For any self-respecting turophile (read: cheese connoisseur), it will come as no surprise that Brisbane’s artisan cheese scene has well and truly taken off. From fromageries to gourmet delis, the city is teeming with these dairy laden delicacies, serving up the finest cheeses the world has to offer. Think decadent white moulds, truffle Manchego, and the rich, golden rinds of Parmigianno Reggiano.
Dig out those stretchy pants—tonight, you’ll be eating from the middle of the food pyramid. Here’s where to stock up on the best cheese in Brisbane.
The Stores Grocer
West End
If you haven’t paid a visit to West End’s finest gourmet grocery store, make a point to swing by for your next shop. The Stores Grocer not only offers the very best fresh produce, but also has a dedicated cheese room with an impressive range of local and international cheeses. Yes, an entire room of cheese. Our personal fave is the Medoro Mature Sardinian pecorino, but we recommend ordering a cheese board to sample them all—you can pick out your own cheeses or let the staff choose for you, and scoff it right there in their airy dining area. Or you know, just take your cheese home and make a mess in private.
The Cheeseboard
Stafford
Looking to support local? Set your sights on The Cheeseboard, an affinage business aimed at supporting Aussie dairy farmers. The store takes the form of a finishing cave that matures locally made cheeses to perfection. You’re welcome to pop into their brick and mortar digs (they’re open ‘till 6pm so you can swing by after work), or order online for an extra tasty delivery. Keep an eye out for their cheese pairing workshops too.
Le Fromage Yard
Morningside
Consider yourself a cheese connoisseur? Join the club. A membership to Le Fromage Yard’s monthly cheese club will score you a selection of three different cheeses delivered to your door 12 times a year. In between deliveries, head to their store to check out the latest flavours on offer. Once you’ve made your selection, head to their site to get a bit of background and read up on recommended wine pairings. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese (with a little wine on the side).
The Standard Market Co.
Newstead
Get your daily dose of tryptophan with a visit to The Standard Market Co. Their deli specialises in international fine foods and gourmet goodies made by local producers. In addition to an extensive range of hand marinated olives, the market offers one of the largest selections of artisan cheeses available in Brisbane. Better still, some stores are open as late as 7pm. Because sometimes you need a little cheese with your wine time.
Harris Farm Markets
Clayfield
If you’re passionate about parmesan, you’ll want to pay a visit to Clayfield's Harris Farm Markets, the first of two Brisbane stores from the iconic NSW-based grocer. With over 200 cheeses on offer, you’re sure to find one that tickles your taste buds. Better still, Harris Farm Markets offers delivery to your door for as little as $5, so you can get your cheese fix without ever having to leave your couch.
Olympus Cheese
Coorparoo
Boasting an award-winning range of buffalo milk feta, baked ricotta and halloumi, Olympus Cheese is a noteworthy addition to any Brisbane city cheese crawl. The family-owned factory uses time-honoured traditions following authentic Cypriot recipes to produce fresh, creamy, palate-pleasing flavours. Olympus Cheese products are preservative-free, and quality controlled from farm to table, so you know every bite will be just as good as the last—head to their showroom to stock up.
New Farm Deli
New Farm
New Farm Deli & Cafe has graced Merthyr Village since 1977, serving continental delicacies, great coffee and some of the most authentic Italian dishes in town. But, it's their enormous cheese counter we can't get enough of! Dive head first into Italy, France, Spain, the UK and Australia's finest fromages then pick up your fave cheese platter condiments to go with them.
Hawthorne Garage
Hawthorne
Who says there’s no decent cheese in the suburbs? Not Hawthorne Garage, that’s for sure. This joint is one mother of a deli and we would all do well to pay it a visit, no matter where we live. Key features to look out for include, but aren’t limited to, their fresh produce, gourmet provender, deli produce, fresh flowers, DNA coffee and, of course, cheese. They also offer catering and cheese board arrangement, in case you need a hand.
Rosalie Gourmet Market
Rosalie
Rosalie residents are known for rarely leaving their patch, especially when it comes to cheese fetching, and the culprit is the Rosalie Gourmet Market. Known for the outstanding selection of cheeses, their cabinet is stuffed full of the best cheeses in Brisbane. Notable mentions include pride of the cabinet, the d’Affinois Brie, which is less like cheese and more like pure cream served in rind. 11/10 would recommend.
Consider yourself a cheese-aholic? Check out this insanely cheesy deep-dish pizza.
Image credit: Amy Higg for Urban List