Boston's Best Artisan Cheese Shops
Artisan cheese turns an ordinary food that humans have eaten for thousands of years into sophisticated cuisine. A great artisan cheese can be used for cooking, entertaining or simply snacking on a busy day. The following Boston shops offer everything from tasty international cheeses to local cheeses that are made only a few miles away. Some even offer wine pairings, meats, oils and other appetizers that complement cheese.
Formaggio Kitchen
268 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 350-6996
www.formaggiokitchen.com
Formaggio Kitchen is a small chain of cheese shops that specialize in both domestic and European cheeses. The shop selects small batch cheeses from small farms so customers get a special experience whenever they select an artisan cheese from its shelves. Don't be afraid to shop hungry; Formaggio Kitchen also has a full deli case, so it is possible to grab a nice cheese and some lunch. While cheese is Formaggio Kitchen's main focus, shoppers will also find complementary items such as charcuterie, wines and local breads.
Related: Boston's Best Cheese Shops
Jasper Hill Farm Stall
100 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 973-4909
www.jasperhillfarm.com
Jasper Hill Farm is a dairy farm in Vermont. It creates great local cheeses that can be found at the Boston Public Market. The Jasper Hill Farm stall at the Boston Public Market has a cheese monger who can help customers select the right cheese for the occasion. Visitors can taste a wide variety of cheeses that have come to Boston straight from the farm. Cheese fans can also snack on delicious cheese plates right at the stand.
Boston Cheese Cellar
18 Birch St.
Roslindale, MA 02131
(617) 325-2500
www.bostoncheesecellar.com
Boston Cheese Cellar has a mouthwatering array of cheese from near and far. Here, customers can find creamy bleu cheeses from the United Kingdom, traditional European cheese, Swiss cheese, French cheese and so much more. Sheep and goat cheese are available among the many cow's milk cheeses. Boston Cheese Cellar even has flavored cheeses and vegan non-dairy cheese. Come here for a meat and cheese platter, or just something for a nice sandwich.
The Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington St.
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-8656
www.thewineandcheesecask.com
The Wine & Cheese Cask keeps a selection of domestic and imported cheeses. Its American cheeses come from roughly ten states and are all selected from farm settings. These are not mass-produced cheeses. The store also has very local cheeses from New England — Vermont especially. Consumers who prefer raw milk options will find some here, but should always be aware that pasteurized cheeses can be a safer choice. Of course, the store also sells wine along with a variety of oils, spreads, olives and sandwiches made on-site.
Russo's Market
560 Pleasant St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 923-1500
www.russos.com
The great thing about Russo's Market is that it has everything shoppers need for meals and to stock their pantries. It just also happens to have an amazing selection of cheese. Among these cheeses are items from Purity Cheese, a Boston company that makes mozzarella and ricotta with no preservatives or additives. The store also has many European cheeses and other small company artisanal cheeses. On top of all the cheese, Russo's has great charcuterie choices that allow customers to entertain with confidence.
Related: Best Grilled Cheeses In Boston
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
