Cheese Shop (The), Carmel-by-The-Sea

My husand and I lived in Monterey,CA and I used to work at the plaza in Carmel. I promise, not a week went by that I didn't buy or try something at The Cheese Shop! My husband used to tell me that I only kept my job in the plaza so that I could buy the wonderful cheeses, stuffed olives, delicious pesto and breads there! The staff there is AMAZING, knowledgable and FUN and were ALWAYS eager to let me sample any type of cheese I was curious about!(And they have a HUGE selction!!!!) You just can't find a place like this anywhere else!!!I'm telling you, if you are visiting Carmel, you HAVE to stop in THE Cheese Shop! It is an experience you won't soon forget! (I've been back on the east coast for over a year now and I'm missing this place like crazy!)

I live in florida now and I miss my trips to Carmel and to the cheese shop. I can taste the appenzeller as I write this......mmmm

The Cheese Shop in the lower level of Carmel Plaza is an incredibly unique oasis of cozy atmosphere and gastronomic delights amidst the slick, shiny shops around it. It is a "must visit" on anyone's list. The owner, Kent Torrey, is a gracious and knowledgeable host to what is more an experience than a shopping trip. His enthusiasm for cheese, wine and good living rubs off on everone who works there, giving you the feeling of a fun family gathering going on all the time. The staff is ready to help you find souvenirs from your visit, gifts for friends, supplies for your party or just indulgences for yourself. I've been there many times since the mid-80's and, though I live on the East Coast now, I am greeted like an old friend every time I walk in. Trust this review. I promise you will enjoy your experience at The Cheese Shop.

The Cheese Shop inside this quaint little plaza was such a great expierence for my husband and I. The treatment received from the staff, their comedy while sampling the cheese was great and on, and on! This little treasure by the sea is a must!

I love cheese. All kinds. The more exotic, the better. And this place is heaven for me. The owner/manager is one of the ones passing out free samples of the hundreds of cheeses they have. And he does it in such a way that his passion for cheese is infectious. A few deep breaths inside the shop alone is worth a drive to Carmel alone.

Try the fresh made pesto..... The cheeses are fabulous. They let you taste, and make sure you do because you will experience some of the most wonderful cheeses you have ever put in your mouth. A very creative selection from all over the world. When you walk in the shop, room temperature rounds of the stuff waif up and delight your nose..and it's hard to get away without a sack full of goodies. I purchased rare 25 year old Modena balsamic vinegar which they let me taste with a small sliver of Parmesano Reggiano. They also open a bottle of fine wine on occasion to let you experience a taste with cetain cheeses they are featuring. I will miss this little shop in Carmel.

we love everything about you, great service , great people and the most wonderful cheese and wine.

We are always made to feel so welcomed and at home there. We always learn something new when we go there, kent is the best, but even when he's not there we have a great time. How does he find these employees? We'll be back!

While living in Carmel, The Cheese Shop was a weekly stop for cheeses and a bottle of wine recommended by Kent and/or one of the other extremely knowledgable staff. After moving away, every visit back to Carmel includes a stop by The Cheese Stop. I always leave town with the stinkiest luggage in town!

We live close by and we love the cheese shop in Carmel. They always give taste samples of any cheese you want. Some of the cheeses can run pretty expensive though, it is the best cheese and it is Carmel. We always always walk out with one, two or more slices of cheese in hand. If you have the opportunity go it is worth it.