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Categories: Cheese Shops, Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: Huron VillageMon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Did you konw taht the olny iprmoetnt tihng to raed a wrod is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae? The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs was my culniary lfie berofe FORMAGGIO's... I undtersood the big ptictrue but not the fnie ditleas. Cokonig wnet from a mses to complete diamond-clear understanding.
One day, the girlfriend and I had extra time with our zipcar and I remembered how this place has been bookmarked on Yelp for months. It is a bit of a walk from Harvard square so having a zipcar really made it possible to go with ease. The tipping point that led me to finally go here for the first time is something that I think sums up Formaggio's for what it is. I was in Vermont with good friends, at a small cheese farm in the middle of nowhere, and the owner got off his tractor for a few minutes to slice off a chunk of his cow and sheep's milk blend cheese for us. As he weighed the slices in a small room attached to the barn, he told us we could get this cheese in Boston too. After tasting a sliver of this artfully made cheese, we thought this was great news. "Where?," we asked. "Formaggio's, the Cambridge store." Oh yeah, that place, I've been meaning to go there.
Since my first visit, I have been to a Cheese 101 and a BBQ/Beer class and have $10 Austrian acacia honey on my shelf (bought with a 10% discount after the classes and all those wine pairings, and it tastes oh so delicious with aged goat cheese). Now I'm signed up for the Oktoberfest class, I drive to Formaggio's for a sandwich everytime I have a zipcar, I walked the 40 minutes from my apartment in Central square in 95 degree 75% humidity to eat a pulled lamb sandwich on a Saturday several times, and I talked about this place so much that my aunt in Orange county ordered me a gift certificate for my birthday. Only crack addicts truly understands this type of obsession and addiction.
So do yourself a favor, befriend this fine little store that we are so lucky to have in our neighborhood. Don't live without:
- Cheese 101 class: Kurt, the son of the owners, tells fascinating stories about where the cheese comes from and you can sample cheeses that you'd rather eat than any cheap ass dinner (also beware the seconds and thirds on the wine pairings, you may spend too much after the class with your discount, but really you won't regret anything you buy here too much). After the class, you are allowed to visit their cheese cave.
- Street-side BBQ on Saturdays (until it gets too cold to stand outside for a few hours), 11am - 2pm/sell out: Bon Appétit called this one of the best new BBQ places in the country, but you don't need to know that. Just get there at 11amish when it opens and you won't have to wait too long for amazing lamb/chicken/brisket sandwiches or ribs or chicken or baked beans... My favorite is whatever sausage they have that day in their perfect light Brioche bun with caramelized onions on top, along with grilled peaches with balsamic and blue cheese. At the BBQ class we learned that even if it's raining or too cold they have a smaller version of BBQ on Saturdays inside for sale.
- Free samples of cheese they almost always have, and the free tastings they often have on weekends: beer, juice, granola...it's free! and tasty! and local!
- The Comté: they're known for this stuff. Try it, try them all, try the one they only get a few wheels of a year. They worked hard to get it for you for a reason.
- The Formaggio's beer brewed by Cisco Brewery (they make Whale's Tail) that you can only buy here. One-of-a-kind brew.
Formaggio Kitchen brings skillfully and lovingly made products from small farms in Vermont, from a man in Austria with 3 bee hives, from wineries in France who only sell their wine in their local village. The owners visit these places, get to know the people that make the products (for example: http://www.formaggioki...), and then offer them to us with knowledge and advice and the desire to make the experience as close to the original as they can.
I wish I could have made this review funny, but sometimes, you just can't put in jest something that is too wonderful. You just have to admire it and that will bring you as much happiness as a carefully crafted joke.
People thought this was:
This place is an absolute gem located in North Western Cambridge near Freshpond. Went there because I was trying to get my hands on some morbier & some beaufort cheese. After entering the store, my eyes lit up and it was clear that the two cheeses I came for were going to become a part of a much larger grocery list. I snagged some fresh spinach, two bottles of wine and possibly some of the best olives I've ever had (olives alfonso). I behaved and didn't try any of their pastries but it looks like my name is all over them for my next trip.
The prices were pretty reasonable and the only inconvenience is parking, which can be tricky. i actually parked illegal a block away which disabled me from spending too much time in the store. Hopefully I'll find a spot next time so I can explore every little shelf of goodies that they have.
Their staff is very friendly, attentive and helpful and even interact with you on Twitter, listening to requests. Unfortunately for me they didn't carry any beaufort cheese but have placed an order for it. If they are out of an item you can even setup an account on their website which will alert you once its back in stock. Very nifty.
I love this place and cannot wait to make future trips there for some high quality products!
People thought this was:
There once was a boy from JP,
Who loved him a good, stinky chee'
He remarked at this store,
as he entered the door,
"Herein lies such a nice potpourri!"
If Julia Child is in heaven--and I hope she is--I trust that she has found a way to continue getting her cheeses from Formaggio Kitchen.
People thought this was:
Ok, first of all, I don't like stinky cheese. My sister shoved a piece in my mouth and I almost passed out. Luckily, they had a hummus tasting so I could clean my mouth of that wretched taste. The hummus is made from fresh chickpeas that have never been canned. Their roasted red pepper and fava bean dip had a really rich flavor. My sister claims the woman who made the hummus said that it had anti-depressant qualities... I'm not sure if I believe that, but hell that's more reason to eat it I guess.
Now, on to the reason why I'm giving this place four stars... their pistachio macarons were very very light, crisp, and nutty. The pistachio cream wasn't too thick either. It was definitely the best macaron they had.
Formaggios, i love you. I was trying to think - what could make formaggios better? and I couldn't really think of anything. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, classes, free tasting events, outdoor bbq on the weekends, acknowledgement that we are not rich and thus are looking for a cheap -fill in the blank- without it being crap. I would recommend the Cheese 101 class over the wine 101 class as it is more festive and actually you get more wine AND cheese in the cheese class, but sign up early because they go fast.
One day while inside I thought "candied violets for $99 a pound? that is insane, who the hell needs candied violets anyway" and then seriously 3 days later i was reading a julia child recipe and saw "Candied violet" and I thought "well, now I know where to get that little sucker".
People thought this was:
I hanker for a hunka, a slice, a slab, a chuncka.... mmm mmm splurge here..... cheese.
People thought this was:
My first trip to Formaggio Kitchen after living in Cambridge for the past 6 years... and what a treat. I wish I had discovered it years ago. Amazing selection of cheeses, as the name would suggest (pricey, but to be expected!).
And the best thing? I found a big stack of beautiful ramps there. Ramps + gnocchi + a bottle of Vina Tondonia 1997 Rose + manchego = perfect late spring dinner.
It almost killed me to not get the "salty chocolate oats" cookies -- which looked sinful. Next time, my pretties, you will be mine.
People thought this was:
I wanted to give a shout out to Emily for all her help in putting together a wine/cheese/chocolate tasting package for my friend's bachelorette party. Emily was super patient with all my requests and very accommodating, including giving us a small discount! Unfortunately, the prices were still a bit more than we wanted to spend (hence the 4 stars), so I can't comment on the cheese, wine or chocolate.
BUT I can highly recommend that you think about Formaggio Kitchen next time you have to plan a casual gathering, cocktail party, bachelorette party, or a wine&cheese tasting!
When I ask people who live in the Boston area if they've been to Formaggio and they say no, my response is generally an immediate dropped jaw and a "WHAAAAAAT?!" I then promptly make plans with them to take them, or command them to go within the following week.
This place is not just a store, or even a gourmet foods store, a fromagerie, a butcherie, a bakery, a flower shop, a gift store, or a produce shop. It is all of these things, and an experience.
No doubt my favorite thing about it is that I can always count on eating some yummy cheese when I go (on any given day at any given time, they have 3-10 cheeses out for you to try as you shop). I love trying something and not being able to leave without buying it because it's so delicious. And the best part is, of course as one of the best and most well-known fromageries in the country, the folks who work here know what they're talking about. If you're looking for something specific, or you just want to try something new, talk to anyone at the counter and they'll give you some tastes and send you home with exactly what you're looking for. They can also always recommend good pairings with wine, or spread, or anything else really. I'm sure they'll do the same when it comes to the meat selections, though I've not purchased any of it there.
This is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts - they have a HUGE gourmet foods selection, from pastas to chocolates, olive oils and sauces to beer and wine. It's also the perfect place to grab food for a quick picnic - they've got some prepared stuff, and the bakery goodies are delectable.
Lastly, one of the most written things in Boston media on Summer to-dos is their Saturday barbecues right outside the store. OOOOOH boy this shit's phenomenal. Plan to get messy and stuff your face!!
People thought this was:
Just moved to the neighborhood 2 months ago and I am kicking myself for taking so long to visit this place.
My husband and I were on our way home from a grocery run on our bikes and our panniers were filled to the brim, but I wanted to stop at Fish Monger for some sushi grade fish. They were closed, but we still went next door.
Wow, I had no idea that they were more than a cheese shop:
- local produce
- craft & microbrews that my husband hasn't seen before
- CHOCOLATE
- bakery
- cheese and meat counter that made my head spin
- fresh flowers
Last, but not least, they had 4 feature recipes pinned on their wall printed on cards that you can take with. Love the small touches.
People thought this was:
Dear Baby Jesus,
Since I'm going to be cooking for myself at school next year, I have quite a giant favor to ask: please, please, please inspire a burning desire for the owners of FK to build an outpost in Newport. Really, that's all I want at the moment (I'm sure I'll come up with a few more requests soon, so do enjoy this surely fleeting moment of solitude). If you could possibly arrange it, I'd be eternally grateful, not to mention incredibly well fed, and, I suppose, broke. But broke is okay in this situation, so don't let concern for my weeny colleigate wallet scare you off of this!
I'ma talk straight with you, J: I need this to work. If it doesn't, I may take up another habit. Fruit maybe, or crack, or something else. And I really don't ever want to leave my cheese days behind. It's been real, J.
Thanks ever so much,
Sarah
People thought this was:
I think I have a mild obsession with Formaggio Kitchen. It's about a 2 minute walk from my… Read more »
Absolutely excellent place to be for gourmet food. Produce section looks like jewellery carefully bedded in velvet for safe-keeping, and the flowers are dazzling. But I spend my time in the store prowling the cheese and meat section and the sweet shop. They have excellent jams, chocolates, wines and teas and coffee in stock.
The three things you should know:
1) If you get there and there is a line, dig out a paperback. It's a long wait. And then when you finally arrive at the front, the cheesemonger will work with you. If you have a budget, tell him. (I don't believe they're employing any female staff as cheesemongers at this writing.) They know how to balance their offerings in terms of texture, taste and toll, and come up with a dynamite cheese, meat and olive platter.
2) If you work in west Cambridge, they serve fresh hot lunches at excellent prices -- $10 or less -- that are out of this world.
3) Come during an off-time -- mid-morning, early afternoon -- and ask for a tour of the cheese cave. The cheesemongers will happily show you just how everything is aging and tell you so much about the cheese process your head will spin.
People thought this was:
This is the sort of place that people move to Cambridge for. Where else can you feel as though you are among societies elite while dressing your face in sloppy beef brisket bar-b-que? Or cut yourself a slice of some sort of ridiculously good fancy pants free sample cheese.
If you like to eat really good stuff this is the spot, great selection of fresh produce and a ton of other niche gourmet grocery stuff. It is pointless to talk about the cheese selection as it is among the best in the world.... so it got that going for it.
My favorite thing that Fromaggio offers though is the Saturday morning bar-b-que in Spring, Summer and Fall. I say morning because if you are like me and sleeping off the night before late into Saturday morning you run the risk of missing brisket or pulled pork because they will be gone. Any way there aren't many better breakfasts in Boston than juicy beef brisket on an iggy's bun with slaw and onions.
They also have great sandwiches and other high end pasta salad stuff. The sandwiches are not generally made to order but they are pretty fricken awesome none the less.
People thought this was:
I wanted to write a review on this place because the french macaroons were rated best in the Boston magazine. When I saw this article in the mag in the hotel, I was sure I needed to pay this place a little visit.
So after church one Sunday, we went looking for this place, and I had forgotten the name, only knew the area it was in and knew that they had yummy macaroons. We ended up going to a bread cafe down the street that was pretty crowded, but they pointed me to formaggio's and this place was really cute!! It wasn't like a Dean and Deluca's where it was huge and clean commercialized, but it had more of a mom and pop type, family-owned feel. I really liked that bc it's rare to find that nowadays. The place itself was pretty small, but packed with fresh produce, flowers, groceries etc etc. The best part was that there were tons of samples of different cheeses layed out for you to sample! yayyyy.
So...I got 3 of the french macaroons: rasberry, chocolate and lemon... they were pretty good other than the fact that they were a little cracked. The rasberry was the best because the jelly center wasn't too sweet and it was still chewy :) We didn't have much time to browse around, but I definitely want to go back to buy and scope out the chocolate, wine, and more cheese! :)
Few places make me happier this side of the Atlantic than Formaggio's. This store is to foodies what Toys 'R Us is to 8-year-olds...
Instead of Mr. Potato Head they have fresh organic, locally grown potatoes...instead of stacks of stuffed animals they have cheeses towering overhead as far as the eye can see...and these aren't the G.I. Joes of cheeses - those common cheddar's from New England you find everywhere - but the Tickle-me-Elmos...the private stock, back-ordered, limited production soft Portuguese cheeses, gooey pungent French fromages...mild Spanish varieties...the good shit.
And that's not all...instead of LEGO's they've got a wide selection of pate, dried sausages and meats to suit any taste (some of which is even made in-house). Add to that imported pastas, chocolates, wines, beers, and more and you've got the best local and imported gourmet foods shop in Cambridge. Hands-down.
So to all you aging foodies out there feeling the years creeping on - Head over to Formaggio to release you inner child.
People thought this was:
Love love love this place! Love goat cheese, love all cheese!
Ihsan Gurdal RULES!
The best Chocolate Croissants EVER were literally 5 steps away from where I stayed in Cambridge...I was in heaven.
First of all, Formaggio's is pretty much the cutest store ever. Not only do they have an extensive cheese counter, but they also have tons of delicious sounding specialty items, fruits and veggies, and a bakery. If I had stayed longer I would have indulged in the cheese, but alas I was not able to.
The Croissants here are the real winners... they kinda look like hot pockets, but smaller. Initially I was turned off by their small size, that is until I sampled them...and OMFG! The Croissants may be small in size, but they are HUGE in flavor. The actual croissant is dense, flaky and buttery and the chocolate center is smooth and rich, not hard like most other chocolate croissants. They are definitely pricey at $2.50 a pop, but they are seriously life changing croissants...if you are in the area get one, and bring one or five back for me.
People thought this was:
Chocolates, cheeses, cookies, fresh produce... and Saturday barbecue. Love it.
People thought this was:
Yes, the cheese, yes the wine, yes the produce, yes the naughty bakery / chocolates...yes to all that. But woah.........the CLASSES. I love a place where they take time to serve you well and offer and amazing selection and on top of that teach you. Great classes! LOVE the glass bottle milk too - yum.
People thought this was:
Ok, sorry, but it's time I do a two star yelp.
I'm not cheap. I agree that you get what you pay for but this place is just plain ole OVERPRICED. There's a difference between pricey and overpriced. This place is grossly overpriced.
They have some great products, yes, of course, and they may have some rare cheeses but Best of Boston was given to Whole Foods not long ago - and at least they are on the cost savings band wagon now! That will get my business before this place does.
Who do these people think they are?!
Case in point: I ran in for coffee, and noticed they had one of my fave treats to go with. I got ONE french macaroon sandwich cookie - light as a feather and less than 2 inches in size - for $2.25!? Are you freaking kidding me? Price that out per ounce and it's got to be more than the fanciest, rarest truffle. I nearly died as I was driving and saw the price on the cookie bag. Should I have pulled over for a moment with my cookie fit for a queen?
I don't get the economics of it. They can't possibly be paying a lot for rent. They have not expanded. It's still too small and cramped. It's not sparkling clean. In fact, I saw the cheese "cave" not long ago on This Old House and it's no more than a nasty little room in their basement, which use to house an office. They just slapped some shelving on the walls. Hello?
The conclusion - they charge because their foolish, snotty customers are willing to pay. We'll see what the economy does to their price point but for now, when I shop there, I'll be sure to shop carefully, and check the prices before I cash out.
People thought this was:
Pretty damn amazing, on many levels. Commitment and cheese knowledge of the staff is off the scale. Forget the cheese for a minute; FK is filled to the brim with other non-cheesy gourmet food items. Bakery items and olives are especially a plus.
The cheese: I picked up some crazy gouda, some stilton, and a blue cheese that gave my breath the ability to pickle other people's skin when I breated on them. The price was up there, as expected, but the FK cheese plate really turned our party from a 9 to a 10.
Aside from the expense and the crappy parking outside, everything else about FK is perfect. (Oh, and it's a bit difficult to find the first time, if you don't know the area. Make sure to get directions before you go!) I can even get my non-dairy eating wife to go inside because it's THAT good! Formaggio is at the forefront of good gourmet stuffs in Boston. FOODIE LUV!
People thought this was:
Great service and great selection!!
People have reason to be snooty there but aren't - they are knowledgeable and helpful!
And wanted to sing praise since I went there with a broken finger when they were busy and they took a moment and cut my loaf of bread for me as though it was no problem at all. And this was just after the people at Hi Rise Bakery (where it wasn't even busy) refused snootily! (I usually go to Formaggio but it was raining, my hand hurt and Hi Rise was closer...but I knew the moment they said "no" that I could count on Formaggio's!)
People thought this was:
There is not much to say about Formaggio that hasn't been said - I could tell you about all my favorite cheeses (the list is longer than Gone with the Wind) or how I love the imported jams and jellies, or the pate, or the sausages, or the breads - but I won't.
But I will tell you of their catering. Formaggio makes the BEST catered cheese and fruit plates I have ever had. In my department recently, for a job candidate, we had a winter-themed plate - blue cheese, manchego, some hard italian cheese, huge raspberries (I've rarely had raspberries this good in my life, even off the vine), luscious dried figs and currants, black and green grapes that were unbelievable and oozed nectar, and, my favorite part, perfect hazelnuts, that paired beautifully in a mouthful with blue cheese or raspberry or fig. Fabulous. Moreover, the whole thing looked like a baroque still-life.
If you ever have a special occasion at work or some really unbelievable private party (invite me!), you should get the cheese and fruit trays from here. They are stunning.
Caveats? I think the wine selection here is too small and overpriced - something of an afterthought. Also, some of the candy and packaged goods could be pruned and taken care of better (these items sit right in front of a bay window in full sunlight). The clientele can be a drag, too, especially on a weekend, or around holidays. Stressed out yuppies whacking you about the legs with strollers and/or eco-friendly shopping bags and/or smart-yet-understated luxury purses? Sigh. It's like riding the 72 bus, if the 72 was full of delicious cheese.
People thought this was:
I love FK - love the atmosphere of the store, love the selection of cheeses, wines, produce, specialty items, etc., love the people who work there. Can't think of one critical thing to write, except that the prices are a BIT inflated, though given FK's very unique niche, high standards, and lack of competition even that one fault is understandable.
LOVE
Croissants, flowers, cheese, kousmichoff tea, giant caper berries, real olives, choice fruit, chocolates....deli counter
every gourmet item one can not live without...it's a bit pricey but worth it because there is almost no competition for 250 miles.
Very friendly knowledgeable staff
Their own cheese cellar...and they say Julia shopped here!
People thought this was:
Go try the cheese! They have samples and it's piled high.
I have to admit that I've probably eaten more in samples than in actually cheese purchases (only bought cheese once and it was one of the least expensive items), but this place is always an experience. I like to bring out-of-towners here on a nice round-about walk ending in Harvard Square.
The prices are way too much for me, but this place and the tiny grocery attached are an amazing sensory experience and I'm sure I'll purchase something else there eventually...
People thought this was:
You can't find a better selection of cheese nor a more knowledgeable staff. I live nearby and can shop there for a party or for dinner. I love that they get as much quality locally grown products as well as the best most interesting and delicious cheeses worldwide. Just walking in is an education in food. My kids love the marshmallows (the long stick ones), the madeleines, the lollipops and my daughter is a lover of stinky cheese.
People thought this was:
Ah, dammit, a review for Formaggio's is going to be awhile...what do I leave out?
As the holiday season approaches, I'm bi-manic. One, oh, pray tell, what gifts to get?, which is manic stress. Two, is what foods do I bring to my family, and that's pretty much foodie mania, dare I say nirvana. With a little help from our friends at Hi-Rise, we got a little gourmet ghetto in exclusive Huron Village.
So, holiday food, right! Pretty much a fam tradition to kick off with a wheel of Vacherin Mont d'Or. Vacherin is a seasonal Christmas time cheese only. If that wasn't exclusive enough, Formaggio's doesn't have just any Mont d'Or, they have one made by a little old Swiss lady in the hills of Jura and 5 cows with names. At home, we bake it just as they do in Europe. After it's warmed, we crowd around the kitchen table, carefully lift the wood top, and without further ado, unceremoniously violate the camembert-like rind with rustic Hi-Rise bread. We scoop up oozy lactic treasure, pop it in our mouths, savor, and wow, it tops any fondue any of us had anywhere. If you are not with your family, but your lover, Mont d'Or bukkake style would definitely top the foodsex scene in 9 1/2 Weeks if you are looking for thrills beyond whipped cream and fruits. Kiss-slurp-lick. Maybe not in that order, dunno what's your flavor profile would be.
The other seasonal cheese I like very much comes out in spring. The name escapes me but it is a special Camenbert with fern leafs on top of it. It's dag nasty stinky enough to blow off the French, so you must practice the self-love if you eat it. Perhaps that's why they ship it here. Commie Jerks.
I will pronounce, Formaggio's is still the best cheese shop in the country. Don't buy at Whole Foods, they can't ripen as well as these world-renowned experts. They deserve cheese knighthood.
Moving on, have to point out the Turkish variety of pistachio's here. They are likely co-owners Ihsan G.'s find, and as a Turk, he knows full well that Turkey has the best nuts and dried fruits on the planet. Absolutely addictive, I can never buy enough to last through Christmas.
An esoteric item that they stock recently is Jamón Ibérico. If Prosciutto puts you in pillow-talk mode, the Black-footed Pig of Spain will have you completely undone, foodie devastation to the heart. This year I hope to score the ultimate Jamón, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, which is the same pig, exclusively raised on it's natural diet of acorns. Yes, acorns. This is one very serious, very black, and monk-like eating pig. I'm vegetarian and will make exceptions for this. I'll eat a fellow vegetarian monk, sure, why not. I have not seen any Iberico's in NY, not even the Spanish provisions store in SoHo. (But they probably got it this year.) It's fairly pricey though, at 100 dollars a pound. Slice thinly?
Chocolate? I'm not a huge fan, but Côte d'Or, not to be confused with Mont d'Or, is my favorite affordable chocolate. It's still real Belgian, even though Kraft bought them a few years back. The bar called Noir de Noir 56% is just about perfect, even though I typically favor 65% cocoa solids density. The same blend comes in cute single servings called "Mignonettes". Of course, they have a million other to try.
Well, there's way too many things at Formaggio to discover. It's foodie spelunking. Let's cheer the Sidewalk BBQ on Saturday. It is the best BBQ in Boston. Hallie's Flower Garden, the best florist in Cambridge.
But there are things are things I'm not to jazzed on. You can't just buy everything here, you have to be selective.
Bread, Hi-Rise is better and around the corner
Prepared Foods, I've had better
Wine, the selection doesn't share the same uniqueness as the cheese.
Why a million Olive Oils? Just give me the one that will blow me away. I know my profile.
Panettone in a box is lame.
Updates:
I forgot to mention that Ihsan G just got knighted on November 10th. So that makes him the 4th Knight on Yelp. Bill at Brasserie Beck, Kermit at Kermit Lynch, and myself. We own the knight.
I got the lowdown on Jamón Ibérico de Bellota after picking up some pistachios and things there today. 2 things.
1.) They just received their first shipment 3 months ago
2.) The FDA has somehow banned the hoof of the ham. So the hooves are chopped off.
They have 3 hams left with hooves still on them, so those will be the last you will ever see like that. It doesn't affect the taste, but it loses some of the appeal, and you also cannot verify that in fact it is a black-footed pig. Lame. I might have to take some pictures or ask them to save the hoof, because it's cool.
The price is 185 dollars a pound, while normal jamón ibérico remains 100 dollars.
They sold out of Mont D'Or but will get some more in tomorrow.
I wonder if I should defect to Chowhound...cuz no one here cares that much?
People thought this was:
If you are a cheese lover, you have to visit Formaggio's. When you get here, tell the staff at the meat/cheese counter what you are looking for, even if you just have a general idea, and they will give you suggestions and bring yummy samples to help you decide. The staff is very helpful, and there's no better way to choose a good cheese or ham than being able to taste the various options. They also carry some very good locally brewed beers!
And B&R baguettes. You haven't lived if you haven't tried one! And the cookies ..... please please please get some florentines when you go.
In terms of cost, they are on the pricey side, but it's worth it. My tummy says so. Just buy a little less and it all evens out in the end.....
Recommendation: It's nice to go on a weekend morning to grab a very good coffee and croissant before a walk at Fresh Pond.
UH-MAZE-ING....yeah Formaggio's has excellent customer service to go along with excellent produces, cheeses, meats and wines.
Sample cheeses....sample great meats....and they'll pair wines with whatever you choose! The staff is really down to earth and very very helpful.
Definitely come here for your next wine and cheese party or if you want to pick something up for a nice dinner.
People thought this was:
I have found my own stinky, cheesy piece of heaven in Cambridge. This place is truly a treasure. You can walk around and search through for hours....in a food shop, that is pretty good! More cheeses, meats, jams, desserts, butters, and olives then you can imagine.
The staff is super friendly and helpful, more than willing to answer questions or give you a taste. There are also all kinds of samples set up through out the store.
I almost wanted to take a star away for price, but Formaggio Kitchen is just so worth every penny. The only thing I would warn away from is the bread. It is not worth the trumped up price. Your better off going around the corner to Hi-Rise.
If you have not been to Formaggio Kitchen, you are REALLY missing out on such a local gem!
Today was the perfect, beautiful, first day of Spring day to visit Formaggio's Kitchen and pretend that I have money to burn on fabulously gorgeous raspberries and coconut macaroons for the girls (that I take care of...) Love this place!!! Wish I could visit once a week!!!
Shopping at Formaggio's Kitchen makes you feel like better person. The food is beautiful, the people… Read more »
This purveyor of fine foods saved me on Saturday. I was on a hunt for foie gras and Cardullo's either doesn't sell it anymore or ran out. They recommended I check out Formaggio Kitchen.
Parking in this area is almost non-existent - there are a few meters on Huron but you're sh*t out of luck on the side streets that are for permit parking only. My suggestion is to park on Concord and walk down a side street or two.
Formaggio was packed on Saturday morning which I have to imagine is normal. Saying they have a lot of cheese would be an understatement. I was in the cheese/deli part of the store and there was cheese everywhere, in the cases, on top of the cases, hanging from above. I quickly found the (100%) foie gras and got my order in.
I was in a rush so I headed to the other end to the cash registers. I noticed a great selection of produce, teas, crackers, chocolates, all sorts of fancy foods. There's also a florist and they bake bread. I got a baguette as well and it was so good when I got it home and lightly-toasted it. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
My dad is an incredible cook so I'm going to go back with him on my next visit home and get more ingredients so he can make yummy foods for me.
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I'd give Formaggio five stars except this location is so cramped and difficult to manuever around that going on a weekend tends to be mostly a massive headache. The holiday season is especially busy. While the staff tends to be nice, as Melissa B. mentioned, everyone else is super hoity-toity (it IS Harvard you know) and seems to have their head stuck into some awful dark place.
They have such an amazing selection of cheeses, olives, gourmet jams, crackers, candies and lots of chocolates... We often will pick up Burdick's chocolates here for gifts when we don't want to worry about the hassle of parking in Harvard. At Christmas you can get excellent panatone.
They have a really gorgeous flower section and the breads are delish.
They always have little cheese classes that I am dying to take sometime!
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I give Formaggio Kitchen 5 stars despite the lack of parking (on-street only in an area that is mostly permit-only), tight space, and sometimes obnoxious clientele. This is THE destination for cheese in Cambridge (they also have a North End location).
I went in once around the holidays and asked for a selection of "cheese to drink with good beer" and my helper behind the counter could hardly contain his excitement. "Mmmm," he said, "I *love* cheese with beer."
This is what makes the shopping experience so memorable---the staff truly love cheese, and they are extremely knowledgeable.
Also check out their selection of local breads, imported cookies, sweets, and crackers, gourmet coffees and nuts, and assorted prepared foods. The fresh produce is a mixed bag; go elsewhere for your basic shopping needs.
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Take it from a long time cook, this place is outta this world. The cheese shop alone is worth the trek from anywhere within a 50 mile radius. (Plus, the people that man that shop really know their cheeses, meats, olives, mustards, cavier, etc.)
The place is composed of 3 distinct areas: cheeses/deli, chocolate/pastries, and dairy/fresh foods/bread. If you can't make a meal here, you aren't really trying.
Wait a minute? Shouldn't I be subtracting points for the high price tags on all the goods? Yeah, bite me. Go ahead...take your $20 and go buy three bags of groceries at Trader Joes and go make a 12-course meal for your buddies that will give you Botchulism, or take your $20 and go buy 1/4 lbs of imported aged gouda, 1/4 lb of prosciutto and a 6-pack of duck eggs and go home and make an omelet that will get you laid. Your choice, you financial whiz, you.
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This is Mecca for food lovers. If you consider yourself one, you absolutely have to go. It's a great place to become acquainted with the world's best cheeses, of which there is an enormous (though still carefully hand-picked) selection. But don't stop at the cheese. Try the mostardas (candied fruit with a mustard kick), dozens of different honeys (chestnut is remarkable), the carefully selected olive oils, etc. FK also has a wonderful, low-priced selection of wines that do a good job reflecting their origins/terroirs.
The deli stuff, needless to say, is delicious. Count on ingredients you've never heard of and specially imported from all over Europe. FK has the best breads available in Cambridge. Today the clerk recommended a B&R baguette over their own baguette because this was one of the things someone else clearly does better. How many stores in the country behave like this?
Great produce imported from all over the world. As I write this, there is a new stock of incredible berries imported from France. A small sampling of the world's greatest beers (today I bought Alesmith Speedway Stout). Delicious baked goods, some baked on site, others brought in from places like Lakota.
On and on and on. Formaggio Kitchen is perfect. This is by far the greatest foodie place in Boston.
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Come on an empty stomach and eat all of the cheese! They're so polite there, they probably won't tell you to leave.
The flower lady is really cool and will work with you to craft a cool bouquet for your loved one du jour. I came in with a vase shaped like a whale, and she cut me this cool giant flower to stick in it. It was a nice gift.
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If you've read my review for the Wine and Cheese Cask, you are probably confused as to why I would subject myself to another cheese place, particularly one that's not even in my neck of the 'bridge. I have desperately missed Europe since I moved back to the US, and the very next time a wave of longing passes over me, I am going to drive over to the Formaggio Kitchen and bask in the glory that it offers.
They greet you as you arrive, and may as well be saying "bonjour" for your senses are delighted by the stench of stinky cheese. You quickly learn why you are assaulted with such pungence, as there are loose hunks of cheese all over the store for the tasting (god help me).
I was not there for the cheese (my boyfriend was, and he went a bit nuts), but for the baked goods and the produce. The produce is pretty luscious looking, but the 5 stars goes to the tart cherry bread pudding that we demolished in one gluttonous, savage sitting. I CANNOT WAIT to go back there and try their other carb-infused offerings: pear coffee cake, cappuccino bread pudding, apple cranberry crisp, and a variety of delicious-looking cookies.
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Neighborhood: South End
Category: Grocery
Brookline, MA
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: North Cambridge
Category: Specialty Food
Somerville, MA
Category: Cheese Shops
Neighborhood: Roslindale Village
Category: Cheese Shops
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