I've been here a few times now, and i love it. they have great selection, fast service, and really (i.e., cheaper than the grocery store prices). i come here for my asiago fix, and anything else that sounds tasty! ive tried their gorgonzola, swiss, spiced cheddar...and a few others. never been disappointed. the best part, is they let you try the cheese before you buy. read more

Amazing selection of cheeses. Went in today and they finally had some Roaring Forties (my absolute favourite blue cheese) so I bought some of that and some delicious beefsteak olives at the recommendation of one of they employees when I told him I wanted some olives to add to a stew. They're generous with samples and always willing to help. No stinky attitude here! read more

If you're lactose intolerant, well firstly, you probably shouldn't read any further and should go about your regimen of poking around the internet looking for LI support groups, dairy-free-friendly restaurants, and blogs on recipes for pizza that don't taste that bad for being cheeseless. Secondly, it really sucks to be you since Global Cheese is a fantastic place to grab solidified milk that's been set aside for a while. Tucked away in the Kensington Market, Global Cheese is a quintessential cheese shop. You get that feeling as soon as you step into the place. It literally reeks of cheese. No seriously it does. As strong and possibly offensive as this place may be to the senses olfactory, it's the hit I think you need to take to get to the bottom of some serious cheeses. The more sanitized, the less authentic, in my world, anyway. Sample all you like at Global Cheese. Find one of the many helpful counter staff and get them to slice you off a sliver of something you think might be tasty. I'd be surprised if it doesn't work for you. The range of cheeses they supply is superb so I suggest you heed the warning and don't go hungry, unless you want to go home with about 200 grams of everything that sounded even half-decent. It's not just me that thinks this place is pretty cool. Every time I attempt to go in and grab a bit of fermented milk heaven, I am faced with a line that coils around the shop filled with people that are definitely not lactose-intolerant, or if they are, are willing to take the pain for the gain. read more

this is the only place I go to to buy cheese. The prices are fair, and the selection is vast. They've got a lot of staff, so you're never waiting too long to get service, and for the most part they're friendly and willing to answer any questions you have. They also have a selection of meats, olives, pates, and other things you may find in a deli, but I recommend sticking to the cheeses. the other stuff is better at other shops. read more

This is definitely my favourite cheese shop in Toronto! They have a huge cheese selection, and also an olive and cold meat section, some jams, and pasta. The people are not super friendly but they are helpful and are always giving out free samples. The price is very reasonable and they have a large sale section towards the back. Honestly, unless i'm looking for something specific, i usually just go to the sale section any time I'm near the store and buy new stuff to try. Great place! Debit & cash only. read more

Bought some cheese here this weekend, and, as usual, NOT disappointed. Went home with a lovely piece of light swiss (1.99/100g) which was fantastic in sandwiches. Also purchased a gorgeous and large ball of raw bufalla in water. So much bigger and better than comparable cheeses at say, Loblaws, or ever (my favourite) Fiesta Farms. The cheese was creamy, rich, and just salty enough. Had it last night with an heirloom tomato, fresh basil, and some lovely olive oil and balsamic glaze. At 5.99 this bufalla was definitely a steal. Also picked up some home made greek pressed yogurt. So much thicker and creamier than anything pre-packaged. Perfect for cooking or making paneer, even. Love this place, highly reccommend. read more

I've never met a cheese I didn't like, and I like Global Cheese better than most. Top things to know about Global Cheese: Go early on the weekends, because it gets crowded! Lots of samples! They'll let you try before you buy. Yum. You can get all the same stuff from the counter on the left, but people rarely go there because it's off to the side. They have some good deals on cheese. Pay attention to the specials posted on the board. I hope you're not lactose intolerant read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. It has become a holiday tradition we pick up several cheeses for the family dinner. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Samples help decide what you like and don't. Best cheese shop in town!!!! read more

I've been here looking for a nice slab of parmasen cheese and was given a great piece for a reasonable price (6 dollars) The last time I went I was looking for a nice amount of cheese to use for a taco mix. I noticed they had a special pre graded blend of cheeses specially labeled "taco mix". When I brought it home, the mix tasted really awful. I like to think I have a good idea on what good cheese taste like, and stuff that has gone bad, but this stuff was really out the window. Attempting to go back for a 3rd time soon, hoping to have a better experience. read more

I really wish I was able to try more of the cheese shops in Kensington Market before I left, but this shop was AMAZING. Not only were all the cheese and produce reasonably priced (Less than $3 for 100 g for most of their cheese, ~$1-2 / 100 gram for most of them), but they are very willing to give you samples and advice on how to store the cheeses. I'm not an expert, but I loved their smoked gouda cheese-- it really has a great smokey flavor. The aged gouda keeps longer, but is a bit saltier and less subtly flavored. I would love to try some of the chili cheddar, but didn't have enough money to buy it after a day in Kensington Market. We also got pretty cheap gnocchi-- they had both whole wheat based and white flour based gnocchi. read more

The best place to buy cheese in Toronto, hands down. The selection of cheeses is amazing and the service is top-notch. They wanted to bring a piece of Italy to Kensington, and they succeeded. Even when the place is packed, you feel pampered. Samples galore! The store can be a bit intimidating when you first walk in though, so don't be shy about saying "I need a minute" before diving in. First time I walked in all I knew was how many people I knew were coming to the party and how much I wanted to spend. For every time since then, I haven't needed to know anything else. Important tip: if you're looking for quality, only get the cheeses behind the counter. The packaged cheeses in the open display case are on sale (and not behind the counter) for a reason. read more

This place is my second home and without question the best cheese store in Toronto, not only because of the great deals they have but also and most importantly because of the great service provide by a mix of old humorous men with lot of experience and young energetic guys that will make you smile while you buy your cheese.The feeling inside the store on a saturday is a unique experience. j+p= two dam good smiles...... its a cheese party .... tosta mista one more time. read more

you can smell this place a mile away, no you can't but still! this is a special form of heaven on earth, if you can't find whatever cheese you want at this location, you can't find it anywhere. this location boasts great hours, with some excellent service, which I imagine can be hard, under the circumstances of smelling all the awesomeness. transit wise this is a little bit of a walk from the Spadina line, but wayyyyyyyyyy worth it. come and get some gooey goodness. read more

Went in to see if they had goat parmesan. They did and gave me a taste. It was 4.99 for 100g I only wanted half that. Get to cash register and it's 3.35. Didn't bother arguing (only over a buck more), but when you ask for an amount and the salesperson gives you more, they should ask first if that's alright. I was very zen and just promised that I had no reason to ever come back here. As I was leaving, I remembered that i wanted clotted cream. They did sell it, but i decided that i'd prefer to give someone better my money. Went to Cheese Magic but they were out so i decided that Global Cheese could still suck it!!! read more

Don't fear a Monty Python cheese shop sketch here...they're well stocked and the cat has not eaten the Camembert. Great selection of both foreign and domestic cheeses. Cheese is expensive in Canada, but their prices are lower than most of the major supermarkets for quality cheese. The staff are helpful. Very willing to sample and let you compare....even when they're busy. I quite like that. Only very minimal attitude when you haven't quite figured out the system. Plenty of other fun finds here from olives to little pickles. Definitely a must-stop place in Kensington. read more

I've bought cheese here countless times. The prices are amazing; you get quality and variety and the price is less than a supermarket. Unless you take into account the fact that you end up buying triple the amount of cheese than you expected to. The service is great too. They have more people than they need to working the counter and every one of them is eager to help you. Most of them don't mind grabbing and shaving off a slice of cheese from every brick in the display, because they know, eventually, you're going to be buying. Maybe they can tell the ones who are going to be buying and those in for a snack. Now, with a whole load of cheese selected, how about hosting a cheese tasting. Well, if so, the store is also full of a ton of sundries to accompany and accent the cheese. Might I suggest heading over to 124 Ossington and getting some Bellwoods beer to accompany the huge bag you're leaving with. read more

Huge fan of this cheese shop! They let you sample everything before you commit. Before moving to this neighbourhood I pretty much got my cheese from Loblaws. This has been a mind altering experience. The cheese is SO GOOD. I had a goat's milk brie that was so gooey delicious and they have so many choices I'd love to try them all! I also think the cheese quality is so, so much better than the grocery store. My boyfriend and I bought some cheese from the grocery store just because we were there and getting other stuff, and it was not as good at all. From now on, my cheese is coming from here. read more

I bought some brie and crackers a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. Today I bought some more, put it in the fridge, and ate some 2 hours later. It was definitely bad, it was very gooey and tasted and smelled very strongly like ammonia. Hoping I don't get food poisoning now. UPDATE: Got food poisoning read more

Amazing selection! They are great at making recommendations and letting you try the cheeses before you buy. I always go here if I'm entertaining and plan to make a cheese board. read more

Very rude and abrupt woman who works there, very impatient with me. I sampled about 2 slivers of cheese after telling her specifically what I wanted. She blew it every time. AND spoke down to me when I asked for more help by telling me that other customers were waiting..They were EMPTY and 3 other staff were wondering around on a Tuesday afternoon. Horrible place, horrible service I will NEVER return, I feel embarrassed and I will make sure to mention this to friends and family not to patronize this business. TONS of other great cheese shops all over Toronto and vicinity. read more

Global has always been tops in my book. However - I had to leave in '07 and have not yet experienced the renovations. The 'Wall O' Cheese' through which you convened with the staff seems to have been torn down and put into United Nations approved refrigerators. That wall was the stuff of legends, of myths! Can they continue to graciously offer up samples & suggestions without it? I seriously miss both the wall and the utterly unearthly smell that hit you like a wet fish when you entered the place. I am not kidding. A cheese shop that doesn't smell is like a zoo with stuffed animals. If they still got the aroma, the attitude, the generosity, and the top-notch knowledgeable staff as before -- well, the place could only get better! I can't wait to make my next pilgrimage down there and find out, and spend minimum $30 on the following day's snacks. read more

If you went into Global Cheese and said "I'll buy everything in the store" they would say "AND WHAT ELSE". This is my only reservation - I love cheese and sometimes when I get home I worry that I bought more than I can eat before it spoils. However, that is another thing about Global. The cheese is so fresh that I have never had any spoil and enjoyed every bit that I bought. Don't miss the garlic stuffed spicy olives. They are so good that I have to open them and have a couple on the streetcar on the way home. One caution. The prices are very reasonable, but some cheese that tastes great when they give you a sample also is pricy. I ask them to warn me if anything is over $30 per kg. read more

My daughter stopped in here to get me some limburger cheese. She knew the limburger would smell bad but she didn't know what it supposed to smell like. I opened 1 of the 2 packages and was over whelmed of smell of AMONIA. Clearly bad cheese and the shop people should have known that. upon further examination of the packages, the best before date area was CUT off the wrapper. (Is this food fraud?) He gave her a special 2 for $8, heck that's more $$ than Loblaws. Check the date code, get a receipt, taste a sample. I've got no receipt and a bad taste in my mouth. Won't be going back. read more

I've bought some wonderful cheeses from here over the years, but my recent experiences have made me decide I will never be going back. The customer service really leaves something to be desired, and I always get the feeling that I am being ripped off because they are not transparent with how they weigh and price their products. It seems that unless you're buying half a wheel of cheese, they don't think you're worth their time and treat you poorly. This kind of behaviour, time after time, is not OK. Yesterday I stopped here to buy some olives for a pasta dish I was going to make for dinner. When I went up to the counter I was met with the usual surly disposition of everyone who works here. Since I didn't need that many olives, I asked for half of a small container. The person helping me filled the container and asked, "How's that?" I said "Oh, I don't need as many, maybe just half of that." She told me she couldn't give it to me unless I bought a minimum of 100 grams, while holding a container of olives that would obviously have weighed much more than that. I asked "Since when?" and she said "Since always." Then another person behind the counter told me that no matter where I went there'd be a 100g minimum, even at Bulk Barn. Not that I love shopping at Bulk Barn, but anyone who has been there knows that that's not at all true. Anyway, I thanked them and said I didn't feel like supporting a business that treats me like I'm not worth their time. I also put back the cheeses I was about to buy, and decided right then and there that I will never be going back. How do these people get away with doing this every single time, and more importantly, why should we customers put up with being treated this way? The owners of this store need to realize that they are not doing us a favour by operating this place. This is ridiculous behaviour. read more

I was at Global Cheese today. I asked for 200 gramms of cheese. When I went to the cash register, I was surprised at the bill. I paid, but went back to check the price of the cheese. Turns out, the woman helping me thought that it was ok to give me 400 gramms of cheese instead. Her response was "I just gave you a bit more". It's my fault for not double checking before paying, but it also reflects poorly on the customer service in the place. Go next door to Mendels. Prices are cheaper, cheese is fresh, and the customer service can't be beat. read more

Global Cheese has been around for a very, very long time. I remember shopping there weekly with my father when I was a child. I am now in my 60's but still recall the owner coming around the counter to give me a sample of my favourite cheese...drippy, brie. Many many happy memories from those days. I continued to shop at Global as an adult. I carried on the tradition with my children. Unfortunately around 15 years ago, give or take a few years, I was shocked to discover that I was being cheated each and every time I visited the store. Something had changed in the quality of the cheese I brought home over a period of about 6 months.THe long and the short of it was that the sample of cheese I was given, was not the same as the cheese I took home. What I took home was a cheaper, less desirable cheese. Those mounds of cheese between the customer and salesperson that blocks the view of the scales and their wrapping permitted the salesclerk to do the "switcheroo." As you can imagine, I was mortified. When I returned the poor quality cheese I had been sold and complained vehemently citing my 30-40 years plus of patronage, I was told that " that's business." No apology. I never set foot in Global Cheese again. I took my business across the street to Cheese Magic, slightly more expensive but excellent quality, polite and most importantly, HONEST SERVICE. I have no idea if the Global Cheese is still under the same ownership. It is irrelavent to me. Buyer beware! read more

Very friendly staff and very knowledgable about cheese. My roomate's a traditional Italian and we went on a cheese hunt and he just started splurting all this Italian mumbo-jumbo and the staff knew exactly what he was talking about (and no they were not Italian). All the cheese we got were tasty and reasonably priced. They have every kind of cheese you'll ever want, and many different kinds of it too! read more

When it comes to cheese in Toronto no matter where you live in the city this place is where you should be coming to get your cheese. Global cheese has been a huge part of the Kensington market for decades most of the guys working there have been serving up the best cheeses from around the world longer then I've been alive and because of that, they know their cheese and really take pride in the product they sell. Just walking through those doors and smelling that wonderful stink is enough to make me feel like heaven. read more

Every time I'm there, I always get their cheeses. It's my favorite cheese store, reasonable prices and good services. So far, I haven't found one better than that. read more

You have to be very carefull when you go to Global Cheese. Cheapest place in town for cheese ? Yes ! Best place ? No ! The sad think about this place is that you can't trust the employees :( Their salary depend on what they sell, this is not a good sign... Always test the cheeses ! And trust yourself ! If you don't like it, don't listen to the employee and just don't buy it, this is it ! If the employee is telling you "I have a fantastic tome de montagne, blablabla...", translate it in "We have a too much of an unsalable Tome...". Perhaps it is a good one, perhaps not... just don't trust him. If you can't test the product, like some "crottin de chèvre" (Goat cheese), don't buy it. Or you could have a very bad surprise. A part of their stock are very old cheese. Too old ! If you know exactly what you want, this is the place to go. If you want some advise for your dinner, this is not the place to go. read more

Wow my first yelp review and it had to be negative:( for over a year this was my cheese spot till today. I received very rude unwelcome customer service. It ruined my friendly Kensington vibe. Not the only overpriced cheese store in town. I won't be coming back! read more

Sign seen in a store: Good, Fast, Cheap: Pick any two. Except that's not the case with Global Cheese. Super fast, super cheap, super good. For those who say its pricey, ummmm... compared to what? I picked up a pound of full flavored Havarti with dill last night for 4 bucks. That's less than the blocks of extruded plastic when they're on sale at No Frills. Global had 5 inch wheels of Camembert this fall for $2.50. Granted, to get that price you had to buy two of them. That's how they GET you. You do have to be ready to do business. I never find them rude, but if you're still deciding, they'll move on and get back to you. They don't give attitude if you don't buy something you've sampled. You walk in there behind 11 other customers, try five kinds of cheese, and you're still out in 7 minutes. And if you watch the scale you'll see they round down the prices as often as not. 27 bucks worth of cheese? lets call it 25. It's a shtick, I know, and I'm a total slut for it. Get a container of grated Parmesan. And get a couple of containers of Boursin (garlic cream cheese. they used to have a sign "with GARLIC. Grows hair on your chest.") Name your fave cheeses and ask what's on sale: Sharp old white cheddar 5 bucks a pound. Zippy Swiss 6 bucks a pound. Then walk ten paces north and get an $8 piece of kielbasa as long as your arm from European meats. Spread Boursin on Kielbasa. Fail in attempt to not eat entire kielbasa and 2 containers of Boursin in one go. read more

Their port-chedder at christmas is excellent. Especially with fried sliced pears and wine... nice job bro... your friends eat well... Cheers Andrew P.S. The garlic stuffed olives are a little intense but hey two stars... thanks Pete at work... when are we dining again??? Don't forget the meat??? Mr. Indian chef... Andrew What's with the rotten fish in a barrel? Don't eat that... it might make you sick. Andrew (c) Copyright 2017. Andrew M. Walduck. Associated Press. All rights reserved. read more

They oversell. When you ask for 100g, they'll give you 200g. Ask for 200g and they'll give you 400g. If you point this out, they'll piss off. Sure they are generous with samples and all that, however, for me honoring the customer's request is more important and actually bare basic of honest business practice. Considering they are doing this just for most customers, I don't think they run good business. read more

My favourite cheese shop in Toronto hands-down. I've been coming here for cheese since I was a kid, and now I buy cheese for our wine club here - our attendees are constantly blown away and asking for more. The staff is very helpful, professional, and friendly. Definitely ask for recommendations! They never let me down! read more

"The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." J. Hammond If you are a lover of lactose, Global Cheese is the place for you. As a cheese fiends paradise, the selection is endless, the samples are plentiful and the experience is always memorable. I once walked in and described a non-refrigerated goat's cheese made by monks in Montserrat and sure enough, they had it. Don't get me wrong, the staff are not always all-smiles (but always efficient) nor is it a quick shop, Global will test your patience. How much do you really want that cheese fix will cross your mind more than once when waiting in, what looks like, a bar line on a Friday night. The prices are moderately high but, if what your heart desires is something out-of-the-ordinary then this is the shop for you. read more

Although the cheeses are fairly priced, I've wasted more money there because of their mistakes (giving me the wrong order and charging me full price) than I ever would anywhere else. Don't even try to confront them about making a mistake -- their customer service is appalling. The manager is rude and unapologetic. You get what you pay for... read more

Just the best cheese shop in the city. Hands down. Best service, best atmosphere. And their gift baskets are beautiful!

Fantastic selection and fantastic pricing. I agree with the poster who cautioned against taking what the sales people are trying to push. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. I go in for an unpasteurized Stilton. I used to buy one at Alex Farm Cheese (one in St Lawrence Market and one on Bayview), but it is so much cheaper at Global. When I'm in there to get that, I'll usually try one or two other cheeses. I am not a fan of their really old sharp cheddar. It's simply overpowering. But they have an old cheddar that is great. I last tried a cheese, whose name escapes me, that was an old white cheddar with caramelized onions and it was fantastic. Go and explore. Ask the sales people for what you're looking for and taste away. When you find something you like, chop off a block. read more

We have been going to Global Cheese for over 25 years. We drive from Whitby just to buy our cheese from here. Amazing selection and prices - and free taste samples - yummy yum :) Highly recommended to anyone who loves cheese, plus don't forget they sell great olives as well. A must stop in Kensington Market. CASH ONLY - NO CREDIT CARDS SO BRING YOUR MOOLA read more