OH how i love you Formaggio. This place is amazing, it makes me want to eat cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have an incredible selection of cheeses from all over the world and are wonderful at helping you find whatever you need. Provide a little bit of guidance on what you like and they'll give you a slew of cheese to try. 1) go visit this place and buy lots of cheese; 2) make sure they cater your next event with cheese and charcuterie as your guests will love you read more

Agreed, this place is a south end gem. Make sure you've got plenty of time on your hands and plenty of money in your pocket, they've got an amazing selections of cheeses, prepared foods, olive oils, interesting sodas, candies, baked goods, the list goes on and on. It's not a huge place, but it's packed with gourmet greatness...mmmmmmmmm. Always a destination. read more

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

First time in this place and I was in cheese heaven. There are so many options, I felt a little overwhelmed..but in the best way possible. They have everything for your cheese eating needs from crackers to wine to utensils to an amazing staff that have a very extensive knowledge. There's also little pre made wedges for a nice afternoon picnic (do people still go on those? if so, please let me join...please?) The only thing that was unsettling were some of the prices, but I guess that's something they can't really change and they're in the South End which explains everything. I suggest getting a 1/4lb which sufficed for my boyfriend and I for 2 days using it on practically every meal. But I will still be going back here for sure, leaving with a kick in my step due to cheese high and too big shoes. read more

Hooray for cheese! Formaggio has much more than cheese, actually. They have prepared foods, including sandwiches, gourmet cooking items, bread, meat, wine and beer, etc. Half the time I go in there, I don't even buy any cheese. But I always try the free samples. (They also have wine, beer, chocolate and other tastings.) The staff is always nice and helpful. Ask them for help picking out a cheese, or to sample something that sounds interesting. Negatives: - They always seem to run out of bread, so if you want some, go early - Parking sucks. Don't double park - try Washington St. - I've had spoiled wine from them before, and spoiled cider. I don't buy alcoholic drinks there anymore. Everything else has been good though. read more

So much stuff packed into such a teeny store! What started out as a cheese shop has turned into a foodies dream! This store carries so much, including homemade sausage, hard-to-find cheeses, different salts, exotic tasting candies, and wine. A new find I came across recently is a locally made brand of Middle Eastern goodies (I think the name is Sirna's...you can find it in the cooler on the right of the store :-). The proprietor's husband was in the store providing samples of homemade hummus, tabbouleh, and babaganoush (just to name a few). Everything was out of this world, and I walked out with a container of fresh made "baba" that had a wonderful smokey flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Formaggio is a fun place to browse and dream about being the next Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, or Anthony Bourdain :-). read more

This place is completely awesome. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for and then some. I haven't been in a while because I am no longer in the neighborhood, but I stopped in over the weekend and remembered how much I miss this place. Most of the people that work there are young and if I had to put them into a genre they would be hipsters. But do not let those facts detour you; they kids know what they are talking about! I love a place that you can go in and say "I am having a small get together with friends and/or family and would like to spend $45 and make a cheese plate. What should I do?" After a few short questions and some nom nom samples, Ta da! Totally sophisticated and utterly nom-able, dressed to impress cheese plate. They also have really great selection of wine and know which specific wine will go with each cheese perfectly. Because I am sure you all know about the stank mouth taste that can happen when you pair the wrong wine and cheese together. They know how to avoid such party hazards easily. They also have prepared food that changes everyday. The curried tuna is to die for! Trust me, just get a small tub and a fork and you will be happy for the afternoon and evening; no need for bread. But if you would like bread, they have fresh baked loaves there everyday. And the cookies... Holy crap I could write a novel about all the delicious stuff there!!! The whole point of this review is to let anyone who may be curious know that they should go and check it out. The people are really nice, but be forewarned it is a small place, if they don't come over and address you needs right away do not take it personally; go ask them a question, they will be more than happy to help you. I love you SE Formaggio! read more

This is an amazing place to pick up gourmet sandwiches and a bottle of wine or beer for lunch at a great price. The pre-made sandwiches in the deli case are $5-$7. I had the fig jam, goat cheese and arugula sandwich and a bottle of the Pretty Things Jack D'or; both were excellent. While waiting for sandwiches to toast, I got to poke around a little bit and was rather impressed with the craft beer, wine, and spirits. There were several craft liqueurs that caught my eye, and I will definitely be making a trip back in the not-so-distant future to investigate further. read more

I adore this place. I want to make lots and lots of money JUST SO I can come here more often. Last time I came I dropped like $30 just on cheese. Cheese that we devoured in like 20 minutes. Very much worth it. No regrets surprisingly. I usually hate when employees hover around me, asking if I need anything around places like this, but the gentleman who helped me pick cheeses was great. I am by no means a cheese know-it-all. Actually if you eat cheese with me you'll quickly realize that I hate all of the to-die-for cheeses that everyone, if they are real cheese lovers, love. Not a fan of funkies or blues. I am a walking cheese faux pas. He did a great job of finding me a goat cheese I liked and a manchego. He wasn't judegmental if I didn't like a cheese he cut for me and was very patient. I think of the 7 cheese he brought I only really liked 2 of them. read more

Wonderful selection of cheese with knowledgable cheesemongers who will give you samples of whatever you want. They have nice wines and a selection of craft beers. Everytime I go in here, I find some new morsel I have to have. read more

A wonderful place and way too dangerous :) Great selection in cheese , meats and lunch/dinner items. Also carries a great variety of other items (butter, pasta, sauces, mustard, oil, vinegar etc) They also have a pretty good selection of some interesting wines and champagnes All of the folks are very friendly and helpful. Love going there and even if it's "just" for a Ham and Butter sandwich :) One of my favorite spots for food shopping in Boston! read more

South End Formaggio is an amazing find. I recently hauled my cookies over the Pike to grab some assorted cheese for a two-person cheese plate and was blown away by the selection and amazing helpfulness of the staff. They were willing to make recommendations based on the wine we were having and went so far as to offer samples to see if certain new cheeses were to my liking. I would recommend this place to ANYONE who loves high-end cheese! The only downside was that when I got there around 5:30 on a weeknight, they were sold out of bread. read more

Tip: When you order cheese, ask for amounts in "finger widths." For example, "can I get two fingers of the goat cheese?" Super helpful staff, especially behind the cheese counter, great home-made pasta sauces too! read more

This place had me as soon as I walked in. The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable but then again I'm no cheese connoisseur so the knowledge they were throwing out at me was very informative. They have cheese, meats, breads, wine and even home made sandwiches or dinner entrees. This place has a lot to offer! I loved the fact that they let you try samples of every cheese you wanted as well as the meats. I was able to tell them what type of cheese I wanted and they helped me put together a cheese platter with a pairing of meat and wine. This place is fantastic if you are trying to get a quick cheese plate or if you want to try some new cheeses and get the right complementary meats and wine to go with it! It is a bit pricey as I didn't get much cheese or meat but lets face it you pay for what you pay for. Oh and if you were wondering I got some french cheeses with spicy salami and french wine! I like how they were able to complement soft creamy cheese (cow cheese) with sharp hard cheese (sheep cheese) and mix it with the same meat. I'll def be back to spend some of my money on this place again and again! Oh, and I heard that there are classes that you can take?? I'll have to check that out as it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn a bit more about cheese and pairing cheese so I can impress a few dates. read more

Not so hidden anymore gem. This place is not only beautiful with their new fixtures, but they also are the most helpful staff, and not because they let us have as many samples as we wanted... The woman who was helping us knows everything about her business. she really took the time to curate a beautiful cheese board for us to show off. The type of place that you can be proud to have in your neighborhood. Be prepared, its not inexpensive, but when you have someone making sure that what you purchase is going to be something you love, I mean, come on, its worth 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

The door opens with an accompanying jingle and you are hit by a complex smell: meaty, spicy, pungent, yeasty and something else: cheese. What a friend we have in cheeses! Interesting to compare smells with the next door neighbor Syrian Grocery. Both places are chock-a-block full of great food. Formaggio is really a treasure house, and I can find myself going there the day I am cooking for 8, or on my way to a friends for dinner when I want something amazing like their sugared fruit jellies to bring along for my host. I can type out a long laundry list of great things I've discovered here: a Basque dry rub for meats, Spanish sausages, raw milk cheeses from Québec, a stunning cherry jam, knock-out dark chocolate, artisan cheeses from Greensboro, Vermont, tangy mustards, and fresh local fiddlehead ferns. Give a serious try to the raw Ayreshire cow's milk cheese called "Constant Bliss" (the real name of a Vermont Revolutionary War hero) and serve this with a few dried cranberries, pine nuts and a nice glass of a Pinot Noir. Amazing! read more

What a find! After spending the morning wandering around the South End, we had already settled on a sandwich place to have lunch (and we were looking forward to it). We stopped in several different boutiques along Tremont and asked for lunch recommendations, just to see what people would say. Each person we asked unanimously exclaimed South End Formaggio'. Geez--we couldn't turn that kind of advice down... South End was worthy of everyone's praise. Their selection of cheese, wine, meats, and deli sides/sandwiches was eclectic, high-end, and looked and smelled amazing. We each ordered sandwiches (goat cheese, fig, and arugula) and an Italian (everything you could possibly think of). They were grilled/heated up; we grabbed some tea and a bag of chips and went and sat in a nearby park...and didn't talk to each other because we were enjoying our food too much! And for the quality of ingredients and the taste of the food, I was shocked to find out that we paid just over $10. A must go--but only if you have a place to take the food back to or it's nice enough to sit outside. read more

Selection: A+ Quality: A+ Friendliness/Helpfulness of staff: A+ Prices: B My experience with this place is typically for lunch. The sandwiches are great (especially when grilled) and there is enough variety that after a year or so of going there regularly, I haven't gotten sick of anything. There are 2 reasons I didn't give this the perfect rating: 1) Although the sandwiches are appropriately priced, any supplemental item is ridiculously overpriced. If you go, see the prices on dried fruit for a perfect example. 2) There have been several times where some sort of mix-up has occured with my sandwich. Although they're extremely nice about it and everything works out in the end, it's sort of annoying when you're on a limited time schedule. read more

Heaven. Simply amazing selection of meats and cheeses. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Every time I go I am introduced to a new, amazing thing. Prepared foods are delicious. Formaggio is the gold standard of cheese shops. They have a perfectly curated selection of foods from some of the best places on earth. When we have a party, this is the key. read more

For such a tiny, cramped closet of a storefront, this place manages to offer up a staggering selection of tasty (pricey) eats. Obviously, the cheese is the star attraction here, but Formaggio's delights are legion. Their Salty Oat cookies were legendary among my coworkers, as was their tony version of a school-lunchroom Jell-O cup. And you can always count on Formaggio for intriguing local produce and a deli counter teeming with tempting sides. Around lunchtime, the place is heaving (did I mention their awesome sandwiches?), but those free cheese samples help take your mind off the claustrophobia. Some of my weirder Formaggio impulse buys: gourmet chocolate ice cream sprinkles, grapefruit yogurt, green almonds, quince paste. All of them were delicious. read more

This place really doesn't need another advocate, but I love it enough to splooge all over Yelp about it. The Formaggio is awesome! Their selection of beers is impressive. If you've never tried a Kiltlifter, then make a beeline to the Formaggio and pick one up. You'll quickly thank me. While some of their stuff can be pricey (like a tiny jar of olive spread for $13!), it isn't a grocery store, so you shouldn't intend to go in looking to fill up your cupboards. As a specialty store, I've always found it wonderful to hit up right before I'm throwing a dinner party or gathering of any sort, as it offers various spreads and cheeses and crusty breads that create gorgeous, simple platters. The small expense on those few select items makes a big impact in terms of taste. And although it isn't a bakery of any sort, I have to rep the petit fours! Those things are dangerously delicious. I could eat up handfuls at a time. read more

I'm fairly picky when it comes to reviewing food, but dear god, this place is amazing. I've never had a bad sandwich from this place--it's my go-to lunch place. I also highly recommend their non-to-go food items--they make for great gifts for the foodie in your life. And if they have the truffle chips in stock--give them a try! They're amazing. read more

What do I love about the South End Formaggio? Being able to tell them: "I would like a cheese that has X flavor profile with Y texture" and have them give you an amazing sample that completely matches your description matched with impeccable costumer service! Love this place read more

This place is the best. We often stop by for the sandwiches (goat cheese & fig is our favorite). Amazing meat and cheese selection as well as a wide offering of artisan foods. We also love how COVID compliant they are, making sure no more than 3 customers are in the store at once and always with hand sanitizer available. Feels very safe. So glad they're in our neighborhood! read more

I LOVE this place. I felt like I was perusing around a little gourmet shop in Europe...it felt like a lovely little escape from Boston. Their prosciutto is fabulous! Their fresh parmesan is to die for! Their caramels are so yummy...everything in this store is delectable! I really could probably wander around for hours although there is really no where to go seeing at how small it is, but that definitely plays into its charm! read more

This tale begins with a girl. A girl who loves ice cream (spoiler alert: it's me). I ventured into Formaggio Kitchen yesterday to kill some time before a dinner reservation. To my delight and surprise, I found Jeni's ice cream stocked in their freezer (!!!!). While one can easily find Jeni's at certain Whole Foods locations, FK has 6-10 flavors that I've never seen in inventory elsewhere (by now, you know this is the kind of matter I am diligent about). Ndali Estate Vanilla Bean, Churro, Green Mint Chip, Gooey Butter Cake, Black Cat Espresso and on and on it goes. I checked out with my pints and then remembered my dinner reservation and the surprisingly warm weather. Kyra, the manager, sealed her status as Ice Cream Angel of the Universe by offering to keep the ice cream in the freezer past close so I could pick it up after my dinner (!!!) Thank you Kyra and Formaggio Kitchen for making a girl's dreams come true. read more

I love quality cheeses almost as much as I love cute little markets- Formaggio is both... but... I can not believe how much they charge for some of their cheeses! (note: this doesn't stop me from caving in, and visiting this branch). They also sell "market" items- it would be very hard to buy everything one would need for a dinner party here, but you would be able to take care of appetizer-like foods. The service is friendly, always willing to give you a sample, and offer suggestions based on cheeses you already like. The cheeses are kept perfectly-they know what they are doing (there are too many shops that sell beautiful cheeses, but ruin them overnight with improper care). Their other food-stuffs are of also high quality; preprepared food is a pretty good deal. It's one of those grocers that's worth a visit- even if you don't buy anything, you might find something you'll find a need for in the future. My only problem with Formaggio are the prices, it's very rare that I'll be forced to commit to one grocer for all my needs, and when I find the HUGE variation in prices from one shop to another, I find it making me question prices of everything in their shop (on several occasions, i've found Formaggio to cost 40% more for cheeses at other shops- be an intelligent consumer! shop around! ::things to try::: **seasons can make a difference** -the italian blood orange juice -anything triple creme -the spanish hard cheeses ::other:: -in a residential neighborhood, parking can be a problem -there is shopping, but a few blocks away -expensive! -small shop- it can get overcrowded, and items can sell out ::random misc info:: -if in Portland Oregon, try Pastaworks on Hawthorn read more

working out is a sufferfest made bearable by the promise of lunch. the chèvre-arugula-fig jam sammich is my rave of late. before that it was turkey robert, grilled cheese-tomato or when i get lucky, turkey meat loaf (and cheese samples). tis a well-worn path from gym to here for treats. read more

South End Formaggio deserves my 200th review. We recently bought a place in the South End and were very happy to change our claim from "Back Bay Snobs" to "South End Lovers". There is just something so magical about living in the Eight Streets. The South End Formaggio screams everything that is special about the South End. Walking in for the first time I was transported to a Formaggio I had stumbled upon in the heart of Montmartre. The cheeses, the fats, the chutneys, the meat, the beautiful packages of everything a little shop that's after my heart has... it had. I walked up to the cheese counter bursting with excitement and when a smiling employee asked if he could help me, I told him I was far too overwhelmed. He assured me that happens on everyones first visit and made me feel right at home. It may be a little expensive, but you're paying for high quality and I think it's absolutely worth it. It's a one stop shop for all the amazing foods you weren't sure existed but now can't live without. This place has a seriously large piece of my heart. read more

Best place to explore French cheese and European deli! Authentic and fresh. A bit pricey.

this is the kind of place i don't want anyone else to know about because it is too small for the both of us to fit in SEF at once. i should really adore tiny independent stores like this but i find it super annoying to have to shuffle sideways through a store terrified that i'm going to knock something down with my booty. that said, i saw cheese here that i've never seen before in my life! and that, my friends, is saying a lot. i was a little worried about the cheeses they display on TOP of the chilled display case, because umm, doesn't cheese need some sort of maintaining refridgeration? i could have done with less of everything else though. if you're a cheese monger be a cheese monger and not a gourmet specialty shop. not that the freshly baked bread made me angry... read more

Cheese heaven! I love the samples, and I'm coming back for the grilled cheese sometime :) Bought a bar of French hazelnut chocolate here last time, as well as a creamy wedge of cow's milk cheese. Both delightful. Took a visiting NYC friend (fellow dairy lover), and she thought it was cute too. What a great neighborhood shop! Very friendly and helpful staff. Definitely a one stop wine & cheese party if you don't mind the prices.. read more

Okay... have you had their grilled sandwiches--? cuz those babies make me stand at attention and drool with desire.

South End Formaggio combines two of my most favorite things: cheese and free samples. Not only do they have cheese niblets placed discretely around the store, but the cheese cutters (not sure what the technical term is for the lucky people who get to stand behind the cheese counter, but I'm pretty sure it's not cheese cutters), will spend hours with you finding the perfect cheese(s). The wine selection here isn't cheap (and neither is the cheese for that matter), but how else is Formaggio going to make back all the potential revenue lost from all their cheese give-aways? read more

Cheeses, olive oils and prosciutto, OH MY! This is one of my most favorite specialties stores in all of the New England area. My friend and I split this chocolate pecan bar that they sell near the front, in the glass cases. It was seriously the best dessert I have ever had in my entire life. Their sandwiches are also fabulous, and the staff is both knowledgeable and helpful. A South End must! read more

A South End essential. The perfect weekend (or weekday, if you're home early) stop-in for delectable cheeses (yes, sample as many as you want), great wines, breads, grapes (my coworker once got some that wine is made from that were amazing), and the sandwich of the day. It's all about the cheese, though, as the staff can fit your tastes and help you learn to appreciate le fromage. 5 stars indeed! read more

Crusty, fluffy & chewy French baguette. We also grabbed 2 dark chocolate pecan turtles that were to die for.

I'm not the one to review about the fabulous cheeses at Formaggio as I'm that person that doesn't eat dairy but..... I LOVE this little shop! My brother in-law is chef on the West coast and has so much respect for Formaggio's that I send him yummies from their shelves all the time. Being the chocolate junkie that I am, there's no match for the treats in their cases either... if I don't get the dark chocolate malt balls weekly I'm jones'ing for days. read more

I've visited this shop and also ordered from them online. Everything I've tried has been wonderful, and they staff in the store are really helpful. I was directed here by L'Espalier because it's where they buy some of their cheese. read more

It's a little dark, and kinda crowded with too much stuff. I can't believe the staff can handle all of that stuff. They have as many products as a supermarket practically. But that's good too, because they have unusual items such as Sumac spice and Pistachio paste. The staff seem a bit stressed at times, but do a good job of faking happy. My biggest complaint might be that the regular customers are annoying and snobby. I'm sure the same goes for the Cambridge store. At times I've felt overwhelmed, under-attended to, cramped and I just wanted to get out of there. But sometimes, it's a very nice place to shop. read more