Leonidas

Leonidas is the Belgian chocolate chain founded in 1913, and its Ostend shop is on Kapellestraat, the main pedestrian shopping street, a few steps from Wapenplein. Expect the familiar format: a long counter of loose pralines, so you can have a ballotin filled exactly as you like, from all-praliné to only fruity flavours. The brand also offers reduced-sugar and vegan chocolates.

Beyond pralines, the store page lists chocolate bars, orangettes, fruit jellies, chocolate figures for children and chocolate spread, and the wider range covers truffles, nougat, marzipan and the signature Manon. Leonidas says it uses 100% cocoa butter and no palm oil, and it presents itself as quality at a fair price.

Opening hours are long and include Sundays, from 10:00. Pick it for a dependable box of Belgian chocolates or a last-minute gift; for chocolate made in Ostend itself, look at the city’s independent chocolatiers as well.