Creating a cheese plate is a fickle art. One must strike the perfect balance of salty-sweet, creamy-crunchy, and stinky-mild. When you finally stumble upon a cheese plate that hits all the right notes, you desperately try to commit it to memory as you savor every last morsel of dairy heaven. But worry no more! We’ve taken all the guess work out of finding the best cheese plates in Boston.
The Salty Pig
With it’s wide selection of both local and European stinky cheeses and an array of “salty pig parts,” The Salty Pig allows you to mix and match your own custom charcuterie board for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Round out your plate with their featured jams, jellies, nuts, and olives. The options change frequently at this Back Bay diner, so every time you visit is a chance to try something new. (130 Dartmouth St., 617.536.6200, thesaltypig.com)
Troquet
Troquet is an upscale French restaurant that serves their cheese as the French intended—with wine. Choose three or six cheeses from their fully loaded tableside cart, and ask the knowledgable staff for an expert wine pairing to go along with it. The view of Boston Common only sweetens the meal. (140 Boylston St., 617.695.9463, troquetboston.com)
Matt Murphy’s Pub
Offering a casual atmosphere with top-shelf dining, Matt Murphy’s Pub masters the sweet and savory approaching with their plate of three artisan cheeses with pistachio-thyme honey and red wine syrup. Moderately priced at $12, it goes perfectly with their extensive list of beers on tap, making this Cambridge institution an ideal Friday night destination. (14 Harvard St., 617.232.0188, mattmurphyspub.com)
L’Espalier
Recognized for its cheese program by both The New York Times and Esquire, L’Espalier has one of the most diverse selections in the city. Curated by maitre d’ and fromager Louis Risoli, the presented cheeses hail from all around the world, yet local New England options are still well represented. Cheese options change seasonally, and if one particularly strikes your fancy, most are available for purchase so you can enjoy it at home. (774 Boylston St., 617.262.3023, lespalier.com)
The Gallows
Located in the heart of the South End, The Gallows presents diners with two different curated cheeseboards. One, a vegetarian friendly option with nuts, fruit, and pea shoots. The other, a carnivore’s dream with rabbit terrine, pork pate, house pickles, and mustard. Pegged as a “loud and welcoming” spot to grab a drink or indulge in their menu that changes weekly, The Gallows will be your new go-to spot. (1395 Washington St., 617.425.0200, thegallowsboston.com)
Not heading to Boston anytime soon? Use these tips to make your own stellar cheese plate at home.
Alicia Hahn
Alicia Hahn excels at eating and enjoys writing, crosswords, and cooking (preferably with cheese). Originally from San Francisco, she moved to Boston for school and fell in love with the city (despite an annual campaign against winter). Her favorite place to be is the farmers’ market, where she finds weird and exciting ingredients to make or break her next meal.
