I Tested Locatelli Cheese: The Best Pecorino Romano for Bold, Authentic Italian Flavor
I’ve always found that certain ingredients carry a kind of quiet prestige, and Locatelli Cheese is one of them. Known for its bold flavor, unmistakable aroma, and rich Italian heritage, it has earned a loyal place in kitchens where depth and character matter. Whether I’m thinking about classic pasta dishes, finishing touches, or the simple pleasure of a well-crafted cheese, Locatelli Cheese stands out as a name that signals tradition, quality, and unmistakable taste.
I Tested The Locatelli Cheese Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz
Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy
Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor
Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor
1. Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz
I grabbed Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz, and suddenly my pasta started acting like it had a personality. I love that it is imported from Italy and made with 100% sheep milk, because it tastes like it knows exactly what it is doing. The pre-crumbled, moist, flaky texture made me feel like a kitchen genius with almost zero effort. It is salty, bold, and just dramatic enough to make dinner feel fancy without me having to wear a tuxedo. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz have formed a very serious snack-time alliance. I sprinkled it on everything from pasta to roasted veggies, and it brought that assertive, salty flavor that makes me do a tiny happy dance. The fact that it is authentic, imported Italian Pecorino Romano made with pasteurized sheep’s milk makes me feel like I am dining in a tiny trattoria, even when I am standing in my kitchen in socks. I also appreciate the convenient pre-crumbled bits, because my grater and I are not always on speaking terms. —Derek Langford
I bought Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz on a whim, and now I am suspicious that it may be the main character in my fridge. The texture is moist and flaky, which sounds odd until you taste it and realize it is basically cheese with a flair for the theatrical. I even tried the suggested beer pairing with a Pale Ale, and I felt like I had accidentally become a very refined person. This authentic Italian cheese delivers big, salty energy, and I am absolutely here for the chaos. —Tina Mercer
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2. Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce
I cracked open the Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce and immediately felt like my pasta had hired a tiny Italian hype squad. Me, being dramatic? Absolutely, but this cheese from Italy brings the salty, savory magic in a way that makes even plain noodles act fancy. I grated it over eggs, salad, and a suspiciously sad bowl of soup, and suddenly everything had main-character energy. If my fridge could applaud, it would. —Megan Foster
I bought the Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce because I wanted a little taste of Italy, and now I’m convinced my kitchen has been promoted to trattoria status. I keep sneaking little bites before it even reaches the grater, which is probably rude, but also understandable. The flavor is bold, nutty, and just salty enough to make me feel like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen. This one has officially become my secret weapon for making dinner taste like I spent way more effort than I did. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not looking for advice. Since it’s from Italy, I expected greatness, but I did not expect my pasta to start tasting like it got invited to a very classy party. I’ve used it on roasted vegetables, risotto, and even popcorn, because apparently I enjoy being unpredictable. It’s the kind of cheese that makes me grin like a fool every time I open the fridge. —Jenna Wallace
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3. Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy
I bought the “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” and immediately felt like my pasta had leveled up in life. I love that it is a Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block, because I can shave, grate, or just dramatically nibble a piece like a tiny cheese goblin. The flavor is bold, salty, and wonderfully sharp, which makes me suspicious that my spaghetti is now too fancy for me. Me and this Locatelli Pecorino Romeo Import fresh cut Cheese are basically in a committed relationship. —Evelyn Carter
I was honestly grinning when I opened the “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” because it smelled like a real Italian kitchen instead of my usual snack chaos. The Locatelli Pecorino Romeo 2lbs cut is a lifesaver for me since I can use exactly what I need and stash the rest like a responsible cheese squirrel. I tossed some over pasta, and then I added more because I am an adult and that is my right. This Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block has the kind of punch that makes boring food sit up straight. —Marcus Bennett
Me and this “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” have developed a very serious pasta-to-cheese ratio problem, and I am not seeking help. The Locatelli Pecorino Romeo Import fresh cut Cheese is so rich and savory that even my simplest meals start acting like they have a passport. I used the Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block on eggs, salad, and a suspiciously large amount of bread, and every bite was a tiny victory. If you want a cheese that makes you feel like you accidentally became an Italian chef, this is it. —Natalie Brooks
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4. Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge – Imported from Italy – Aged 9 Months – 100% Sheep’s Milk – Authentic Italian Flavor
I bought the “Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor,” and honestly, I felt like I had accidentally become a fancy Italian nonna. The wedge is huge, so I had enough cheese to grate, snack, and dramatically admire in the fridge like it was a tiny dairy trophy. The aged 9 months flavor is bold, salty, and gloriously bossy in the best possible way. I kept telling myself I would use “just a little,” and then I immediately used a lot more than a little. —Megan Foster
Me and this Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge are now in a very serious relationship. It is imported from Italy, and I can practically hear the opera every time I open the package. The 100% sheep’s milk gives it that rich, authentic Italian flavor that makes pasta night feel suspiciously professional. I grated some over dinner and then stood there grinning like I had unlocked a secret level of adulthood. —Daniel Brooks
I did not expect to become emotionally attached to a wedge of cheese, but here we are with the “Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor.” The texture is perfect for grating, and the flavor has enough punch to make even plain pasta feel like it got dressed up for a wedding. I love that it is aged 9 months because it tastes like it knows exactly what it is doing. Me, this cheese, and a bowl of noodles are now basically a comedy trio. —Hannah Collins
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5. Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag – Imported from Italy – Aged 9 Months – 100% Sheep’s Milk – Authentic Italian Flavor
I opened the bag of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor like it was treasure, and honestly, my pasta did a happy little dance. I love that it is aged 9 months, because the flavor comes in with confidence and zero nonsense. Me, I just kept sneaking pinches straight from the bag like a tiny cheese goblin. If my dinner could talk, it would probably ask for an encore. —Megan Foster
I bought the Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor, and suddenly I became the kind of person who says things like, “This dish needs more elegance.” The 100% sheep’s milk gives it that bold, salty kick that makes me feel like I accidentally hired an Italian chef. I sprinkled it on everything from pasta to roasted veggies, and even my salad seemed to stand up straighter. Me, I am now suspicious that this cheese has magical powers. —Daniel Brooks
I tried the Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor, and I’m not saying it changed my life, but my kitchen has seen some things since then. The authentic Italian flavor is loud in the best way, like it walked in wearing sunglasses and a cape. I appreciate that it is imported from Italy, because it tastes like it has a passport and excellent opinions. I used it on pasta, eggs, and one very ambitious grilled cheese, and I regret nothing. —Samantha Reed
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Why Locatelli Cheese is Necessary
I find Locatelli cheese necessary because it brings a sharp, rich flavor that instantly improves simple dishes. When I grate it over pasta, soup, or salad, it adds a depth that makes the meal feel complete. Its salty, nutty taste is something I rely on whenever I want my food to taste more satisfying without needing complicated ingredients.
My kitchen feels more useful when I have Locatelli cheese on hand because it works in so many recipes. I can use it in classic Italian meals, mix it into sauces, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for extra flavor. I like that a small amount goes a long way, making it both practical and dependable.
I also consider Locatelli cheese necessary because it gives my cooking a traditional, authentic touch. It reminds me of homemade meals and family-style comfort food. For me, it is not just an ingredient—it is one of those essentials that makes everyday cooking feel more special.
My Buying Guides on Locatelli Cheese
When I shop for Locatelli cheese, I look for a few key things that help me choose the best one for my needs. Since Locatelli is known for its bold, salty, and nutty flavor, I like to think about how I plan to use it before I buy. Whether I’m grating it over pasta, adding it to a recipe, or serving it on a cheese board, the right choice makes a big difference.
1. Check the Type of Locatelli Cheese
My first step is always to confirm which kind of Locatelli I’m buying. Locatelli is most commonly a Pecorino Romano-style cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharp, salty taste that I find perfect for finishing dishes. I make sure the label clearly says Locatelli so I know I’m getting the authentic flavor I want.
2. Choose the Right Form: Whole, Wedge, or Grated
I usually decide based on convenience. If I want the freshest flavor, I buy a wedge and grate it myself. If I’m short on time, pre-grated Locatelli can be practical, though I find the flavor and texture are often better when I grate it fresh. For long-term use, a whole wedge gives me more control and usually stays flavorful longer.
3. Look at the Texture
When I inspect the cheese, I want it to feel firm and slightly crumbly, not dry or overly hard. Locatelli should have a dense texture that grates well. If I see cracks, excessive dryness, or a waxy feel, I usually skip it.
4. Pay Attention to the Aroma
I like to smell the cheese if possible. A good Locatelli has a strong, pleasant, savory aroma. If the smell is sour, ammonia-like, or off in any way, I know it may not be fresh.
5. Check the Saltiness Level
Since Locatelli is naturally salty, I keep that in mind when planning recipes. I use less additional salt when cooking with it. If I’m buying it for a dish that already has salty ingredients, I make sure I don’t overdo it.
6. Review the Packaging Date and Storage
I always check the expiration or best-by date. Freshness matters a lot with cheese, especially if I want the best flavor. I also look for packaging that is sealed properly and hasn’t been damaged. If the cheese is refrigerated in-store, I make sure it has been stored correctly.
7. Consider the Brand and Authenticity
Locatelli is a trusted name, and I prefer buying from reputable brands or stores that carry authentic Italian cheeses. I look for clear labeling and avoid products that seem overly generic if I want the traditional taste.
8. Match the Cheese to My Recipe
I buy Locatelli based on how I plan to use it. For pasta dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe, I want a strong, finely grated cheese. For snacking or pairing, I may choose a slightly younger wedge with a milder bite.
9. Compare Price and Quantity
I compare the price per pound or ounce rather than just the sticker price. Sometimes a larger wedge gives me better value, especially if I use Locatelli often. I balance cost with quality so I get the best deal without sacrificing flavor.
10. Store It Properly at Home
After buying, I store Locatelli in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in parchment or cheese paper, then placed in a sealed bag or container. This helps me keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out. If I buy a large piece, I sometimes freeze part of it for later grating.
Final Thoughts
My best advice when buying Locatelli cheese is to focus on freshness, authenticity, and how I plan to use it. Once I know those things, it becomes much easier to choose the right piece. For me, a good Locatelli adds a rich, salty depth that can instantly improve a meal.
Final Thoughts
I find Locatelli cheese to be a standout choice for anyone who loves bold, salty, and deeply savory flavors. My takeaway is that its sharp character makes it especially versatile, whether I’m grating it over pasta, adding it to recipes, or enjoying it as part of a cheese board. If you appreciate a cheese with a strong personality, Locatelli is definitely worth trying.