Cheese Shop

4.3 (660 reviews)

ModerateSandwiches, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Updated 3 weeks ago

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Order Cheese Shop Delivery

Order Delivery

Cheese Shop Photos

Cheese Shop - Turkey, Jack Cheese and Avocado Sandwich Turkey, Jack Cheese and Avocado Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - La Jolla, California

Cheese Shop - Deli - Sandwiches Near Me - La Jolla, California

Cheese Shop - The signature and most popular ordered sandwich Turkey, Jack Cheese and Avocado on sourdough topped with a pickle spear - Sandwiches Near Me - La Jolla, California

+437

Cheese Shop - Entrance - Sandwiches Near Me - La Jolla, California

Business Info

Health Information

View Health Score

Cheese Shop Popular Dishes

24 Photos57 Reviews

6 Photos24 Reviews

2 Photos27 Reviews

Cheese Shop menu photos

See all

CHEESE SHOP ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

29 Photos

Outside

77 Photos

Casual

Classy

Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cheese Shop

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos - Cheese Shop

Areeba Z.

This place was recommended by my surf instructor as quick food but oldest sandwich shop in the area. You order at the counter first and they announce your name for pick up. They have a bunch of tables out on their patio. I got a turkey sandwich after a couple hours of surfing. The sandwich tastes super fresh! For a coffee and sandwich I paid around $20. Definitely will be back!

Sara M.

After Kayaking we were hungry and didn't want anything heavy. We always love a good sandwich and lucky The Cheese Shop was close by. It's small and busy but for good reason. Service was quick and efficient. You put in your order and pay then find a spot close by to wait for your order. We got the turkey, jack cheese and avocado which is their most popular sandwich. We also got a few of their side salads. We chose potato, macaroni and the Greek pasta salads. The macaroni salad and potato salad were a favorite. The Greek was good but found it a little salty. We would definitely grab food here again. Delicious sandwiches, fresh fixings and soft fresh bread! Yum

Fresh ingredients and nice location. The food itself I would say it is nothing too special, but the people there were nice and welcoming. Also got the oatmeal cookie, it tasted ok

Jordyn J.

I've been hearing about this spot for awhile now and finally got the chance to check it out. Super friendly staff and cute little vibe inside. I enjoyed the patio seating and the area itself is cute to walk around. I tried the Reuben and it was pretty good. I think this spot might have been overhyped to me for so long that I was a little underwhelmed with the actual sandwich. But!! I would definitely come back and try some more sandwiches. The oatmeal cookie was absolutely fantastic and I would gladly eat that many more times

Minji W.

Omg I loved this shop!!! It's such a hole in the wall right by the beach. Super convenient location with excellent sandwiches. They also have a variety of candies in the store which was fun to look at. Parking: There's street parking but the actual street it is on is blocked off for cars. Would recommend walking here rather than driving Seating: no indoor seating, but a good amount of outside seating on the street

Crissy W.

I haven't been here in probably 15 years. I used to come often over 20 years ago. The super cool thing is walking in and feeling like I'm going back in time. The place hasn't changed. I don't even think the people that have worked there have changed. We ordered the recommended turkey sandwiches, side of chips, homemade lemonade, and some European chocolate to go. Everyone working there was so happy and it was actually fun to just be inside ordering. The best part, oh yeah, still tastes delicious. I'll be back!

Center-cut pork loin with honey Dijon on sourdough bread. A San Diego original.

Pamela R.

The Cheese Shop in La Jolla isn't a trendy find -- it's a long, delicious love affair. My husband and I have been slipping through this tiny doorway since our UCSD days in 1989, and somehow it never gets old. We still find ourselves here a few times a month, which is either devotion or fandom... possibly both. And if you know Phil, Dave -- even their dad, John-- then you are among a limited few. Yes, everything on the menu is excellent, but let's be real: the center-cut pork loin on sourdough with honey Dijon is the reason you came. They slow-cook the pork in-house, and you can taste every bit of that care -- tender, savory, just a little sweet, piled onto sourdough that knows exactly what it's doing. It's not just a sandwich; it's a San Diego rite of passage. Do yourself a favor and take it to go, wander down to La Jolla Shores, and eat it while staring at the Pacific like you're in your own personal travel commercial. And don't you dare leave without cookies. The chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies are quietly legendary -- crisp at the edges, chewy in the center, somehow nostalgic and brand-new at the same time. You think you'll just have "one," and then suddenly you're walking back in to buy more. Funny how that happens. If you've lived here awhile, this place feels like home. If you're visiting, this is the sandwich you'll be thinking about on the plane ride home.

Craig Z.

Great food with great prices! Definitely a cool place to grab a sandwich from. I even grabbed some breakfast one morning. They opened early.

Melissa R.

While staying at the La Jolla Shores Hotel we found this place on our walks. There was quite a line and we just had to see why. We got the Torpedo(Italian with Mortadella) and the New York special( pastrami & corned beef). Those sandwiches just melted in your mouth. I would say I could eat a different sandwich every day and then start from the beginning. There is outside seating but clearly most were just grab and go. Staff is very nice. They also sell a lot of snacks and candy that is old school and brings back great memories. I can't wait for our next beach trip and try another round of sandwiches.

Turkey Turkey, Jack Cheese and Avocado Sandwich

Grace M.

Really delicious sandwich. The New York special was a perfect amount of mustard and pepper. They turkey had lots of avocado. Very cute vibe inside. Lots of chips and drinks to choose from. The service was friendly and talkative.

Brandi P.

In one word, EXCELLENT!!! I used to go all the time when I worked at UCSD and I forgot how good the Cheese Shop sandwiches were. It is a laid back environment and you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in but the staff behind the counter is so nice and welcoming from the moment you step foot in the shop. They offer more than just sandwiches, chips, a wide variety of coffees, soda's, and I think it even said beer. There are lots of fun soda fountain type bottles in the fridge to choose from too. I got my usual, turkey on sourdough with lettuce, tomato, onion and mustard and it was as tasty as I remembered. Thick stacks of turkey and toppings. Price is reasonable for the size of the sandwich. I also recommend the oatmeal cookies (chocolate chip are good too but the oatmeal was to die for). So gooey and caramelly, crispy edges, YUM! Parking can be a bit crazy since so close to the beach but stopping by the Cheese Shop is a must!

Angeline A.

Such a cute little hole in the wall sandwhich shop. The inside is super cute! We ordered their Turkey, Jack Cheese, and Avocado Sandwich, and it was a nice and filling sandwhich. The vegetables were laid out perfectly, and it wasn't messy at all. One of the workers told us he's been working there since he was little, and his parents owned the shop! Orders came out quickly and he askes us if we liked it and gave us a green spicy sauce that gave a little tang to the sandwich. He also let us try the flourless oatmeal cookie, and it was sweet and yummy, but it was sticky, which makes sense. Definitely would come back!

Tiffany N.

Not as good as the Rubys Sandwich saloon in Costa Mesa/Newport but we tried our best to find a place similar to it in La Jolla. Parking is really difficult to find for this area. The sandwiches are a bit pricier than I would have liked. We ordered the classic Turkey, Jack Cheese, with Avocado - one with wheat and one with sourdough. They size is good and they're really filling, but it just didn't hit the spot just the same for my boyfriend. I personally thought the sandwiches were really good because they give a generous amount of avocado! I also ordered my sandwich without onions and cheese. I also attached some menu photos since there doesn't seem to be enough.

See all

Georgia B.

278

11 years ago

This is one of my favorite places to go when I go to la jolla. The sandwiches are so good and fresh! Not to mention they have awesome candy and cookies! This place is seriously a dream come true. If only there was one in Newport Beach! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christy H.

468

11 years ago

Easily 5 stars in my book. The sandwiches are really good. I have been here twice and both times for an awesome sandwich. The first time I was taken there by a friend who loves it..the second time I introduced someone to the place. She fell in love too. The New Yorker is so bomb!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maryam S.

10 years ago

Sandwiches are great. We always go get our sandwiches on our way to the beach. It's perfect for a picnic. Our favorite is the turkey avocado

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

C L.

10 years ago

Killer sandos and really nice guy who owns/manages the place. Cookies are the bomb too. :)

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ally T.

227

10 years ago

LOVE THE COOKIES!! The kayak place across the street and recommended this place! I had grilled cheese and it was delicious but the oatmeal cookies were absolutely amazing. I will definitely be visiting this area again when I got back! I love the area of La Jolla. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Moriah W.

8 years ago

Disappointed in my over $10 veggie sandwich today. One tomato, barely any onion......next time I'll go to Coopers.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Svea B.

10 years ago

The best deli sandwiches around. Also the molasses cookies are a must. This is a must stop place for lunch to go on the beach.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeff F.

18 years ago

This will be one of my regular lunch spots for sure, when I move back to SD. Lamb Sammich ranks in top 5 of my all time favorite sandwiches. Other sandwiches looked promising. Parking sucks, but its a 5 min walk to the beach, so take it as you will. Lines can get long and service isn't fast, but good things are worth the wait. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

J W.

Elite 11

16 years ago

Situated quietly on the outskirts of downtown La Jolla, this sandwich shop really is a hidden gem. It's not very obvious where this place is until you get closer and notice the line that sometimes goes out its door. The best part of this shop lies not only in eating the sandwich but also the experience of waiting in line and ordering. The entire shop is loaded with photos, trinkets, candy, etc. that fill up your time as you wait to order. It really makes for a wonderful experience as you stand there and enjoy the "scenery". I got a hot pastrami sandwich and oatmeal cookie and I'd have to say it was pretty reasonable for the price. The meat was definitely tender, warm, and juicy and the honey mustard sauce was filled with flavorful mustard seeds (warning: that could easily ruin the taste of the sandwich if you're not prepared for the burn haha). I would definitely have no problem going back there. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chelsea L.

16 years ago

as far as sandwich shops, this one of the best in San diego. Been comin here whenever i can think of it in la jolla for years. Excellent sandwiches never dissapoint and the people are always friendly (but its la jolla, everyones happy, they are in paradise) I like that they have healthy options for healthy eaters such as myself, its hard to find anything but junk food when your eating on the go unless you wanna pay an arm and a leg. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

J S.

15 years ago

I would give this place a 2.5 based off my first visit. As far as food goes.. I ordered the vegetarian evergreen sandwich and some chips on the side. The sandwich was superrr salty and def. not worth $5 for half a sandwich... I couldn't even finish it. It seems pretty busy for they stop taking sandwich orders at 4pm . Maybe their meat sandwiches are better? fyi: They have a $5 credit card minimum read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gary S.

12 years ago

Awesome! Great sandwiches. Turkey avocado on sourdough dynamite. All kinds of off the wall interesting soda in the case. Homemade lemonade and homemade oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. Not to mention a million different types of candy from all over. Absolutely great! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kelly S.

11 years ago

Great shop run by great people. It's s good sandwich but alas it isn't magical. It's huge so get a half unless you're a big eater. I got the fave turkey jack avocado. I didn't realize it has mustard. I don't like mustard, so it took the enjoyment down a few notches. Otherwise very fresh very tasty but nothing I'll be dreaming about coming back to. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tan P.

117

152

10 years ago

Rich and delicious selections of sandwiches. Made fresh on order and the shop is full of great food extras.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brig M.

10 years ago

Dave and company made our first visit very enjoyable. Fresh & delicious breakfast sandwich! Oh, and the cookies were right out of the oven, to die for! Candy selection was fabulous and brought back many fun memories. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hershel S.

10 years ago

The owner Dave was incredibly friendly and the food was simply delicious. This was our first time even though my office is in La Jolla and I will definitely be back. Thank you for your famous cookies Dave!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Grace R.

Elite 24

332

466

1548

9 years ago

After our kayak tipped over and we were soaking wet, we were so ready for a warm meal. We came across the Cheese Shop, and when we saw the menu, we both pointed straight at the grilled cheese. We ordered one with tomatoes and pesto, and oh man- the melted gooey cheese was sooooooooo tasty! The tomatoes and pesto sauce complemented the cheese so well, and we were feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The shop has endless rows of snacks from around the world, which was really cute! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Claudia P.

8 years ago

Best grilled cheese! Yummy fresh turkey sandwich. Nicest staff. Couldn't be a better place to come in all sandy after surfing. We'll be back for sure ! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Donna S.

8 years ago

One of my husbands favorite memories from working in la Jolla. Had a great sandwich and great service

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nitsa J.

Elite 11

104

16 years ago

OMG, this place is heaven on earth for all sandy lovers! The Turkey Jack and Avocado is the BEST. The sandwiches are huge, filled with all the goodies you can ask for. The line is usually pretty long because the place is pretty small and everyone and their mother comes here to get great good. They have a great selection of imported goods, candies, chocolates, beverages and more. You MUST try the oatmeal cookie (maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that because I wish I could have them ALL to myself). They seriously melt in your mouth and you can't only eat one. The Cheese Shop is hidden in La Jolla Shores, but if you can find a parking spot and can manage to wait in the line, you must do so! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bryson B.

14 years ago

Amazing sandwiches, bit pricey but like everything else in La Jolla its gonna be. Everything is made to order and given with a smile

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rachel R.

12 years ago

Love your tuna salad and thought I would try your chicken salad today. Not bad, but I am sticking with the tuna.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Steve H.

12 years ago

We recently vacationed in La Jolla and ended up at the Cheese Shop for lunch most days. The sandwiches were great. The candy selection excellent. We tried a couple of the old time root beers -- there was one with caramel that is very good. The flowerless oatmeal cookie was also good. Highly recommend the place. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jen D.

11 years ago

Awesome sandwiches (turkey, jack & avocado and the smoked salmon). Even better were the oatmeal almond cookies that I'll be dreaming about tonight. Yum! Service was great and the owner is a super nice guy. Thank you for a wonderful experience and a tasty lunch! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

s s.

11 years ago

The food here is so mediocre. I don't know why it gets such good ratings. The bread is so much better w/ Bread and Cie bread, vs the fluffy flavored white bread they used to use. While the salads are fresh, they just don't use quality or flavorful ingredients -mushy tomatoes, limp lettuce, dry cucumbers, sad sprouts. Blech.. They say they are known for the bagel and lox - the lox is kind of slimy (not very good lox) and the bagel is among the worst in San Diego. SD is not known for bagels, but they could do better than their glorified rolls. Low quality, large quantities, high prices. If that's your thing, go for it. I get annoyed every time I get food from here. They get 2 stars simply for their flourless oatmeal cookies. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cara M.

11 years ago

This place was a neat find. We ordered our sandwiches and then picked out our fun sodas while we waited on our order. Our family of four split two sandwiches which was definitely enough. My husband and daughter split the Turkey Jack Avocado sandwich and my son and I split a ham w/ jack on a French roll. They were both amazing. The cookies were good, but I am not sure they were as good as all the hype made me think they were going to be. The only thing that made me not give it a full 5 stars is due to the price. Don't get me wrong, the sandwiches were wonderful, but I just don't know if they were worth the cost. Other than that, if you want an amazing sandwich from a neat little shop this is the place for you. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Karen W.

11 years ago

We asked a local where to eat, and he recommended this place as his favorite. One of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Ordered a Ruben - it was a large sandwich with the freshest of rye bread and yummiest ingredients. Quaint small restaurant - order inside, eat outside. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Katie H.

11 years ago

The Cheese Shop is so good! Sandwiches come with a pickle. The oatmeal cookies here are amazing. The atmosphere is great here with all the candy and the sandwiches are really delicious. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jim F.

11 years ago

This is the place. Delicious sandwiches with many vegetarian options (not that there is anything wrong with that). The way to go is to grab a delicious sandwich and walk over to the beach. My recommendation is to do this as frequently as possible. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

She C.

11 years ago

Torpedo footlong.. Amazing!! Customer service .. Amazing!! They were out of tomato soup so they threw in a dozen of their famous oatmeal cookies. Omg I can't wait to go back!! The owner was there and chatted with us outside. So kind!! Really the cutest deli ever!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kitty C.

11 years ago

I work close enough that I can zoom down for a sandwich and sit in my car across from the beach and enjoy it and relax. I always get the turkey avocado because I'm just a sucker for that combo. Everything is fresh and they don't skimp on anything. If you like candy, they have a good selection and some unique items. I also like their selection of soft drinks. I've tried some brands I've never seen before. Parking can be a problem but I usually just drive around back and park in the residential area and walk over...under a 5 minute walk and worth the effort. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Allison E.

10 years ago

We grabbed sandwiches after finishing a bike tour & were glad we did! We ordered the turkey, jack, & avocado on an Italian roll to share & we're glad we did as the portions are generous. The bread was soft & fresh and the proportions of meat & cheese were just right -- and there was plenty of avocado which made this girl happy! While we waited we browsed the unique beverage choices & imported candies. The gal at the counter offered a sample of their famous oatmeal cookies & we walked out with a few of those as well! Caramel oatmeal goodness!! A gem of a find! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ashton A.

322

10 years ago

The Cheese Shop has amazing sandwiches and even better oatmeal cookies! They have great service and really aim to please the customer. Next time you visit La Jolla Shores, try the Turkey Jack Avocado and have Dave pack up some cookies to go. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emilee L.

8 years ago

Love this place and I have been coming here since I was a kid. Sandwiches are amazing and the oatmeal cookie is to die for. We literally just ordered over 300 for my brothers wedding and they were a hit. Highly recommend. One thing they could work on is the bread.. last couple times I went my sandwich had super dry bread but overall is was delicious and the portions are huge. I will forever be a fan of the cheese shop. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Elizabeth U.

214

10 years ago

I'm a deli nut. This is a great deli. The sandwiches are delish, they've got old school candies and soda pops, and most of the people who work there are friendly and inviting. The lines are long on weekends, but they work hard and fast so it ends up being worth the wait. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mike.Megan C.

17 years ago

I really enjoy going here for a sandwich while I am at the beach. The enviornment is fun and they have a lot of food products that one can not find anywhere else. THE FRISBEE pictures are pretty cool too. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Steve L.

15 years ago

This is my favorite sandwich shop ! I've been going there for over 25 yrs. They make awesome sandwiches, tasty cookies, and have a lot of cool treats. The location is perfect for a meal after surfing Shores. The Cheese Shop employee's are really nice and you will love it ! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Thomas E.

14 years ago

Suggest that you ask Phil to return periodically and review, particularly the Oatmeal Cookies. Not as good since Phil "retired". Tom Edgington read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ronna P.

14 years ago

Love the sandwiches! I had turkey, munster and avocado. The service isn't the most friendly, but the food is good. It's a bit pricey at $8-11 per sandwich. They also have a fun collection of world candies and unique beverages. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela M.

12 years ago

What is not to love about this place? The staff treat you like your dining in their home. It's a very sweet place! Sandwiches are huge, and will never leave you hungry, (but if you do have room for more their cookies are soooo good) The ingredients are always fresh! Don't be surprised if there's a line, it's a local favorite! Just what you need after a morning on the beach! The Italian is my favorite but they usually have a special of the day. You can add any cheese to any sandwich! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 15 of 17

2165 Avenida De La Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla, La Jolla Shores
Directions
(858) 459-3921
Call Now
Order Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.cheeseshoplajolla.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Cheese Shop open?

Cheese Shop opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Cheese Shop close?

Cheese Shop closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Cheese Shop take credit cards?

Yes, Cheese Shop takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cheese Shop have catering options?

Yes, Cheese Shop does have catering options.

Does Cheese Shop serve alcohol?

No, Cheese Shop does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Cheese Shop allow dogs?

Yes, Cheese Shop allows dogs.

Does Cheese Shop have TVs?

No, Cheese Shop does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cheese Shop have bike parking?

Yes, Cheese Shop has bike parking.

Does Cheese Shop have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cheese Shop has outdoor seating options.

Does Cheese Shop have parking?

Yes, Cheese Shop has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Cheese Shop have free WiFi?

No, Cheese Shop does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The cheese shop was bought by John and Dorothy Schutz, and started out as purveyors of imported cheese and fine foods from all over the world. Things have changed since the seventies but the family behind the counter has not! We specialize in fast, friendly and efficient service while enjoying the finest hand-crafted sandwiches and fresh baked cookies in an atmosphere that exists nowhere else. Try our most popular sandwich moist turkey breast, monterrey jack cheese, and fresh avocado. Old school candies you haven't seen in years. Glass bottle sodas that you've never seen, and remind you of a different time. Imported delights across the world from England, South Africa, canada and elsewhere from candies like crunchie and flake bars to biscuits and tea.... all that and more at the Cheese Shop.

History

Established in 1972.

Started out as a cheese shop forty years ago. Now we are more of a deli/sandwich shop with freshly sliced meats and cheeses. Everything homemade and made fresh daily. Don't forget out famous oatmeal cookies made with no flour or butter, but lots of love. We ship nationwide!

Meet the Business Owner: Dave S.

They call me "deli Dave" . I make the cookies and roast everything myself. I love talking with customers and ensuring the greatest experience. Also ask me about kayak tours and where to find the best spots for scuba diving and spotting tiger sharks.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Cheese Shop

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Sandwiches 16,175 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Deli-icious

Deli-icious is a local La Jolla deli shop serving hot and cold sandwiches…read more AMBIANCE Cozy, no frills interior. The exterior seating is in a charming corridor. SERVICE The gentleman at the register was nice and friendly. Wait time for pickup went from 15 to 30 minutes. There was a large group ahead of us. FOOD 3/5 Turkey Avocado Panini: Crisp and warm off the panini press, I expected more flavor from the staff recommendation and more sandwich for the $15 price tag. Comparing my sandwich to those online - I think my sandwich may have had less spicy mustard, less time on the grill to melt the Jack cheese to let the flavors meld. In contrast to my pick, my coworkers really enjoyed their sandwiches: an Italian torpedo and another on a French roll PARKING Street or lot I'll give Deli-icious another try given how much my coworkers enjoyed their sandwiches.

First time visiting and it was delicious! We got the Monster, Italian Torpedo, and TBA, all on…read moresourdough bread. The owners were so attentive to us and so friendly. We will def be coming back.

Photos

The Prospect and Chili

See all

Killer sub - fruit cup.

The Corner Mercantile & Eatery

4.3

(143 reviews)

0.1 mi

Super cute little store! A variety of everything you need and some things you don't before you go…read moreto the beach. Loved the collection of local items as well.

Food: our sandwiches were great. Service was friendly…read more Ambiance was eclectic and casual.

Photos

Beer selection next door

The corner club

See all

Starvin' Marvin's

4.7

(90 reviews)

3.2 mi

Great spot to stop by and grab a sandwich for the beach. They also have plenty of seating in front…read moreand the back patio area. Today they had a live music very chill vibes to relax and enjoy some good food. I got the chicken pesto sandwich. Fresh and filling. Street parking. I loved that they maximized the space and created a multiple businesses on the lot. Definitely coming back to check out the wine patio.

Great experience overall! The service was amazing, everyone was so friendly, and the live music…read moreoutside paired with the cozy indoor seating made the whole place feel really welcoming. The only thing I'd skip is the Italian sandwich ("Forget About It"). It was overwhelmingly salty, sooo bread-heavy, and felt like it was mostly salami and prosciutto. A friend of mine ordered it too and had the exact same experience, so it didn't seem like a one-off. Usually hard to have a bad Italian. Everyone else loved their sandwiches, so I'd definitely come back--I'd just recommend ordering something other than the Italian.

See all

Rubicon Deli

Best sandwiches in town, service was top notch, and the atmosphere was excellent. I would…read moreabsolutely come back again

My wife and I got two sandwiches rich boy and dapper dipper…read more the portions are really big good enough for two meals or even three! Good food and fast service Really clean and neat place Would come here again

Photos

Dapper Dipper on blue cheese bread

See all

Rosemonts Cafe

Great avocado toast. Big enough to share. Pictured is one order of the avocado toast cut in two for…read moresharing. Coffee is good too.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Cute, but slow service…read more Was looking for a place to get some coffee in the area. It was a cute pleasant cafe with drinks and food, and I just got a hot latte to go. The latte was fine, but it took quite a while to come out, although it didn't seem terribly busy. Maybe I just caught them at a bad time, but it didn't leave me with the best impression.

Photos

Avocado toast

Italian sub

See all

Iced Almond Milk Latte w/ Lavender! Yum!

Mendocino Farms

After my appointment at the Veteran Affairs we passed by here at Mendocino Farm La Jolla…read more Our first time here so we just picked which one looks good and sounds good on the menu board. We picked PERUVIAN STEAK SANDWICH, a seared steak tossed in Spicy aji amarillo sauce, then their CHIMICHURRI STEAK BACON; it's a seared steak and applewood-smoked bacon, and also got their SMOKEY BBQ BRIOCHE SANDWICH , this one is a smoke Pork burnt ends with BBQ sauce. Every sandwich we had tasted good, but i like the most the Chimichurri Steak & Bacon, it's more to my palate, not too sweet or not too spicy. Service was quick our sandwiches were done quickly, plenty of staff go around checking the tables and greeting the customers. Parking is easy, with lots of spaces.

I like the Mendocino Farms concept and we had a good experience at the first one we visited (it was…read morenot this one) so I was disappointed with our long wait for three to-go sandwiches and a cup of soup. I think I was sitting in the store for at least 30 minutes while a family member waited in our car and watched several people park, get their orders and leave. Two people who ordered after us received their food before we did. I finally stood up and only then did an associate crabbily pack up our order and give it to us. When we first arrived, no one even showed up at the counter for at least five minutes. There was another customer waiting behind us as well. My sandwich (Happy Hippie) was not very good...insubstantial and put together in a blah manner. A family member who had the "not so fried chicken sandwich" said it was too salty. I paid $62 for this order (with a tip, which I had added before the long wait...) It obviously wasn't a good value, This is a beautiful and clean store but a general lack of enthusiasm from the associates, inconsistent customer service, high prices, and mediocre quality food will dissuade me from making any future visits to this location.

Photos

See all

Ike's Love & Sandwiches

I feel like whenever I order ahead from ikes at other locations, there's always something missing…read more Not here! My sandwich was made perfectly and was ready at the time I set for pickup after ordering ahead on the app. I got the Terrell Davis which comes with turkey, avocado, bacon and Swiss. Asked for light dirty sauce. All the flavors worked really well together and it didn't eat too salty. Loved that they had a good amount of avocado in it too. It's located right at the entrance of the strip mall as you're driving in. Decent amount of parking but it was very busy when I came on a Tues during lunch. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, more indoor though.

Ike's Love & Sandwiches in La Jolla is a sandwich lover's paradise. The menu is comically large,…read moreoffering an almost unbelievable number of choices -- you could eat here for weeks and still not try everything. The bread stands out immediately, fresh and soft inside with a satisfying, slightly firm crust that holds everything together perfectly. The meats are freshly cut, full of flavor, and served in generous portions that make every bite feel worth it. While the shop itself is small and seating is limited, the quality of the food makes the extra effort to grab a spot absolutely worthwhile. Prices are on the higher side, so be prepared to spend a bit more than your average sandwich stop. That said, the restaurant is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate -- a nice bonus when you're juggling all those tempting menu choices. If you're in the La Jolla area and craving a seriously good sandwich, give Ike's a try. You'll leave full and smiling. Enjoy!

Photos

See all

Shore Rider

Great place chill relax ! Friendly staff ! Nick great guy at the bar he makes you feel welcome…read moreand guides you through the menu and recommends great beer ! Definitely thumbs up !

Stopped by hungry after kayaking the caves and was greeted at the front by a cardboard cutout of…read morethe rock lol. After we sat ourselves, a nice waitress came and gave us menus and some water. Music was blasting and the atmosphere was great! We decided on the yellowfin ahi poke bowl (seared ginger scallion style) and paid a bit extra for the load it up! option, which added seaweed salad, avo, edamame, cucumber, and cabbage salad. It was yummy! The ginger flavor was not too overwhelming, and it really came through in the ahi. We also got the carne asada beach bowl, which unfortunately didn't have as much flavor as we had hoped. The portion size was pretty generous and overall the ingredients seemed fairly fresh. Thanks for filling our bellies!

Photos

Shore Rider Interior from West Wing, featuring wrap around bar seating.

Salmon Tacos. Seasonal.

See all

Shore Rider Burger with Tots.

Shorehouse Kitchen

This is a great brunch / lunch spot w great food and drink options. Been a few times never…read moredisappointed

Food was amazing. Nice robust flavor from the béarnaise…read moresauce on the Salmon Benedict. Waiter was very pleasant. He asked what kind of side of toast did I want with my Benedict, I responded with "oh? There's toast included? Maybe Rye?" And he said "oh no, my apologies, it doesn't come with toast". I must have had a really sad look on my face when I said "oh ok". because he said "you know what, I'll throw in a side of complimentary toast". Anyways, great little niche close to the ocean. Nice light cool breeze. Street Parking was easy to find

Photos

Pork carnitas poblano cornbread benny

See all

Banana walnut bread Mocha with oat milk

Cafe Vahik

We were staying across the street at the Holiday Inn & I had to be somewhere early and Cafe Vahik…read morewas the only place open at 6:00 so it was an easy choice. I went simple and got three eggs, three strips of bacon and sourdough toast with a coffee ($18.05) and this combination when done right is amazing - and he did it right! Everything was good to perfection and I was in and out very quickly. Highly recommend this place.

Objectively the worst establishment I've ever had the displeasure of getting a coffee from. It is…read moremind-boggling how they have 4.6 stars, so much so that I felt obligated to report fraudulent activity on this platform. The food is served cold, and the quality is putrid. On the other hand, the coffee is served near boiling temperatures, and tasted like it was strained through my grandfather's sock. As for the cherry on top, the guy behind the counter looked like I was bothering him by ordering goods from his place of business. Buddy, if you're reading this, I apologize for putting you through that, it won't happen again. Good riddance.

Photos

Dining room

Americans bagel

See all

Iced Mocha and Iced White Mocha

Shore Rider

Great place chill relax ! Friendly staff ! Nick great guy at the bar he makes you feel welcome…read moreand guides you through the menu and recommends great beer ! Definitely thumbs up !

Photos

Shore Rider Interior from West Wing, featuring wrap around bar seating.

Salmon Tacos. Seasonal.

See all

Shore Rider Burger with Tots.

Bacio Di Latte

4.8

(71 reviews)

1.7 mi

Service 5 Gelato 5…read moreStore 5 10 out 10 best gelato in San Diego Glad I have this amazing gelato in los angeles

Kids love the ice cream, I love the affogato. Everyone wins. :)…read more Thanks to everyone there for bearing with 3 sugar-addled kids...

Photos

Comfy. chair

Entrance to Gelato Heaven

See all

Bar area

PopUp Bagels

Update: A few…read morepeople have asked me if I thought these were similar to New York bagels. Honestly? I don't know because the last time I had a New York bagel, I was just a little girl. I just know I really enjoyed the flavor and texture here, which, in MY opinion, are the best I've had in San Diego so far. I loved the flavor and the soft, crispy, chewy texture. The salted bagel was so good with their chive cream cheese. I didn't realize they also had truffle butter, so I can't wait to try that next time!

Fresh, "hot bagels!" you will have, the iconic "pop" of the fresh bagels getting dumped quite…read moreceremoniously into baskets with wax paper creating the sound effect. It's pretty much straight up bagels and schmear here; no sandwiches with the exception of adding smoked salmon to a bagel. Your main options are a 3- ($15), 6- ($24), or 12-pack ($48) of bagels, the 2 aforementioned coming with 1 tub of schmear, the 12-pack with 2. There are plain, everything, poppy, salt, and sesame bagels with a number of schmears, some flavors which appear to rotate. I chose the 3 bagel pack though there was a wait for the poppy so they gifted me with a 4th bagel which was nice. The poppy bagel, while incredibly messy, was uh-mazing with the scallion cream cheese. Definitely save said tub of cream cheese for later. I ate it outside at the tables, grabbing a paper plate and utensils from the front counter. The bagels were quite dense and chewy though the outer layer not as crusty until it cooled. This did make it a little annoying to cut the bagel in half to schmear the inside. My strategy to eat another bagel the next day and freeze the others after they cooled proved to be the best. I just defrosted the next bagel in the fridge the night before. This prevented them from getting rock hard, a constant complaint, as I've been told. While the amount of carbs every day would cause many to pause in this toxic carb-fearing world, to me carbs are fuel. Never ever fear the carbs and eat your bagel enamored heart out!

Photos

Assortment of pure deliciousness!

Jalapeño cream cheese

See all

Everything bagel made into a breakfast sandwich.

Shorehouse Kitchen

This is a great brunch / lunch spot w great food and drink options. Been a few times never…read moredisappointed

Photos

Pork carnitas poblano cornbread benny

See all

Banana walnut bread Mocha with oat milk

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Nate was 10/10. Very hospitable, super nice. His recommendation hit the spot. Will come back.read more

06.14.2026 Sunday…read more Went here to celebrate my daughter's post college graduation ceremony. Party of 20+. We made reservations a month in advance for 430-5pm time frame. BJ's kept my reservation. As we arrived we were greeted by the host and immediately sat us down. My party ordered drinks and appetizers. All were being delivered as other people were arriving and ordering. I was happy about our waiter/waitress taking the initiative to handle orders. I wish I knew their names, they were doing a fantastic job! Appetizers, main entrees, pizza, and beverages were all arriving promptly. The quality of food was fantastic. All was delicious. The ambiance was great. We sat at the outdoor patio area. It was a hot day, by 5pm we were feeling the ocean breeze. It was not packed as I expected which came to a big surprise. That made the vibe even better. Clean restrooms is a plus. Plenty of parking, but all is pending on the day of time. We happen to get lucky with available parking. Since it is close to UCSD, this is definitely a spot to host any event. Staff is friendly and professional! Kudos to them. Delicious food and awesome service, exceeded my expectations. I will definitely will be back if I am in the area. Great experience. Thank you!

Photos

The bar area!

Hot Fudge Brownie Pizookie

See all

Prime Rib

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

30 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Sina M.

Elite 26

121

2 years ago

If you're looking for the perfect place to grab a sandwich before heading to the beach or just want a quick, delicious bite, The Cheese Shop in downtown San Diego is where it's at! This spot is a sandwich lover's dream, with an amazing variety of Italian meats, deli options, and endless ways to customize your order. I tried the turkey, cranberry, and Muenster sandwich, and it was incredible--like Thanksgiving in sandwich form! The cranberry added the perfect touch of sweetness, and the turkey was fresh and flavorful. I'm already craving it again. The bread here is next-level perfection, with so many options to choose from. Honestly, it felt like sandwich heaven! On top of that, they have a great selection of drinks, from juices to sodas to sparkling water, so you can round out your meal however you like. Oh, and the best surprise? The pickle that comes with your sandwich! I was ecstatic when I found it in the bag--it's the little things that make all the difference. The vibe here is fantastic, too. The staff was so friendly, joking around with us and creating such a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. It just added to the whole experience and made me love this place even more. I definitely recommend stopping by The Cheese Shop, whether you're heading to the ocean for the day or just looking for a quick, satisfying meal. This place is a total gem, and I'll absolutely be coming back for more! read more

Walter B.

17 days ago

I had a very disappointing and uncomfortable experience at The Cheese Shop in La Jolla Shores. The food was decent, but the wait times for sandwiches are often excessive--around 30 minutes. More concerning, the owner Dave Schutz, repeatedly stared at female customers, including myself, in a way that felt inappropriate, prolonged, and disrespectful. I confronted him about it directly, but the behavior did not stop. This created a hostile and unwelcoming environment, especially for women. The owners appear indifferent to addressing staff (or owner) conduct issues. I cannot recommend this business until they take customer comfort and respect seriously. read more

Nada A.

2 months ago

We stopped in here on a whim for a midday bite last week and it ended up being such a great find. From the moment we walked in, the team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating, it honestly felt like stepping into someone's home. The space itself is really cool, with so much character and little details to take in, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. And the food? Exactly what you hope for- fresh, homemade, filling, and genuinely delicious. Definitely one of those places you're so glad you stumbled upon. read more

Samantha G.

7 years ago

Went there like last week and I forgot to write to review but anyways... I love their candy selection they have so much! I kind of expected the grilled cheeses to be a bit more tasty but it was still pretty good. Love the icecream float feature, you can choose whatever soda they have in the fridge and they give you the vanilla icecream in a cup. Only giving 4 stars due to the early closing hours! :((( read more

Troy P.

10 years ago

Sandy, Tom, Ando, Deli Dave, love each and every one of you, even deena and NICK of course. keep providing la jolla with the best sandos in town. Cheese shop hands down best sandwich in la jolla, great family oriented staff. You will not be let down, i recommend roast pork loin, you dont like it, shoot ill buy your next one. read more

Kathy A.

18 years ago

Good stuff! I love their huge sandwiches - I can only eat half of it, maybe 3/4 if I'm lucky. Everything is very fresh; the biggest drawback is that parking is impossible especially on the weekends. Eat on the patio or better yet, walk maybe 500 feet and enjoy the waves while eating your delicious sandwich! read more

Will P.

471

10 years ago

This place is great. Great sandwiches. We had the Pork Loin and the PBJ. I would have liked the bread toasted. Otherwise the sandwiches were great and the shop is really cute. The pictures of people taking their frisbee all over the world is awesome too. Would done here again. read more

Rebeca G.

15 years ago

The Cheese Stop is my favorite place for sandwiches in the whole area. It's all delicious and fresh, and on top of that it's a really nice place with fun workers. If you're in the area, stop by and try one of their amazing sandwiches. read more

Jorge M.

17 years ago

Fresh, fresh, fresh. What more can I say. Great people, great sandwiches in a great location. They also have some great cookies. and a assortment of old school candies. ( Chuckles)ect read more

Katie G.

18 years ago

Now this is sandwich shop to beat all sandwich shops. They taste like they were made by Mom with love. Great outdoor seating too. The only way to go for a sandwich. FIVE BIG STARS! read more

Kim Z.

11 years ago

Yummy! My fave sandwiches are the pork loin and the lamb. Tasty tarragon sauce on both of them. Grab your lunch to go and walk down to the shores beach which is just 2 blocks away. read more

Mariah W.

681

5 years ago

Always always the best sandwiches. Hands down best cookies ever. Old school candy and drinks but the best is the customer service. Love this place and will forever keep coming back. read more

Dash O.

9 years ago

Paid 0 dollars for a sandwich to find out that they didn't even include the turkey it was named after. They didn't even bother giving us a refund or offering us anything. read more