TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Italian Cheese Types
Considered to be among the world's top quality cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with raw, semi-skimmed milk from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay. It has a hard, gritty texture and its flavors range from nutty to robust and slightly piquant, depending on how long the cheese had matured.
The origins of Parmigiano Reggiano date back to the Middle Ages, when the Benedictine and Cistercian monks reclaimed the Po Valley wetlands and started producing this much-prized cheese. Since it originated and was mainly produced in the two city-states Parma and Reggio Emilia, the cheese was named Parmigiano Reggiano, meaning "a cheese from Parma and Reggio Emilia." The cheese got its name in the 19th century, and the word order is speculated to be purely due to alphabetical order.
Pair with
THE BEST Parmigiano Reggiano Cheeses

Caseificio Sociale Canevaccia
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2021


Caseificio Fattoria Scalabrini
Parmigiano Reggiano minimo 30 mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

Caseificio di Gavasseto e Roncadella
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2022
Produced in the region of Basilicata, Canestrato di Moliterno is made from whole goat's and sheep's milk. It is matured in the so-called fondaci, a type of dry, cold, but well-ventilated semi-underground warehouse typical for the Moliterno area.
Depending on the length of maturation, this hard Italian cheese can be either quite sweet or piquant in flavor, and it can be found marketed in three different varieties: Primitivo, ripened for up to 6 months; Stagionato, ripened for up to 12 months, and Stravecchio, ripened for over a year.
Pair with
Burrata, literary meaning buttered, is an artisan cheese from the Puglia region of Southern Italy, especially the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The cheese is made by hand with cow's milk, rennet, and cream. It is believed that the cheese was created by Lorenzo Bianchino Chieppa, a cheesemaker who had an idea to form a shell of stretched mozzarella strings and fill it with luscious, rich cream and smaller, leftover pieces of mozzarella.
The result was a true delicacy with the creamiest interior and a rich flavor of fresh milk, which very quickly became extremely popular. Burrata should be eaten as fresh as possible - ideally within 24 hours of being made. It can be served alone, seasoned only with some salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, but it is also delicious when accompanied by fresh tomatoes and prosciutto crudo, or when used as a topping for pizzas or bruschettas.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Burrata
THE BEST Burrata Cheeses
Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions.
Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.
THE BEST Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheeses

Mozzarella is a fresh, soft, stretched curd cheese, made with whole cow's milk. Due to the fact that it has a fragrant aroma of fresh milk and a delicate creamy flavor, mozzarella is traditionally paired with light white wines. This Italian classic originates from the region of Campania, but nowadays it is produced all across the country.
The cheese is made with water buffalo's milk or cow's milk, when it's often referred to as mozzarella fior di latte (in order to distinguish it from water buffalo milk mozzarella). The ancient tradition of making mozzarella cheese dates back to the 4th century BCE, however, the first official reference to its name was found in a 1570 cookery book by Bartolomeo Scappi, a famous Renaissance chef.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Mozzarella
THE BEST Mozzarella Cheeses



Rumiano Cheese Company
Organic Smoked Mozzarella
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2018, 2016
First produced in the 11th century by the Cistercian monks of the Santa Maria di Rovegnano Abbey in Chiaravalle Milanese, Grana Padano is known as one of the very few parmesan cheeses that can possibly compete with the far more famous Parmigiano-Reggiano.
This hard cheese is made from unpasteurized, semi-skimmed cow’s milk and it is available in these varieties: Grana Padano, Trentin Grana, and Grana Grattugiato. It is sold at different ripening stages: Grana Padano (9-16 months), Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi (over 16 months) and Grana Padano Riserva (over 20 months).
VARIATIONS OF Grana Padano
THE BEST Grana Padano Cheeses

Latteria San Pietro
Grana Padano DOP Selezione da Fieno 50 mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

Consorzio Latterie Virgilio
Grana Padano Riserva MN424 Virgilio Selezione
World Cheese Awards - Gold 2023

This hard cooked cheese is made with whole milk from pasture-grazed sheep, and has a particularly salty and slightly piquant flavor. Aged for at least 5 months, Pecorino Romano makes an excellent table cheese, particularly when combined with fresh vegetables and fruit, but after eight months of aging, it is mainly used for grating over classic Roman dishes such as Bucatini all’Amatriciana, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, and Tripe alla Romana.
The origins of Pecorino Romano can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when cheese processing methods were first described by some of ancient Rome's most important writers on agriculture: Varrone, Columella, Virgilio and Pliny the Elder. In 227 BCE, the production of this renowned cheese spread to the neighboring island of Sardinia, where even today almost 90% of Pecorino Romano is produced, while the remaining 10% comes from Lazio and the Tuscan province of Grosseto.
Produced exclusively on the island of Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo is a semi-cooked, hard cheese made with whole milk from the pasture-grazing Sarda sheep. This breed is indigenous to Sardinia, raised throughout Italy and considered to be among the best domestic breeds for milk production.
Highly adaptable to different terrains, Sarda sheep feed on fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, which gives Pecorino its distinctive aromatic flavor. It is available in two varieties: Pecorino Sardo Dolce (mild), a sweet and more delicate version, and Pecorino Sardo Maturo (mature), a much stronger flavored cheese that's matured for at least 2 months and pleasantly piquant.
Pair with
Back in the 15th century, when Pecorino production used to begin in spring, this Tuscan delicacy was called Cacio Marzolino, meaning March cheese. Nowadays, Pecorino Toscano is also produced in Lazio and Umbria, Tuscany's neighboring regions, and available year-round as either Fresco (fresh) or Stagionato (matured for at least 4 months).
This soft to semi-hard cheese is made with whole milk from sheep feasting on pastures nestled between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Compared to other varieties of Pecorino cheese, Toscano is only briefly salted and thus retains its delicate, sweet flavor.
Stracciata is an artisan Italian cheese produced in Molise. It is made from cow's milk. The curd is cut or torn, and it is then stretched into ribbons that can be folded or braided. Although stracciata is usually snow-white, in spring and summer it develops a yellowish hue.
On the outside, it is buttery, mild, sweet, fresh, and slightly salty, while the inside is milky and piquant. The cheese melts in the mouth easily, leaving notes of warm melted butter on the palate. The name stracciata is derived from the verb stracciare, meaning to tear.
Pair with
THE BEST Stracciata Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Italian Cheese Producers
De' Magi is a renowned Italian cheese producer, led by Andrea De Magi, that specializes in creating high-quality cheeses using traditional methods. Located in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany, De' Magi is known for its refined approach to cheese-making, elevating the flavors and textures of its products through careful aging and the use of unique techniques.
De' Magi produces a wide range of cheeses, including soft, semi-hard, and blue varieties, each crafted with precision and expertise. Their cheeses are celebrated for their originality, craftsmanship, and intense flavors. The company is also deeply involved in cheese education, offering training and consulting services to foodservice professionals, teaching the best practices for cutting, presenting, and storing their exceptional cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST De’ Magi Cheeses
Latteria di Branzi is a renowned cheese producer with a tradition dating back to 1953. This dairy works with more than 70 small mountain farms, collecting milk used to produce traditional and high-quality cheeses. Their most famous product is Branzi, a cheese with a rich history, which is linked to other well-known cheeses from the region, such as Bitto and Formai de Mut.
Latteria di Branzi stands out for its products that reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the mountainous area. Through its collaboration with small farms, Latteria di Branzi not only helps preserve local farming traditions but also supports the conservation of the plant and animal species that inhabit this mountainous region.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2023, 2020, 2018

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2022, 2018
BEST Latteria di Branzi Cheeses
Caseificio Il Fiorino is a prestigious Italian dairy company located in the heart of Tuscany, specifically in the Maremma region. Established in 1957, Il Fiorino has grown into one of the most celebrated producers of pecorino cheese, earning recognition both in Italy and abroad for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
The company is deeply committed to preserving traditional methods of cheesemaking while embracing modern practices to ensure a sustainable and high-quality production process. At Caseificio Il Fiorino, the production of cheese is an artisanal process that values authenticity and craftsmanship.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Caseificio Il Fiorino Cheeses
Fattorie Fiandino is a family-run dairy business founded by Stefano Fiandino in the 18th century. Initially starting in the mountains of the Occitan Alps, the Fiandino family has passed down the art of dairy farming for generations. The farm is located in Villafalletto, Piedmont, surrounded by the Alps and Langhe hills, offering the ideal conditions for producing high-quality milk, butter and cheese.
The farm focuses on using natural methods and following the rhythms of nature, maintaining a strong connection with the land and family traditions. Today, Mario and Egidio Fiandino continue to uphold these values while innovating with new products, catering to chefs and professionals who appreciate the unique flavors and quality of their dairy products.
BEST Fattorie Fiandino Cheeses
Fior di Maso is a brand that represents Ca. Form, a renowned Italian dairy company with a rich tradition spanning over a century. Located in Thiene, in the heart of the Veneto region of Italy, the company is known for producing high-quality cheeses, with an emphasis on authentic products protected by geographical indications.
Ca. Form was founded in 1887, and over the generations, it has developed and improved its dairy techniques while maintaining a respect for traditional production methods. The company quickly became a leader in the cheese industry, with products that are recognized and cherished both in Italy and around the world.
BEST Fior di Maso Cheeses
Caseificio Artigiana, located in Putignano, Italy, is renowned for its traditional Apulian dairy products, crafted with a deep respect for artisanal methods. Established in 2001, the dairy has grown significantly, now operating in a large facility that reflects its expansion in both the domestic and international markets.
This growth is supported by their commitment to using only the best local milk, ensuring the quality and authenticity of their products such as mozzarella, burrata, and various aged cheeses. The dairy's excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, particularly for their burrata, which has gained international acclaim.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
BEST Caseificio Artigiana Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Latteria Moro Di Moro Sergio Cheeses
La Casearia Carpenedo is a cheese producer based in Italy, known for its innovative approach to affinage, the process of aging cheeses. The company collaborates with affineur Antonio Carpenedo, who brings traditional techniques and creative flair to cheese aging, including infusing cheeses with wine and other local products.
Among their notable creations is the Ubriaco cheese, which is aged with the remains of wine grapes after pressing.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2021
BEST La Casearia Carpenedo Cheeses
Nuova Castelli, based in Reggio Emilia, Italy, specializes in the production and distribution of Italian cheeses, including PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Gorgonzola. The company was established in 1892 and has expanded its operations internationally, exporting Italian cheeses to various markets around the world.
Nuova Castelli supports traditional cheese-making techniques while also implementing modern technologies to ensure quality and sustainability.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
BEST Nuova Castelli Cheeses
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Caseificio Storico Amatrice Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Italian Cheeses
Gorgonzola DOP Dolce Al Cucchiaio made by De’ Magi is a type of blue cheese known for its creamy texture and sweet, mild flavor. This Italian cheese is protected by the Denomination of Protected Origin (DOP) status, ensuring it is produced within a specific geographic area and adheres to traditional methods.
The production involves a shorter aging process compared to its spicier counterpart, Gorgonzola Piccante, resulting in a softer, more spreadable cheese.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Antani is a unique and exceptional semi-hard cow's milk cheese produced by De' Magi. It is matured for a minimum of six months in caves, where it develops a delightful balance of flavors. The cheese is made from milk sourced from cows grazing above 1200 meters in the mountains, giving it a clean, aromatic profile that is present in its taste.
With a firm, compact texture, Antani features a distinctive semi-hard paste and a slight graininess. Its flavor is a blend of medium sweetness, mild saltiness, and a slight acidity, with a smooth, slightly adhesive texture. The cheese has an aroma of melted butter, stable animals, nuts, flowers, and herbs.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2020

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2018
Salva Cremasco DOP is a traditional Italian cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status. It originates from the Lombardy region in Italy and is known for its square shape and distinctive rind. The cheese undergoes an extensive maturation process, which may last several months, resulting in a firm texture and complex flavors with a tangy and slightly salty taste.
Salva Cremasco DOP by Latteria Soc. Casearia di Branzi maintains the authentic characteristics and production methods rooted in Italian tradition.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
La Castana is a refined blue cheese made from raw cow's milk, crafted by De’ Magi. The cheese is enriched with rum, cocoa powder, and candied chestnuts, creating a unique and complex flavor profile. Its smooth, moist, and crumbly texture contrasts the sweetness of chestnuts with the bitterness of cocoa and the acidity brought by the rum.
Awarded for its complexity, La Castana offers four distinct flavors: savory, lactic, animal, and vegetable, with the rum providing an acidic edge and the cocoa contributing bitterness. The chestnuts balance these flavors with sweetness. Its deep aroma evokes chocolate cake, mushrooms, and underbrush, making it a perfect choice for meditation or after a meal, ideally paired with a fine dessert wine.
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2020

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2020
Gorgonzola Piccante DOP Extra Riserva made by Luigi Guffanti 1876 is a premium blue cheese known for its sharp and robust flavor. This Italian cheese is crafted using traditional methods dating back to 1876, ensuring the highest quality and authentic taste.
The cheese is aged longer than typical Gorgonzola varieties, which contributes to its more pronounced and tangy profile.
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2017

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2016, 2015
Latteria di Branzi's Stracchino all'Antica is a traditional Italian soft cheese. As suggested by its name, which translates to “ancient Stracchino,” it is made following age-old practices. Produced in the Lombardy region, this cheese is particularly notable for its creamy texture and delicate, slightly tangy flavour profile.
Typically enjoyed fresh, Stracchino all'Antica is often used as a spread on bread or as an ingredient in recipes calling for a rich, creamy cheese. Its unique taste is partly attributed to the high-quality milk sourced from local herds grazing in mountainous areas.
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2018

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2018
La Gola is a unique and luxurious buffalo milk blue cheese created by De’ Magi. This cheese undergoes a distinctive maturing process of about 120 days, after which it is transformed into a "capital sin" due to its irresistible allure. The cheese's rind is removed and then dipped in cherry, followed by the addition of candied cherries, grated tonka bean, cocoa nibs, and is finally covered with 70% dark chocolate.
With a dark brown exterior and a soft, moist, crumbly interior, La Gola offers complex aromas, including animal scents, porcini mushrooms, underbrush, and a touch of chocolate. Its flavor profile is a delicate balance of sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and mild bitterness, with a long-lasting finish.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
La Zefferina is a refined and elegant blue cheese, crafted with raw cow's milk and infused with saffron to create its distinctive yellow hue and aromatic profile. After maturing for at least 90 days, the cheese is treated with the famous Grand Marnier liquor and enhanced with candied orange peel and pulp, creating a unique flavor combination.
With a soft and slightly moist texture, La Zefferina is easy to slice, and its taste offers a balance of dairy, fruity, and herbal notes. The cheese's flavor varies depending on the proximity to the rind, offering different experiences with each bite.
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2022
Formaggio Tipico di Branzi is a semi-cooked cheese that is aged for several months. It has a firm, yet creamy texture with a pale yellow color. The flavor profile is mild to medium, with a delicate balance of sweet, nutty, and slightly tangy notes, reflecting the natural environment where the cows graze.
The cheese's flavor becomes more pronounced as it matures, developing a deeper, more complex character. This cheese is typically enjoyed on its own, on cheese boards, or used in various Italian dishes such as pastas and salads. It is a great example of traditional cheesemaking practices in the Lombardy region, and Latteria di Branzi's commitment to preserving the local culture and heritage is reflected in the authentic taste and quality of Formaggio Tipico di Branzi.
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2022
AWARDS

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2020






TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Italian Cheeses” list until April 23, 2025, 12,060 ratings were recorded, of which 9,011 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.