It’s sad but true: Given the choice, many women will opt for chocolate over sex. This Valentine’s Day, don’t make her choose. Instead, whet her appetite with something from one of Toronto’s finest chocolate shops. The rest is up to you.

Soma
The chocolatiers at Soma roast small batches of fair trade, organic cacao beans, masterfully executing truffles, cacao nibs and micro-batch single-origin bars. Their Mayan Hot Chocolate — dark chocolate, ginger, vanilla and chili — is the perfect antidote to winter. 55 Mill St., Bldg. 48, 416-815-7662.

Nadege Patisserie
Visit this Parisian bakery for Valrhona chocolate ganache-filled cappuccino macaroons, or the Addiction cake: a pink cylinder of chocolate, stuffed with pomegranate and dark chocolate mousse and topped with a dark chocolate truffle. 780 Queen St. W., 416-368-2009.

Xococava
DailyXY blogger Chris McDonald channels Spain in his vision for Xococava; his talented staff offers creative truffle concoctions, including those filled with Pedro Ximenez sherry, rosemary and honey, and chorizo (various chocolates pictured above). But if sausage and chocolate won’t do the trick, opt for a sure bet: fudge brownie ice cream. 1560 Yonge St., 416-979-9916.

OMG Baked Goodness
The best way to a woman’s heart? Vegan chocolate cupcakes, my friend. Don’t let the V-word scare you; these moist, rich delights are decidedly decadent, with icing so creamy, you won’t believe it’s not butter! 1561 Dundas St. W., 647-3485-OMG.

Odile Chocolat
The handmade truffles here fuse traditional French techniques with exciting flavours. Think tangy raspberry vinegar, cardamom and silver leaf, or the classic cognac ganache. Each truffle is topped with edible cocoa butter artwork. 829 Dundas St. W., 416-538-1016.

Image courtesy of Renée Suen