Local spots for delicious cheese in Vancouver
Stinky, salty, creamy, crumbly: Vancouver has access to a plethora of quality cheese from across the globe through multiple cheese mongers and specialty stores where you can discover some of the most unusual – and delicious – dairy products around.
Benton Bros Fine Cheese
2104 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z1As the name suggests, Benton Brothers is the passion-fuelled business of two brothers, Jonah and Andrew, who love real cheese. Since opening their first flagship location in 2007, the company has developed a reputation for in-depth knowledge about their products and a dedication to quality. The brothers source handcrafted, small-batch cheeses from farms with strong reputations. You’ll often see the Benton Brothers themselves at their Granville Island location; ask them or any one of their staff about the best cheese for a grilled sandwich, or a good wine pairing, and you’ll receive an educated, utterly appetizing, answer.
lesamis du FROMAGE
843 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8Mention specialty cheese and chances are you’ll think of the inimitable Les Amis Du Fromage – for good reason. A Vancouver-owned company, it has stocked scrumptious local and imported cheeses for more than 30 years. Their staff have an encyclopedic knowledge of their products; many will tell you about the farms where milk is produced, or regale you with stories of the cheese producers themselves. This, plus ample samples of potential purchases, makes it somewhat of a paradise for cheese aficionados. Be sure to ask for recommendations to discover the true gems in this cheese shop.
La Grotta Del Formaggio
1791 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A4Cozy, low ceilinged and packed with delicacies wherever you look, La Grotta Del Formaggio is an Old World deli at the heart of Commercial Drive. Open since 1977, the pride and care of this family-owned business is palpable. Many experience this through La Grotta’s city-famous sandwiches – made to order, packed with fresh goodies – but their cheese selection is also second to none. The deli carries imported and local cheeses, including those produced by the SPCA-registered Vancouver Island gem, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Pop in for some cheese; leave with a sandwich, glowing feeling, and perhaps some olives, spreads,
Dussa's Ham & Cheese Ltd
1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Amidst the colourful stalls at Granville Island Market is Dussa’s: the long, thin counter that showcases a wide selection of – you guessed it – meat and cheese. While Dussa’s doesn’t have the most diverse selection of cheese in the city, they offer interesting varieties at reasonable prices – including some go-to staples such as sharp cheddar or Gouda, which you can pick up with your day-to-day groceries.
Duso's Pasta & Cheese
1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Not to be confused with Dussa’s, this deli also happens to be located in the Granville Island Market, and stocks Italian cheese of the highest quality. Visit this mouth-watering counter for melt-in-the-mouth burrata, creamy mozzarella balls and rich ricotta. Be warned: these items are nestled amidst displays of fresh pasta, arancini, pre-made salads and sauces that will tempt even the most focused of shoppers.
La Bella Mozzarella
112 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3It’s easy to miss this intimate location on the busy West Broadway strip, but Chef de Maison Ronaldo’s passion project is worth stopping into. A dedication to good food runs in the family; Ronaldo takes inspiration from his parents who ran an Italian deli in downtown Vancouver during the ’50s. Alongside freshly made meals –handmade pastas, sandwiches, salads and pizza – you’ll find a well-curated selection of Italian products, including a range of versatile cheeses.
Oyama Sausage Co
126-1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9In addition to having one of the best selections of cured meats and locally produced sausages in the city, Oyama is also home to an excellent array of fine cheeses to round out your charcuterie or dessert plates. Located on Granville Island, it’s a one-stop shop for all things decadent.
Cheese Place
267-2083 Alma St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6One of the often-overlooked malls in Vancouver hosts a cheesemonger worth seeking out. Located in Point Grey, The Cheese Place has been at it since the 1960s. They are a no-frills, one-stop shop for all things cheese. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable staff.
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