This just in: South End Formaggio carries Stumptown Coffee! Bar none, Stumptown is probably the best coffee in the U.S. We now return you to your regularly schedule programming. read more

My friend has lived around the corner from this gem of a place for four years. Over all my travels to visit I am not sure how I have never swung through. HUGE REGRET! I think this shop will now be a destination stop when I am in town. The selection and service were the best I have experienced in cheese shops. I love Pastoral Cheese in Chicago, but this place has a more authentic feel than any cheese shop in Chicago and I am excited to try their sandwiches or other prepared foods. I cannot wait to come and try more of the delicacies here!!! read more

I work in the neighborhood but live across town, so I've never had a chance to shop their wine and cheese sections, but DANG are their sandwiches delicious! The avocado torta (black beans, salsa, cilantro and goat cheese, I believe) is my favorite sandwich in the South End, and the others I've tried have also been great. They don't have a restaurant license and can't make more once the store is open, so go early if you want something specific - they often run out of their most popular sandwiches. Prices (on the sandwiches, at least) are great, especially for this neighborhood - my favorites are only $5 a pop! read more

A great place to pick up cheese before a party with such overwhelming selection of cheeses. Cheese haven!

When I used to work in the South End, I would come here for lunch at least once or twice a week. I usually pick up a Chicken Salad panini, an apple and for dessert a Florentine cookie (a must!). Then I switched jobs so I haven't gone here for a couple of years. But now that we moved in the South End area, we will be coming here more often to get my favorite Florentine cookie. read more

You bring a bit of France and for that I love you. Everything I have had here is delicious. The staff is friendly and super helpful. Whenever I go in looking for something, I come out with a perfect, high quality version of exactly what I was looking for. They offer a great curated selection of wines and craft beers, artisan sweets and great cheese. Everything to make the perfect dinner party or night in. I love that everything seems individually chosen for the store and has a story behind it. If I had more money, I'd shop here more regularly but also would probably be 400 pounds. read more

Love love love this place! Not only do they have an amazing selection of cheeses and cured meats, the service is so great and they do not get impatient with your sampling. You give them a challenge--like a unique variety for a gouda lover or a version of your favorite unpasteurized cheese safe for a pregnant person--and they deliver. read more

Tagline: Your source for artisan cheese. Or how to stock your own wine and cheese party. Okay, so I've been to both Boston-area Formaggio -- the South End one, which is newer, and the North Cambridge one. The North Cambridge one is better, partly because there's a lot more space and variety, but the South End one is still pretty good. They are a great importer of treats; a great charcuterie and fromagerie. They usually have a ton of cheese from France, Italy, England and New England, including a variety of cow's milk, sheep's milk (brebis, peccorino), goat's milk and occasionally buffalo's milk. The cheeses and meats do change, but usually I can at least find at least one Cantal, at least one Comte, at least a few Bries and Camemberts. They also have numerous wines (although the few times I was there, South End Formaggio are a little light on Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Cote de Rhones). Pretty good selection of Italian and Californian wines. They also have a variety of crackers and a ton of condiments ranging from mostarda to tapenade to red and green pesto to chocolate to jams to mustards to hot sauces and more. They usually have some decent samples. Staff was usually pretty knowledgeable and friendly although they do have a very steady stream of people to serve. Things less impressed about: the bread, especially end of day. Parking nearby isn't great. Public transit is not bad, it's about 2-3 blocks from a bus station (SL4 goes to East Berkeley and Washington, and Formaggio's is 3/4 mile from Broadway T station). So much good stuff there... I hate that I can easily blow $100-150 when I only want to spend $50. read more

Good neighborhood cheese shop. They have Serrano ham, but overpriced in my eyes.

This is def a must if you're in the area. Gorgeous cheese collection with wine.

I just heard they raised their prices. Too bad because they were the only place in the South End where you could have lunch without taking out a mortgage. Still, I'll be back. Their fig jam sandwich is delicious. So is their avocado and chipotle sandwich. Great wines and of course...the cheese. Do yourself a favor and head to Shawmut Avenue. You won't regret it. read more

Truly great cheese, chocolate, and wine and beer selection. Plus bread from Clearflour? My idea of heaven in a store, and worth every pretty penny. read more

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? What I loved was how many interesting and unique products they crammed into the small space, all while paying close attention to placement, grouping, and well-written and aesthetically pleasing descriptions. The number of sustainably sourced wines surprised me -- I had never before seen that many together in one place! And fig-glazed meatloaf? How interesting. Great selection of cookies (salty oat looked delish), sweets, and chocolate. I told my boyfriend that I want all of our future dates to begin, end, and exist in their entirety at SE Formaggio. He only thinks that I'm joking... read more

Love this place. Really fun to just go in in look around. They have a ton of cool stuff other than cheese too. Makes me wanna step my cheese game up. Sandwiches are off the hook too. read more

Must visit if you're in the area. I used to work around the corner of the shop, and although Formaggio has other stores in Cambridge and New York, I really think this place contributes to the south end's unique neighborhood vibe. There's always cheese out for tasting (any and every type of cheese is worth a taste!) and I'm always walking out of the shop with a bag full of gourmet goodies. During lunch they serve hot-pressed turkey and avocado sandwiches. You know they're good because they're always the first to run out. In the evenings I'll always get at least a ¼ lb of imported prosciutto. read more

Cute place. A nice variety of fun prepackaged and fresh made foods. Great kale and garlic mashed potatoes. Cookies were amazing. Looked like a huge variety of cheeses, and fresh meats and sandwiches. And they were very nice to give us a bag to carry stuff that wasn't even bought at their store. Much appreciated. read more

I always walk out with more than I expected. I love the interesting selection of food and beverages. The cheese selection is amazing and the staff are very helpful. This is a great place to get cheeses for parties or get a nice bottle of wine. Yum!!! read more

Cheese. Enough said. Love this place. I have shopped here a few times for one off items like a yummy cheese, delicious bottle of wine or one of their artisanal dark chocolate bars (mast brothers). This weekend was different, we hosted a baby shower and my friend ordered stuffed mushrooms (crunchy juicy melty - make sure to heat them up), a charcuterie plate (salami is amazing), plate of various cheeses including manchego, brie, goat cheese.. Wish I could describe them better but they were so flavorful! Found lots of great and unique crackers to go with them and they came with fresh walnuts and dried fruit. Awesome assortment. Only small disappointment were the Swedish meatballs.. I felt they were a little dry but they were still a crowd pleaser! In general - go here for lunch, wine and cheese, something sweet or when you are just in the mood to taste around. read more

Love it love it! High end with prices to match but you get what you pay for. Quaint European feel to the interior, the only place I can still find Petit Fours in person, amazing AMAAAAZING cheese selection, not to mention always interesting ideas for spreads, flavored raw honeys, obscure but delicious wines, etc... Go on in when you're not in a hurry and learn a thing or two just by looking around! Total food eyegasm, absolutely a great little afternoon weekend destination to get that hard to find gourmet ingredient to make the magic happen back at home! read more

Love the place. Great ambiance. Nice cheese selections.

This place is great. You could spend all afternoon in there searching through the wines and cheeses and numerous little treats. Nate is amazing and will help you find that perfect tasty cheese. Excellent place to pop in and find something new and delicious! read more

I'm in here at least once a week, for something or another. But, last Saturday, I used the Formaggio in a different way. I was hosted a bridal shower and ordered three platters (cheese, meat and mezze). All three platters were just amazing. The food was obviously delicious but it was also so beautifully laid out. This is a great option if you're having a home-party and don't want to slave over the stove. So good! read more

Whats not to love about this place? Perhaps that there is not more of it? Tucked in on Shawmut this is the go-to place for anything delicious. Beer, wine, cheese and meat are just the start. If you can think of it and like to eat/drink it, it is here. Especially like the daily prepared foods. The sandwiches are great and the entrees are perfect for when you dont want to cook at home. Im a big fan of all the dishes, but its also great to know that their food is healthy and taken responsibly - all the way from how its prepared to the ingredients used. Awesome. Have also taken some of their food pairing classes - Wine and Cheese and Beer and Cheese. These were done over in Cambridge, but still fun, delicious, and I left feeling a little bit smarter about how to pair well. Not to mention I also came away with some new previously undiscovered favorites. read more

South End Formaggio is a food lovers dream! Once you step into the store you feel as though you have been transported to a quaint European village. The selection of wine, cheese, crackers, and hand selected treats is amazing. The staff is very knowledgeable which I appreciate as I learn to navigate the cheese world. They are eager to select new choices based on previously purchased cheeses. I only wish they didn't run out of bread most days by 4:00pm. read more

This place is great for cheese and deli meats. They also carry some things that are hard to find elsewhere. The shop is very small and things are packed in tightly, so it might take some time to find what you're looking for. The help seems very knowledgeable and friendly, so don't be afraid to ask if you need them. Overall, a great specialty grocer. read more

Omg. Cheese and meat and cheese and homemade oreos!!!! I loooove this place. By far one of my favorite places on the planet.

Formaggio Kitchen is a staple in every foodies neighborhood! Always fresh, always stocked, always amazing. I must share with all of you the best thing about this market, the Florentine cookies. Next time you are there be sure to pick one up at the checkout. You will thank me! read more

If you need some cheeses for a party of a pre dinner snack this is the place to go. Tons of options and hard to find foods. They have a decent craft beer selection as well. Great and knowledgeable staff can help with decisions. read more

Very disappointed in their service. I purchased tickets for a class as a gift for Mother's Day, and my mom was very excited to go given all the positive reviews. The day before the the class I received an email from Eventbrite- not anyone from the store management- informing us the class was canceled. While we were refunded, the fact they canceled so last minute after we had already arranged for my mother's trip into the city, and that we were told when we called to ask why that the event "wasn't worth [their] while" still left a bad taste. Be careful before booking events here! read more

As a cheese lover and someone who recently moved around the corner from the South End Formaggio, I was so excited to visit this place and make it my regular stop for cheese! The atmosphere is fantastic when you walk in, little delights everywhere you turn, cheeses and spreads to taste, chocolates, wines and even some basics - milk, eggs, etc. And then I went to the back to get my cheese on. And that's when it all came crashing down. I love all cheeses - smoked, aged, fresh, ripe, blue, - you name it, I love it. And I should mention that I just moved from NYC where you can really pay a fortune for good cheese. But the prices in this place were OUTRAGEOUS, no RIDICULOUS, no CRIMINAL. $26 a pound for what is essentially a mozzerella? $13.95 for a 7 oz Saint Maure. I realize it's Belgian but that is over $30 a pound!!! Still, I pulled myself together and bought a British blue cheese. I should have tasted it first as I paid nearly $10 for a slab of dirty socks(and I love blue cheese and have had many different kinds in the UK!). Still, I went back, thinking that maybe blue was not their thing. They seem to have a lot of fresh cheeses so I next asked to taste some of the soft cheeses and chevre's. None had that truly fresh taste that I really love but the guy behind the counter had been so nice that I felt bad not buying anything. So I took home one that was a little on the tangy side but ok. I didn't enjoy it that much and don't really care to try it again. I keep trying though - manchego (tasted dull and plain and way more expensive than the Spanish market on Harrison); they don't carry any smoked goudas - whaaa??? I don't understand how Formaggio orders nor do I get the rave reviews of this place. The store next door is just as funky and packed with stuff and much, much more reasonable. Their cheeses are in the fridge, not on fancy display but the feta tastes great, the labne tastes great and you don't fork over half your grocery budget for it. Just a final note - Formaggio's website indicates that they buy from small farms which I'd love to support. But, even for small farms and even for the South End, this place is completely and utterly overpriced. They do have a really nice and knowledgeable staff. read more

I love this place. Lots of great products like chocolate, pasta, bread, and plenty of amazing cheese. If I'm in the mood for cheese this is the only place I go. I have a preference for French goat cheese. read more

this place is unparalled, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, the staff will make you feel like your taking a physics course at Harvard..... try the two cheese Robiola (soft cheese), let it sit at room temp then have it with Crostini's, it'll blow you away ;) goes well with dried Italian sausage and a nice Rose....... read more

I concur with the other reviewer who mentioned that this place is completely unpretentious, all the way from the cheese counter to the register. They are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly happy in their jobs. If you want to talk about cheese, they are happy to talk about cheese with you and answer all of your questions. While I have seen larger cheese selections in bigger stores, they carry a lovely selection of fine cheeses and I'm certain that you will find something to love here. Personally, I am a lifelong Stilton fan and they carry only the best, Colston Bassett, so that's more than enough to make me very happy. That being said, I've also tried their delicious baked goods and have only the best things to say about them. I have not yet purchased any of the olive oils and/or the other dressing type items, but they look like they have plenty of options to satisfy most. I did see some whole-grain mustard offerings last time I was there that I will be going back to try. Regardless, I will definitely keep coming back here for the very fresh, excellent Stilton. I wish I had some right now... read more

Absolute favorite cheese shop in Boston. I stop in daily to see what is new.

As a new york transplant, I thoroughly appreciate the lack of attitude here. Products are of excellent quality and all staff is knowledgeable. A gift to the south end neighborhood. read more

Wow. What can I say, some of the most amazing food I've ever purchase. Way to go South End Formaggio!!! Kudos.

Awesome..its so nice to see a shop with individuality and character in Boston...A few more places like these and we'll have ourselves a respectable city. They are a bit limited on space, but what they have is loaded with delectables. Thanks for being here. read more

The reason that I moved to the South End, they're the best. Food isn't cheap, but it's delicious and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful! read more

the cheeses are unreal, but also don't miss out on the fabulous wine selection (Entre Deux Mers region is a must try) and fresh-baked cookies should be sampled as well. read more

Formaggio is hands down the best local cheese and wine shop I've ever visited. The no-pressure staff is incredibly knowledgeable and able to make recommendations for cheese and meat beginners (me!). In addition to their wonderful selection of cheese, wine and treats, their prepared food is also UNREAL and super convenient for a weeknight. Check the weekly menu on the website and you'll get a sense of what they offer -- I get a meal weekly and I've never been disappointed in my food! Their pimento cheese, housemade, is also a fan favorite at our house. Go to this place!!! read more