Top Artisan Cheese Shops In Philadelphia

It's time for some cheese, please. Philadelphia's love for cheese isn't limited to the Whiz that's found on a cheesesteak. (Let's face it, that stuff doesn't even count!) In fact, Philadelphia is home to a wide variety of shops that specialize in artisan cheeses and gourmet foods. Read on for some of the top cheese shops located in and near the City of Brotherly Love.

Carlino's Specialty Foods Inc.
2616 E County Line Road
Ardmore, PA 19003
(610) 649-4046
www.carlinosmarket.com

Since 1983, this old-world style Italian grocery store has boasted shelves stocked  with gourmet pastas, meats and olive oils. But the cheese selection is reason enough to make a stop at this family-owned market. With hundreds of imported and domestic cheeses to choose from, Carlino's also offers its own farmstead cheeses, which are produced in small batches, as well as artisanal goat cheeses which are produced in nearby Chester Springs. Carlino's has two locations: The flagship store in Ardmore and a sister shop in West Chester.

Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop
8509 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 242-2211
www.chcheeseshop.com

Located in historic Chestnut Hill, this iconic cheese shop has been in business for more than 50 years. With cheeses in all price ranges (from under $10 to over $150), cheese lovers can select a wide array of hard and soft cheeses and spreads. As a bonus, anything in the store can also be found online, and the online cheese descriptions also include wine pairings. And the goodies don't stop at cheese. Themed gourmet gift baskets are a specialty, and the store stocks plenty of fresh caviar, premium coffees and teas, condiments, nuts, chocolates and more. In addition, Chestnut Hill's Cheese of the Month club subscription is a great way to nibble on new cheeses handpicked by the staff.

Related: Top Chocolate Shops in Philadelphia

Downtown Cheese Shop
Reading Terminal Market
45 N. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 351-7412
www.readingterminalmarket.org

Samples abound at this cheese lover's paradise, which has been a local staple for more than 15 years. Located in Reading Terminal Market, Downtown Cheese Shop is known for its artisanal, domestic and imported cheeses, as well as oils, vinegars, charcuterie and other gourmet items from all around the world. Owner Jack Morgan regularly seeks out hard-to-find products from Europe and brings them to the City of Brotherly Love. Specialty cheese trays can also be ordered for parties and special events.

Claudio Specialty Foods
924-26 South 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-1873
www.claudiofood.com

Its sixty years and counting in business for this landmark wholesale and retail gourmet foods business, which is owned and operated by the Claudio family and located in the heart of the Italian Market. Claudio offers a huge selection of imported gourmet artisan cheeses, all hand cut to customers' specifications. And for those looking to try something new, try the monthly featured cheeses. Gift baskets, gift cards and Claudio apparel are also available.

Related: Top Wine Stores in the Philadelphia Area

The Grand Fromage
3910 Skippack Pike
Skippack, PA 19474
(610) 584-5400
www.thegrandfromage.com

Suburban cheese lovers don't have to travel all the way into the city to get their gourmet cheese fix. The Grand Fromage, located in the quaint village of Skippack, is a fine cheese shop that offers hundreds of specialty cheeses from Italy, France, Holland, Ireland and more. There's even locally made cheeses from nearby Potter County. Special events take place regularly at this gourmet shop, and party platters made with international ingredients are a specialty.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.