This Chocolate Shop Might Be the Best Hidden Gem in Mona Vale

March 24, 2026

Hidden down an arcade in Mona Vale is the chocolate shop of your dreams.

Walking into Jack & Sandy’s Chocolate Shop is like stepping into a Willy Wonka fantasy come to life. Against splashes of hot pink packaging, rows of brightly coloured marbled chocolates in every flavour adorn the shelves. You’ll find everything from chunky rocky road and velvety salted caramel truffles to chocolate-covered honeycomb and almonds. It’s impossible to leave without channelling Augustus Gloop and scoffing a few free samples.

Named after her two young sons, owner Gemma Hutchinson has transformed her passion for chocolate into a thriving local business. While Jack and Sandy are still too young to work in the kitchen, they provide plenty of inspiration—and eager taste-testing—behind the scenes.

“While they’re currently more interested in taste-testing than tempering, I hope one day they will help to create the chocolates, rather than just eat them!” Gemma says.

The story of Jack & Sandy’s began long before the boys were born and far from the Northern Beaches. After completing her Masters in English and Linguistics at Edinburgh University, Gemma found herself managing a cosy chocolate shop in Scotland. There, she fell in love with the craft of chocolate-making while watching customers huddle around steaming mugs of hot chocolate when the sun went down in the early afternoon.

“After I graduated I got the opportunity to manage the shop and learn more about the business and after that, linguistics never got a look in!” she shares. “I worked a few other office jobs but never quite settled. I finally decided to do it for myself and open Jack and Sandy’s and I absolutely love it.”

Since opening in December 2023, the shop has quickly become a beloved spot in Mona Vale. “I love the people and the sense of community here,” shares Gemma. ”It was important to me that I opened a shop that was unique in the area, and didn’t step on any other small businesses’ toes.”

The decision has paid off, with strong community backing. “I am so supported by the local shops, the local community and I feel very welcomed. The word of mouth in Mona Vale is really strong, and I’m not on one of the main street so I’m incredibly grateful for people spreading the word.”

So what’s it like to work with chocolate all day? “Well, I won’t lie, I eat a lot!” Gemma admits. “The best part is seeing customers enjoy what I make, and also the making of the chocolate is still an absolute joy. Pouring a bowl of melted chocolate onto a white marble slab is never boring.”

Using traditional marble tempering techniques, Gemma creates all the chocolates herself with the best ingredients. All the chocolate is gluten-free, with all dark chocolate options being completely dairy-free. The shop takes pride in using exclusively 100% cocoa butter with absolutely no palm oil, and natural vanilla beans rather than artificial vanillin. Sustainability is also front of mind, using biodegradable and recyclable packaging where possible.

In the lead up to Easter, Gemma’s been busy preparing a range of goodies, keeping all budgets in mind. “I’m really aware of the cost of living situation,” Gemma says. “So I wanted to make sure there’s something for everyone, starting with little bunny pairs at $6.95.” And if you’ve seen that Dubai bar craze all over TikTok, she’s also doing her own take on it, but as an Easter egg, alongside her super popular Biscoff eggs.

Other special Easter treats include various chocolate bunnies available in milk or dark chocolate (whilst stocks last!), salted caramel and marshmallow eggs, and the impressive ‘Chocolatier’s Egg’ – a salted caramel flake chocolate shell filled with a salted caramel and marshmallow egg, honeycomb shards, pistachio cream egg, pralines, and a chocolate bunny.

Beyond the Easter rush, Gemma finds inspiration in the local area, translating surrounding scenery into her delicious treats. “When I drive down Mona Vale road and I see the ocean that always brings a sense of calm,” says Gemma. “It’s what inspired me to make the salted caramel wave. It’s blue, salty and looks like a wave!”

Fan favourites include the activated almonds with sea salt, in either milk or dark chocolate – along with those blue salted caramel waves. Gemma is often told her rocky road is the “best people have ever eaten,” and she shares she can’t keep up with the current demand for her “truly addictive” salted caramel and marshmallow Easter eggs.

So, whether you’re after some Easter treats, movie night snacks, a hot chocolate, or a gift for someone special, pop into Jack and Sandy’s and support local.

Jack & Sandy’s Chocolate Shop