This might sound strange but the best chocolate I have encountered thus far has been from a shop (in the Mercato Mall) that I think only exists in Dubai (or the U.A.E.) called Dolce Antico. The chocolate is smooth and rich, unlike any I have had before (and trust me I have had my share ;-)). If anyone knows where to get these outside of Dubai...please let me know :-).

A close second (okay tie) is the Italian chocolatier Venchi. They are simply AMAZING. They also have a superior sugar-free collection unlike any you will find elsewhere. You can normally find them in some shops and online here in the U.S.

...and then there is Vosages chocolate with outposts in the U.S. They have amazing flavors that you do not see anywhere else.