Artisan cheeses, cured meats, fine wines and the ubiquitous ‘nibbly bits’.

You could spend hours exploring a deli filled with a well-curated selection of local products and international finds to add a little flair to your cooking.

With the party season approaching fast, this week we’ve put together a list of some of the finest delis in Scotland to make hosting, gifting, and eating, extra special.

Valvona and Crolla

19 Elm Row, Edinburgh

Scotland’s oldest delicatessen was founded in 1934 to serve the ‘fledgling immigrant Italian community in old Edinburgh’.

Close to a century later, the business is still going strong, lining its shelves with an unrivalled selection of products sourced from across the world.

If you’re not planning to make your way to Edinburgh anytime soon, you can also order a cracking range of everything from store cupboard essentials to lavish gift hampers from their online shop.

Starter Culture

1052 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow

At Starter Culture in Shawlands, you’re guaranteed to find all the ingredients you need to impress even your ‘foodiest of friends’, including treats from the best of local producers such as Blackthorn Salt, Bare Bones Chocolate and Simple Things Fermentations.

The deli has also recently re-introduced its weekend evening wine bar, giving customers the chance to sit down and relax in-store while snacking on charcuterie plates with drinks by the glass or bottle.

Mitchell’s

111-112 Market Street, St Andrews

Housed in a former Butcher’s in the heart of St Andrews, Mitchell’s relies on strong links with local suppliers to maintain an impressive selection of cheeses, meats, seasonal salads and antipasti.

The space is transformed into a restaurant come nightfall, but the Deli is said to be the ‘beating heart of the operation’, also offering a popular bottle shop.

In their own wise words, they said: “We know where there is good cheese, there must be good wine.”

Billington’s of Lenzie

114 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie

A family-owned and operated business, Billington’s can be found next door to Lenzie Train Station.

A warm welcome as well as plenty of goodies await, from bottles of award-winning Lenzie Gin to homebaked shortbread and oatcakes.

The team also specialises in made-to-order ice cream specials with your choice of fresh fruit, crushed biscuits and indulgent toffee or chocolate sauces.

Deeside Deli

47 Bridge Street, Ballater

Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful at the Deeside Deli in the picturesque village of Ballater.

When you’re done filling up a basket of sweet and savoury snacks, wines and pastries, why not pick up a bouquet of freshly cut flowers from the shop for a stunning dinner table centrepiece?

Lupe Pintos Deli

313 Great Western Road, Glasgow/24 Leven Street, Edinburgh

Lupe Pintos Deli opened in Edinburgh, catering to a demand for Mexican and American ingredients which had previously been ‘hard to find’ in Scotland.

A Glasgow shop followed in 2001, introducing foodies from the city and surrounding areas to all manner of imported goods such as spicy hot sauces, authentic tortillas mezcal and tequila.

The deli is also known for hosting its famous ‘Chili Cook Offs’ which sees local restaurants battle it out in their kitchens to be crowned winner.

Merchant’s Delicatessen

51-53 Castle Street, Inverness

Around halfway up the steep hill which leads towards Inverness Castle sits Merchant’s Delicatessen.

It’s the second venture in the city from the team behind the Walrus and Corkscrew wine bar on church street, with husband-and-wife owners Rob and Sarah Steadman curating a fantastic range of fine cheeses, meats and wines.

Look out for the best the Highlands and Islands have to offer including Great Glen Charcuterie, Salar Smoked Salmon and Stag Bakery biscuits.

IV10

18 High Street, Fortrose

This family-friendly café, bar and deli on the Black Isle was recently crowned ‘Best Eatery’ at the 2024 Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

It's not hard to see why, with deli counter highlights like mixed Perello olives, Tain Cheddar and spring onion quiche, or homemade pork, apple and fennel pie all available to sit in or takeaway.

West Coast Delicatessen

5 Argyle Street, Ullapool

West Coast Delicatessen on the shore of Loch Broom can provide a feast for any occasion be it a festive dinner party or a simple charcuterie platter for two.

The team even offers the option to sign up for a monthly ‘Cheese Club’ subscription box to keep your fridge full of the latest seasonal selections.

They say: “Whether you are after a quick espresso, ingredients for your supper, a picnic for the hills, a catering platter, a cheese box or a hamper, call on us: we look forward to seeing you.”

Craigies Deli and Farm Shop

West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry

‘True to its roots’, Craigies Deli & Farm Shop and online store is a real celebration of Scotland’s larder.

The deli counter is bursting with chef-prepared fridge- and oven-ready quiches, pies and nourishing meals for the ‘days you want someone else to do the cooking for you’, while elsewhere you’ll find freshly baked bread and butcher-quality cuts of meat.