Over the years, I’ve built a list of go-to spots whenever I find myself in Las Vegas—Sushi Samba for their creative sushi rolls, Olives for the stunning outdoor seating with a prime fountain view of the Bellagio, and now, Chocolate & Spice Bakery for Chef Megan Romano’s incredible selection of freshly made pastries and savory brunch options, like the mouthwatering vegetable frittata.
From the moment I stepped inside, Chocolate & Spice felt like a whimsical wonderland of artisan treats. The bakery is filled with delights like handcrafted chocolates, rock candy swizzle sticks, and an array of vibrant pastries and sorbets. Every item is made fresh on-site, and the menu boasts a variety of daily specials that keep things exciting. If I lived in Las Vegas, I have no doubt this would become a frequent stop for me—sampling the rotating selection of exotic-flavored chocolates, scones, and other delectable treats.
Despite only opening in May of 2012, Chocolate & Spice has already cultivated a dedicated following. Many locals visit daily for lunch and can’t resist grabbing a dessert to-go. The bakery has also earned glowing reviews on platforms like Yelp and Urbanspoon, mirroring my own delightful experience.
During my first visit, I had the opportunity to try several of Chef Megan Romano’s masterpieces. Each item was thoughtfully crafted, bursting with flavor, and beautifully presented. I’ve shared my thoughts and photos below to give you a taste of what this charming bakery has to offer.
First dish: Vegetable frittata topped with pesto and almonds and paired with a balsamic reduction, and tomato confit. One word: delicious.
Second dish: Antipasti platter with asiago cheese twists, cranberry toastinis, fresh cheeses, prosciutto, candied walnuts, grapes, and a fig compote. Everything tasted extremely fresh and paired together perfectly!
Third dish: Flatbread with shaved nectarines, blue cheese crumbles, shaved parm, sliced grapes, prosciutto, and arugula. Yum!
Fourth dish, dessert: I don’t even know where to begin with these descriptions, everything was so good. The honey cantaloupe sorbet is incredible, the nutella mouse over chocolate cake with a dark chocolate swizzle stick is a chocolate lover’s dream come true, and the blueberry citrus cheese cake layered on top of sponge cake with lemon mascarpone mouse and topped with fresh blueberries is truly a little bite of dessert heaven!
For a drink I had the strawberry – peach iced tea with fresh strawberry slices. (So good)!
Megan shares some of her sweet recipes in her book “It’s A Sweet Life“, which I started reading during my visit.
Chocolates…
In the photo below: Megan Romano, (left) began her career in the culinary world at restaurants including Aureole, Lespinasse, Charlie Trotter, and Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, before opening Chocolate & Spice.
Keri, on the right, is the bakery’s sou chef. Keris started her career in Hawaii, where she grew up at Hokulani Bakery in Honolulu. She then worked at several award winning restaurants including Charlie Palmer’s Aureole.
“Chocolate & Spice Bakery is my vision of a classic artisan bakery where the smells of fresh baked pastries, hand-made bon bons, truffles coated in cocoa powder, seasonal fruit sorbet, creamy whimsical ice cream, crunchy cookies, simply flavorful savories fill the air.” ~Megan Romano ~Chocolate & Spice website
Chocolate & Spice is located a few miles off the strip at 7293 W. Sahara Ave.
[nggallery id=225]