Searching for the answer to cheese's great questions? South End Formaggio has your answers. I walked in with an idea of what I was looking for, but no idea what it was. I made my way to the cheese counter and began reading the labels stuck into the many stacks of cheese in the back of the store, but nothing was resonating with me. Seeing my distress, a cheese minder at the back of the store (yes, I'm going with the job title "cheese minder") asked if he could help. I described that I was looking for some cheese that I had no idea what it was, but it was hard, crumbled a bit when cut, had a sharp taste, and felt like it had little salt crystals dispersed throughout it. Without hesitation, he assured me he knew what I was looking for, and disappeared behind the mounds of cheese on the counter, only to reappear seconds later with a thin slice of cheese presented on a white piece of paper. I took one taste, and confirmed his genius. He found exactly what I had been looking for. A few other cheese selections and a baguette later, and I was out of the door with a perfect snack for two, at just under $20. Good cheese is worth paying for, and I won't say they're cheap here, but you can definitely get out the door without breaking the bank. read more

I know that anyone who considers himself a foodie--a term I wish would die, just like "new media" and "celebutard"--carries a picture of MFK Fisher in his wallet and routinely masturbates to "Consider the Oyster." But I will borrow her quote, if you'll allow: "Cheese has always been a food that both sophisticated and simple humans love." And that is damn true. Because I am both sophisticated and simple. Probably more of the latter. And I definitely feign the former. That's not the point. The point is cheese. South End Formaggio's got it. Many kinds, whole cases of the stuff. Goat, sheep, cow, and mixed. Soft and hard, runny and firm, as inoffensive or smelly as you'd like. They've also got a million other classy little things, including wine and chocolates and snacks. So many good things are packed into this tiny shop. Foods that fool my friends into believing I know what I'm talking about. And the staff has always been incredibly helpful/patient as I salivate like a junkie over the cheese case. South End Formaggio makes me feel like that scene in "Scarface" when Al Pacino shoves his entire face into a mountain of blow. Except for me, it's ash-rubbed goat cheese. read more

One word: delicious! Incredible selection- one that could upset you as you look at the wide range and wander what would be the best choice. They usually have cheese tasting in the mid section, so you can even stop by only for this. It will brighten your day. They have some quality wine there. So, don't forget to check out their limited but promising selection. If you are looking for real olives, crackers and etc. to accompany and cheese & wine gathering at home: definitely check out formaggio. One down side: If you stop by for sandwiches, you will be disappointed to see that they actually do not prepare them in the shop and therefore don't serve any of their special cheese. Quick note: it is a pricy place for cheese. read more

Since Formaggio is close to my office, I mostly stop in for lunch. They've got a selection of pre-made sandwiches everyday that they'll press for you. My usual is the Turkey Avocado- turkey, avocado and chipotle mayo on ciabatta (I have them remove the red onions). Small, but a perfect sandwich size for me and even better price at $5! There's usually some cheese samples which I have to try. If you're having a fancy-type party, this is the place to pick up the supplies for a lovely charcuterie. There are little cured sausages that are kinda sorta like a slim jim-type texture and I'll pick one of those up on the regular. Yum. Being a gourmet shop, be prepared to drop some cash. But everything you get here will be worth it! read more

This is not the type of place that you can expect to pop in and pop out really quickly. I mean, you can, but doing so would ruin the whole experience. Filled top to bottom with cheeses, spreads, breads, wines, cured meats, and jams, it's a direct flight to antipasti heaven. The staff is quick to recommend pairings, whether it be between cheese and wine, cheese and bread, cheese and meat, cheese and jam....well, you get the picture. And the best part is you can vaguely mention the amount you want, and they know just what you're talking about: Me: I'll have two fingers of the taleggio and um, two fingers of the stilton. Counter guy: If I were you, I'd go three fingers of taleggio as it's so wonderfully spreadable, and maybe just one finger of the stilton. This kind here is extra strong. Me: Will you marry me? Counter guy: Um, maybe you should go and get a rustic baguette. I don't really find the cheeses to be that expensive (as long as you're not buying big ol' blocks of them). They are comparable in price to other cheese shops, and in my opinion, far exceeding in quality. I've never tried the prepared foods, but after reading the other reviews, I know where my dinner's coming from at least one night this week. Also, I'm not sure if I love or hate the chocolate/caramel display at the register. I mean, I obviously love it, but my will power and my waistline are pretty pissed. read more

Oh my gosh, this tiny crammed fine foods shop is adorable. Not only do they have all the best foods in the world (hummus, crackers, chocolate, a huge selection of cheese and wine), but they have unique things like olive oil made from olives that are nearly extinct and french macarons in a variety of flavors. The best part is the little notes that accompany the bottles of wine and other items in the store describing the taste and origins of everything. I took home some of the yummy prepared foods in the back for my lunch along with my little taster portions of cheese and fancy wines. Then I was a happy girl. read more

Pros: This is a foodies paradise. Great products beautifully displayed. Cons: High costs (suits the yuppies that live in the South End). I found the person ringing us up super-arrogant and quite dismissive. read more

It's been said before: South End Formaggio is the best. We get it. But it's true, and you can't make this stuff up. Piles of chocolates, jams, jarred concotions, olives, sausages, cheese, wine: it's heaven. Clearly. I popped in just for a look see, while my husband waited outside with the dog. I kept him waiting a long time. I just got caught up with a man (previously employed at Formaggio) who wrote a book about pairing wine and cheese. He wrote a book, so you have to trust him. He had samples of comte cheese, paired with a sausage, mustard, and sip of red wine. What he didn't know was that I had fond memories of comte from Paris, and that was just what I was looking for. He convinced me to purchase the comte, which I enjoyed for several days (several cheese plates). It made me happy. Please come here if you're ever shopping for a party. They have great suggestions, and the price tag, in my opinion, is worth it. read more

Organic baby food? If I had a baby, that's what that brat would be eating. I really don't need to say how impressive their cheese selection is although I'm equally impressed with their interesting wine collection and the number of wines they have on sale! Jackpot! Also, the produce "section" is like two servings of several types of fruits and veggies which made me think that it couldn't possibly be very fresh but it is! Very friendly staff and rickety bench outside so you can sit out there with your doberman and terrorize passerbys. read more

South end formaggio is a long time favorite of mine and they have locked me in as a loyal customer and a spicy italian/ham&butter lover. This place is everything you hoped it would be. There is possibly the biggest selection of cheese I have seen with a usual sample of 4 different kinds, a large variety of wines and beers, a case of chocolates, and a selection of pre-made fresh sandwiches. The sandwiches are what keeps me coming back. Both the spicy and regular italian sandwich are SO good! They heat it up for you when you order and the freshness is outstanding. It's so much more than the average italian. Not sure if thats because of the quality of meat or the bread, but either way, it is delicious. They are also very generous with sampling. I was in there on Friday after work and was especially hungry. While I waited for my sandwiches to be heated I was eyeing the meatloaf and asked if I could try some. It was SOOO good! There was some kind of glaze on it that was sweet and wonderful and paired so well. I instantly ordered some to take home. The other best part about Formaggio is that they have a freezer stocked with Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. This time I settled for the Banana French Toast ice cream and it was SO GOOOD! read more

I wish I could live in South End Formaggio. It is so warm and cozy and filled wtih my favorite things in the world (cheese, wine, hummus, bread, olives, etc.). They always have samples of cheese available for customers to try and often have some other product ready for tasting. I love that they have a large selection of organic champagne (reasonably priced). Their homemade hummus and pita bread (some things I wouldn't think to buy at a cheese shop) is some of the best I've ever had. They also have a hummus-like spread which is an Egyptian specialty (the name is slipping me at the moment but this stuff is incredible...heat it up a tiny bit in the microwave, throw some chopped up tomatoes, red onion and olive oil on it and you'll be in heaven). Thank you for just being you, South End Formaggio! xoxo read more

Love the cheese, love the wine selection, LOVE the fresh bread every day, love the prepared foods. I probably stop here about four times a week for things that I "have to have." Everything tastes amazing and the staff really knows how to pair food, cheese and wine together perfectly. It can get busy on the weekends and sometimes you can tell the staff is getting a little stressed - but definitely a "must" if you live in the South End. read more

Yes, I'm going to add to the drooly reveiws of the Formaggio. This place is the best for cheeses, french food imports, mustards, and a wonderfully thoughtful selection of wines. I've also bought wonderful pates and prosciutto that have been raved about. (blech, meat eaters!) But, the best thing I found at Formaggio was the last thing I expected to find there. Berbere. Berbere is a hard to find spice used in Ethiopian dishes- they had it there! Totally bizarre! I had looked all over town for the stuff! (sprinkle it on cottage cheese. awesome!) Berbere aside, my favorite thing to do is go in there and ask for the stinkiest cheese they have. They never fail to delight. The staff is more than knowledgable, but still not snotty (they'll help even the lowest cheese novice). I really want to try their homemade olive oil- I just haven't had the opportunity to buy some yet. read more

Die. That's what I want to do everytime I come here, is die in heaven. I am quite a foodie, and I have NEVER, even outside the US found a better store for every type of specialized item. Here at Formaggio you can get local gelato, bio wine, imported cheeses, olives, bread, baked goods, THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! Everyone that works there is friendly and helpful. I want to die and go to heaven in a place like this. Lots of local goods, lots of speciality items you can't even find at Williams and Sonoma. Like Honey Vinegar! Where else can you get a bottle of wine, some delicious cheese and a baguette all at once, with such great quality? The answer is, Formaggio. Oh, and the secret is they have classes too! Sign me up!! read more

The best thing going for the place is the cheese, of course. It is great whether you're looking for something from Vermont, Spain, or where ever. The pates are so fantastic! They are worth a visit! The lunch sandwiches are very good, too. The downside is the service. It's not European (I've lived in Paris). It's just slow. You have to be assertive or else someone else may butt in. And a couple of times the cash register person was too wasted to check people out. I go here a lot and the food they sell is great. But be prepared to have to walk out. read more

Drove here to pick up some picnic supplies. We picked up some cured meats, three cheeses that paired well with the meats (aged sheep from Spain, Manchester, N.H. Aged Goat Cheese and a Cow's milk that was kind-of like a blue cheese and a mozzarella in one) and then 3 wines (all varieties we were totally unfamiliar with) that paired with these cheeses and meats ($12 - $20). Everyone was very helpful, sampled everything and really enjoyed the visit. Well worth the drive! read more

I could do some serious damage to my wallet here. I had a few of the cheese samples and immediately wished I didn't have a taste for $30/lb cheese. But I do. And now I can't get this place off the brain. As a foodie, this was my version of heaven. The various pastas, spices and large selection of Taza chocolate was impressive. We ordered a few sandwiches and they were awesome. The avocado and black bean torta was fabulous. I need to recreate that asap. I'll definitely be back to spend some of my hard earned cash on charcuterie and other deliciousness soon! read more

I love this cute little place. They carried the coolest gourmet EVERYTHING! Great place to get mustards, and chocolates. They also have a pretty decent wine selection for such a tiny store. Not much fresh veggies and fruit tho. Don't forget to browse the freezer area, I found chardonnay geleto! Oh, I even bought the last croissant from behind the counter. Baked by Sel de la Terre - goat cheese and tomato croissant. WOW! read more

Excellent little shop with strong service. Stopped in for the first time over the weekend in search of just the right cheese for a friend and the friendly and knowledgeable person behind the cheese counter did not disappoint. I received a bit of an education on a family of cheeses and wound up purchasing one which turned out to be a real winner with my friend. The shop itself is very intimate and stocked with a variety of good quality meats and cheeses and general foods. Some may complain that they've seen wider selections and that may be true, but they're not a huge place and everything they do happen to have is of excellent quality. Prices are not cheap, but it's the south end and they're dealing in quality. Definitely worth a stop just to take a look around or maybe grab a lunch sandwich. read more

This is a great little store for all types of gourmet food stuffs. If you get there early enough in the day, get one of their ham and cheese croissants. And if you're there on a Friday or Saturday, get one of their chocolate croissants. These things are absolutely amazing. The best thing you can do is wonder around the store and see what inspires you. Their cheese selection is quite impressive. read more

This place is really amazing for so many reasons. Firstly, they have any kind of cheese you could ever want...unless you want something less than amazing. They carry beer and wine as well as millions of spices, ten flavors of PEPPER, homemade caramels you name it. One thing that has ALWAYS gotten me about this place is how pumped everybody there is about everything/anything that they have. If YOU are excited about ...green beans... I'm PUMPED about green beans. It sounds ridiculous but they are always really excited and happy about the job they have and the food or whatever they sell. Some things are moderately pricey, but nothing too ridiculous. I wish they would open a few new ones...maybe in the Somerville area. Oh well. read more

Like the Cambridge Formaggio, this location offers incredible selections of cheese, oils, vinegars, organic wines and mroe for the gourmet in you. Not a large produce selection like Cambridge, but more dry foods. Staff is friendly, knowledgable. Cheeses are pricey but buy the stuff you can't get anywhere else! read more

Formaggio Kitchen South End - Formaggio's - Grocery Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This place is really a place for cheese lovers. They have every cheese you would ever want to buy. I walked over because i was in the mood for some comte and gruyere and they had a excellent variety of each. You can go really good aged stuff or cheaper younger cheeses. They have it all. They were nice about answering my questions about the tastes and differences of the different cheeses too. So if you just go there without knowing what you want this is the place to be. They also seem to have a good variety of drinking chocolate. Not the nestle type either like the good mexican chocolates that you actually have to melt. They also had lots of other things that you may want like nice jams and stuff. Overall i have to say this place is where it's at when it comes to large cheese selections. Though i do have to say it is a little bit pricer than for the same cheeses than other places like lionette and whole foods but not by that much. The service and helpfulness definitely is worth the little extra. read more

This is one of my favorite spots in Boston. I used to live a block away and went at least twice a week! Now, I pop in on my way home from the SoWa market. Cheese: they have an outstanding selection. I rarely go with something in mind, instead, I just say 'creamy' or 'hard' or 'stinky' or 'mild' or 'I need a plate for 4 as an appetizer' and they hook me up with tastes and awesome cheese that never disappoints. They'll let me try it to make sure I like it. They also always have a couple to test out on a counter. Don't even get me started on the burratta and ricotta. SO DELISH. Alcohol: they have an excellent selection. If I go in with a menu and a price point, they'll point me in the right direction. Also, I often cook with wine and beer and they're great at suggesting the best beer to compliment my chocolate cake! Spices: I try to get most of my spices from the SEF. I know it's crazy, but the spices here are actually pretty cheap, and they have an excellent selection. Prepared food: The prepared food here is good! My girlfriends have a battle about who has the better sandwich, Flour or the Formaggio. Personally, I think Flour, but the Formaggio grilled cheese is a thing to behold. Gifts: From cheese boards and knives, to excellent olive oil, to imported pasta, local pastries and other great stuff, this place is great for a hostess present or for someone whop's interested in gourmet stuff! Other: Excellent condiments like mustard, olive oil, etc., they actually have great product (arugula, meyer lemons, heirloom tomatoes, dates), I used to get my baking chocolate there b/c it's just SO superior to the baker's bar... :) They have great frozen stuff like pasta from nella, their house made mac and cheese, and wonderful ice creams and sorbets. You have to try their pimento cheese. Ugh! I can't get enough! The staff is so knowledgeable, thoughtful, and nice. I don't mind paying for the products b/c they're superior, the shop is a local gem, and I just LOVE it there. :) read more

so so good! I went in recently for the first time. They picked out a delicious soft cheese with a moderately strong taste, exactly what I asked for. They steered me towards the pricier end and I found a similar cheese that was cheaper there - I ended up getting both, a little more of the cheaper than I did of the more expensive. They had a few samples out that were great. They also carry Nella Pasta in the frozen section, which is good to know since Farmer's Markets will be shutting down for the winter. I'll definitely be back for more read more

Pretty good selection of cheese and meats, although they did not have my beloved Allgauer!! In the battle for European cheese supremacy, Formaggio is above anyone else in Boston (Central Bottle is pretty decent as well). Although in general, we do kind of suck for cheese. Formaggio carries other food items which you might have trouble finding at your local Shaws or Traders. They also have a good selection of breads and pastries sourced from bakeries in and around Boston, like Lakota shortbread!! :) Lastly, educate yourself by attending cheese and wine tasting classes. A bit pricey, but you'll learn a great deal. read more

We used to frequent Formaggio in NY for years, and were thrilled to find they had an outpost in the South End - a little slice of heaven in the otherwise desolate purgatory of culinary mediocrity known as "Beantown" (barf!). Anyway, their specialty is cheese (obviously), but they offer pretty much everything a small gourmet deli should have: excellent meats (including jamon iberico, which is hard to find these days), a wide variety of truffles (when in season), excellent wine (and the sommelier who knows all about it), a good selection of oils and vinegars, etc. They also prepare food for lunch and take-out, and have freshly baked bread delivered daily. If you live in the area and aren't here at least every other day, you're missing out. Just sayin' read more

I love specialty grocers. I'm admittedly a sucker for packaging, but more than that, I love seeing products that are out of the ordinary and far from run-of-the-mill. And the Formaggio has that. Plus more. The staff is well-versed, friendly, patient and knowledgeable. The cheese is plentiful and tasty. The pre-made food hits the spot. In fact, I've been dreaming of sitting outside in the sun eating a Formaggio sandwich since our Boston days have turned dreary and short. The specialty items, intriguing. And dainty, delightful treats tempt at the register. But probably, my secretly favorite part, is that I love shopping in my neighborhood. It feels so good to stay close and spend my hard-earned bones in my zip code. read more

My second trip here was better than my first. When I went last summer I was basically ignored when I stood at the counter, and to make it worse there were only a handful of people in the store. So this time the store is packed and I am helped quickly. Go figure. Clearly they offer great cheeses but they also offer great things to along with them as well as higher end things that will bring your cooking to life. The small space is jammed packed with cases and shelving units for vinegars, crackers, oils, jams, beers, wines, chutneys, and so much more. Can someone please get me the truffle flour they have? Please? I think I found a new addiction here: falafel chips! I doubt I would have seen these chips anywhere else and I love this place for the kinds of things they have. Don't think that you are going in for just one thing. Like a kid in a candy store you will be amazing at everything so be prepared to get some great impulse buys. Be sure to ask them questions about serving the cheese since you are going to want to enjoy your purchase at the height of perfection. read more

What a classy little market. Red wines, bitter chocolates and spices from places you've never heard of. Not only is the cheese and meat selection excellent, but they are staffed with courteous and patient people who are knowledgeable and willing to answer all your questions about flavors, textures and pairings, no matter how much of a fine food novice you think you are. This is an excellent place to shop if you're planning to have a few guests over and would like to entertain them with some light offerings. It's also great to go to for that special Friday lunch where you want to spoil yourself just a little bit. They offer gourmet sandwiches-to-go as well as prepared hot foods to take home after 2pm. Try their pressed spicy Italian for a real spoiler! read more

I've always loved their cheese selection here, with both interesting European selections and local ones. I love being able to sample stuff and also hear the background information on the farms, producers, and cheeses. They also have a good charcuterie selection, as well as lots of specialty foods that are imported or harder to find. We got a bunch of cheese to bring back to California. They also have a lot of interesting Spanish and Italian wines at pretty reasonable prices. I miss living in south end and having a neighborhood specialty store like this within walking distance. read more

What can I say? I'm a sucka for hand-written reviewed, well edited, fabulously curated bits, bites, noshes, and nibbles. And this shop is the quintessential market for suckas like me. $20 for Smoked Danish Viking salt, culled from charred seaweed embers? You betcha. Like tiny brilliant grains of umami just waiting to spruce up otherwise decent dishes, turning them into hot savory goodness oozing down my throat... yes, we're still talking about salt. $20 salt. Salt that I now use with EVERY meal. And cheese, as far as the eye can see... delicious, rich, stinky, creamy, cheese- be still my beating (Wisconsin-born) heart. And wine, charcuterie, chocolate and strong-shouldered accompaniments to all things delicious. Some of the best home meals I've had were cobbled together with chunks of cheese, a few perfect crackers, and sugared fig loaf from the counters at South End Formaggio. What a tiny perfect jewel in Boston's culinary crown. YUM! read more

I capital L Love cheese. I had no idea this little bastion, nay! ALTAR to milk curds existed. They have some other foofy stuff around the store, and some seriously deadly lunch sandwiches, but let's talk about the cheese... because. The cheese. Oh my. I had only ever seen one type of goat blue cheese previously. I asked and got back "oh. wow. we only have 2 of those." I ended up getting a different goat cheese that time, but you get the idea. They have every type of cheese imaginable. Usually in multiple styles, or from different farms. The samples flow like water, and when you actually buy stuff, they give you more samples! This place rules. Truly one of the grand landmarks in the South End. mmm.... smoked tofa. read more

Formaggio makes me thank my lucky stars that I'm not lactose intolerant. Employees are knowledgeable and uncannily good at recommending new cheese contenders, even when told something vague like "hard and aged." read more

Great little shop in the South End. Was here recently with some friends. Some of the stuff is pricey but they do have some free samples and the selection is great. Some interesting products can be found here, many local. Good macarons. read more

Why do I love South End Formaggio? - They have a great deli case stocked with delicious sandwiches, salads, and sides. - Their awesome selection of cheese, wines, beers, breads and other specialty items and imports. - Samples, Samples, Samples - The assortment of tasty looking chocolates, cookies, cupcakes and baked deliciousness that tempts me each time I cash out at the register. The better question is, what's not to love about this place?!? Everything you could want and more you'll find at this charming little neighborhood shop. I adore it. read more

Cute little spot, with really good cheeses and a nice wine selection. Got the Cheese Monger plate with 5 cheeses. It was really good, I considered buying a second one after sharing the first. I also had the french onion soup, it was good, mines better. Little sweeter than I like but still well executed. Stop in this is worth the trip. read more

Great low cost lunch option which surprised me, given the upscale look of the place. Sandwiches are $5-6 and are all delicious and grilled to order if you like that kind of thing. I've tried nearly all of them. Even though they aren't a bakery, I'm always pleasantly surprised by the sweet treats I get from there as well. They've got giant rice crispie treats for a dollar! read more

I just got back from Formaggio Kitchen. I just got some cold cuts, cheese and then lunch. Lunch prices have gone up from 5 dollars a sandwich to 6-7 dollars a sandwich. The one I am eatting right now is amazing enough to warrent such a price. pretty much the most amazing cheese shop ever. read more

Spain, Holland, UK, France, American, Blue, Hard, Soft.... and WINE! Staff that is amazing, Chocolate, spices, pastas, fresh bread, beer and a cornucopia of fromage. Your senses will be on overload and you'll never stop talking about this lil amazing shop in the South End. Love it! read more