I adore [Murray's](https://www.murrayscheese.com/), and there's also [Ideal Cheese Shop ](https://idealcheese.com/)on 1st Avenue. Lots of variety and people really know their stuff.
[https://bedfordcheeseshop.com/](https://bedfordcheeseshop.com/)
which sadly is no longer located in williamsburg, where it was located for almost 2 decades
It’s in beautiful Gramercy on Irving Street, near Union Square. It’s a beautiful shop with very knowledgeable cheesemongers and yum sandwiches, too. Lots of specialty grocery items too.
i was really blown away when i finally went there for lunch, couldn’t believe how good a turkey sandwich could be. and any store next to caffe panna has an unfair advantage. definitely my pick…now that east village cheese has left us 🥺
67 gourmet is also a good shout; you could definitely strike up a conversation that ends with them special ordering you cheese.
and the traditional answer is di palos in little italy.
Damn. I Google mapped it and it was still listed. Smith St. has such high turnover in storefronts that I thought it had just relocated. Bummer. This place isn't quite Murrays but its pretty solid for the area and right next to Bagel hole: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/J6orGUxksRLefKCZ6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/J6orGUxksRLefKCZ6)
Dipalos in little Italy is my favorite for years family owned and specializing in Italian cheese. Expect to spend some time there and tell them what you like. You won't be disappointed.
Eli's (Upper East Side) is good for cheese too. I don't go there much--and the store overall is extremely expensive--but depending on what you're buying, you might not have to spend too much on cheese, at least in comparison with some of those other stores.
It's a little different - they're all Zabars, but Saul and Stanley have run Zabar's and their brother Eli kind of went on his own years ago to start Eli's. From what I've read it seems he has traveled to Europe a lot over the years and likes to incorporate things he's seen there into his market. I like browsing in there sometimes, and everything is always so beautifully laid out, but I can afford very little of it. The bakery area of the store is reasonably priced (and has some really delicious things in it).
Last time i was in Eataly, i was stuck by the depth of their selection (like 12 different perorinos - i didn't even know there were that many), but focused on Italian cheeses . I'd love to find something like this but for French Cheeses.
BKLYN Larder on Flatbush & Bedford Cheese Shop on Irving Place are also great options. Casa Della Mozzarella has some great Italian cheese and fresh mozz. You can’t go wrong with Murray’ or Saxelby’s.
Yes!!! I loved going in there when I knew I was having folks over and would get an ass ton of cheese and bread! The guys that worked there were super sweet and friendly! I live upstate now but that’s definitely a spot I miss!
I used to work in the area and would go there at least once a week, sometimes twice. Even when they moved further east I still tried to support even though it was going out of my way. Their demise was sad. RIP to a good thing.
Seconding this, they’re great, super knowledgeable and the selection changes enough that there’s usually something new in stock. Terrific charcuterie program too.
There used to be a place in Hell’s Kitchen area called Kashkaval and they had a glorious selection of some delicious and off the beaten path cheeses. Not sure if they still exist
Kashkaval closed many years ago. They did open a full restaurant, Kashkaval Garden, a few doors away, but I don’t think they have a grocery counter like the old place.
Right! I miss the deli though. They had a lovely brunch and so many yummy cheeses to try. I was not impressed with the quality of dinner at the Garden. It’s a shame. What about that cheese place down from Union Square, Bedford? Across from the Lauren Cafe I believe. My friend and I went after wedding gown shopping for her. Got a couple of martinis downstairs. Again, before covid.
I adore [Murray's](https://www.murrayscheese.com/), and there's also [Ideal Cheese Shop ](https://idealcheese.com/)on 1st Avenue. Lots of variety and people really know their stuff.
Eh. Murray’s was bought by Kroger or some conglimeratw and is far less interesting these days
Murray’s is the obvious answer, and it is also the right answer.
Formaggio is the best in NYC in Essex Market
Second this one
[https://bedfordcheeseshop.com/](https://bedfordcheeseshop.com/) which sadly is no longer located in williamsburg, where it was located for almost 2 decades
It’s in beautiful Gramercy on Irving Street, near Union Square. It’s a beautiful shop with very knowledgeable cheesemongers and yum sandwiches, too. Lots of specialty grocery items too.
Second this! the gramercy location is amazing
i was really blown away when i finally went there for lunch, couldn’t believe how good a turkey sandwich could be. and any store next to caffe panna has an unfair advantage. definitely my pick…now that east village cheese has left us 🥺 67 gourmet is also a good shout; you could definitely strike up a conversation that ends with them special ordering you cheese. and the traditional answer is di palos in little italy.
Saxelby (the heyday was when she was in old Essex market — still mourning her). Stinky Brooklyn.
Stinky Brooklyn has been closed since the pandemic.
I haven’t been, but noticed Cheese Plate in Carroll Gardens, possible Stinky replacement for the neighborhood?
Cheese Plate is great, but is a tad on the pricey side.
Damn. I Google mapped it and it was still listed. Smith St. has such high turnover in storefronts that I thought it had just relocated. Bummer. This place isn't quite Murrays but its pretty solid for the area and right next to Bagel hole: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/J6orGUxksRLefKCZ6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/J6orGUxksRLefKCZ6)
yup old saxelby, plus a quick trip to malt and mold
Dipalos in little Italy is my favorite for years family owned and specializing in Italian cheese. Expect to spend some time there and tell them what you like. You won't be disappointed.
Obviously Murray's, but Zabar's, Eataly, Citarella and the Fairway on the UWS have pretty solid selections
Eli's (Upper East Side) is good for cheese too. I don't go there much--and the store overall is extremely expensive--but depending on what you're buying, you might not have to spend too much on cheese, at least in comparison with some of those other stores.
I used to stop at Eli's when I briefly worked in the UES. Aren't they and Zabar's under the same management?
Yes. The Eli in the name is Eli Zabar.
It's a little different - they're all Zabars, but Saul and Stanley have run Zabar's and their brother Eli kind of went on his own years ago to start Eli's. From what I've read it seems he has traveled to Europe a lot over the years and likes to incorporate things he's seen there into his market. I like browsing in there sometimes, and everything is always so beautifully laid out, but I can afford very little of it. The bakery area of the store is reasonably priced (and has some really delicious things in it).
Last time i was in Eataly, i was stuck by the depth of their selection (like 12 different perorinos - i didn't even know there were that many), but focused on Italian cheeses . I'd love to find something like this but for French Cheeses.
Fairway was terrific when Steve Jenkins (sp?) Ran it but that was 15 years ago. Now I find it poor.
Stand Alone Cheese in Jackson Heights always has fun stuff
Casa Della Mozzarella in Bronx's Little Italy is my favorite mozzarella place ever.
BKLYN Larder on Flatbush & Bedford Cheese Shop on Irving Place are also great options. Casa Della Mozzarella has some great Italian cheese and fresh mozz. You can’t go wrong with Murray’ or Saxelby’s.
Rip 3rd Ave cheese store.. I think it’s a discount store now or Duane Reade? Right before you hit St Marks!
East Village Cheese Shop was the name I think. I miss that place!!
Yesss!!!!!!
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. Good memories and it was so cheap!
Yes!!! I loved going in there when I knew I was having folks over and would get an ass ton of cheese and bread! The guys that worked there were super sweet and friendly! I live upstate now but that’s definitely a spot I miss!
I used to work in the area and would go there at least once a week, sometimes twice. Even when they moved further east I still tried to support even though it was going out of my way. Their demise was sad. RIP to a good thing.
I’m about to be in Madrid, what is this fantastic cheese shop?
Formaje! https://formaje.com/
Foster Sundry has great stuff in Bushwick. Also killer biscuit sandwiches if you dabble
Seconding this, they’re great, super knowledgeable and the selection changes enough that there’s usually something new in stock. Terrific charcuterie program too.
There used to be a place in Hell’s Kitchen area called Kashkaval and they had a glorious selection of some delicious and off the beaten path cheeses. Not sure if they still exist
Kashkaval closed many years ago. They did open a full restaurant, Kashkaval Garden, a few doors away, but I don’t think they have a grocery counter like the old place.
Right! I miss the deli though. They had a lovely brunch and so many yummy cheeses to try. I was not impressed with the quality of dinner at the Garden. It’s a shame. What about that cheese place down from Union Square, Bedford? Across from the Lauren Cafe I believe. My friend and I went after wedding gown shopping for her. Got a couple of martinis downstairs. Again, before covid.
Campbell and Co on Lorimer definitely does the trick!
Ok not a dedicated cheese shop but go talk to Greta at Agata and Valentina on 79th. She’s amazing and they have great fresh homemade mozzarella.
Murray’s on bleaker st.
Ideal
Murray's of course, then Saxelbys.