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Venissimo Cheese
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
754 W Washington St(between Eagle St & 7th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Mission Hills
(619) 491-0708
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
134 reviews for Venissimo Cheese
Review Highlights
"I love anything with the "try before you buy" concept."
(in 5 reviews)
"They let you sample anything you pick."
(in 6 reviews)
"Brillat Savarin-a triple cream cheese, buttery and gooey..."
(in 6 reviews)
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134 reviews in English
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Review from Brian K.
San Diego, CA
1/12/2012
Venissimo Cheese Shop Mission Hills Neighborhood 754 W Washington St. San Diego, CA: The Perfect Date Night
Cheese is without a doubt ranked up there with sex, music, and full body massaging for me. It's the word photographers use to make people smile, children laugh, because who doesn't love Cheese?
Vegans?? WTF? Choose to eat broccoli over cheese and preach to me about dairy being bad for me and I will fight every urge in my body to not point a garden hose and drench you. I'd rather die 5 years earlier than you, than give up CHEESE!!!
That said, when a new shop, dedicated to the "holy curd" opened near my neighborhood, I had to stop by and see what was up.
Located in a boutique-ish store front on Washington Ave, Venissimo has the feel of your neighborhood grocer's deli section, except without the slimy turkey, mayonnaise macaroni salad, and head cheese. Its just a sea of heavenly cheeses from all over the world. The smell in this place is hypnotic if you are a lover; the only problem was which to choose. NO PROBLEM. Just ask one of the staff members. My girlfriend did the tour, and told our helper what wines we were going to be drinking that evening (Sauvignon Blac and a Cab-Sav), then, off the to the tasting we went.
So generous with the sampling here! If it looks good, taste it...if it looks weird, taste it, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain with this experience, and will be surprised what you learn, and walk out loving something new.
We ended up getting about 6 different cheeses. Goat milk cheeses, Cow milk Cheeses, Sheep milk cheeses and the hybrid sheep/cow milk cheese. All of them were insane and delicious, but our 2 favorites were the "Humbolt Fog" and the "boschetto". Humboldt fog is a goats milk cheese with a ring of edible ash from the pot through the cheese and around the rind. Its great if you like creamy deliciousness, and that goat cheese flavor. (Goat cheese texture in the body, and an almost Brie texture around the rind)
It went terrifically with the Sav-Blanc.
Boschetto combined the sheep and cow milk, which I'm not sure I've ever had, well at least not knowing I had it, but the real treat were the bits of the heavenly mushroom. Truffle! I think I would commit murder for truffle if pressed, and granted its not for everyone, in the boschetto the truffle flavor is heavy and dominating, but the cheese has an easy finish due to the creamy-ness of the sheep/cow milk cheese. Also went well with the Sav-Blanc, but by this point in the night....I think it went well with both wines.
I talking like a cheese expert now? Seriously, you will too.
Take a walk in here, try a few cheeses, you will get a thorough description from the staff, and you WILL learn something, and feel like you want to show off what you learned.
Bag a few up, go get a couple bottles of your favorite wine. We went to the deli and grabbed some Soprosetta Salami, some grapes and baguette and made a stay at home night out of it and now made it a point to do it regularly. It's a filling date, and you will have plenty to compare, share, and experience together in the world of flavor and gluttony.
Plan this with a new date and you will definitely get action....but you need the truffle cheese if you want to make it past 1st base.
Bottom Line:
We got 6 different cheeses and after filling up on night 1, we had left over cheese for 2 days...and we are cheese eaters!!
If you let them know there are 2 of you, 4 of you, or however many, they will help you with the portion.
6 different cheeses for 2: $22.00
2 bottles of your favorite wine: $22.00
Fruit, baguette, and salami: $10.00
$52.00 for a stay at home date for 2 that will fill you up, get you buzzed, and probably get you laid. -
Review from Lena C.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012
I LOVE cheese!!! (Enter Wallace and Gromit!)
I've been in this place a few times and I've received fantastic service every time I walk through the door. This place is my heaven! They turned me on to my favorite cheese of all time: Petit Basque. BUT, it's not just about me. I ordered a cheese basket for a foodie friend as a holiday gift last month and I had them pick the cheeses out and wrap it all up pretty-like. My friend and his wife were very impressed with the selection. Go Venissimo! Thank you so much! You guys are great! I'll be in soon to try that Chimay cheese! :D -
Review from Ainsley D.
San Diego, CA
12/12/2011 7 photos
I recently moved to Mission Hills and I'm in love with my neighborhood and all the little shops around it. While walking to the grocery store I happened upon a little cheese shop. I didn't even think twice about going in, because I. Love. Cheese.
Holy guacamole this place had cheese! Upon further investigation I read that they offer up to 1,900 cheeses, with 4 locations (three in San Diego, one in Long Beach) and an online store, that's a lot of cheese! My favorite part, tasting! I tried half a dozen cheeses before deciding on the Noord Hollander, a 4 year aged gouda cheese. If you know me, or my roots, you know my immense love for gouda.
The beauty of it all is that you buy bulk, so you can get a little or a lot, a snack or a wheel! Whenever you buy they keep your name on file with all the cheeses you purchase so you don't have to keep tab, plus on every receipt with your purchase is a description of the cheese(s) and what they pair best with, how convenient! -
Review from Chrystal E.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2011
Anyone who knows me, knows about my serious love affair with everything cheese related. What better (or dangerous depending on how you look at it) place for a cheese addict than Venissimo?
It's a magical milky cheesey experience everytime I go here. I could spend many an afternoon examining all the fabulous cheese options on display (not to mention tasting ANY of them!).
The staff are always so friendly and helpful - quick to provide tips, suggestions, and recommendations - not just on which cheeses to select but what to pair them with (other foods, and more importantly, wines!). I LOVE that they track cheeses you've purchased previously AND on your reciept it gives you information about the cheese and pairings - INGENIUS!!
As a cheese enthusiast, it doesn't get much better than Venissimo. I've even converted some friends into cheese snobs from taking them here - it's a great place to learn that there is at least one type of cheese for everyone.
I'm dying to try one of their cheese classes...and bestill my little heart, the 'cheese of the month club' is on my Christmas List this year... Don't fail me now Santa!
Thanks Venissimo for creating a haven for us cheese lovers. -
Review from Molly S.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2012
If you are a cheese lover to a fault...like me, this place HAS to be on your list of places to go. I'm a big fan of Trader Joes for most cheeses, but lets face it, you can't always find those rare cheeses you fall in love with. For me, it caramelized goat cheese. It will change your life. Trust me. And this is the only place I can find it. Thank god for this little cheese shop!
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Review from Ashley G.
San Diego, CA
9/29/2011
This is an amazing place to go to if your a cheese fanatic like myself! They have all kinds of cheeses from all over the world, anything you want they have it. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgable and they let you sample whatever your little heart desires.
I love going in on my lunchbreak and grabbing a cheese sandwhich and they give you grapes or a pear with it :) Its my favorite little European lunch! -
Review from Eva H.
7/7/2011
I mean, they're not Murray's in NYC or DiBruno in the PHL (yeah, East Coast hate me if you want). But for what they are--a chain of small, neighborhoody, cheese shops, they're fine.
We stopped in, procured some cheese and a baguette, and were pretty pleased. Prices were on point, the staff was friendly, and we were on our way.
Minor quibble with the less than ample selection of meats, but I won't complain too much.
All in all, a solid spot to stop in for a wide variety of dairy goods. If you like it, chances are they stock it.
Thumbs up from me...Listed in: Hillcrest Hits, Food Shopping
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Review from Rosa V.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2011
Wowwwwwy!!
My friend brought me to Venissimo last week, since we both love cheese. Let me just say the love for cheese is such a huge part of this store.
Service -
The ladies that helped us were extremely friendly. They let us try any cheese we wanted and suggested some pretty awesome ones as well. I don't think I have ever had such a fulfilling cheese experience anywhere else on earth!
A previous reviewer mentioned DiBruno's in Philly as being much better, but this place has a lot more charm and a nicer staff than any of the DiBruno's I visited.
Cheese-
When I went inside all I could think was manchego, manchego, manchego! BUT as soon as I tried some other cheeses it was as if the heavens opened...and I ended up buying the "drunken goat" cheese - yum!
The store size is nice, quaint, and - though I have mentioned this before, the service is top notch!
Bravo Venissimo! -
Review from Sarah H.
6/12/2011
Okay, a little insight into Sarah H: I am a cheese-aholic. Actually, I'm pretty much addicted to milk-based products in general: cheese, butter, cream, yogurt, whatever. My mom's pet nickname for me was "Dairy Whore". Yeah, anyway.
So, knowing that, imagine how excited I was when I first heard about Venissimo. I finally cruised over there yesterday, and pranced inside like a little kid in a candy store. And, wow, I was not disappointed. They have a crazy selection of cheeses, all beautifully displayed in spotless deli cases. The staffers are all super knowledgeable, and happily answer questions and offer suggestions and hand out samples. Once you narrow down your selection, they'll set you up in this handy little computer system that remembers what you purchased and when, and they'll print a description of each cheese you purchased (including wine suggestions) on the receipt. Amazing. I'm a total sucker for thoughtful little details like that.
The cheeses are definitely pricey, but hey, sometimes you pay for quality. I'm totally willing to blow my disposable income here, no worries. I can't wait to head back! -
Review from J.D. D.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011
I freaking love this place. I always have a great time in here, drawing in that tangy cheese scent, chatting it up with the folks behind the counter who all seem like they're just as into food and travel as I am. But then you add in the samples, the wonderful stuffed olives, the great "tapas" which are generous skewers of cheese/meat/bread, and of course the tally of cheeses you order on your own record. It's all great. I go in once a week if I can, to get a 1/2 or 1/4 lb of something. It really makes life better.
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Review from Danielle W.
San Diego, CA
3/27/2011
I love love love this place. I am so glad I found this marvelous little shop. They have almost any type of cheese you could possibly want. The staff is extremely knowledgable and very helpful with finding cheeses you will enjoy and the samples flow freely.
The information cards they post for each cheese is extremely helpful listing the name, type of cheese, the proper way to pronounce it, along with the flavors and what they pair well with. They also have a database of their customers so they can look at your past purchases in case you can't remember a cheese you enjoyed on a previous visit. The receipts they supply also list all this information and more. They also stock accompaniments, such as bread and knives, so you can start munching away immediately.
As I said I love love love this place almost too much for words! -
Review from Kenny O.
2/26/2011
Came here earlier with a friend of mine--no reservations or preconceptions about the quality of cheese here.
Mentioned to the attendant that I'm a fan of Gruyère and she took it from there. I sampled some of their Swiss Alpine cheeses (along with a good amount of others) and finally decided that I wanted their Challerhocker and a nice Bread and Cie Baguette.
Quick and smooth (and extremely pleasant) transaction. I don't give many 5's on Yelp, but this is well deserved.
Sorry, wallet.Listed in: San Diego
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Review from Carmen T.
9/1/2011 13 Check-ins Here
I was a customer of Venissimo circa 2008 but after many less than pleasant transactions I say "no more". The attendants are snobby. Remember: you work in the service industry. If a customer steps into your store, be courteous. Needless, I am no longer giving you my business, or endorsing you.
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Review from Amy D.
1/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Since I am trying to learn logic, I will apply it to this review.
If you are human, you like cheese.
You are human.
Therefor, you like cheese.
If you are robot, cheese ruins your circuitry.
You are not a robot.
Therefor, cheese does not ruin your circuitry.
If Venissimo has the best cheese selection outside of Cheeseville, you should go there and eat cheese.
Venissimo has the best...
Go eat some cheese.
If you stay a while in Venissimo, you are likely to sample 20 kinds of cheese.
You should damn well stay a while.
Therefor, you will leave cheesy and happy.
If you have money, you should buy some cheese after trying 20 kinds, you dick.
You do have money.
Don't be an @sshole. -
Review from Julie V.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2011
Cheese-TASTIC!
Staff=friendly and super knowledgeable
Quality=unmatched
Variety=mind boggling
I was looking for something to pair with a dry apple wine and did all my research. I went in knowing what I wanted but the lady behind the counter suggested something else. Since I'm way smarter than her I bought mine, but also a small amount of her recommendation. Brought them home and four of us sampled. 4 out of 4 liked hers better hands down. So, just stroll in with all your questions and know that these people know their cheese/food/wine pairings. LOVE IT!
Plus...they have Bread & Cie fresh baguettes, delicious olives and all sorts of gourmet yummies. -
Review from Anton T.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2010
Although still a fromage novice, I find Venissimo to be an excellent cheese shop.
A while back I needed cheese curd to prepare poutine as authentically as possible so I called up Venissimo.
Pleasant and polite employee explained that cheese curd was extremely rare in this region of the country and they only carry it a few times a year.
However, she kindly suggested an alternative to a cheese that would be as close as possible to cheese curd and the type that would work well for a dish like poutine. This alternative was p'tit basque - a sheep's milk cheese from the Basque region of France.
Came in later that day and sampled some of the p'tit basque and was extremely pleased with this magnificent cheese.
The p'tit basque was a wonderful alternative to cheese curd for the poutine. In addition, it was just as delightful by itself when paired with Belgian ale as well as wine.
During the time spent at Venissimo, also tried a couple other cheeses including Chimay cheese and Cotswold. Both were enjoyable.
In addition to a fine selection of cheeses, this shop offers plenty of sides for cheese, such as fig jam and other jams, various types of honey, and, for the first time ever I even saw tiny waffle cones (miniature versions of ice cream cones) for cheese.
Atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with kind staff and songs like "Bamboleo" by the Gipsy Kings being played on the stereo.
Lastly, the receipts are outstanding. In addition to listing the type of cheese and weight you purchased, for each cheese bought, the receipt also lists the pronunciation, description (eg, for p'tit basque: "creme brulee of cheese; try with cherries; perfect for picnics"), country, type of milk, wine pairing, and beer pairing. I found this simply amazing. -
Review from lisa m.
San Diego, CA
12/17/2010
For overall selection of great cheeses, crackers and gift items they get a definite 5 stars... but we always feel a bit testy when we walk out. The service at this shop and the Del Mar shop both leave quite a bit to be desired. At these prices, I want some smiles with my cheeses.
The gals are never warm or especially helpful that we have seen, and I am one of those shoppers that is unfailingly nice to servers ( it is a really tough job working with the public). They seem very preoccupied with assessing whether or not you are a homeless person trying to get a free sample... that and continuing the quiet conversation they were having before you had the bad manners to come into the shop.
When we order a take away lunch they always seem TOTALLY blown out of the water... ie: which kind of bread did you want? You actually wanted the fruit that comes with the lunch? It's moldy so you want another piece? Pretty impatient at both locations.... if you don't want to fuss with lunches, then don't offer them.
I always try to shop local and support the little guy when I have the chance, but when I have the option I stay away from here and give my cheese business to Whole Foods where they are always thrilled about my purchases. -
Review from Lindsey D.
Austin, TX
9/9/2010
This place blew my mind. A blood vessel actually exploded in my brain.
Service: AWESOME.
Merchandising: AWESOME.
Product: AWESOME.
You can be a total novice or a cheese expert (or anything in between) and have a rewarding experience here.
Angelina K. totally sold me on the cheese-of-the-month club. Yes, I'm a sucker and I am thrilled with my decision.
I cannot wait to go back. -
Review from John P.
San Diego, CA
11/23/2010
There is no cheese place like this cheese place!
We planned a champagne and cheese party and knew exactly what champagnes we were serving, but had no idea what kind of cheeses would go with it.
Called Venissimo, told them the plan & champagnes, and set up a time to go in. They had an AMAZING sample plate ready for us to try out and select which cheeses we wanted.
The party was a success...the cheeses were devoured. Venissimo, thanks for being in our 'hood. -
Review from Edwin K.
San Diego, CA
8/9/2011
Their cheese selection is excellent! Pricing is fair for the diverse range. I found the 2 girls running the shop very helpful and knowledgeable. They are generous with their 'try before u buy ' policy.
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Review from Andrea M.
San Diego, CA
9/18/2010
Cheeeesssseee...one of the world's greatest treats! You can sample cheese till your hearts content here and believe me there are so many choices you may not know what to do with yourself....but don't be shy! Some of my favorites include Ewephoria, P'tit Basque, Noord Hollander, Grana Padano, and the Dunbarton Blue.
Best part about it.... they log your purchases so you can keep track of what you like and get great recommendations based on your personal taste! -
Review from Angelina B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 7/21/2010 4 Check-ins Here
After a few return trips and and a cheese-of-the-month club subscription purchase, I felt compelled to update my review.
What can I say; I still love Venissimo. My new passion is the cheese-of-the-month club. $35 gets you a decent selection of cheeses and some thematic items to go with it. For example, one month, you get dessert cheeses with artisan honey, the next, you get cocktail cheeses with tipsy onions. This month, I received three picnicking cheeses and a tote bag. Mmmm... ready-made cheese picnic without the mental exercise of selecting chesses. This club is a great way to taste some new cheeses and celebrate whatever quirky theme the gals over at VC throw out there.
Super-bonus: COTM Club also gets you discounts to the Academy of Cheese. The classes, oh, the classes. Wine and Cheese. Beer and Cheese. Cheese basics. And you get to taste all the cheeses. Oh, heaven.
I still stop in for my Vlaskas and Brie fix, but now, my palate is thematically expanded once a month and I get to learn more about my favorite gustatory pleasure.
Well done, Venissimo. I love you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2010
Ahh, cheese. I, and my daughter, love cheese. Stinky cheese, bleu cheese, goat cheese, novelty… Read more »
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Review from Antonio G.
Staten Island, NY
Updated - 3/4/2009 ROTD 9/13/2009
I couldn't stop thinking about this place since the first time I was there. I went back to try the sandwiches. They basically give you the cheese of your choice on the bread of your choice and it comes with a choice of fruit. This used to be 5 bucks, but they recently raised it to 6.50 :( which I can understand, but it's still a great deal for what you get. They aren't skimpy with the cheese at all, and the breads are delicious. They get the bread delivered from a local bakery.
It's a great pairing with the fruit, and it comes out to a good lunch for under 7 bucks.
This is a great way to try some new cheeses or enjoy one of your favorite cheeses in one large lump sum.
Cheese.Listed in: My ROTD list
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2009
I love cheese. I love cheese I love cheese ilovecheeseilovecheeseilo vecheeselovecheeseovechee… Read more »
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Review from Emily T.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2010
What's better than free samples on a mini spoon at an ice cream shop? Free samples on a mini spoon at a cheese shop!
When I'm feeling especially European and want to have a rich lunch that is totally not in synch with my diet, I head on down to Venissimo. I justify my carb and cheese indulgence by my 2 block walk from work.
I almost always choose the Ciabatta roll and a nice, buttery, soft cheese. You can choose any cheese for your lunch special, and they have a nice selection. The roll, plus the generous spreading of cheese, plus a side of fruit (typically grapes, pear, or apple), make for a very satisfying and tasty lunch. Now if only I could pair it with a nice glass of wine while noshing at my desk.....
I keep meaning to sign up for the events they host (cheese/wine pair tastings and the sort).....but I keep forgetting. Gotta put it on my calendar. I wonder if there are hot, single men there?...I digress....check this place out! -
Review from Mikey P.
San Diego, CA
3/17/2008
Chesse = Crack
This place is wonderful "Good Stinky Cheese"
I love anything with the "try before you buy" concept. I'm no cheese expert so the Knowledgeable and friendly staff was a major plus. I always depend on my brother to bring the cheese for my house parties now I can confidently shop on my own. The receipt that prints out when you pay describes the cheese, and offers pairing suggestions. Something to the effect of..............
Black Mountain - South Wales. Cheddar cheese, rich and flavorful semi-soft white made with cow's milk. Infused with white wine, garlic, and herbs. Pairs well with amber and brown ales. (BTW this was a fabulous cheese with beer)
Everything was dialed in. I left Venissimo with four bricks of crack errrr I mean cheese. I definitely will be back for my next party. When I do return I don't have to remember all the names of those chesses, they have all the info in their computer. Awesome! Whats not to love. Moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Good Stinky Cheese" -
Review from Andy C.
Carlsbad, CA
8/24/2009 3 photos
According to Webster's Dictionary, Delicious is defined as "affording great pleasure" and Cheese is defined as "a food consisting of the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of milk separated from the whey." When you put those two together, you get only one place, Venissimos!!
I came here the other day with Abigail G. and got some cheese sandwichs with some fruit. We first went in and I knew nothing about the cheeses that they served. We were greeted by a nice lady who had us try different cheeses and let us know that if we were curious about any of the cheeses, that we were able to try any ones we wanted that they had in the showcase. We tried a cheese with wasabi, blue cheeses and regular cheese.
As we tried as sampled, we threw spoon after spoon after spoon after spoon into the trash. We ended up picking our cheeses and asked them to place it onto our choice of bread. We got grapes to go with our meal and the delicious sweetness of the grapes mixed with the cheese was a match made in my mouth!
This place is top of the line and amazing, and now that I know that they have a location in Del Mar, I will be going to pay a visit a lot!!!Listed in: Yummy In My Tummy, The 5's
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Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
1/26/2010
*Ring Ring *
~Good afternoon, Venissimo. How may I help you?
~I need a cheese plate. Dress it up. Around X amount of money, please include this and please do NOT include that...
~No problem. Your total is $XX
~Thanks. See you soon.
Half hour later...
Pick it up in this lovely little place...
Drive to destination.
Eat.
MMMMMMMMMMM
Rave reviews.
No matter what you need, they have it here. Customer service is top notch and they know what they're doing here.
Oh-I almost forgot, they bring a selection of cheeses to the Little Italy Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Always something interesting and nice.
HUGE FAN. -
Review from Ashleigh O.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2007 ROTD 8/1/2007
If you are a cheese lover, Venissimo is your version of HEAVEN! A HUGE selection of cheeses from all over the world, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the ability to literally sample ANY cheese you want....that's MY version of cheese heaven for sure!
Besides cheese, they also offer a limited selection of packaged crackers, fresh breads and cheese-related serving utensils and boards. They also have a lunch special: ANY cheese on delicious fresh bread and a piece of fruit for $4.99! A great deal on the go or a picnic idea if your heading to Balboa Park for the afternoon!
A few of my favorites include:
*Fromage a Trois-a 3 layer goat cheese torta of basil, pine nut and tomato it's rich, great tasting and beautiful on a cheese plate.
*Memoire- a creamy gouda with bits of truffles throughout (yes, mushrooms)-pricey but worth every penny!
*Vintage Gouda-3 year aged gouda-intense but delicious flavor w/ a drier texture than most goudas.
*Brillat Savarin-a triple cream cheese, buttery and gooey-great with fruit and bread!
If you have a particular cheese in mind, your best bet would be to call and make sure they have it in stock. Or you could go without checking beforehand and I am pretty sure you would still walk away with a new cheese you absolutely love-it has happened to me more than once! This nifty little cheese shop is a "must visit" if you haven't yet. Check it out for yourself, sample some cheese and I guarantee you'll be back for more!
Oh and one more thing...you can also order online and have your cheese shipped anywhere in the U.S. -
Review from Lyn P.
5/16/2008 1 Check-in Here
Venissimo is a cheese lover's paradise. Walking in there just smelling the cheeses can get me high. They have a great selection and a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
They've also got the best $5 sammich in town. You pick a cheese and they'll make a sammich for you (choose from baguette, ciabatta and something else that escapes me because I always get the baguette). You also get a piece of fruit with your sammich. A total deal. I, of course, had to kick it up a notch and bought some of the salami they had. Add some salami to your sammich and you've taken your sammich to another level of awesome.
P.S. (Don't be scared to ask about the sammich deal as it is not posted anywhere. Their staff will even give you recommendations if you ask.) -
Review from Stephanie D.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2007
This place is heaven. The smell is insanely good and the cheeses are even better. If I didn't have a life I would hang around this place all day and mooch free cheese samples. For now however, I will continue to stop by randomly and stock up on some of the best cheese I've ever had.
Also, on a constructive note, I went in once because I wanted to do a wine/cheese pairing and the worker was super knowledgeable and completely guided me through every step of picking out everything. Very friendly workers who are very willing to help and those are always good things. -
Review from Mick G.
6/26/2007
There was a sad time when the best cheese you could get in San Diego was at Whole Paycheck (er ... Whole Foods).
THANKFULLY those days are passed, and Venissimo is one reason.
Great cheese.
Really great cheese.
From rare delights (the Irish Porter Cheddar) to aged favorites (gouda), YUMMY!
Oh, cheese, marvelous cheese. -
Review from Nora P.
Vienna, VA
2/21/2008
Mmm, yeah. Creamy, smooth, tangy, nutty, mellow, pungent, piquant, crumbly deliciousness. It's a little food orgasm every time I go in. They're really pleasant and laid-back there and know what they're talking about. But best of all they let you try as many cheeses as you want and won't smirk even on your 7th or 8th sample... I've yet to leave without a buying a little piece of heaven. A little pricey but where else are ya gonna find artisanal cheeses of this quality in SD? Certainly not at the Albertson's up the street.
The really cool thing is they print a little blurb about the cheese on your receipt, suggesting what food and wine to pair it with. Yes, I'm a total foodie! -
Review from Monique R.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2010
By no means would I consider myself a cheese connoisseur; blue cheese, goat cheese, even a strong feta cheese will send me running in the opposite direction. However, I came upon this quaint little shop while checking out my neighborhood with my mama.
The staff was welcoming, friendly and oh-so-helpful in consulting our cheese curiosities. Who knew there were so many varieties of cheese? Who knew cheese by the same name can taste so different depending on its country of origin?..not me. I explained my novice palate, likes/dislikes, and the staff immediately began offering samples of types they believed would please me. Some were just ok (not going to lie, I can be pretty picky), but most of their recommendations were BEST!
We selected a few to take home and within minutes we had wedges wrapped in beautifully decorated paper...almost a shame to open these pretty packages. The prices are reasonable and there is no minimum weight requirement; no problem for those who just want a little bit of cheese. Plus, in addition to the lovely wrapping, they offer complimentary gift boxes tied with a classy bow. I know cheese is not the first thing that comes to mind when selecting gifts for family and/or friends, but this is certainly one present that won't be shoved in a closet for future re-gifting.
This establishment also sells fresh artisan breads, crackers, various spreads and accoutrements. Additionally, party platters and gift baskets can be custom made to your liking and pricing specifications.
The store is fairly small but certainly not their inventory. If you're into cheese, or if you just want to try something other than your ordinary block of cheddar, I recommend a stop by Venissimo!Listed in: The Hills (SD Style)
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Review from Holly H.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2009
My good friend gabe g. looked at me in shock and horror when he realized I had never been to Venissimo, and proceeded to chastise severely until I actually placed my feet into this gorgeous little cheese shop, also known around the neighborhood as "heaven".
Seriously, part of me doesn't want more people to know so I can stand in there for hours on end and eat little spoons and toothpicks full of cheesy goodness.
And (!!!!!) they have burrata. If you've never had burrata, please go get some (and if you ask for a sample, they may just throw some truffle sea salt on there). It's kind of the greatest thing a cow's udder has ever put forth onto God's green earth.
The staff is ridiculously warm, friendly and welcoming. You name you favorite cheese, and they give you 10 cheeses along that line, and 10 more you'd never thought you'd like but you'd absolutely fall in love with.
Go cheese. -
Review from Mel P.
6/21/2009
Found this place through Yelp and I really enjoyed it. It's a bit pricey so be sure to choose wisely.
My bf and I left there with 5 different cheeses, 2 loaves of bread and salami all for about $40. Be sure to sample before you buy and go for 1/4lbs slices. Trust me, you'll be completely satisfied. They're really good about letting you try the MANY different cheeses.
I picked up some prepared fruit from the Starbucks next door. Venissimo did have several whole fruit options but I didn't feel like working for my brunch ;p -
Review from Brian T.
San Diego, CA
9/13/2008
I heart cheese. I heart it a lots.
Venissimo is a very small high-end cheese shop or rather boutique would be a more appropriate term. This said there are pluses and minuses.
+++PLUS+++
+ This place has some damn fine cheeses.
+ Figs
+ Good balsamic vinegar
+ Fig compote and other cummlicious cheese accoutrement
+ They let you sample the product. (this is probably #1 best thing about any high-end food boutique)
+ The staff is helpful. (my request was a solid, red wine, fruit, and baguette partnering, with a mid to high melt point and be durable enough to be a fully bike-able cheese.)
+ They sell a chocolate bar with applewood smoked bacon in it.
---MINUS---
- Pricey as all high fvck end. With imported cheese costing lots everywhere lately. Venissimo hits the wallet hard. Less than a 1/2 lb. of vintage reserve aged gouda costed me over 10 dollars.
- Snooty customers. The condescending way in which some people in here act makes me want to drop trou and squeeze out a nice big Cleveland Steamer on their chests. And not in that romantic way either. I think these are probably the same fvcks who cut me off in their BMWs while i'm biking. Well, I will catch up to you at a few red lights up and you better just keep those windows and droptops closed.
- Venissimo collects information about your cheese purchases in their computer database. It is my belief, that this data collection will be the downfall to my scandalous lifestyle.
- They sell a chocolate bar with applewood smoked bacon in it. -
Review from Christina A.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2008
Really should get 4.5 stars...Anyway, when I'm feeling down, the $5 lunch special -- a custom cheese sandwich and an apple or pear -- cheers me up tremendously. So European feeling...so refined! First, of course, I sample as much as I think a respectable person can get away with. Then I order my cheese sandwich, then some product for my cheese board for "later." The sandwich menu is at once extremely limited (your only choice is a cheese sandwich) and also extensive (pick nearly any cheese in the store.)
The shop is clean, friendly and cheesalicious. I only wish they had some seating for me to enjoy the sandwich. I also wish I could get a glass of water. If I want to wolf down my highly anticipated custom sandwich right then and there, I sneak over to the Starbucks a couple of doors down, order a cup of tea, sit my French-for-the-day little butt on at one of their outside tables and enjoy. Savoureux!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Joan E.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2007
Nothing made me happier then the day that "special guy" showed up with a bottle of wine and some Venissimo Cheese.
Have you ever seen a girl so bubbly?
Ha.
The crew at the shop is incredibly helpful. If you are slightly lost, they will help navigate. You can talk to them, you can taste cheeses...you can ask questions - they do NOT make you feel dumb or not as "chic".
For an intense foodie, this is a dream come true. For a novice, this is a safe place to come, try and learn. They have a large selection. Shops like this are going to help turn San Diego food scene into a better place.Listed in: Deliciousness!!!
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Review from Norah K.
Lakeside, CA
6/28/2011
This place is AMAZING! Not only do they have a great selection, but they also offer samples before you buy. My boyfriend and I used to go to Whole Foods for our cheese & wine nights, but were usually disappointed with some of our choices. At Venissimo, we were able to try everything before we bought it. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. We went in 10 minutes before they closed and they still took their time...explaining their favorites and cheeses that would compliment the wine we purchased. We ended up having one of the best cheese & wine nights yet! Can't wait to go back!
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Review from Matt P.
4/28/2011
First and foremost, I love cheese. I love it. Venissimo is like a cheese lovers dream! All different kinds of imported cheeses with a very knowledgeable staff who knows their product. You can get all different kinds of cheeses, and the staff with help you pick something. Their selection is by far the best ive seen in any specialty store that even deals with cheese. All I can say: If you love cheese, you really need to be here!
