Chocolate-lovers unite! Writer Debi Lander tells RealFoodTravelers.com about the experience of dining at The Conche Bar & Restaurant in Leesburg, Virginia, where chocolate shows itself in savory and sweet food and drink.

Images from The Conche Bar & Restaurant. Photos by Debi Lander and graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

A Heavenly Chocolate-Themed Meal at The Conche, Leesburg, Virginia

I admit to being quite fond of dark chocolate, but I don’t consider myself a chocoholic. However, when the opportunity came to dine on a chocolate-themed meal, I jumped at the chance. The Conche is a chocolate-inspired restaurant in Leesburg, Virginia, not far from Dulles International Airport or Washington, D.C.

The exterior of The Conche.

Celebrity Chef Santosh Tiptur, a world-renowned pastry chef known for his whimsical, sweet, and savory culinary creations, opened his restaurant in 2020. His love affair with sweets began when he first experienced chocolate in India in the seventies. As a kid, he had always wondered how delicious candies were made, and he dreamed about learning how to make them himself. He studied in India and then continued perfecting his culinary skills on 26 cruise ships and various restaurants. He has appeared on high-profile culinary competition programs on The Food Network. However, during my brief encounter, I found Chef Tiptur to be a humble man who claims he just likes chocolate.

When I looked at the menu, I saw a three-course prix fixe offering at a very reasonable price. I decided to pick something that incorporated chocolate from the choices provided in every course. Diners can also choose a five- or seven-course option, including entrées like shrimp and grits, salmon, chicken, and vegetarian options.

Hungry for more? Try the recipe for Chocolate Mascarpone Pie.

I began with a refreshing cocktail, the Conche Old Fashion, made with bourbon, simple syrup, orange Bitters, Angostura Bitters and chocolate bitters. The drink arrived with a twist of orange and a chocolate swizzle stick. It was delightful to sip, and I could taste a hint of chocolate, but it didn’t cover the zing of the bourbon.

An Old Fashion cocktail made with chocolate bitters.

For my appetizer, I chose crispy calamari made with cocoa beer batter, Fresno pepper aioli, and pickled radish. I have never tasted better calamari—ever! The batter was extremely light in taste, and the seafood pieces were incredibly tender and juicy. I had difficulty not finishing every bite on my plate, but I knew I had more courses coming.

The Conche’s Cocoa Beer-Battered Calamari.

Next up, my entrée of braised short ribs. If you ever need comfort food, this is the dish. The short ribs almost melted in my mouth as the chef cooked them in a reduction of chocolate-infused burgundy. Yummy beyond belief. The meat was plated on top of a roasted garlic potato puree and the addition of a few crispy onions. To the side, a piece of broccoli, carrot spear, and asparagus finished the plating. A dollop of Cremini mushroom sauce topped it off. I shall dream of being served this meal if I am ever snow-bound at a ski resort.

Short ribs are a real comfort food at The Conche.

I knew, however, that chocolate would be a shining star in my dessert, so I had to leave a little room for tasting. I was surprised to be presented with two desserts — as if I needed to be more satiated. The so-called Chocolate Ambrosia is a layered treat with a curvy decorative topping. Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Creme, Raspberry Sorbet, and White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Cream make up the layers and combine to yield a deep chocolate flavor infused with raspberry. While I loved the samples I took, the dessert named Jivara was even better. This decadence came on a plate with an artistic creation of swirls, dollops, drops, and balls made from an exotic fruit sorbet, chocolate cake, milk chocolate whipped ganache, and Passionfruit caramel sauce. This delicacy sent me to Nirvana. It made an ideal ending to the meal, not too heavy but packed with delicious, sweet flavor.

The Conche’s Jivara dessert is a plateful of delight for any chocolate lover.

It’s a good thing I don’t live in Loudoun County, or I will visit the Conche frequently and surely gain twenty pounds. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday-Friday (closed Tuesday) and for brunch and dinner on the weekends.

Chef also offers classes in The Art of Chocolate Making, a Sip and Sculpt Chocolate class, and a Kids’ Sweet Escape Summer Camp session.

Learn more about The Conche on its website. The restaurant is located at 1605 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA 20175.

-Story and photos by Debi Lander

Hungry for more? Read about Debi’s lunch at Galatoire’s in New Orleans.