Brentwood chocolatier serves creative handmade truffles.

by Matthew Allard

More than 50 years ago, Compartes hand-dipped its first small batch of dried fruit. Today, it ships its homemade chocolate truffles and citrusy treats worldwide. Young Jonathan Grahm recently took over the family biz and expanded the dried-fruit-and-chocolate focus with 45 new truffles including exotic jalapeno and jasmine flavors. The fan favorite signature treat is arguable, given the new flavors Grahm and his staff are continuously cooking up, but the smoked sea salt, a truffle of intense sweet-savory goodness, is perhaps their most-sold of the bunch. Customers may find it hard to select from the plentiful old-school dried fruits anymore as they sit beside the shop's new breed of artful truffles, many decorated with vibrant icons (skulls, anchors, elephants, diamonds), plaid patterns and stripes. What's a chocolate lover to do?

03/05/09

Best Chocolates in LA!

by ZackLA

Tucked away off the main drag of San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood, you may drive past this hidden gem on Barrington Avenue many times and not even notice its there, but one day, stuck in traffic, I saw the blue walls and crystal chandelier and the words "Chocolatier" beckoned me inside. When I walked in, I found a store that rivaled the great chocolate stores of Paris and Europe. Museum like displays featuring beautiful chocolates paired with exotic ingredients. Pristine chocolates flaked in gold leaf, hand-painted with glitter, decked out in mod funky prints and topped with candied spices, I felt like I died and went to chocolate-heaven.

The chocolates here are so beautiful and artistic, the wow-factor alone makes this place worth a visit, but then you get to bite into them --- deep dark chocolate ganache centers in unusual and exotic flavor combinations that not only work, but rock --- chocolates like blackberry and sage, peach and rosemary, lemongrass, jasmine tea, smoked salt, raspberry ganache studded with pink peppercorns, the list can go on and on. Everything I have had here is exceptionally great! The chocolate dipped orange peels are sinful, the love nuts are divine and my absolute favorite, the cup of coffee, is the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee I have never found elsewhere. Compartes Chocolatier is my go-to place for gifts for others and of course for myself. The ornate gem-like chocolates and flavors make the best impression possible, if you have anyone special or any special event and you need a treat, look no further than the best chocolate store in LA. Do yourself a favor and stop by, check it out, smell the aroma of chocolate and get sucked in like I did, you may never eat chocolate elsewhere again!

• Pros: Everything at Compartes is hands-down awesome, you guys rock!

10/12/08

don't order online

by pfujimura

Although the chocolate might be good their customer service is lacking. I placed an order online and paid $14 for 3 day shipping. When the chocolates didn't arrive after five days I was told it couldn't be tracked because they use USPS and that a manager would call me back. No one called me back to explain the delay or apologize. It finally arrived seven days after I placed the order.

12/10/06

Eat here and die happy...

by cthomas686

Nuanced flavor with sophisticated notes (think lavender violet caramel, or strawberry balsamic vinegar) gilded in rich layers of ganache...these are the truffles at compartes. Each chocolate is like its own little work of art (literally...the passion fruit truffle seems to mimic a pollack painting), and though some flavors may seem to be for the culinarily adventurous, every bite pleases even the shiest palate. Aside from the wonderful truffles, delectable dipped fruits, and variety of other chocolate treats, the service alone is a reason to stop by this Brentwood hotspot (I've spotted Harrison Ford and a few Desperate Housewives buying boxes there). Jonathan Grahm, the owner of Compartes, is always behind the counter, ready to give a suggestion or explain why his truffles are true truffles (as opposed to the sugarery stuff See's tries to pass off under the same name). Also, seasonal hot chocolate, which is as thick and luscious as what you'll find across the Atlantic, is a great afternoon treat to keep you going on a cold day, though, I'd drink it in the middle of summer if he had it. All in all, there are not enough good things I can say about this place. The best chocolate I've ever had, bar none.

06/24/06

Best Chocolate this side of Switzerland

by zuza11

My wife and I love Comparte's. Whenever we're passing by we always stop in for an Almond Turtle. That's just the tip of the chocolate iceberg(if you asked nice - they'd probably make you one). Their chocolate covered Oreos are sensational, both dark and milk chocolate, the same goes for the graham chrackers. The S'mores, pretzels and almond bark are incredible as well. I get confused going in there, because it's all so good.

We also love to give Compartes as gifts to people, having us over for dinner gifts, thank you's and Anniversaries. People love it. Don't forget the choco;at covered matza (Did I spell that right) at Passover.

They also go all out to make every holiday special - in a chocolate way of course.

After having their chocolate it's hard to eat any other kind.

Hope you enjoy it as much as my wife and I do.

• Pros: Everything is good!
• Cons: They're not open 24 hours

06/13/06

Simply the most astounding chocolate shop!

by princebrett

I am a chocoholic. I have visited numerous chocolate shops around the country, and needless to say this is the best one I have ever been to. The pieces of chocolate should be displayed in a museum because they are small pieces of God-inspired art work. However, the museum should have excellent security because burglars would want to steal these impeccable chocolates. Los Angeles should feel blessed to have the most astounding chocolate shop in the country.

• Pros: This is a quintessential chocolate shop!
• Cons: Don't question a God-sent chocolate shop.

05/14/06

In my opinion, Simply the BEST.

by geezilovela

Love Nuts- MY FAVORITE chocolates EVER, and I'm not even a chocolate person. Compartes truffles are the most original looking chocolates that I've managed to find in LA. Everyone that I've ever given Compartes to as gifts has always made mention of the truffles visual appeal. I'm always greeted with a smile, as well as educated awnsers to all of my chocolate questions.

I high recommend a visit to Compartes.

• Pros: visually appealing, rich in taste, decently priced
• Cons: None, in My, opinion

05/02/06

Oral orgasm

by kdebora

I heard about Compartes from friends in the entertainment industry but never had a chance to get by. After trying their "Love Nuts", chocolate covered macadamian nuts, I go by once a week! They are addicting and everyone that I have gifted with Love Nuts have become addicts too...Debi, Beverly Hills

• Pros: high quality, good flavor, personal service
• Cons: weight gain

04/25/06

Compartes in Brentwood

by missdoublel

I just visited and have become hooked ever since. This place makes the most delicious chocolates I have ever had! Everything is great...I really love the hot cocoa they make, perfect on a cold day. They have a huge variety of flavors and change them for the season. The chocolatier is usually there and talks to you about the newest stuff he made, he even brings things out from the back for you to sample. Try the vanilla bean, coffee, raspberry, green tea and original. I also love the honey peanutbutter and the cashew love nuts.

• Pros: lots of variety, super fresh, really friendly

04/24/06

My Favorite Chocolate Shop!

by lovecalderg

Compartes is my favorite chocolate store in Los Angeles! Everything there is top-notch from the service to the candies and confections. I always have such a pleasant experience at that shop and they are so knowledgeable when it comes to chocolates and the most friendly out of any of the places I have been for chocolate. While you are there, do not leave without the following 5 items: fluer de sel toffee, original chocolate truffle, chocolate dipped apricot, caramel marshmallow and jasmine tea truffles. Those are my top 5, although I have never had anything there I didn't like. They do interesting chocolates with spices and they are all designed differently. Oohand love nuts, so addicting. Go check them out!

• Pros: Fresh, Friendly, Great Service