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Olympic Cheese Mart
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
93 Front St ESt. Lawrence Market, Upper Level
Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 363-7602
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 8 am - 6 pm
Fri 8 am - 7 pm
Sat 5 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
3 reviews for Olympic Cheese Mart
3 reviews in English
-
Review from Suzie S.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2012
Olympic Cheese Mart is my favourite cheese shop in all of Toronto! You can find it on the top floor of the St.Lawrence Market right across from the Mustard Shop (which is also another must if you're in the Market).
Olympic Cheese sells a massive variety of cheeses... They have very friendly and knowledgeable staff (did I mention that there is even a cute cheese guy?), who will let you try any and all of the cheeses if you simply ask. My sweetheart and I have gone in a number of times and have asked for their recommendations regarding new cheeses to try based on the ones that we already like... And, they have recommended some real winners.
Our favourites are the raspberry beer or balsamic soaked Sartori, and the buffalo milk Parmesan. I also have a soft spot in my heart (and tummy) for the applewood smoked cheddar.
Olympic Cheese has undergone a recent renovation, and the shop is now very bright, clean and open (exactly what you'd want when shopping for food). The store not only sells cheese but also crackers, dips, etc.
The delicious cheeses aren't cheap... But the good stuff never is, right? Go spend your hard earned dollars on some Sartori... You won't regret it :) -
Review from Lilliane G.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2011
I liked this place before, but I like it even more since their renovation. The space is brighter and easier to navigate now that the space is not so cramped.
Their staff is knowledgeable and you can easily tell that they love what they do.
Whenever I need help or advice on choosing cheese for a charcuterie plate, dessert course or an "elevated" version of a grilled cheese sandwich, they've never failed in suggesting the perfect cheese for the occasion.
Their selection is impressive and I especially love that they carry so many Quebec and Ontario cheese (my personal favourite being Niagara Gold).
Of note, they not only carry cheese but some higher end pantry items as well.
All in all, a great little spot. -
Review from Denise S.
12/26/2010
I LOVE cheese and it's great shopping here because they do too! Olympic Cheese is on the 2nd floor of the market (across from the mustard shop). It's family run and has been around for decades -- apparently it was the 1st cheese shop in St. Lawrence Market. Now, there are several others to choose from, but I still think this one's the best. The staff are super-nice and helpful. If you need any cooking advice or recipe ideas, they will be happy to share some tips! The store is kinda small and gets crowded on saturdays, but no one ever seems too frazzled. I mean, how can you be grumpy or stressed out when you're surrounded by delicious artisan cheeses? They have everything. My personal favourites are their greek feta (which is in a giant barrel at the back of the store) and kefalotiri, a sheep-milk cheese that one of the staff introduced me to.
They also sell stuff to go with your cheese purchases, like crackers, jams, olives, etc.
There is another location in Markham.
If there were cheese olympics, these guys would win:)
Specialties
+600 Kinds of Cheeses
Cheese and Pairing Advice
Local Artisanal Cheeses
Imported Stock From All Over the World
Famous Cheddar Aged "In-House"
Over 1,000 Specialty Food Items
Antipasto Bar, Olive Bar, Jelly, Chutney, Jam, Honey, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Terrines, Pate and more Accoutrements.
History
Established in 1958
Olympic Cheese is the family owned & operated specialty cheese store of George Tsioros. Located in Toronto's historic St. Lawrence Market, it was the first specialty cheese store in the market.
During it's inception, Toronto was home to a large influx of European immigrants who included cheese as a regular part of their diet. Olympic Cheese quickly became a mecca for those seeking their native cheese.
The store boasts 1,000 specialty items, and +600 kinds of cheese. It has recently undergone renovations, the current design is an open concept combining stainless steel counters and fridges with friendly chalk board signs, an open ceiling to allow for natural light, and exposed brick of the markets original wall. Inside, a visually appealing showcase of the city's largest selection in cheese. Founder George deals directly with cheese manufacturers in Canada and Europe. Combine that with years of personable and knowledgeable service to get the large clientele Olympic Cheese has today.
Meet the Manager: Nick T.
Nick hails from Olympic Cheese, a family owned specialty cheese store in the St. Lawrence Market. Established in 1958, today they carry the largest selection in the city with over 600 kinds of cheese, and 1,000 specialty items. Nick recently returned from New York where he was invited to compete in the second annual Cheesemonger Invitational. While in New York Nick had a remarkable experience touring the 5 boroughs in search of specialty cheese stores to learn about American artisan cheeses not available in Canada.
Recently Nick teamed up with cheese columnist Sue Riedl of the Globe & Mail to promote Canadian artisanal cheese & Sonoma Valley winemaker Joel Peterson of Ravenswood Winery at a wine and cheese tasting in Toronto.
