For the love of cheese, we have found the top 5 places to buy cheese in Vancouver. In Little Italy, Fortunato Bruzzese is so passionate about it, he never misses a day selling cheese at La Grotta Del Formaggio on Commerical Drive.
Nutty, earthy, buttery, “barnyardy,” sweet, funky, ripe, creamy, yeasty, rustic, robust, rich, sharp, smoky…
There are dozens of words used to describe cheese, but no matter which ones you prefer, our favourite has got to be “love.”
We know we’re not alone in this love affair of all things cheese. Throw in a mix of curated meats, breads, crackers and a variety of savory and sweet accompaniments, and BINGO, the charcuterie board craze continues, and we can see why.
Love cheese? Here’s a guide to the best cheese shops in Vancouver, plus we asked Vancouver’s top cheese experts to weigh-in on their favourite cheese picks, trends and top tips.
To get ready for the festive entertaining season, we’ve included 10 Tips and Tricks for putting together charcuterie boards that will make any occasion elegant and leave lasting impressions on your guests. We have also added information about how creating your own wine and cheese tasting can be an interactive experience.
If you find this cheese and charcuterie guide helpful, please share it and leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
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Vancouver Cheese and Meat Festival – November 4, 2023
The Cheese and Meat Festival offers, not only cheese and meat from the Pacific Northwest, but also a vast array of artisan foods and liquors. Each ticket holder will receive a small charcuterie board upon entry to be used to sample the foods and drinks on offer, and while they listen to vendors describing their items being showcased.
There are three tasting session: afternoon, VIP and evening.
Location: The Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver.
Top 5 Vancouver Cheese Shops
1. les amis du FROMAGE
The family owned and operated les amis du FROMAGE has two Vancouver locations to choose from. These specialty cheese stores offer a carefully curated selection of local and imported cheeses, charcuterie and accompaniments.
Founded in 1985, les amis du FROMAGE has been voted “Best Cheese Shop” several times by local media — and has been awarded Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant Award for Top Food Supplier to Vancouver’s best restaurants and hotels.
The cheese shops are located at: 1752 West Second Avenue and 843 East Hastings Street in Vancouver
Q&A with Allison Spurrell, les amis du FROMAGE, one of the top 5 places to buy cheese in Vancouver.
Allison Spurrell founded the award-winning Vancouver cheese shop les amis du FROMAGE with her mother Alice Spurrell and now shares ownership with Joe Chaput.
I think what makes our store unique is the level of service that we aim to provide, and the number of cheeses we regularly carry. We work hard to train all of our team to know as much about our stock as possible before we send them off to help customers. It is always a work in progress of course, but it’s always fun to teach new employees about cheese, just as it is exciting to educate customers about new products we receive.
We carry more than 500 types of cheese in our stores. It’s a lot to take care of and a lot to source, but we love to be able to provide a diverse range of cheeses. Although our name is French — and we do have a lot of French cheese and products in the store — we also carry a lot of cheese from Canada (of course!), and Italy, Holland and the UK, as well. Because we go through so much product every week we are able to have a great selection of more perishable items. Our stock is always changing, but we always have a fun assortment on hand, especially in the fall and winter months.
What is your personal favourite cheese currently in your shop and why?
I really don’t have an all-time favourite cheese, or even a weekly favourite, but I will mention a few of my go-to cheeses at the moment.
- Moulis Cremier – is a raw cow’s milk cheese from the French Pyrenees. It is a medium-firm cheese with a lovely earthy taste and a fresh milky finish.
- Bra Duro – is a DOP designated raw cow’s milk cheese from Piemonte, Italy. It’s firm with a great sharp, tangy, slightly salty finish. Great as a wine pairing go-to.
- 14 Arpents – is a sot washed rind cheese from Québec. It has a great grassy, earthy taste and can be very runny when ripe.
What trends are you seeing in the artisan cheese market?
Trends in cheese is an interesting questions. We don’t notice trends in cheese as much, as we tend to focus on more traditionally made cheeses. How the cheese is made and that it’s made in it’s traditional home is what we generally pay attention to, however having said that, we still have our eyes open!.
- Over the past few years the run on truffle cheeses has been amazing to watch. It seems to be waning a little now, but is still a going concern.
- Also interest in grass-fed cheese is big at the moment.
- In the U.S., I know the trend seems to be going to things flavoured with Hatch peppers!
Have you won any awards lately?
We’ve been lucky enough to have many nice awards over the years, but this year I was pleased to be invited to travel to Minneapolis to be a judge at the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. It’s nice to represent Canada (the only Canadian judge there), and amazing to see the amazing entries. So much great farmstead cheese entered from Canada and the U.S.
les amis du FROMAGE is one of the best specialty cheese shops in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
les amis du FROMAGE is one of the best places to buy cheese in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
les amis du FROMAGE is one of the best specialty cheese shops in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
les amis du FROMAGE is one of the best specialty cheese shops in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
2. La Grotta Del Formaggio
La Grotta Del Formaggio, most famous for their sandwiches, is a Commercial Drive institution also popular for its charcuterie offerings, including a vast choice of domestic and international cheeses.
The store is located in the heart of Little Italy at 1791 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
Q&A with Ashley Ray, Store Manager and a ACS Certified Cheese Professional
What is unique about La Grotta Del Formaggio and products?
First and foremost is Fortunato. He started this humble little shop back in the 70s and is still here every day with his warm smile and wealth of information. There is no one else out there like him! We also have one of the largest selections of Italian cheeses in the city.
What are the most popular selling cheeses?
Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano and Burrata.
What is your personal favorite?
It’s very hard to narrow it down, but I’ll give you two. The black garlic Manchego from Spain. It has this beautiful umami of sweet yet savory garlic, undertones of sauteed onions and toasted nuts. The other is a local Camembert from Comox, B.C. It’s nothing like a typical French Camembert. It’s smooth and has very clean flavours and this essence of the ocean.
What is the most popular charcuterie board request?
Burrata, Burrata, and more Burrata. We are the place to go for imported Italian Burrata. A close second would be the Manchego family; we carry all ages and flavours. For charcuterie, defiantly prosciutto and mortadella.
What trends have you noticed in artisan cheese?
There are so many beyond excellent things coming out of Quebec. Small batch, grassfed and organic. We have quite a variety set to land in store in earlier December for the holidays and I’m very excited!
Tips for eating cheese?
ALWAYS let your cheeses come to room temperature before consuming. It’s when you’ll get the true full flavour of whatever beauty you have in front of you. If it is a semi firm or hard cheese, hold it between your fingers for a few seconds and take in the smell before putting it into your mouth. It’s the best way to get the full sensory experience.
Tips for storing cheese?
Cheese is alive and needs room to breathe. Though it almost always comes in plastic so you can see what your buying, it’s actually the worst way to store it. Once home, wrap in parchment paper and store in a container. Stinky cheeses like blues and wash rinds (the sticky orange ones) should be stored alone, as their cultures are invasive and will overtake its milder friends.
Fortunato Bruzzese never misses a day selling cheese at La Grotta Del Formaggio on Commerical Drive in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Charcuterie boards, a work of art, created by Anna at La Grotta Del Formaggio, one of the top 5 places to buy cheese in Vancouver.
3. Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
The family run Benton Brothers Fine Cheese shop was created by two brothers, Jonah and Andrew, who made the transition from engineers to cheesemongers in 2007. Their passion for cheese is evident.
This family-owned cheese shop offers 200 kinds of artisanal, small production and farmhouse cheeses with no artificial flavours. Find the perfect pairing, try a tasting before buying and learn about the history behind the selected cheese.
Order or pick up charcuterie boards and accompaniments. The shop is located in the Granville Island Market.
Q&A with Jonah Benton
What is your most popular selling cheese?
Chateau de Bourgogne – which is a triple cream brie (over 75% butterfat) from Burgundy. It’s rich and decadent and definitely on of our top sellers!
What is your most popular charcuterie board or most requested item for the board?
Our most popular request is definitely for us to choose! You’ll always get to try new things and taste the cheeses that are at the peak if you ask your cheese monger for suggestions!
What is the best way to taste cheese? Any tips?
Always let cheese come up to room temperature…and remember….there are no rules to tasting and no wrong answers.
What is the best way to store cheese after it is bought?
All of our cheese comes wrapped in Ovtene cheese paper. This is specially designed to help cheese maintain is texture and flavor while simultaneously keeping it from drying out and wicking away any excess moisture.
Always stay away from simple plastic wrap and remember that cheese doesn’t last forever so buy what you will eat within seven-to-10 days for soft cheese, and 14-to-21 days for harder cheese.
What are you most proud of about your business?
We’re always proud to offer people smaller production cheeses that they can’t find elsewhere, or that they think there’s no way they will be able to find outside the cheeses’ country of origin.
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese on Granville Island is one of the best places to buy cheese in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fine Cheese on Granville Island is one of the best places to buy cheese in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
3. Duso’s Granville Island
Duso’s founder, Mauro Duso, is one of the original store owners from world-famous Granville Island. We’re lucky to have him and his knowledge of all things cheese, because he could have stayed out east after arriving in Canada from Italy and that would have been a real loss to Vancouver. Mauro first arrived in Canada from Italy by ship, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before boarding a train to Toronto. It was in the late 1960s, when Mauro finally travelled across the country and instantly fell in love with Vancouver and opened Duso’s Granville Island, which is also where he met his wife, Susan.
When some of Vancouver’s best restaurants gained an increasing interest in fresh, authentic pasta, they turned to Duso’s Granville Island, which soon became a destination location for quality, Italian ingredients, including high-quality cheese. With the little shop booming, and Mauro and his family making pasta day and night, they still couldn’t keep up with the increased demand. Mauro solved this predicament by moving production to their current facility in Port Coquitlam, BC, keeping Granville Island Market as his flagship retail store.
Today Duso’s fresh pasta and sauces can be found in more than 800 grocery stores across Canada, as well as at the original, now-iconic Granville Island Market location, which also features a delicious variety of cheese.
Duso’s flagship shop on Granville Island sells fresh authentic pasta and has a wonderful selection of sauces, cheeses and meats. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
5. Dussa’s Ham and Cheese
Operating since 1956, Dussa’s Ham and Cheese specializes in cheese and charcuterie boards. Boards start at around $35 for basics like the French Classic Board with sliced apple and two cheeses: St. Agur (mild blue, creamy, smooth, complex), etorki (earthy, caramel).
In search of the best places to buy cheese in Vancouver. Dussa’s Ham and Cheese has popular offerings. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
10 Tips and Tricks for putting together Charcuterie Boards
There’s no doubt about it, charcuterie boards help elevate any gathering and make it extra special. They’re great to add to any informal get together, to serve as an appetizer, or to add a wonderful visual statement to party buffets. Bonus: a charcuterie board’s presentation alone, can be a real work of art.
Charcuterie boards are also perfect for a picnic in the park or for enjoying while watching a romantic sunset.
- The top trick to putting a charcuterie board together is choosing colours to add interest, use fresh in-season fruit and pair the meats and soft and hard cheeses to compliment each other.
- Go to a specialty cheese store and ask the experts to recommend their top picks for their advice on flavours, textures and pairing suggestions.
- Be sure to add a variety of savory and sweet accompaniments such as, pickled eggplant, spicy wasabi peas, olives, pickled beans, marinated artichokes, fresh figs, artisan mustards, jellies, chutney, nuts, stuffed grape leaves, terrines, pâtés and spreads.
- Use denser breads or specialty crackers with nuts or dried fruits.
- Use the perfect sized board or use more than one. Try different shapes. Wood, glass, mirrored, slate, marble and ceramic make great visual choices for a board.
- Remember cheese knives, spreaders, little forks, picks and spoons for serving.
- Labels are very useful to let guests know what they’re choosing from the board.
- Don’t forget to add seasonal touches to the board or add sprigs of fresh herbs.
- If you are short of time or imagination, order a charcuterie board in advance of a planned event from one of the top five cheese shops above.
- Always serve cheese at room temperature.
Make your own charcuterie board. These DIY charcuterie boards were created recently by my family for a bridal shower and for a spooky Halloween girls night. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Make your own charcuterie board. This quick and easy charcuterie board paired nicely with local craft beer from Sooke Oceanside Brewery on Vancouver Island. Photo: Stephanie Carr©
5 tips for hosting a fun interactive wine and cheese tasting
- Ask each guest to bring a bottle of wine and a cheese it pairs well with, or a local artisan made savory and sweet accompaniment, such as chutney.
- Ask each guest to learn as much as they as they can about their choices and to be prepared to share that information.
- Offer water, spittoon, nonalcoholic beverages, appropriate snacks, such as crackers, bread, olives, fruit, crudites, dips, nuts, popcorn, chocolate and potato chips.
- Create an appropriate playlist. Here’s an Italian-themed playlist we found on Spotify.
- Never, ever light scented candles because their smell can inhibit your guests from savouring the aromas of the wine and cheese.
Remember, as a host, it is your responsibility to make sure your guests get home safely and by promoting zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Bosa Foods
Before you say, “What about Bosa Foods on Victoria Drive?” Let’s just say we tried. We even went to visit the shop, but the store manager refused to speak to us, wouldn’t let us take any photos and practically threw us out. Not sure what military level secrets they’re hiding, but what we do know is the store sells more than 400 varieties of both domestic and international cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano (the king of Italian cheese), Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Provolone, Asiago, Piave, and Montasio. All we can add is, cosa diavolo!
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
Award-winning journalist and travel writer, based in Vancouver, B.C. Co-chair of the B.C. Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada, member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
This is such a great post! I love cheese, so learning where to shop and how to put together a charcuterie board was extremely helpful.
Thank you for this useful information. Now I know where to buy cheese when I visit!
These cheese shops look so fantastic. And with plenty of choices. I personally dont like too many choices because I would want to try them all, and that will take just too much time :)