Editors’ Choice
The Cheese Shop of Salem, Salem
Standout Qualities: A pure, unadulterated love of cheese and other gastronomic delights is contagious when you enter the store, which is full of delicious foods, friendly employees who are eager to share their faves, and not a whiff of pretension.
Insider Tip: A full schedule of free tastings covers everything from Argentinian wines to hard ciders, infused olive oils, and more.
Fun Fact: Last year, the shop “adopted” a Swiss alp called Satteleggi, which resulted in their bringing wheels of the region’s Hobelkäse cheese back home to Salem.
45 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-498-4820, thecheeseshopofsalem.com
Readers’ Choice (Tie)
Joppa Fine Foods, Newburyport
What’s New: Explore a newly expanded and renovated space filled with even more of the wines, cheeses, small-batch gourmet goodies, and ready-to-eat foods you love.
50 Water St., #305, The Tannery, Newburyport, 978-462-4662, joppafinefoods.com
The Cheese Shop of Salem, Salem