Where To Buy Parmesan Cheese in Florence.

If you want to bring a unique gift from Florence to your friends and family, Parmigiano Reggiano is a great option! This iconic cheese is one of Italy’s most protected and historic products. It is a hard grating cheese with a rich and complex flavour, traditionally enjoyed shaved over pasta or broken into chunks and paired with wine. Of course, it can be bought in other countries, but it will never taste the same as authentic Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy. Here are the best places to buy it in Florence — but if simply purchasing it isn’t enough for you, you can also join a Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar tour from Florence to see how it is made at dawn in a working dairy.

Supermarkets

Parmesan can be found in almost every bigger supermarket in Florence. But we suggest you visit either supermarket Coop or Esselunga, because they are part of big chains that guarantee quality and freshness of the products, and they have more convenient prices than small shops. Also, the supermarket staff will be glad to cut and pack the piece of Parmesan in the size you want. Or you can choose from already cut and vacuumed packed pieces of cheese.

There is a Coop supermarket in Via Cimabue. Coop is one of the oldest supermarket chains in Italy, and it is known for the freshness of all its products. Good thing is that it is open until 9 PM every day, except Sunday. It often has special offers and discounts.

Esselunga is very modern chain of supermarkets with a great variety of products. There is one Esselunga supermarket in Via Masaccio, a 10 minute walk from Piazza della Liberta. And there is one Esselunga supermarket located on the other side of the bridge Ponte alla Vittoria in Via Pisana, near Giardino di Villa Strozzi. Esselunga supermarkets are open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM every day, except Sunday. But, it is good to know that Esselunga in Via Massaccio is open even on Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM, which makes it one of the only supermarkets in Florence that are open on Sunday afternoon.

Eataly Florence

Eataly is famous shop that sells only Italian products of the highest quality. It is located in city center, near the Florence Cathedral, in Via De Martelli. The atmosphere is rustic and elegant, and you will feel as a true Italian. The shop is divided in different sections that sell traditional products such as cheese, wine, desserts and many more things. It is a perfect place if you want to try something delicious, but also if you want to buy a present for someone. They have a great choice of cheese, including aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to give recommendations. They offer tastings of cheese and wine so you can be sure you like it before taking it home. There is also a restaurant space where you can relax and enjoy Italian food. Eataly is open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM, every day except Sunday.

Mercato Sant Ambrogio

If you truly want to experience the Italian way of living you should visit a traditional market! Mercato Sant Ambrogio is located near Piazza Ghiberti, in the city center. The market is open from 7 AM to 2 PM every day, except Sunday. It is one of the most popular spots in Florence, where both locals and tourists meet to shop, taste new products or simply chat. Most people sell their own home-made products, so this market may be the best place to find something truly authentic. They have a great selection of fruit and vegetables, cheese and fish, and of course Parmigiano Reggiano. Vendors are friendly and will suggest the best products to try. They will also be happy to recommend hidden gems in Florence that only locals know. Mercato Sant Ambrogio is very busy, so be prepared to spend a little more time here than in a supermarket, but it is definitely worth it. Opened in 1873, it is one of Florence’s historical market sites and deserves a visit.

There are plenty of excellent options for buying Parmigiano Reggiano in Florence. Simply choose the one that best suits your time and location — or consider visiting the region where it is actually produced for a deeper and more memorable experience.