Baker and Olive is a specialty store known for its high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and gourmet food products. I love going to specialty stores for specific products, in my opinion the products are better curated and higher quality. This shop is my go-to for balsamic vinegars and their impressive gift boxes, containing four bottles of oils and vinegars. They're perfect for housewarmings or gifts for cooking enthusiasts. Before buying, you can sample every oil and vinegar they offer. My latest obsession has been fruit vinegars and soda water, prompting me to purchase several bottles of white sweet vinegars to create my own flavored beverages. read more

Baker & Olive - Fruit white vinegar - Cheese Shops Near Me - Encinitas, California

Fantastic selection of oils and vinegars! The service was great! Look forward to going back!

We're addicted! Family owned and the staff is fantastic - especially Kelsey! Went with the intent of buying two bottles, left with 6 w/ great recommendations by Kelsey. Highly recommend! read more

Rude AF. My husband walked in yesterday after work and the lady who owns the place told him he can't be in there looking for anything because they close in 15 minutes and to come back at 10 am the next day..... I'm sorry but he has never been in the store and that's the first thing you yell at him? WOW!! He drove an hour.. AN HOUR to get oil and check out their store but he will never be back. The lady was rude and honestly I know why the are not busy. You're supposed to look at what you need to buy in a store.... I'm very very disappointed in this old lady's behavior and the way she speaks to customers is absolutely unacceptable, especially a new customer who was there for 5 seconds. read more

Their Olive oils are just the best!!! The Balsamics are good enough to spoon over ice cream - it's that good. Very Thick and rich. Dipping a piece of great, crusty French bread into the olive oil and balsamc is a wonderful appetizer. Lucy Souers read more

I love this store! I walked in this week and they were in the midst of a new cheese delivery! The store has a new look, which was explained to me as a remodel to bring in their storage so that they can adjust to their store & shipping needs since they're also online. They shared that they still do charcuterie boards, especially during the holidays and if I'm interested, I just need to let them know some time in advance. They just also brought back Rancho Gordo beans( so hard to get) and my favorite mustards and pickles! They let me know that even though the store looks different, they were able to fit everything that they originally had in the smaller space and that now it's much easier to manage for the staff and makes it an easier process to help customers as they walk in to shop. I'm going to keep coming back here to support the small small local, family owned business and its employees. Let's not knock this small business or any others when we can lift them and our community up. read more

Baker & Olive - The new look! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Encinitas, California

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This is a small store in Encinitas that has top class products; not cheap but this is a classic case where you get what you pay for. I go there, mainly, to buy my vinegars. Aged 12+ years, from Italy, if you want the best vinegars you have ever tasted this is the place. My favorites are the Pomegranate Balsamic Red Vinegar, their regular Balsamic Red Vinegar, the Fig Balsamic Vinegar and their French White Balsamic Vinegar. Tip: check in and you get 15% off! Try them out, they also provide free samples. You won't regret it! read more

Baker & Olive - the front of the store - Cheese Shops Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great selection of balsamic vinegars and olive oils. Was excited to finally visit the local business. Unfortunately, no one there greeted or offered to help. I left. Maybe will visit another time when staff is available. read more

I have been a long time customer for 5 years now - never get time off to visit the storefront and finally got a chance today. I was so excited to try so many things... but there was a strange vibe in the store - the attendant who helped me was so sweet and kind, I walked out with 8 bottles of material but I legitimately would have bought more had I not gotten the strange vibe from the older ladies who didn't seem to want us in that store. Importantly, it is very odd there is no bread to try their beautiful products, particularly given the namesake "baker and olive" - where's the baker? Your options are to either drink out of the sample cups or stick your finger in the oil or vinegar and lick - both uncomfortable and not conducive to tasting. Probably would have bought much more had I been able to try properly (ie not inhibited by off-putting vibe and allowed to appreciate full flavor profile with bread). Hence I had to take one star off for each decrement. I'll be back but next time I'll bring my own baguette and my own cheery attitude! read more

*During Covid 2020* The afternoon I visited Baker & Olive was a busier one that usual for the store. The had a couple of working elves (young men) who were decanting oils into bottles for holiday shopping and special orders. Masks were worn at all times, and they offered a table upon checking into the store with guidelines, hand sanitizer, and disposable masks to enter the store. I knew what balsamic vinegar I was shopping for and had it wrapped up to give as a gift to my dad. I also appreciated the recommendations and pairings that were suggested for bringing out the notes and subtleties of the vinegars and oils. They have a wonderful selection of meats and cheeses and offer local salumis, wines, and gelato along with crackers and bread. read more

The place to go for your olive oil needs. Plus other delightful items. Bought some of the best cheese along with our olive oil. Make sure to check Baker & Olive out! read more

This store is becoming such a disappointment. It used to be our go to for cheese, wine and other charcuterie ingredients. Now it looks like a completely different store with none of the above !! Please bring back the quality of the old store!! read more

The rudest customer service I have ever received. The woman in her late 40's to early 50's "helping" us first questioned if my dog was a real service dog and I informed her that yes in fact she is. She was so rude and then proceeded to tell me that a customer had been bitten by a dog the previous week and just glared at us... Like okay how does someone getting bitten by a completely different dog affect the treatment of my service dog? I understand My service dog is an American bulldog and not a basic golden retriever or lab as many service dog's are and my disability isn't visible so it can be hard for people to be able to understand but there is no excuse for her terrible treatment. They only had a few Christmas box arrangements left and I got one of the remaining ones on the shelf. My dad was with me and he asked her if there were any more in back she said no, that was it. He then asked if there were boxes that they sell so we could make our own arrangement and she yes and if we really wanted she could go back and get them. A couple minutes later another employee came out with a couple new boxes of Christmas arrangements... Which is crazy because we had just been told there were none left. My dad went and got and extra 3 he needed 2 as presents and I needed 2. We were told by an employee there is a 6 box cap per person twice! I don't what part of basic math is so hard to understand we were each buying 2 boxes and even if purchasing together the WHOLE total would be 4...After that we were just purchasing individual olive oils for own use and was not helped at all in carrying everything. We went to check out and we got the same lovely woman who was questioning me about my service dog. When asking for my name to see if I had an account she informed me that I didn't. Which didn't make sense because I was I had a spent about $250 on olive oil two days prior. She said well you don't have an account "I can make you one." I asked if she could look it up by phone number because the woman who was helpful 2 days prior and made my account had asked for number when creating the account. As she made my new account I found my receipt from 2 days earlier that had showed how many points I was away from my next award. I showed her the receipt and she said I spelled my name wrong... like really I don't think that was the case but she'll do me the favor of merging my accounts because I had just spent another $200 on olive oil under the new account she made. Our hands were full with bottles of olive oil and she couldn't even bother to hand us the boxes we bought when we were clearly struggling to carry everything. At my previous visit the woman had helped me carry everything out to my car and this woman couldn't bother to hand me my box she just left it on the counter and watched me have a struggle to pick it up. read more

Depending on who you encounter this place is hit or miss. Their olive oil and vinegar are DELICIOUS no doubt but wow some of the people working there are atrocious. Gail is great, sweet and friendly. There is another woman who works there, blonde hair, 40's-50's, SO rude and judgmental. To the point where I did not buy anything one time I went in just because of her. And that says a lot because I only use baker and olive oil and vinegars products to cook!! Be aware of this rude rude judgmental woman. read more

Fantastic products! Olive oil, balsamic, cheese, charcuterie and even fresh bread! Outstanding customer service. I've told everyone I know about this place! read more

without surrendering completely to hyperbole, there aren't enough stars in the sky to rate this place. at the counter there's a small selection of salumis (including a CHORIZO and two ABRUZZOs, one sweet and one spicy) and a couple PATES. sampled the FINOCCHIO which had a very interesting texture (mouth feel) and, in spite of its name, no strong fennel taste before deciding on the SOPRESSATA which is amazing. TOMATO CONFIT was luscious with a bright tomato flavor and no harsh acidity. can't get over how something so simple (and i don't particularly like tomatoes) could be that good. there were three or four kinds of OLIVES (we brought home two including some big, green brine-cured ones). they carry a great selection of cheeses (including several from SONOMA's COWGIRL CREAMERY and NOCAL's HUMBOLT FOG). we picked up a quarter pound each of MOLITERNO, a pecorino-style sheep's milk cheese with black truffles, EWEPHORIA, a sheep's milk gouda with a sweet, nutty butterscotch flavor, and ST. AGUR, a cow's milk double-cream cheese with a buttery texture and a delicate sharpness that's not too salty -- very approachable with a milder twang than most blues. after tasting an astounding variety of flavored vinegars and EVOOs, we settled on the TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC and HOJIBLANCA, a SPANISH varietal. did you know that OLIVE OILS have a one-year shelf life? yeah, me either. so, six months a year BAKER AND OLIVE stocks from the northern hemisphere and the other six from the southern. lots of great, organic, handmade breads. we started at the top of the list (a FRENCH BAGUETTE) and figured we can work our way down to the bottom on successive visits. now, here's the bad news. this place is as habit-forming as heroin only more expensive. one visit and i'm hooked. read more

Baker & Olive - ooh, so-o-o-o-o many EVOO's !!! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Encinitas, California

I can totally see why this place has 5 stars. I dropped in to buy a friend a birthday gift. Was a little put back by the prices until I sampled some of the olive oils. Each was better than the last. Or whatever I was trying at the time was the best ever. I could have spent all day in this store. I bought my girlfriend a 3 piece set and she was so excited when she opened it. Baker and Olive has a nice selection of gift items for those who like to cook....and also for those of us who like to eat. I'm going back for the roasted sesame olive oil. And that delicious crusty sourdough bread. read more

This was my second visit to Baker & Olive. On the first visit we sampled several olive oils and ends up buying a sampler pack of olive oils for dipping. The staff was helpful and knowledgable making for a great visit. Today, I was looking forward to a visit as I had business in the area. Staff was helping another customer so I waited near the cheese cooler. No one acknowledged me greeted me or said anything to me while I waited. Staff then helped another customer that came in and while at the register the customer said "Oh! Did I cut in front of you.. " "yes but go ahead" I said. Staff still hadn't said anything when my companion came into the store. I waited a few more minutes and said "let's go" So disappointing especially since it's an hour drive to here for us. read more

The products are excellent , the staff well its a hit or miss. I wanted a smaller bottle of this particular balsamic so i asked one of the lady if they have any. She said no only in big bottle. The Another staff named Julie helped me. I said i want it in small bottle and her response was sure i can make you a small bottle. Is it just laziness to make a new bottle or just wanna sell the big bottle. The point is that they can make you a smaller bottle if its not available on the shelves. Look for Julie, she will help you! read more

Great gem of a store in North County San Diego. Do ask for ideas and suggestions as to what cheese goes well with what wine, meat, dish etc. Staff is friendly. The products make great gifts. read more

This is one of the best go-to spots to grab some olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette variations. I accidentally bumped into this location while I was getting around the little shopping center it is in, but it was a great find. I'd been a bit tired of salads and foods but needed to find some motivation and I did. The fig balsamic vinaigrette is amazing!! It makes any salad tastes delicious. Persian lime olive oil is also another favorite and goes well with fish, chicken and other white meats. It is a bit speedy for oil and vinaigrettes but it definitely helps to keep staying healthy. read more

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I completely agree with other reviewers that some of the people who work there are so rude, especially their manager, Maria. If you have any issues with anything you buy there, you can count on her to be snobby and unwilling to compensate you in anyway. The same exact oils and vinegars are sold at Humble Olive Oils in Carlsbad with much kinder, helpful people and lower prices. If you love their oils, but prefer kind people and lower prices, go to Humble Olive Oil instead. read more

They have a huge selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars (dark and white). The staff members are very helpful and are happy to give you tasters of their amazing products. A great place for buying special gifts for anyone. Some of my favorites include Black Cherry Balsamic (makes a wonderful reduction), Umeboshi Plum White Balsamic (great with sparkling water), and Peach White Balsamic (adds an aromatic fruitiness to any salad). read more

After receiving their Olive Oil as a gift for Christmas I drove from Orange County to swap it out for an olive oil flavor I would prefer. I spoke with the Manager at the store who detailed to me how they could not possibly swap out the oil since I had opened it to taste it. Great Customer Service - especially after knowing that I drove from Orange County and received it as a gift. read more

Thank you for helping make our Father's Day perfect! Kathy was so friendly and helpful and the curbside pickup went effortlessly. Olives, cheese, olive oil, fresh bread and white wine. A really simple but special lunch for our favorite guys. read more

My first visit last summer to Baker & Olive I fell in love with their products, not so much the manager as she hovered over us and was not friendly in her approach to introducing us to the products. That being said, the products sold themselves and between my friend and I we spent over $300. I was excited to see the available Christmas gift sets on my next trip to San Diego at the location in Liberty Market. Spent $200 that visit and the staff was so kind and a great help. I purchased several gift sets, some 100ml bottles of oil for myself and some of the great honey. When unloading my goodies after shopping, I noticed olive oil was leaking from somewhere, the paper bags and gift boxes were discolored. I called the Encinitas location immediately and Manager (Marie or Maria) assures me I could exchange them at Liberty Market when I returned to San Diego. I left the affected boxes with my friend in San Diego and took the remainder with me on my flight home. Unfortunately when I arrived, the same thing happened to those gift boxes, they had leaked oil as well. I attempted to exchange them last week at the Encinitas location and manager literally stood there and told me the discolored bag and box had to have come from another source, not from the oils contained in them. And they are unable to control temperature, etc. once they leave store. Like I would intentionally pour oil on the bags and boxes. I was fuming! After those rude comments she then says I can give you new boxes and labels...that's it. The more appropriate answer would've been I'm so sorry let's take a look, are you good with me repackaging them for you? She immediately became accusatory and dismissive. To the owner.....you have a gold mine but your manager needs to move on. It would be great as well to have bread to taste with. read more

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Balsamic and olive oil is my favorite way to get bread delivered to my mouth. I'm simple so I can just use the regular grocery store selection. Or so I thought. Once visiting Baker and Olive I now have an upgraded palette. I tried some blueberry infused balsamic and it blew my mind. Who knew there could be so many selections? My wife likes to pop in here for gift buying purposes. Let's hope she includes me on that list. read more

So many goodies here! Love This store! Perfect store to buy gifts for your girlfriends :-) read more

Drove down El Camino today, as I do most days, but I just happened to turn and see a new sign I've never seen for this quaint little shop... So I pulled over and went in to see what it was all about. It certainly doesn't fit in the little shopping center, but I am glad it there. There are jars and jars of olive oil and vinegar, with inventive jars of preserves at the front where there is a case of cheese and bread behind the counter. The gentleman working helped me picked a cheese (I asked for a light cheese that would pair well w/ bread for a snack)-- there were mostly Italian, Spanish, and French cheeses w/ one from CA; he offered me a (generous) taste of a French petit basque, of which I bought about 1/3 pound along with a olive baguette. The baguette was $3.75, and the cheese was $10 per half pound (a little over $7 for the piece I received). The bread I bought (which I just used for lunch) was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, very fresh. I am definitely excited to go back and try some of the other breads and the oils. Definitely a great surprise to find today! read more

A true EVOO heaven. 5 stars in San Diego / 4 stars if this were Napa or Paso based on price. Sean rules the roost and brings tens of great and different oils and vinegars to a place that was lacking. He has flavored oils for the meek, but I suggest staying plain and using fresh herbs combined with multiple vinegars to add real depth to your dressings. This allows you to use an oil that is characteristic of your greens. My nilla dressing: 3T chives 2T thyme 1t tarragon 2cl garlic 1/2t fennel seeds 2T Grey Poupon 1T pomegranate red balsamic vinegar 1T ripe peach white balsamic vinegar 1t bourbon vanilla extract Juice and zest of 1 lemon Salt & pepper Stick blender until smooth, then add EVOO to match your greens, to taste read more

I've been dying to check this place out ever since it opened in August 2010. Finally made it in there and it was well worth it. I'm already planning to be a frequent visitor. If I ever win the lottery, I'll spend most of it in Baker & Olive, guarantee it. This place has got a great selection of heavenly foodie gifts and perfect gift sets of small bottles of olive oil and vinegar. As well as honey, jam, mustard, salts, and way more than I can describe. The woman who helped us was so nice and knowledgeable about the products. She spent quite a bit of time showing us around and finding different oils and vinegars to taste, even mixing some and explaining how they could be used. They have a pretty wide selection with so many different flavors. Quick tip: Clean and dry out your bottles once they're emptied and they will refill for a dollar off the price. I'm too much of a foodie to walk out of this place empty handed! Fell in love with the blood orange EVOO and the juniper berry balsamic --- mix 'em together and it's pure deliciousness. Already tried mixed with bread dippers. Balsamic is AMAZING over fruit and salads, too. I've been looking for a good place to get fresh, organic, healthy bread loaves for a while and this place fits the bill! Bread is baked every morning (though off site) and it's all organic and uses natural ingredients. I took home a loaf of the multigrain and it was really good --- nutty and light but perfect for dipping, or as toast, or sandwiches or pretty much anything. Will definitely be back to buy more in the future. Two thumbs up to Baker & Olive! read more

I first went to Baker and Olive to buy some Cowboy Girl cheese I needed for a recipe. I have a friend who has purchased their balsamic. I sampled a few and some olive oils. I have bought other 'specialty' oils from similar shops, However the trying these I have to say I'm hooked. I purchased Tuscan and Lemon olive oils plus Peach balsamic and Lemon balsamic. Once you try these you will probably never buy 'regular' options from a grocery store. They make so much difference even in a simple salad. Treat yourself to quality. It's worth it! read more

This new new concept store called Baker & Olive is a MUST DO for any foody or chef. It has the largest selection of olive oil and balsamic vinegars in the County, all on tap. The unique thing is that you can try any of our 30 oils and 20 Balsamic vinegars before you buy them, ensuring you get what you want. This quality of oils and vinegars has only been available to top chefs, but they are now available to you at prices that are not much different from the supermarkets ($15 per bottle). They also have real artisan bread that is baked fresh by hand every day and a gourmet selection of cheese and olives. fresh olive oils, handmade breads, specialty foods read more

This review is for the olive oil & vinegar tasting only.. I haven't tried much behind the counter because a lot of it seemed a little overpriced. I when I can get pretty good bread, chocolate & cheese down the street. I came here for the FREE tastings with a friend.. I was a little disappointed when I heard we were tasting in little mini shot cups not atop bread slices like I would usually enjoy my olive oil. I didn't think that I would really enjoy straight oil & vinegar and especially in multiple samples.. BOY O BOY was I WRONG!!! This was a delightful experience. My mouth is watering reminiscing right now. There were a vast variety of flavor infused oils and vinegars.. many distinctly enjoyable individually, but the very friendly & knowledgeable woman helping else introduced us to some of the most delicious combinations... and this is still just oil&vinegar not even solid food!!! I was more than pleasantly surprised.. and couldn't help but thinking how much healthier I could be after purchasing a few of these bottles because I would actually enjoy salad and other dishes not completely covered in cheese & butter! haha.. Standouts were Orange infused Olive oil, Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar, and Espresso Balsamic Vinegar! The last two might sound strange but they were sooo tasty and versatile! Seriously they could make scrumptious salad dressing, used in cooking an entree or seriously as a dessert topping on top of ice cream or gelato! yum! . read more

What a great find! ....and I was only looking for a coffee shop! (Peets, down the street is the nearest one, btw) I'm very familiar with the local selection of oils and vinegars at Temecula Olive Oil Company....which is great, but what about the rest of the world? If you're new to the concept....plan on doing small "shots" of oil and/or balsamic vinegar. Baker and Olive has an excellent selection of world-wide oils and vinegars. The staff seems very knowledgable and their suggestions were great. I was in a hurry and didn't get a chance to try the vinegars or bread, but I definitely plan on coming back for the full experience. Oils range around $15-17. read more

If you're a foodie or enjoy cooking then you will LOVE this place. This is gourmet quality infused olive oils and vinegars with sample tasting before you purchase. These core ingredients will make you realize how much other restaurants oil and vinegar that you dip their bread in doesn't even compare. Then you realize you can provide quality food at the convenience of your own home kitchen with their products. My go to place for artisan made bread, salami, and cheeses. This place does not disappoint. read more

The people who work here are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the inventory and they have a good selection. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because its kinda pricey. I keep the raw clover honey on hand at all times in my home. Makes the best carrots on earth and amazing in just about any tea. I had a delicious Mushroom, Sage infused olive oil that was great too. Anything from meats, veg, whatever it got the job done well. Pretty sweet mustards and the only place in the area that I know of that carries Humboldt Fog. And again the people are as nice as they could possibly be. Definitely a fan of this place... just wish I could spend $50 and walk out with more than a few items. I guess it makes sense given the area it's in though. read more

I have been so curious about this store - finally went in. I got the tuscan olive oil and it's yummy. AND they sell delicious bread! Definitely will be back read more

Everything in this store is yummy yummy yummy! I keep olive oil and balsalmics of all different flavors on my counter and use them on everything! So health and so good. The staff at Baker and Olive will help you choose the right combinations for your palate and cooking styles and you can taste everything before you buy. The pricepoint is reasonalble and the service is awesome. They have fresh organic breads too! Great for gifts.. A great place. A definite "must do" in Encinitas! read more

Finding this place while we waited for our table at Snooze was a real treat. The staff is super nice and let you try any of their balsamics and oils. At first I thought it would be weird tasting tiny shots of these, but it was surprisingly delicious. I ended up buying the cranberry pear balsamic which can be used as a dressing, added to sparkling water or used as a glaze for chicken. As I wandered around the store some more, I ended up buying a jar of fig and grape jelly. I couldn't wait to dig into that when I got home and it did not disappoint. The pistachio jam was also really delicious but at $11/jar, I'll have to wait for my next trip to pick up a jar. You can order online for a flat $12 shipping fee (so I would recommend buying multiple items at one time.) My only recommendation for this place would be to have small chunks of bread to taste the stuff with. read more