Teuscher
The trademark green box of this Swiss chocolatier is internationally recognized as a symbol of cocoa quality. Canada’s one and only location is nestled inside Yorkville’s palatial William Ashley, which speaks to the confectioner’s reputation for luxurious indulgence—as does its signature creation, a champagne truffle infused with Dom Perignon. Made from all-natural ingredients and flown in fresh from Zurich almost once a week, these treats are a surefire way to spoil one’s beloved. For Valentine’s Day, Teuscher offers its classic heart-shaped velvet box, which makes a bold statement for the long-time lover ($36–$360). The two-tiered gold jewellery box is a playful take on tradition ($49–$69). Each parcel is personalized, and phone ordering makes thoughtful giving feel effortless. Same-day and Saturday delivery available from $5. 55 Bloor St. W. (at Bay), 416-964-8200, www.teuschertoronto.com.

Ambiance Chocolat
The perfect place to pick up an adorable yet affordable token, Ambiance has tempting specials in the spirit of St. Valentine. The rose-shaped sweets, which pair the flower’s essence with divine red wine caramel, are priced at just 95 cents each. But don’t be fooled by the agreeable prices—Belgian-born Patrick Smets’s remarkable creations are all made from premium Valrhona and Michel Cluizel chocolate and feature trendy, eco-friendly wrapping. Last-minute shoppers can even turn their chocolate run into a date: true to its name, Ambiance offers a café serving quality coffee and tea. Next-day delivery available from $11. 753A Queen St. E. (at Broadview), 416-406-2462.

Adam & Eve Chocolatier
A destination shop with a European-style café, Adam & Eve looks to recreate the atmosphere of the original lovers’ paradise—only this Garden of Eden comes with equal helpings of carnal pleasure and mortal sin. The menu of forbidden fruit includes artisanal Belgian chocolates, Swiss-style cocoa almonds and pretty pastries. The store also tempts with a racier repertoire of chocolate anatomical features ($11.25-$12.95). Valentine’s Day coincides with the shop’s second anniversary, so visitors will be invited to take a celebratory dip in the chocolate fountain (with fruit and other fare, of course). 97 Maitland St. (at Church St.), 416-962-2326, www.aechocolatier.com.

Stubbe Chocolates
If chocolate really is an aphrodisiac, then making it may be as good as making love—at least in the Shakespearean sense. On top of Daniel Stubbe’s array of Belgian truffles and treats (favourites include the kir royale), the candy man offers intimate, hands-on chocolate workshops. The classes give expert insight into the careful process of chocolate making, including mixing, tempering and setting. Couples co-operate on boxes made of stiff chocolate that they line with their own hand-rolled truffles, all fashioned from Callebaut cocoa. Pairs can partake at a discount for February and March ($140 per couple, regularly $160). Same-day delivery available from $12. 653 Dupont St. (at Christie), 416-923-0956, www.stubbechocolates.com.

Simone Marie Belgian Chocolate
Couples typically cherish a few nostalgia-stirring snapshots, and veteran Yorkville chocolate dealer Simone Marie aims to combine these sweet memories with luscious, imported Belgian confections. Clients can bring in (or e-mail) a picture of their darling for printing on the wrappers of bite-sized chocolates. A heart-shaped dark truffle with rich raspberry ganache tops up the personalized box nicely. This year, Simone’s signature effect is offered at reduced rates ($42–$60), to ease the strain on recession-bitten romances. The custom-made version is available only until February 10, but the shop is also featuring an enticing selection of Valentine’s Day packages in red, pink and gold. Same-day and Saturday delivery available from $15. 126 Cumberland St. (at Bellair St.), 416-968-7777, www.simonemarie.net.

Soma
For chocolate lovers who are ready to think outside the heart-shaped box, Soma offers creative alternatives to the basic bonbon. This Distillery District shop is famed for making chocolate from scratch and proposes plenty of limited-edition ideas for Cupid’s lackeys. The Amour Feu Truffle selection ($30), an assortment of the shop’s mainstay and V-day selections, sets hearts (and mouths) on fire with exotic and spicy flavours, including Japanese yuzu, pomegranate and a new, smoky Papua New Guinea cocoa blend. Limited-edition Lacy Chocolate Hearts ($12–$17.50)—presented in a box surrounded by chocolate-covered cherries—sound like lingerie and suggest just as many sinful pleasures. Same-day delivery available from $15. 55 Mill St. (at Cherry St.), Bldg. 48, 416-815-7662, www.somachocolate.com.

Also in the Valentine’s Day Guide:
• How to spend a romantic night on the town
• Where to buy gorgeous flowers
• Six best restaurants for romance
• Toronto’s most extravagant dining