Trying the viral hot chocolate at Gelateria Danieli Richmond

Gelateria Danieli in Richmond has been on our list for a while, largely because its hot chocolate keeps popping up online looking impossibly thick and spoonable.

Richmond is somewhere we always talk about visiting and rarely get around to, so one cold January afternoon feels like the right excuse. We wrap up warm, bring our three year old along for the walk, and head out with two goals in mind. First, to enjoy Richmond properly and, second, to finally see whether the viral hot chocolate at Gelateria Danieli Richmond is actually worth seeking out.

The promise, according to TikTok, is a hot chocolate so thick it borders on dessert. Naturally, our expectations are high.

Quick info on Gelateria Danieli Richmond

• Name: Gelateria Danieli
• Location: Richmond, London
• Known for: very thick Italian style hot chocolate and gelato
• Best for: spoonable hot chocolate lovers
• Seating: very limited (three tables inside)
• Overall verdict: excellent if you like your hot chocolate seriously thick

First impressions of Gelateria Danieli

Gelateria Danieli is a small outfit, down a tiny cobbled avenue in Richmond. There are just three tables inside, and when we arrive it’s already busy.

People pop in and out quickly, some staying to perch with a cup, others grabbing gelato to go. It has that classic neighbourhood gelateria energy, where regulars know what they’re ordering before they reach the counter.

The space is cosy without trying too hard. The focus here is clearly on what’s being served rather than on making a scene out of it.

Ordering the original Gelateria Danieli hot chocolate

There’s lots to choose from on the Gelateria Daniel menu, but we’re here for one thing – the original hot chocolate.

It arrives thick, unctuous and spoonable. It’s so think, they literally give you a little wooden spoon with it. This is the kind of hot chocolate that drifts slowly in the cup. The texture sits somewhere between drinking chocolate and chocolate pudding, smooth and glossy with no graininess at all.

If you enjoy hot chocolate that you can almost eat, this one will make you very happy.

How the hot chocolate at Gelateria Danieli in Richmond tastes

The flavour of the hot chocolate matches the texture. It’s deep, milky chocolate, and very satisfying without tipping into over sweet. Each spoonful coats the mouth properly, and the warmth builds gradually.

That said, while this is excellent, it’s not the absolute thickest hot chocolate in London. For us, that crown still belongs to Italian Bear Chocolate in Soho.

Gelateria Danieli’s version is slightly looser, which actually makes it easier to enjoy slowly rather than turning into a full dessert commitment.

Still, this is a hot chocolate designed for people who actively seek thickness.

Gelato at Gelateria Danieli

Because we’re here with a three year old, gelato is non-negotiable.

She chooses raspberry, because red is her favourite colour, and it turns out to be a very good choice. The gelato is dense, full bodied, and intensely flavoured. It’s not icy or too sweet, and the texture mirrors the same care given to the hot chocolate. Everything at Gelateria Danieli in Richmond tastes deliberate and well made.

It’s easy to see why Gelateria Danieli in London has built such a loyal following.

The atmosphere on a winter afternoon

With so few tables, Gelateria Danieli in London fills quickly, and there’s a steady hum of people coming and going.

It’s not somewhere you linger for hours, but it’s perfect for a short winter stop. Richmond itself adds to the appeal. After a long walk, a cup of very thick hot chocolate makes complete sense.

What else is on the Gelateria Danieli menu

Alongside hot chocolate, the Gelateria Danieli menu focuses on classic Italian gelato flavours, with seasonal variations rotating through. There are sorbets and creamy milk-based options.

It’s not an overwhelming menu, which is part of the charm. You come here knowing roughly what you want.

Who this hot chocolate is for

This hot chocolate is for people who like richness, thickness, and intensity. If you prefer lighter, frothy hot chocolates, this might be too much. However, if you want something warming, indulgent, and unapologetically dense, this hot chocolate delivers exactly that.

It’s also ideal on a cold day when you want something that borders on comfort food.

Final thoughts on hot chocolate at Gelateria Danieli Richmond

Overall, Gelateria Danieli in Richmond lives up to its reputation. The hot chocolate is excellent, thick without being heavy, and very satisfying. The gelato holds its own, too, which makes this a great stop if you’re visiting with children or splitting orders.

If you’re already in Richmond, this is absolutely worth seeking out. And if you’re not, it’s a very good excuse to finally make the trip.

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Gelateria Danieli London
Address – 16 Brewers Ln, Richmond TW9 1HH
Nearest Tube – Richmond