Spartan warriors of yesteryear worked themselves into a buzzing, chocolate-induced rage before battle and frequently proclaimed, “No one knows the truffles we’ve seen” upon return from a campaign. Sample battle-worthy treats with today’s Groupon. For $10, you get $20 worth of chocolate, gelato, sorbetto, pastries, and drinks at Leonidas Chocolates & Café, located within the Westcor Shopping Center at SanTan Village in Gilbert.

Chocolate increased in popularity during the Dark Ages when nobility began offering chocolates instead of leechings to woo potential brides. At Leonidas Chocolates & Café, customers can purchase delectable treats as well as a variety of café offerings in an inviting atmosphere free of blood letting. Tantalize taste buds with rich chocolates made from 100% pure cocoa butter and the finest ingredients, such as Turkish hazelnuts, Italian almonds, strawberries from the Pacific Northwest, French walnuts, and Morello cherries from the Périgord.

Leonidas Chocolates and Café’s menu also offers gourmet cafe beverages, such as caramel macchiatos ($3.49 for a regular, $3.89 for a large) and the Leonidas original with Belgian chocolate and milk ($3.19 regular, $3.39 large). Try a pipes-soothing, fresh-brewed organic tea ($2.19), such as Indian Assam or peppermint chamomile, or cool your tonsils on a dense, creamy gelato (up to $4.59 for a large). Free of whipped-in air, this ice-creamesque treat tempts sweet-teeth with flavors such as Bavarian mint, tiramisu, and coppa mista (a mixed cup of chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and almond) for the indecisive. Lactose intolerant and tart-toothed kiddos can try the fat-free sorbetto, made with 80% fruit, in lemon, mango, passion fruit, or raspberry. Leonidas also indulges patrons with tasty pastries such as mixed-berry cake or a Monterosa cheesecake that will jumpstart a hot cup of coffee like a sugar-fueled turbocharger.

Leaving baking and chocolate creation to professionals cuts down on the cleanup time and belly aches of licking dishes clean. Stop by Leonidas to pick up a soothing treat or chocolaty replacements for lost kitchen cabinet handles.

Reviews

Phoenix magazine says:

• Leonidas, the Valley’s newest tony candy shop, puts a pretty bow on fresh Belgian chocolates. Choose from an assortment of jewelry boxes, velvet hearts and gold ballotins to hold sweets for your sweet. It’s worth the drive to Gilbert – just try not to devour your gift on the way home. – Ashlea Deahl

Five AZCentral users give Leonidas Chocolates & Café a perfect five-star rating, and 90% of Urbanspooners like it:

• The gelato is excellent and the chocolate is to die for. – wishes, AZCentral
• Every piece of dessert at this cafe is a piece of art and it tastes delicious too...A great place to unwind !!!! – slangrana, AZCentral
• The people were friendly and welcoming which enhanced the experience even more. – oberoinitin, AZCentral