Say Cheese! These top cheese shops in Ottawa will have you grinning from ear to ear with all your delicious finds!
I love cheese, but I’m not merely the type who asks for extra ones when I order from Subway. No, I’m the kind who brings their own parmesan cheese when they go out for pasta – shhh, don’t tell the Italians!
I know how much a perfect cheese can elevate a dish to new heights or spoil the entire experience. I mean, imagine putting blue cheese on pasta! Okay, to each their own, I guess.
From hosting my own cheese party to crafting the finest charcuterie board that would give Pinterest boards a run for their money, here are the ultimate sources for the finest cheese in Ottawa that have saved me time and time again.
1. Jacobsons
Website: https://jacobsons.ca
Address: 103 Beechwood Ave.
Contact details: +1 613-746-6002
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Offering a wide range of artisanal cheeses, Jacobsons makes it to the top cheese shops in the city where locals flock to indulge in imported gourmet delicacies.
Aside from shopping one by one from their selections, they also have cheese boxes, ideal for those looking for curated experiences.
If you like to receive something special each month, you can also sign up for their cheese of the month which offers a delightful surprise of curated cheeses delivered right to your door.
Jacobsons lovely offers make exploring the world of artisanal cheeses fun and exciting, providing curious foodies with an opportunity to savor unique flavors from all over the globe.
2. International Cheese Inc.
Website: https://internationalcheeseinc.com
Address: 40 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-5411
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
International Cheese Inc. is an under-the-radar find that provides cheese options for unbeatable prices in the famous ByWard Market Square.
Surrounded by a plethora of interesting eats, you’ll feel even more inspired to go on a culinary adventure in the neighborhood, and perhaps, have the curiosity to experiment in your own kitchen.
They have almost every cheese imaginable from different parts of the globe, including ones from Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, France, and Canada as well, among many other places.
It’s the perfect destination for foodies looking to plunge deep into the fantastic world of cheese without ever leaving the city.
3. Serious Cheese
Website: https://www.graceinthekitchen.ca
Address: Kanata, ON
Contact details: +1 613-521-4818
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Serious Cheese offers an assortment of cheeses, from unique finds to classic options, making it a breeze to find the perfect flavor for your dish.
One particular kind that captured my attention was the Wookey hole cheddar, a peculiar, firm cheese from the UK aged in caves for around six months!
It tastes rich and nutty and pairs well with robust red wines with intense flavors.
That said, semi-soft cheeses have a special place in my gourmet soul because of how creamy and versatile they are, making them perfect for a variety of dishes.
I especially recommend the tomato basil havarti, which I love using for grilled cheese.
4. Seed to Sausage General Store
Website: https://www.seedtosausage.ca
Address: 729 Gladstone Ave.
Contact details: +1 613-422-5202
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – closed
Seed to Sausage General Store is one of my favorite gourmet stores in Ottawa.
In fact, I’ve just recently learned about this from a colleague and I’ve been going there whenever I’m in need of some pasta sauces, sausages, and of course, cheeses.
Whenever I arrive, I feel a surge of excitement (which I’m sure you’ll feel too), proving to myself that I’m far from the person I was in college, where a visit to a 24/7 fast food restaurant was enough to get me through the day.
Now, I realize I’m really a full-blown adult who relishes the experience of exploring diverse culinary delights. Taking the time to carefully curate and shop for my groceries has become more than just a chore—it’s now one of my favorite pastimes.
And considering the selections at Seed to Sausage, I find myself enjoying it even more.
5. Di Rienzo’s Grocery
Website: https://www.dirienzodeli.ca
Address: 111 Beech St
Contact details: +1 613-729-4037
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Di Rienzo’s Grocery is a local favorite loved for its variety of offerings.
While its facade is modest and unassuming, don’t let this small detail deter you from discovering the world of magical wonders that await ahead.
Be sure to sample their famous sandwiches too. You never know, you might just unleash your inner chef!
Ask them to add lots of cheese while you’re at it – it’s the perfect way to enjoy this delicious concoction.
6. Farmer’s Pick
Website: https://www.farmerspick.ca
Address: 1430 Prince of Wales Dr
Contact details: +1 613-225-1240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Farmer’s Pick is a European food store renowned for its fresh produce.
It’s my go-to spot when I need to restock my groceries, especially for cheeses. They offer a wide variety, from popular options like cheddar and mozzarella to more unique selections like Roquefort and asiago.
Fine cheeses have their own dedicated corner in the store, and just seeing them in person is enough to make your mouth water!