After a day of winetasting and lunching out, we just wanted to go back to our room and relax. But first we wanted to pick up a snack for later. Lodi delis all seem to close around 3:00 PM. But we had passed Cheese Central the other day, and it was open till 6. I asked the ladies behind the counter if they did sandwiches, which they didn't. But I noticed they had a display of sausages and pates. Suddenly Riley appeared. He asked me what sort of thing I was looking for. Within a minute I had two petite Molinari fennel salamis, a wedge of smoked Gouda, and a half LaBrea baguette. He rang me up, gave me napkins and knives, and I was on my way. Everything was delicious. read more

If you are a foodie, know what a quality charcuterie plate looks like, this is 1 stop shopping. Cheese, exceptional, crackers and meats. All well being served by a very friendly staff that seems like family. Who says Lodi is not fancy? read more

We stumbled upon this place while browsing shops in downtown Lodi. Amazing selection of cheeses and accoutrements to go with it. The staff is so friendly and helpful. I spent about $100 on different cheeses, olives, pickles, etc for a New Years Eve get together and none of it was left because everyone was so impressed with the quality. We will definitely be back! read more

Smelly cheese and rude people!! Walked in never greeted by staff. Looking around the store to see their offering and not one person asked if we could be helped! Not very busy and now I see why!! read more

Have always received good service. Recently, we ordered a cheese and charcuterie platter for 15. It was very nicely assembled and a hit with everyone. read more

Came here around Saturday 11:30am. It wasn't busy. The only cheese shop I was able to find in Lodi. They only let you sample a few that they already have set for samples. There's no trying cheeses you want like some other cheese-shops. But the staffs were nice and knowledgeable. I bought some cheeses that were recommended to me. There were some unique ones that I wanted to try, but I didn't want to buy so many at once. They also sold crackers, olives, packaged salami. read more

Cheese Central - Cheeses - Cheese Shops Near Me - Lodi, California

Sweet Dreams (are made of cheese) I came across this cheese shop while exploring Downtown Lodi and noticed all the Yelp stickers posted on their window. Went inside to check it out. I was looking for gift ideas. They said cheese make a fantastic gift, especially when paired with wine and other accompaniments. So I'm thinking while cheeses themselves make great gifts, a cheese and wine gift basket would be the perfect gift for my friend (or any cheese lover, for that matter). Hmm, what about a cheese and jam set. While I took my time looking at their cheese and snack display I was slowly filling my basket with stuff I like (with emphasis on the "I"). I ended up leaving with some gourmet crackers, shortbread, chocolates, cheese spread w/ crackers snack box and my cool discovery... Taco Truck almond beer brittle. The employees were friendly and helpful and for awhile I was the only customer inside the shop and so I had all the attention. So excited to take home my bag of goodies... In the meantime... I'm still in search of a gift for my friend ¯\_('~')_/¯ Review #2582 read more

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A group of us went to Cheese Central to participate in a cooking class. We stated before the class that I am very allergic to fish. The owner had a dish with lox which I had an allergic reaction to and ruined the rest of the class experience for me. My friends were very concerned. Needles stress. No fish means no fish. There are thousands of dishes without fish that could have been made. The owner chose her standard recipes and ignored my allergy. The owner did not reimburse or offer another dinner without fish so all could enjoy. I do not recommend this cooking class. Blatant inconsideration read more

Such an awesome little cheese shop. They have many different options - they also provide cooking classes here! The ladies are very knowledgeable of there products and they answer any questions you have regarding the cheeses! We were just walking down the farmers market and they reeled us in, will definitely be coming back! Thank you :) read more

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Fantastic place. We had a great experience sampling before we bought, and learned a lot along the way.

Amazing!! We attended the Cheese 101 class and had a great time. Cindy is a wealth of knowledge, shares great stories, clearly has a passion for her craft and community. If you haven't yet taken the opportunity to stop into this gem of a store - do yourself a favor and do it! Highly recommend! read more

First off I'm a huge cheese lover so knowing that there is a cheese store in town makes my heart happy! It's a cute little store with lots of cheese to choose from and they have quite a few little knickknack items to check out and purchase if you like. Customer service is always nice. They are very helpful there. If you have any questions they are there to answer them. You can sample cheese as well. It's located on School St in Lodi, which is one of my favorite areas in Lodi. Love it there! Parking is eeehhh....go early if you can but definitely check it out especially if you are a cheese person. read more

Came here 1st time n i just kept coming back love this place they got great cheese n awesome vibes n service if u r a cheese fan u must stop by here Even if u r not a cheese fan still stop by n try free cheese what u got to lose unless you r lactose then soooooo sorry for you just gotta sit out on the cheese tasting but u still can stop by to check out the amazing stuffs this place got from cheese to cookies to crackers n etc.. they makes great gifts read more

I have been wanting to get back to Cheese Central for a while now, and life kept getting in the way. Do yourself a favor and just go. Treat yourself to a couple different fabulous cheeses, while simultaneously supporting local small businesses. Even if you're not winetasting, and you just want a couple different unique cheese flavors to go home to and make a small tray for yourself, it's fun to pick a variety from the store. My husband always snags the Red bell pepper ancho chili jam, with the mini original sea salt artisan crackers! Our cheese selections this time or a farmhouse cheddar from England, the ice skater smoked Gouda from Holland, Castello creamy Havarti and the Cypress Grove "PsycaDILLic"goat milk cheese with dill. Treat yo self ! read more

Cheese Central - Etorki cheese, fabulous sea salt crackers, & red bell pepper ancho chili jam. Mmmmm! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Lodi, California

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The service and knowledge were top notch. The mother daughter team were so welcoming. I definitely recommend this place if you love cheese. read more

Cheese Central - a variety of cheeses and flowers - Cheese Shops Near Me - Lodi, California

Cheese, cheese, cheese...cheese me now! This nifty little shop is certain to tickle your cheese fancy. We've visited twice in as many days, that should tell you something. If you need a selection of cheese and crackers, spreads and sausages be sure to stop at Cheese Central. Don't know what to choose? Grab the pre-packed picnic for two...stuffed full with a couple cheeses, olives, sausages, crackers and a spread. We needed a small gift for the sweet lady who gave us a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 gorgeous Cabernet wine glasses...this was a perfect choice to put a smile on her face. Yesterday we picked up a few delicacies for an evening hotel room nosh. Any cheese shop worth its salt will have the favorites: Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove, St. Agur and a few English and French favs too. I found my new favorite in Shooting Star Creamery - Central Coast Creamery fans will recognize the name, Shooting Star is the brainchild of the daughter of Central Coast. This young woman has been making award winning cheese since she was a young girl, one taste and you'll understand. The shop is in darling downtown Lodi and the shop staff and owners are a wealth of knowledge. I wish we could stay for a cheese or cooking class but we'll have to plan these for our next visit. The shop is closed on Sunday but they post a sign where you can enjoy their products at local wineries and vineyards. How cool is that? Do plan to make a stop and pick up a wedge or two. You'll be glad you did! read more

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Best cheese in town. So many different variety of cheese you could make your own basket.

What a delightful shop! I stopped in to get a couple of items for a small appetizer plate. I know very little about the different cheeses and what goes with what, but the lady who helped me was wonderful - very patient, offered suggestions, and was more than willing to let me sample. Needless to say, they have an extensive selection of cheeses. They also have crackers and condiments so I was able to get everything I needed there. read more

Nice variety of cheese. Had some olive oil to taste... friendly smiles, and they will let you sample any cheese in the building. read more

Cheese Central - Cheese Shops Near Me - Lodi, California

My friend said that she drives 1 1/2 hours to this cheese shop. We checked out today. Tried a variety of cheeses and bought a bunch. Sometimes for dinner we enjoy cheese, crackers and a good wine. read more

Such a nice lady. Had a dog, stood outside while the wife shopped. She came out and offered to watch him while I went in. #rottweilerpuppy Didnt take her up but such a great offer. And GREAT CHEESE......and I'm from Wisconsin read more

The customer service is horrible here! My friends and I decided to check this place out after stopping at some wineries in Lodi. Karen was very rude! She walked away from us because she said that I was talking too much when I was asking questions about the different types of cheese. I thought the whole point was to ask questions to figure out what type of cheese we would like. I feel like there was a bit of racism, along with ageism from this Karen lady. She was fine helping the Caucasian older people after us, who were also asking her questions. The cheese was good from the 2 that we were able to try and did end up buying. This place does not deserve my money, I will definitely not come back. read more

Okay, this cheese shop is just amazing. It's not quite as good as the one in Carmel, but I cannot imagine there are too many places in this area with this caliber of cheese. They say they have about a hundred cheeses, and I didn't count them all, but I got to have samples of at least a dozen. The women working behind the counter were super knowledgeable and helpful, and they had lots of insight into where the cheeses were made, what they are like, etc. I also like how they had a good selection of crackers and add-on things like quince paste. I think them giving out samples is really productive because you end up tasting (and buying) more cheeses than perhaps you would have otherwise. There was plenty of street parking in front. I also like how they will give you a cheese knife to go, so you can take the cheeses you buy when you go wine tasting in the area. read more

I think I died and went to Cheese Heaven. This store is any Cheese lovers dream, Cheese - Check! Crackers - Check! Spreads - Check! Wine - Check! Even Olive Oil and Beer! And located in Lodi.. say whaaat? I've had my eye on this little store for some time and recently stopped in on another trip to Sacramento and what turned a somewhat gloomy day into a very happy one. My Husband and I have been hunting for some good Cheese since we moved to California 4 and a half years ago so were delighted when we found not one but three Cheeses we both liked in the space of just 10 minutes. I'm sure we could have found many more but there's really only so many Cheese samples you can stomach in such a short space of time. The staff here are simply excellent, very knowledgeable and encourage you to sample as many of the offerings as possible. Aside from being a Cheese Shop there are also food demonstrations held here along with Wine Tasting, this really is a hidden gem. read more

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Cheese Central always has the best customer service. I have been coming here for 3 years to purchase a variety of cheeses each time or to try out new jams! The knowledge they have here on their products is amazing! The inside is very cozy and also feels as if you were at a fruit stand getting fresh products each time. If you love cheese, crackers, jams, this is a must stop shop. read more

Great cooking classes at this place! This was the Lemon cooking class. We made a lemon cocktail, appetizers, entree and dessert using Meyer and Eureka lemons. I'm a good cook and even learned some new "tricks" at this class!! Highly recommend. read more

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How dare they put a cheese shop right next to a wine tasting! Going down this street is dangerous because you're going to want to buy everything. The staff here was fantastic and super patient with us when my group of 5 wanted to try pretty much every type of cheese. I can't remember her name, but she let us try everything we wanted. She was also flexible in allowing us to buy specific amounts of cheese and would size them down if we wanted. My favorite was the Havarti-- a creamy, white cheese, which goes great with crackers! They also sell salami for 1.75$. I ended up buying half a square of Havarti and also a cheddar cheese that tasted exactly like a baked potato. I think there were onions or chives, but either way, it was great. Since these are fine cheeses, they're pretty pricey. If you just buy small amounts of each, it's easier on the bank... plus, you'll get a larger variety! read more

Cheese Central - Cheese for days! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Lodi, California

Oh My My My!! The ladies are Fabulous! If you LOVE Cheese; You will Love THIS PLACE! I am a cheese Snob! The ladies are very educated in the styles and variety of cheeses, where they are from and the best pairings. They also offer classes. read more

Hello folks We recently returned to Ca to visit friends and our favorite places. We stopped by our favorite winery to pick up our club shipment along with 2 extras cases $350 worth of wineI went next door to pick up some cheese and crackers for our tasting 1 wedge and crackers spent $20 bucks requested napkins and a knife which was given 3 for 4 people Returned with my friend for more cheese and I bought some other cheese also we spent another $23 requested another napkin and maybe a piece of wrapping paper was informed she already gave us 3 napkins and said she had no wrapping paper I said this was an additional purchase Geeeze Cheep cheep cheep ..... won't go back She needs to get her butt off that chair And take a customer service course ! read more

Where to start...well if you love cheese then this is the place to stop. You can obviously grab cheese from anywhere, but where are you going to find a place that has so much knowledge and great service went it comes to cheese? There's so many different kinds from different places. My thing is wine, and I'm still learning what pairs well with what. One of the last times I came in I was looking for a cheese that paired well with Chenin Blanc. The lady that helped me suggested I try out the a French Brie. She also suggested I try it with a baguette, too. It was a perfect pairing! The Brie was so creamy and rich. This is just one of the cheese I've tried from here. Can't wait to try another one next time. I also just Love the friendliness and the knowledge. It's such a cute place too. Feels like cute cheese boutique. They also have so many things to help build yourself a nice charcuterie board. This is the place to go to learn and take a much deeper appreciation for cheese and all its great pairings! read more

Cheese Central is my absolute favorite place in Lodi!! It is literally cheese heaven. Cindy & her staff are so wonderful, knowledgeable and hospitable. There is something here for everyone, and the staff are very pleased to guide you through a delectable cheese journey. I have also participated in some of the cooking classes with Cindy and she is just remarkable! I am always amazed and delighted at how much I learn from her Truly an incredible experience every time!! :) read more

Free samples? Yes please! Super nice and let us try multiple cheese. Server cheese to try and took the time for us. Their credit card didn't work but overall great experience. read more

I really liked this shop prior to COVID-19 but was alarmed at how few precautions are being taken. None of the 3 workers chose to wear masks, there were about 8 other customers inside and yet none were asked to space out or wait to be helped. No gloves worn when handling cheeses and then handing to customers. My family and I agreed it's unfortunate because small businesses are really being hurt by COVID-19 already. Doing your part to earn/keep business and showing your commitment to helping keep this small community safe should be paramount. read more

Cheese and cracker fanatics in and around Lodi, this is your sanctuary! Amazing selection of so many types of cheeses. Very friendly customer service, someone is always around to offer suggestions. And if you are in a hurry, they have small charcuterie boxes pre-made in their fridge. Easy peasy! And with so many local wineries just steps away how can you go wrong with an amazing afternoon pairing? So glad I found this little gem while I was in the area! read more

This might sound a little cheesy, but... The owners there are the nicest people I ever met. They let us sample several types of cheese and meats, and were very knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about what they do. I ended up purchasing the Cotswold wedge, which is their most popular cheese. It was AMAZING. So creamy, so tasty, so delicious. My second favorite one is the Delice De Bourgogne - very buttery and delightful. I tried several others, and they were very good as well. I learned so much about cheese in our visit there. They had other items as well such as non-alcoholic wines (yeah, didn't know that existed), pizza and foccacia dough, cookbooks, crackers, and so much more. They even offer classes on cheesemaking and other cool stuff on certain days. Definitely deserves its perfect rating.. give it a try! read more

If you don't like Cheese Central then you don't know Jack! Let's see, some quick favorites...probably the Teleme, Ewenique, Fiscalini bandaged cheddar, mushroom brie, morel and leek jack. Overall, fantastic cheese, great selection of beer too! The ladies at the counter are knowledgeable and they willingly offer samples of any cheese available. If you have only two cheese groups, white and yellow, you may want to expand your horizon and visit this really cool cheese venue. Hint, if you go for the mouse trap, which is small pieces of cheese sold on miniature board, you can get a nice cross section of different cheese at minimal cost. read more

Great place in Lodi. Fun experience with very knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.

The service from Karen and the magnificent, new, interesting cheeses makes this place like heaven for cheese lovers. Taste whatever you want and however much you want! They even cut up the French baguette I bought for us to eat with cheese and charcuterie!!! Go during the week if you can so that it's much less crowded! read more

The best cheese spot. Karen is super informative and the nicest. A must stop when in Lodi.

A must go for wine tasters and cheese lovers alike. If you are heading to Lodi or the Sacramento area for some wine tastings, then your first stop must be Cheese Central. Located in downtown Lodi, Cheese Central boasts over 140 different types of cheeses from all over the world. The knowledgable staff will help you pair the perfect cheese to your wine preferences, or if you don't plan on drinking wine, they'll help you simply find a cheese for your current mood. They offer samples for most of their cheeses and will wrap your entire order in a bag equipped with plastic knives, a place mat, and extra napkins. This little cheese bag was recongnized by almost every winery and tasting room I visited and the staff at each of them were more than happy to let me and my friends pair our cheeses with their wines. If you're looking to educate yourself, Cheese Central also offers cooking classes covering more than just cheese, though cheese related lessons are available. These course are inexpensive and held in a beautiful room in the back of the store. Cheese Central will make you fall in love with cheese with every visit. read more