy and melts at the perfect rate. Tasting notes included pairing suggestions?wine or tea?and that was a classy touch. Delivered well-packaged and on time. Price is steep but earned. Opens up discussions at gatherings?ultimately a memorable indulgence.
Elizabeth Green
1/5.0
19, Dec 2024
Lackluster Chocolate Shell
Shell was too thick with weak flavor. Filling tasted artificial sweet rather than vibrant.
Nova Hughes
5/5.0
29, Nov 2024
Boutique-Class Quality for Gifting
Bought as a thank?you gift and it hit the mark. Recipients appreciated the richness of dark cherry?ganache and the delicate finish of jasmine?white chocolate. The box is refined yet understated. Each chocolate wrapped in tissue, separated by little dividers. No broken pieces. A small tracking hiccup, but delivery smooth afterward. Compliments keep coming back. This totally earned its boutique?chocolate reputation.
Amelia Davis
2/5.0
06, Nov 2024
Quality Control Issues Evident
Some pieces had melted slightly, others very hard. Flavors were hit-or-miss: lavender ganache was delightful, but peanut brittle tasted stale. Shipping packaging didn?t cushion well. For the asking price, expect consistency.
Owen Long
5/5.0
14, Oct 2024
Truly Artisanal Chocolate Experience
Delivered with care and taste, Carian?s Bistro Chocolates secures a place in my top?tier favorites. The box included nine different flavors, each with a distinct personality. Standouts: dark espresso?hazelnut?a rich, nutty bite with smooth crema; lavender?honey?a delicate floral note that never becomes cloying. Texture is consistently silky yet firm, no waxiness. Each piece is adorned elegantly, almost like miniature art. The included tasting guide adds a touch of sophistication. Shipping took five days, but arrived undisturbed. Customer service followed up to ensure satisfaction. Price is premium, but delivery lives up to the boutique promise. Will easily reorder and gift this to loved ones.
Charlotte Smith
3/5.0
05, Oct 2024
Potential But Needs Refinement
The concept is great?innovative flavors and elegant design?but execution falls short. Some ganaches were thin and bland. On the plus side, shipping was well-tracked and prompt. If they improve texture, could be a genuinely artisanal brand.
Leah Chen
4/5.0
08, Sep 2024
Lovely Texture and Shine
Chocolates arrived shiny, smooth, and well-crafted. Some pieces were slightly over?bittersweet for my preference, but overall a very enjoyable assortment.
Joseph Thomas
5/5.0
06, Sep 2024
Luxurious, Handcrafted Feel
Feels truly artisanal?chocolates shine with luster, texture is creamy not chalky. Individual flavors showcase thoughtful pairings like cherry?almond and ginger?pear. Flavor cards included names, descriptions, and tasting order. Every bite tells a story. Even better, customer service proactively checked if everything arrived well.
Adam Davis
4/5.0
10, Aug 2024
Very Pleasing Experience
From taste to presentation, this box impressed. A few pieces leaned more sugary than rich dark chocolate, but still enjoyable overall.
Camila Garcia
1/5.0
18, Jul 2024
Disappointed After First Bite
Though reviews spoke highly, my first bite revealed synthetic notes and pasty texture. The fruity truffle had no real fruit flavor, and the mint was overpowering. Packaging was nice, but appearance alone can?t save the taste. Attempted to contact support but only got a template reply. Budget better spent elsewhere, unless they drastically up their quality standards.
Zoey Price
5/5.0
04, Jul 2024
Excellent Gift Option
Sent a box to my parents. They raved about balance of textures and flavors?dark, milk, fruit, nut. Very professional packaging and prompt shipping. No overt promotions, just quality.
Dylan Anderson
5/5.0
20, Jun 2024
Love the Attention to Detail
Every bite reveals attention to flavor pairing and texture. Packaging includes small tasting notes which were informative and fun. A little pricey but justified by quality.
Daniel Wright
2/5.0
14, Jun 2024
Too Mild For Dark-Choc Fans
As a dark chocolate lover, found it too mild and sweet. Looking for richer cocoa kick.
Isabella Parker
1/5.0
25, May 2024
Bit of Misleading Presentation
Box and website promise gourmet experience. Reality was suboptimal shells and artificial taste notes. Texture clashed?some gritty, some oily. Shipping arrived intact. Returns handled slowly, no improvement in quality.
Layla Bell
4/5.0
13, May 2024
Strong Boutique Quality
Chocolates taste as good as they look. Texture creamy, not waxy. Few pieces were overly sweet for my taste, but that?s a minor quibble in an otherwise lovely assortment.
Nora Gupta
5/5.0
22, Apr 2024
Charming and Tasty
Felt like indulging in a boutique chocolate experience at home. Flavors were inventive?spiced orange and pistachio won me over. Boxes arrived slightly dented but contents were intact and delicious.
Oliver Thompson
1/5.0
27, Mar 2024
Very Sub?Par Taste and Texture
After opening the box, visual appeal impressed. Unfortunately each bite felt flat or chemically sweet. Centers were dense and oily instead of creamy. The chocolate didn?t coat evenly; some pieces leaked. Support apologized but offered only standard voucher.
Mila Baker
4/5.0
09, Mar 2024
Charming and Innovative
Surprise standout was the espresso?hazelnut piece?a bold, nutty seasoning balanced perfectly. Duo of lavender?honey impressed too, with delicate floral aroma. Box presentation looked upscale without being fussy. Only critique: a few pieces leaned slightly sugary, but that?s personal preference. Warmly recommend for gifting or small indulgence.
Christian White
4/5.0
18, Feb 2024
Great Taste, Minor Delay
Taste-wise, these chocolates were impressive?smooth texture, refined sweet-to-bitter ratio. A minor delay in shipping, but customer service clarified it quickly. Overall, a solid experience.
Sofia Lewis
3/5.0
07, Feb 2024
Could Be More Refined
Texture good, but flavor combinations felt predictable. Nice for casual snacking but not special occasions.
Ethan Brown
2/5.0
27, Jan 2024
Too Sweet and Clumsy Filling
While the packaging looked promising, the chocolates inside fell short. The ganache fillings bled into the shell, creating a clumpy texture. Too much sugar too ? lacked sophistication. Some flavors were OK, but overall the sweetness drowned any complexity. For the price, this felt more mass-produced than artisan.
Harper Lee
2/5.0
06, Jan 2024
Not Up to Artisan Standards
Chocolates felt mass?market, not boutique. Texture slightly chalky, flavor of nuts lacked freshness.
Penelope Sharma
5/5.0
22, Dec 2023
Subtle Flavor Profiles
Each piece offers a subtle, well-rounded taste. Some flavors felt more creative than others?honey lavender was an unexpected hit. Lovely presentation too. A great treat without feeling over the top.
James Jackson
3/5.0
11, Dec 2023
Okay, But Leaves Room for Growth
Not bad, just not captivating. Caramel had potential but uneven sweetness. A note inside described flavor inspirations?nice touch?but flavors didn?t reflect that vision. Customer service responded but couldn?t help much beyond apologies.
Alexander King
2/5.0
24, Nov 2023
Close but No Cigar
Packaging suggested high quality, but chocolates didn?t deliver. A few flavors were solid, most felt cheap.
Ella Martinez
2/5.0
16, Nov 2023
Quality Isn?t Consistent
A few pieces were melt-in-your-mouth delicious?like raspberry ganache?but others tasted cheap and overly sugary. Texture varied from smooth to slightly powdery. Felt like quality control varied within the same box. Support offered a small refund, but by then the enjoyment was gone. Would hesitate to reorder unless improvements are made.
Aria Hernandez
2/5.0
28, Oct 2023
Underwhelmed by Overall Experience
Expected more from a boutique brand, but the assortment arrived somewhat lackluster. Some chocolates tasted bland or overly sweet?thick caramel overshadowed the chocolate base in several pieces. Packaging felt underwhelming too: thin ribbon and loose-fitting lid. Shipping was on time, though?not a complaint. Support replied to my concern, but resolution was limited to a discount code. For the price, more consistency and refinement would be appreciated.
Chloe Hall
3/5.0
10, Oct 2023
Not Bad, Yet Not Great
Packaging and delivery were smooth, but taste was somewhat generic. Fine for casual enjoyment, not memorable.
Julian Cooper
4/5.0
20, Sep 2023
Delightful Presentation and Flavor
Opening the box felt like unwrapping a gift. Flavors were distinct?each had character. Dark salted maple was exceptional. A couple of milk?chocolate ones felt too ordinary, but balanced nicely. Overall enjoyable.
Lucas White
3/5.0
11, Sep 2023
Pleasant but Forgettable
Flavors decent but nothing stood out. Pleasant texture, but the box left no lasting impression.
Evelyn Hill
2/5.0
16, Aug 2023
Too Sweet and Sticky
Shells were sticky and overly sweet. Filling lacked balance and felt cloying after a couple pieces.
Jordan Taylor
4/5.0
07, Aug 2023
Delightful Gift Idea
Ordered these for a friend?s birthday, and the response was glowing. The flavors were balanced?dark chocolate paired with sea salt was a standout. Delivery was a bit slow, but quality made up for it.
Liam Johnson
1/5.0
13, Jul 2023
Not Worth the Hype
Bought after seeing glowing reviews?now I wonder if someone else made them. The chocolate shell was thick, brittle, and far from silky. Filling was grainy and one-note sweet. The peppermint flavor smelt artificial. Box was jostled in transit and left dents. Customer service was dismissive about replacements. Wouldn?t recommend.
Michael Scott
3/5.0
08, Jul 2023
Visuals Great, Taste Just Okay
Chocolates look beautiful, but taste is middle-of-the-road. Expect decent but not spectacular experiences.
Addison Roberts
4/5.0
24, Jun 2023
Gourmet Quality with Minor Flaws
Carian?s Bistro box feels luxurious and tastes exceptional. Praline crunch bar and cherry-almond duo truly shine. Flavors are inventive?hint of black pepper in raspberry adds depth without overwhelming. Packaging deluxe with ribbon, secure padding, and a small tasting note card. Only issue: one chocolate arrived slightly melted due to transit heat, although in a ziplock bag. Support sent replacement promptly. For anyone seeking refined, small-batch confections, this is a great option.
William Moore
2/5.0
08, Jun 2023
Just Not That Special
Box arrived looking luxe, but the flavors were generic. Didn?t live up to ?bistro chocolates? promise. Some pieces were dry or too sugary. Nice branding, but limited flavor palette.
Zachary Wilson
3/5.0
01, Jun 2023
Quite Good, Not Outstanding
The chocolates are well-made and taste pleasant, but some flavors felt conventional. Good as a gift, though may not surprise a big-time chocolate lover.
David Adams
5/5.0
29, May 2023
A Delightful Balance of Flavor
A superb assortment that highlights craftsmanship. Texture is consistently smooth across the box, and flavors are well thought out. Milk?salted caramel melts gently while dark raspberry maintains a tangy brightness. Packaging included tasting notes that enhanced the experience. Shipping packaging kept everything secure. Minor delay in delivery, but quality made up for it. Will order again.
Scarlett Patel
5/5.0
10, May 2023
Smooth and Elegant
Chocolates arrived in perfect condition and tasted like pure elegance. The ganache filling melted gently, not too sweet, but richly flavored. Packaging was tasteful with a personal touch. Definitely something to savor.
Carter Evans
4/5.0
10, May 2023
Rich Flavors and Artful Design
This chocolate box blends modern artistry with gourmet depth. Ginger?pear piece has warm spice with fruity sweetness. Pistachio cardamom felt unexpected and exotic. Everything feels hand?crafted, down to the small identification card with descriptions. Slight issue: packaging could be sturdier for warmer climates, but inner box kept them safe. Pretty premium price, but you?re paying for refinement and care?worth it for special occasions.
Samuel Foster
4/5.0
30, Apr 2023
Refreshing and Balanced
Bright citrus compote flavor was unexpectedly refreshing. The texture was creamy, not greasy. Box looked stylish?with minimal packaging. Few pieces were sweeter than desired, but overall satisfyingly gourmet.
Abigail Jones
3/5.0
12, Apr 2023
Inconsistent Flavor Delivery
One hand, the salted caramel delight had excellent texture. On the other, coffee-hazelnut lacked any discernible coffee. Discrepancy surprised me. Felt like batches differ too much in quality. More testing before shipping could help.
Carian's Bistro Chocolates
Address
523 West Algonquin Road, 1116
60005
Arlington Heights IL
United States
Website
carianbistro.com
Email
info@carianbistro.com
Telephone
