Top places to buy cheese in Barcelona

Barcelona is popular among food and wine enthusiasts, famous for its legs of Iberico ham, tapas and pintxo restaurants, vermuterias, and of course the Cava. It’s not so well known for its cheeses, but it should be! In Barcelona there are a whole host of specialist cheese shops selling a wide range of local, traditional and artisan cheeses. Here is a rundown of some of the top places in Barcelona for cheese lovers.

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Formatgeria La Seu

The Formatgeria La Seu is located in a renovated butter factory in the Gothic Quarter. It is a must-visit stop for cheese lovers given the level of care and dedication that goes into the selection process. Every one of the 25 or so different farm cheeses in stock is hand-picked by Scottish-born owner Katherine McLaughlin according to specific requirements; the cheese must be hand-crafted and produced in limited numbers by independent farmers. You will find the classics, like Manchego, as well as less common but traditional Catalan cheeses such as the ancient Tupí. There really is a fantastic selection, and if you are anything like as indecisive as me, you will be pleased to know the shop includes a tasting room. But what makes this place truly unique is that you can try Katherine’s very own mouth-watering creation, a combination of cheese with homemade ice cream which you can have with nuts, honey or sultanas.

Colmado Múrria

This artistic and artisan shop in the Eixample district is truly unique and not-to-be-missed by any cheese lover. The experience begins before you even set foot inside, with its distinctive Art Deco storefront with an original Ramon Casas design, ‘Anis de Mono’, of a woman cradling a monkey, and the creatively arranged window displays. Then you enter inside where you will be further awe-struck, not just by the wonderful interior of wood-panelling, but also the glass cabinets filled with rarities sourced from far and wide, some of which are well beyond most people’s budget. The truffle-laced Gorgonzola at 380€ may be a little out of your price range, but there is plenty to suit lower-range budgets too, with an impressive selection of over 240 quality cheeses. You will also find Iberican ham, nuts, chocolate, coffee, wine, cava and champagne, and other gourmet delights.

Vila Viniteca

This family run deli on Agullers Street has been selling gourmet food and wine since 1932. It has expanded greatly over the years and now boasts a selection of over 7500 different wines and Cavas in their adjacent vinoteca, making it the ideal place pair up your chees and wine! As well as hundreds of varieties of artisanal cheese, you will find fresh fruit, vegetables, oils, preserves and Iberian ham. There are also a few tables where you can sit down and enjoy whichever products take your fancy.

If you don’t feel clued up enough or prefer the idea of nibbling on a selection of cheeses rather than choosing just one or two, a great idea is to go to a restaurant serving cheese platters. At La Tinaja in El Born, there are two choices of cheese platters, one with a selection of Iberian cheeses and the other showcasing specifically Catalan cheeses. What better way to expand your cheese knowledge!

Address C/ Esparteria 9, El Born