Toronto is a city blessed with options to stock up your fridge with gourmet treats. But for one particular ingredient, few stores generate as much buzz as Pusateri’s Fine Foods on Avenue Road. A family-run gourmet institution for over 60 years, Pusateri’s has long been the gold standard for indulgence in this city. Patrons from Bayview to Forest Hill and beyond visit for high-end meat, imported charcuterie and sweets, as well as one of Toronto’s most curated cheese counters.
It is a place where you do not just buy cheese. It is an education. It is a story. It is tradition, terroir, and a moment of discovery. From the alpine pastures of Switzerland to the windswept islands of Québec, each and every wheel has a story to tell. We are highlighting some standouts from their collection, as well as how to enjoy them, and which Canadian and European wines pair best alongside.
Why Pusateri’s Cheese Counter Stands Out
In the case of cheese, one of the most important details is not only the range but the quality of products on offer. When shopping the world, it means we can shop here at Pusateri’s for Swiss classics. It also means Italian treasures, Dutch favourites, and Québec artisanal gems, all properly cared for and stored. The Avenue Road store is particularly beloved for its in-depth staff knowledge.
Whether you’re assembling a quiet night in with a soft blue cheese and an Ontario Riesling or you’re building a lavish board of indulgences for a house full of guests, you can count on the cheesemongers to walk you through the selection with a welcoming, detail-oriented eye. For the epicurean within you, Pusateri’s is more than just another local grocery store. It’s a destination.
The Cheese Lineup at Pusateri’s Avenue Road
Here are some of the latest stars entering Pusateri’s cheese counter line up this fall, they are worth the trip! Each one offers a unique flavour profile, history, and pairing opportunity.
Gorgonzola Dolce DOP, Italy
Origin: Lombardy, Italy (town of Gorgonzola)
Style: Soft, blue-veined, cow’s milk
Profile: Buttery, sweet, mild notes of sour cream
The Dolce style is the gentler cousin of sharper blue cheeses. Creamy, lush, and almost spreadable, it is a cheese that comforts. With blue-green veins that do not overpower, it is approachable even for those new to blue cheeses.
Serving tip: Spread on a warm crostini, drizzle with honey, and serve with toasted walnuts.
Wine pairing:
- European: Moscato d’Asti or a dessert wine from Piedmont
- Canadian: Niagara Icewine (Vidal) or Prince Edward County Chardonnay
Leerdammer, Netherlands
Origin: The Netherlands
Style: Semi-firm cow’s milk, aged 3–12 months
Profile: Mild, sweet, nutty, elastic texture, signature holes
Leerdammer is often compared to Emmental and Gouda, but has its own gentle charm. It is a family-friendly cheese that still holds enough character for cheese boards. Its delicate sweetness makes it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Serving tip: Add slices to sandwiches or enjoy with crisp apples for a light snack.
Wine pairing:
- European: German Riesling Kabinett or Alsatian Pinot Blanc
- Canadian: Ontario Chardonnay (unoaked) or Okanagan Pinot Gris
Frère Jacques, Québec
Origin: Saint Paulin, Québec
Style: Firm cheese, washed rind
Profile: Yellow-orange rind, creamy interior with large holes, sweet walnut notes
This Canadian favourite is kid-friendly yet elegant. It is made with traditional methods, offering a delicate nuttiness and subtle tang. It bridges the gap between approachable and artisanal.
Serving tip: Perfect for a family cheese board, especially with young tasters. Pair it with dried fruit or a crusty baguette for a delightful treat.
Wine pairing:
- European: Beaujolais Villages (Gamay) or Loire Valley Chenin Blanc
- Canadian: Prince Edward County Gamay or Niagara Riesling
Tomme de Grosse-Île, Québec
Origin: Île aux Grues, Québec (near Québec City)
Style: Semi-firm cow’s milk
Profile: Brownish rind, creamy yellow paste, aromas of straw and forest, tart lactic finish with hints of fruit
Made since 1977, this cheese reflects its terroir: the winds of the St. Lawrence, the island pastures, and the collaboration of farmers. It has depth and character, making it a favourite for cheese boards that want to stand out.
Serving tip: Pair with rustic bread and wild mushroom pâté.
Wine pairing:
- European: Loire Sauvignon Blanc or Jura Chardonnay
- Canadian: Niagara Sauvignon Blanc or Okanagan Gewürztraminer
Le 1608 Charlevoix, Québec
Origin: Charlevoix, Québec
Style: Semi-soft, washed rind, heritage breed milk
Profile: Slightly moist pink rind, golden paste, sweet and complex flavour
Le 1608 is made from the milk of the rare Canadian heritage cow breed, once nearly extinct. Launched in 2008 to honour Québec City’s 400th anniversary, it carries cultural weight along with flavour.
Serving tip: Enjoy with slices of ripe pear or fig preserves.
Wine pairing:
- European: Sauternes (Bordeaux) or Alsace Pinot Gris
- Canadian: Ontario Late Harvest Riesling or Okanagan Pinot Noir
Bouchet Raclette de Savoie, Québec (inspired by France)
Origin: Inspired by Alpine raclette traditions, crafted in Québec
Style: Semi-soft, cow’s milk
Profile: Creamy, velvety paste, aromatic, perfect for melting
Invented by shepherds in the Middle Ages, raclette was designed to be shared. Pusateri’s stocks Bouchet Raclette de Savoie, a Québec-made version with strong ties to French tradition.
Serving tip: Melt over potatoes, serve with charcuterie, and enjoy with friends.
Wine pairing:
- European: Savoie Jacquère or Swiss Fendant
- Canadian: Ontario Chardonnay (oaked) or Okanagan Pinot Gris
The Blues of Saint Benoît du Lac, Québec
Nestled on Lake Memphremagog, the Abbey of Saint Benoît du Lac has been crafting cheeses since 1943. Their blue cheeses stand among the best in Canada.
Bleu Benedictin
Profile: Crumbly, creamy, rich undertones
Wine pairing:
- European: Vintage Port or French Sauternes
- Canadian: Niagara Icewine or Late Harvest Riesling
Bleu Ermite
Profile: Creamy, crumbly, sharp, with mushroom notes
Wine pairing:
- European: Rhône Syrah or Spanish Rioja Reserva
- Canadian: Okanagan Syrah or Niagara Cabernet Franc
Bleu Fumé
Profile: Pungent, smoky, tangy, slightly spicy
Wine pairing:
- European: Amarone della Valpolicella or Spanish Sherry (Oloroso)
- Canadian: Okanagan Cabernet Sauvignon or Prince Edward County Pinot Noir
Appenzeller (Snowman), Switzerland
Origin: Appenzell region, northeast Switzerland
Style: Hard cow’s milk cheese
Profile: Mild yet spicy, creamy texture, often aged for a few months
Appenzeller is one of Switzerland’s proudest exports. It has been made for more than 700 years using secret herbal brines brushed onto the rind. At Pusateri’s, you will find Snowman Appenzeller, which balances creaminess with a delicate spiced finish.
Serving tip: Slice thin and let it warm to room temperature. It shines on a cheeseboard and makes a superb melted layer in fondue.
Wine pairing:
- European: Grüner Veltliner from Austria, or a crisp Swiss Chasselas
- Canadian: Niagara Pinot Gris or a dry Okanagan Riesling
Building a Balanced Cheese Board
When you bring home a selection from Pusateri’s Avenue Road, you are not just serving cheese. You are hosting a sensory journey.
Balance is important. Choose one mild, such as Leerdammer, one washed rind, like Frère Jacques or 1608, one strong blue, like Bleu Fumé, and one hard Alpine, like Appenzeller.
Taste in order from mild to bold. Mix textures from creamy to crumbly to firm. Add accompaniments like honey, figs, walnuts, charcuterie, and rustic breads. Label each cheese on the board and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Shopping Tips at Pusateri’s Avenue Road
Ask for samples. Cheesemongers are accustomed to customers tasting before they make a purchase. Shop seasonally, as some cheeses are only available at specific times of year due to their production cycle. Plan ahead for holidays and weekends, and book your cheese board in advance to ensure a seamless experience. Consider curated cheese boxes for effortless entertaining.
Toronto has some great cheese counters, but none can top Pusateri’s Avenue Road for quality, variety, and overall experience. Whether you’re in the mood for Swiss heritage, Italian indulgence, or Québec’s artisanal pride, we’ve got it – carefully aged, perfectly stored, always presented with care.
So next time you want to elevate a quiet dinner, celebrate with friends, or simply treat yourself, head to Pusateri’s cheese counter. Taste, ask questions, and take home something extra special.
At Pusateri’s, every slice has a story worth savouring.
Best Cheese Shops in Toronto: Why Food Lovers Choose Pusateri’s Avenue Road