Best hot chocolate in Dublin. Bet your ears perked up at that one, didn't they? If you're on the hunt for a good hot cup of cocoa, then read on as I've rounded up some of my top picks. 

On par with a good cuppa, it's been known to edge the upper hand depending on the chocolate/topping combo. Dublin pubs, cafes and restaurants have been upping their games when  it comes to the chocolatey treat and I've rounded up 13of the best hot chocolates to be found in this fair city.

So, in no particular order...

Spilt Milk

Drury Street

Perhaps one of Dublin's most famous hot chocolate offerings, Spilt Milk's marshmallow bomb is chocolatey, indulgent, and the perfect sweet treat this winter.

Metro Café

South William Street

Sticking to the tried and tested mini marshmallows/flake combo, the guys at Metro Café know how to nail a classic.

Vice

Middle Abbey Street

Open inside Wigwam on Abbey Street daily from 11-6, Vice serves up a Malteaser's hot chocolate that is the stuff of dreams. We're big fans of their Claddagh ring-inspired takeaway cups too.

Ladurée

South William Street

The dictionary definition of indulgent,  the hot chocolate offering from Ladurée is literal liquid chocolate. Extremely decadent and extremely delicious - it could probably be considered a whole meal in and of itself.

Honey Truffle Kitchen 

Pearse Street

Indulge your inner pirate and go for the Kraken black spiced rum hot chocolate from Honey Truffle Kitchen. We had our doubts but the combination works. Topped with chocolate shavings and Irish cream for added oomph.

Scoop 

Multiple Locations

Nutella hot chocolate. That is all.

The Sweetest Thing

Bachelor's Walk

Closed for renovations at the minute, make sure The Sweetest Thing is on your list for when it reopens because you're not going to want to miss out. Let thoughts of this cookies and cream hot chocolate keep you going until then.

Clement & Pekoe

South William Street

Treat yourself to a hot chocolate from Clement & Pekoe and you'll be handed a cup of hot milk and a chocolate lollipop - the novelty of which is never lost on me. Entertaining and delicious.

The Paddock's

Clonee

A place where everything on their menu is insta worthy though their hot chocolate deserves special mention. Drool-worthy, I think you'll agree.

Butler's

Multiple locations

If it ain't broke don't fix it, eh? Masters of chocolate, Butler's is always a safe bet for a tasty hot chocolate. And with countless different flavours to choose from (including peppermint, chilli and white chocolate ), you're bound to find one that takes your fancy.

Le Chocolat de Fred 

Multiple locations

Anything that starts with a chocolate fountain tap can only be good and that's exactly how the guys at Le Chocolat de Fred make theirs.

Perky's

Raheny

Perky's Christmas hot chocolate is back and better than ever. Smooth, sweet, and topped with a flamed marshmallow - it's a treat and a half.

The Fat Fox

Multiple locations

The Fat Fox is offering out a creamy, delicious hot chocolate all dunked with a charred mallow, definitely one to add to your hot chocolate bucket list.

Header image via Instagram/ Spilt Milk / The Paddocks