l'Atelier du Chocolat Journal Square

When New Jersey locals and commuters around Journal Square are searching for a taste of authentic Parisian indulgence, one name consistently rises to the top: L'Atelier du Chocolat. This charming establishment is more than just a typical sweet shop; it is a true French patisserie, chocolate boutique, and coffee destination all rolled into one. Master Chocolatier Eric Girerd, a resident of Jersey City with a celebrated background that includes experience in 3-star Michelin restaurants, brings his world-class expertise right to the heart of the city. He has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Best Chocolatiers in North America by 'Dessert Professional Magazine,' an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality you can expect.

L'Atelier du Chocolat, a small business, has established itself as a beacon of culinary artistry in Jersey City. The shop captures the essence of French café culture, offering a visually stunning array of meticulously crafted desserts that are as delightful to admire as they are to eat. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself after a long commute, pick up a stunning gift, or simply savor a moment of gourmet pleasure. Customers often praise the freshness of the ingredients, the precise craftsmanship, and the rich aromas of freshly baked goods and premium chocolate that fill the air. It truly provides an unforgettable, elevated experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life, making it a proud local highlight in the Jersey City area. The commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is clearly evident in every bite of their chocolates and pastries.

Location and Accessibility

Convenience is a significant factor for New Jersey residents, and L'Atelier du Chocolat’s location is ideal. The shop is strategically positioned in the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City, making it highly accessible for both local residents and PATH commuters.

The exact address is:

1 Path Plaza concourse level, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA

This location right at the concourse level of the PATH station ensures it's a perfect stop for a morning treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert to take home. For those driving into the area, parking options are available, a welcome feature in a busy urban center. There is both a paid parking garage and a paid parking lot nearby for customer use, easing the stress of finding a spot. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accessibility for all patrons, featuring a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This dedication to convenience and inclusivity makes L'Atelier du Chocolat a hassle-free destination for anyone in the Jersey City and wider North Jersey region looking for premium sweets and coffee.

Services Offered

L'Atelier du Chocolat functions as a versatile French-inspired establishment, specializing in three main areas: fine pastry, artisan chocolate, and gourmet coffee. The available services cater to various needs, from a quick on-the-go purchase to selecting a custom indulgence.

• Pastry Shop Offerings: A wide selection of French pastries is handcrafted daily. Staples include buttery, flaky Croissants, the delightful Almond Croissant filled with almond cream, and the classic Pain Au Chocolat (chocolate croissant). Specialty items often feature the Canele, a small French pastry flavored with vanilla and rum, as well as a variety of fruit and chocolate tarts like the Mango Tart, Key Lime Tart, Passion Fruit Tart, and the rich 72% Ganache pie made with Ecuadorian cocoa.
• Artisan Chocolate Boutique: The shop's core identity lies in its exceptional chocolates and truffles, which are handmade on-site. Customers can purchase single pieces or elegant boxed assortments, including specialty items like their renowned sea salt caramels. The owner, Eric Girerd, is known for selecting the finest cocoa beans and employing sophisticated artisan techniques.
• Coffee Shop Experience: High-quality coffee is a key offering, including options like the creamy Oat Milk Latte, a customer favorite. They also serve other hot and cold beverages to complement their desserts, such as the widely praised Iced Chocolate and the classic Chocolat Chaud (hot chocolate).
• Dessert Focus: L'Atelier du Chocolat is a dedicated spot for desserts, with items like the Pistachio Opera, Chocolate Tiramisu, Lava Cakes (made with 64% Valrhona chocolate), and custom-made cakes and pies for special events.
• Custom Orders: The staff is accommodating and flexible, offering custom cakes and personalized gift boxes of chocolates to meet the needs of special celebrations and occasions.
• Retail Services: Patrons have the option for In-store shopping and Takeout, catering to those who wish to browse the full selection or simply grab their order and head out quickly.

Features / Highlights

What sets L'Atelier du Chocolat apart in the competitive North Jersey food scene is a combination of pedigree, quality, and a welcoming environment. The shop is a local treasure that provides a superior product and a pleasant customer experience.

• Master Chocolatier Pedigree: The business is led by Master Chocolatier Eric Girerd, whose extensive background includes working in 3-star Michelin restaurants and supplying truffles to prestigious hotel groups nationwide, including Ritz-Carlton properties.
• Award-Winning Chocolates: L'Atelier du Chocolat was named one of the Top Ten Best Chocolatiers in North America by 'Dessert Professional Magazine,' highlighting the exceptional quality of their artisan creations, such as their famous salted caramels and truffles.
• Unique Pastry Combinations: The pastry menu is creative, featuring standout items like the customer-praised "Brownie Chocochip Cookie," described as a delicious chocolate chip cookie mounted on top of a scrumptious chocolate brownie, providing a 'lot of tasty calories.'
• Authentic French Patisserie: The shop offers a selection of classic French favorites like the Beignet, Mille-Feuille, Eclairs, and the unique Tropezienne (an orange-blossom flavored brioche with vanilla cream), all crafted with Parisian savoir-faire.
• Quality and Freshness: Customers consistently report that the food quality is 'very satisfying' and the croissants are 'amazing and so fresh,' emphasizing the use of high-quality ingredients like European butter and Valrhona chocolates.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The business proudly identifies as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, fostering a community-focused, open, and accommodating atmosphere for all visitors.
• Dietary Consideration: The menu includes desirable options such as gluten-free pastries, like the Gluten Free Apple Turnover and the Gluten Free Puff Creme, and dairy-alternative beverage options, such as the creamy Oat Milk Latte, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating various dietary needs.

Contact Information

For Jersey City residents, commuters, and visitors planning their trip or looking to place an order for custom chocolates or pastries, here is the essential contact information for L'Atelier du Chocolat Journal Square:

Address: 1 Path Plaza concourse level, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA

Phone: (201) 633-4883

Mobile Phone: +1 201-633-4883

It is always recommended to call ahead for current operating hours, especially around holidays or for large custom cake orders, to ensure the best service and product availability.

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or those looking for the ultimate L'Atelier du Chocolat experience, there are several offerings that stand out and perfectly showcase the shop's expertise. The combination of world-class chocolate and masterful pastry makes choosing a difficult but delicious task.

If you are rushing to or from the PATH train, starting your day with a perfectly prepared French pastry is a must. The Croissant and Pain Au Chocolat, both made with high-quality European butter, are local favorites that rival the best you’ll find outside of France. Another excellent choice is the Almond Croissant, which is generously filled with a sweet almond cream and topped with slivered almonds. The sheer quality and freshness of the butter in these pastries have been highly praised by local customers.

The chocolate creations are arguably the shop's greatest claim to fame. You simply cannot leave without trying one of the artisan chocolates or truffles from Master Chocolatier Eric Girerd. His famous Sea Salt Caramels, recognized by the 'New York Times' as one of the 10 best in America, are an essential indulgence. For a true chocolate dessert, the Ganache Tarts, such as the 72% Ganache with rich Ecuadorian cocoa, and the individual Lava Cake are sensational choices that deliver intense, complex cocoa flavor and a deeply satisfying texture. For those who love a dessert with a mix of flavors, the Pistachio Opera, layered with elegant pistachio cream, or the Sachertorte, a classic Austrian chocolate cake with apricot jam, offer a sophisticated taste.

Finally, for a unique and playful treat, the "Brownie Chocochip Cookie" is a must-try. This innovative hybrid dessert has generated excitement among customers for its decadent combination of a chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate brownie. Pair any of these desserts with a gourmet coffee or the highly-rated, creamy Oat Milk Latte for the perfect Jersey City treat. For a cold, rich indulgence, the Iced Chocolate is an experience unto itself and often touted as an incredible beverage. L'Atelier du Chocolat delivers a consistently high-quality experience, transforming a simple dessert break into a moment of pure French elegance right at Journal Square.

l'Atelier du Chocolat Journal Square

1 Path Plaza concourse level, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA