When you're in the Cheese Capital, your first stop has to be a cheese shop--and Fromagination is one of the top-rated cheese stores in the U.S. for a reason. This place is a dream if you love cheese (or snacks in general). You can sample a ton of different cheeses, and the staff is super helpful at guiding you toward what you'll actually love. I tried multiple varieties and ended up taking home their top-selling, award-winning cheese--and wow, it lived up to the hype. They also have all the perfect add-ons for a cheese board, so it's an easy stop whether you're building a picnic, hosting, or just want a great souvenir from Madison. Save this for your next trip to Madison, Wisconsin! read more

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This. Place. Is. Awesome! It was recommended on a work website, as a must visit when in Madison. And I can see why! It is a small shop that does big business. They have such a wonderful selection of all things cheese related. Not just delectable dairy, but all kinds of accoutrements, snacks, seasonings, even books about cheese. They have samples, sandwiches, and even glasses of wine available. It is a shopping experience. I was there on a random weekday, and the shop was busy. Though they were fully staffed and able to quickly attend to everyone there. Unfortunately, this was my first stop while I was out exploring the town, and I didn't want to go back to my hotel yet and didn't purchase anything. By the time I came back around, they had just closed. I will know better next time. read more

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A fun cheese and sandwich shop! They have quite a few deli sandwiches you can choose from, as well as tons of cheese you can buy to take home. They even have samples! It's a cozy little shop and everyone is super helpful and kind. read more

Fromagination - Flavorsome fowl - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Located on the Capitol Square is a cheese shop and deli located in an vintage store front. The display case is quite long and is perfect to showcase the variety of cheeses. We went for a sandwich from the deli, but they stopped serving when we arrived. Instead we sampled several cheeses and crackers. They have local jams, honey, crackers and cheese boards. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and offered samples and suggestions for pairings. Next time we are in Madison I would stop in for a sandwich and cheese. read more

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The cutest cheese shop! They have everything: wine, sheesh, cute host gifts... and samples galore. We went and were able to try so many unique wine and cheese pairings. It was a fun way to take a break from the farmer's market. read more

Perfect place to pick up a special gift for anyone. Every cheese you can imagine & they have great pairing ideas for you and your entertaining needs! The staff is great they know everything there is to know about Wisconsin cheeses! It's a very well organized little shop right on the square, you must stop in for a bite to eat! read more

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Amazing!! Probably one of the best in the state. Best selections for sure!! If you want to find some of the unique cheeses of Wisconsin- go here. They are super knowledgeable about their stuff. Who knew that to be a Master cheese maker, you could only do this in two cities throughout the entire world- Madison and Switzerland! Ask them what it entails to become a master- and then buy some master cheese here. read more

I came into this store to make cheese my primary gift choice. The folks at this store are very approachable and can talk about all the cheese there. Honestly there was just too much to choose from I couldn't make up my mind so I just opted to choose the small pieces in the wooden box that said "adopt the cheese/ foster cheese" so my family & friends can nibble on more varieties. I must have taken around 20 pieces and it was cool to hear Will the cashier talk about the cheese as he was scanning the tag. Got a bunch of stuff: goat, sheep, aged cheese... can't wait to try! read more

Fromagination - Hook's triple play aged (close to 12 months) and other types of cheese. - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Excellent customer service! Came here with 2 of my co workers because Wisconsin is supposed to be known for their cheese right?! Can't say I've ever been in a cheese store either. I got 3 different cheeses. The bang bang, the rattle snake and a gouda cheese. I didn't try any but took the word of my co workers on which ones they liked. I did ask what the spiciest was as my boyfriend likes spicy. The rattle snake is not a taste option but I got 1 for my boyfriend to try as he loves spicy. Over the years Ive developed a little lactose intolerant but I love cheese! So many choices to choose from and I love how the staff is so friendly helping each customer. I also got a jam that is said to be a great pairing for the gouda. Now I can make a cute little charcuterie board at home. Can't wait to bring my cheeses home to my boyfriend to try. Thanks for the hospitality Fromagination and Vi!!! read more

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LOVE this shop. Such a treasure. So many wonderful things to explore. Super accommodating staff and no shortage of unique gifts and tasty treats. Make this a must stop anytime you are in Madison. read more

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This store was the highlight of our trip to Madison. Fromagination sits right off the Capital and has an exceptional inventory of not just cheeses but meats, accoutrements, beers, wines and so much more! We started with sampling some excellent Wisconsin cheeses served by knowledgable staff who directed us to some of their recommended ones. We also picked up some mustards and a book on charcuterie plates. Not to be outdone, we actually came back for lunch to try their sandwiches. I had to go with the great Wisconsin and it did not disappoint. While immense, it had great flavors and loved the mix of salami and fresh toasted bread. The store itself is so quaint and well decorated. Free samples are available along with some of the most friendly service I've ever experienced. read more

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This is the high end cheese store in town and right on the square in downtown. Often we pop in when we are at the market on the square. They not only have an excellent selection of cheeses but other fine foods that would help you create a charcuterie board. The place is packed with everything you need to entertain. The staff is very knowledgeable. The prices are high but not a surprise. A fun store to just browse. Glad we have this resource here. read more

It was a yummy sandwich but kind of disappointed it wasn't made to order. It also did not have enough mustard on it, kind of a dry sandwich. Loved the focaccia tho!! read more

Fromagination - Flavorsome Foul - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The sandwiches and Mac and cheese are fantastic! The store is so cute and fun to walk around while you're waiting for your food to be made fresh. You can try all kinds of samples and the staff is friendly and doesn't make you feel bad or awkward for asking for samples (that can be a problem in other places!) There is nowhere to sit, so have a plan in place for where you're going to take your food to eat. In the warmer months, walking across the street and sitting on the lawn or the capitol is an excellent option! read more

I was in town for a friend's wedding, and they recommended this as a must-stop for their guests. No need to tell me more, I am a big fan of cheese. The staff was very helpful as I asked to try a few cheeses. There was even a cheese I was looking for that they didn't have, so I showed them a photo, and they had me try something similar. I left with a variety of cheeses and some jam. It was a weekend so it can get pretty busy but the staff is good at moving things along. read more

Amazing little cheese shop. More expensive than most, but you can taste the quality. Their knowledge and customer service was great. It's more of an experience than other cheese shops. Food like delicious, but we did not have time to eat. read more

I went in on a Saturday while visiting Dane County Farmers market. The place was not super busy. Somebody right away attended me, explaining different cheese and giving some samples. It was a pleasant experience. Their most popular cheese was pleasant ridge reserve cheese, which I liked. Orphan cheese section had many cheeses in small quantities. I took hooks 15 year cheddar, and it was real sharp. Wensleydale with cranberries was my favorite cheese. It was a cows milk cheese from England with cranberries in it. Not super complex, but I liked it. The rattle snake cheese from deer creek was their spiciest cheese. I liked it. It gives a nice kick to the cheese. Fig and black tea preserve was an exotic, but delicious preserve. I took a bourbon barrel aged maple syrup. It tasted nice. It was expensive though. 50ml (1.7 oz) for $10. They sell a couple of racelette cheese in store. But they dont serve it over a sandwich. I also took their original sandwich, which they was really a prepackaged. It was good. read more

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Well we are in week 3 of our Wisconsin trip, cheese has been eaten - lots of it. But wait.. we have a day left in Wisconsin and still need to go to Fromagination. We bought lots more cheese, these Wisconsin peeps know their cheese. Super friendly and knowledgeable Pablo was like a bee round a honey pot. The country castle Limburger was more than stinky and all our clothes had to be washed after putting it in our rucksack. The Blakesville Creamery goat cheeses were to die for. There are lots of other non cheese gifts to buy as well as other food pairings. Don't miss this great store even though you have already been to every creamery in Wisconsin. You betcha you forgot one somewhere along the route. read more

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So fun, very friendly service person that has us sampling cheese. We purchased lunch and charcuterie spread materials for future nomming. As visitors they even had shelf stability recs for what we might travel home safely with. read more

Amazing!!!! They have an amazing variety of cheese offerings in a beautiful store full of amazing helpful experts. You can curate the perfect weekend platters or just get a simple brick for your day-to-day. Bonus, ask about a desert cheese platter. Last time they helped me with some great choices that went well with a semi-sweet pear dish. Don't let the location scare you. Cheese prices are reasonable for the quality (although it's irresponsible of me to say for). If you're on a budget, keep your eyes on right-sized cheeses, not the pricey but fun accoutrements . Save those for unique gifts. read more

If you like artisan cheese Fromagination is the place to go. They have lots to choose from as well as all the things you might need for charcuterie. They are always very helpful and friendly. You're able to sample the cheeses as well and they are experts at helping with the selection. We got two styles of their sandwiches and both were enjoyed. Worth a trip! read more

Fromagination - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

One of my go to sandwich shops! I'm always surprised by Fromagination's sandwiches. They're my favorite place to find charcuterie, but their sandwiches are amazing! Huge portions, high quality ingredients. Other than sandwiches and charcuterie, this is a great place to find unique small gifts or snacks. Lastly, the staff are amazing and will always help point you to exactly what you're looking for. read more

Fromagination - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Fromagination is a go-to spot whenever I'm downtown. They serve some of the best sandwiches, featuring fresh ingredients and a wonderful variety of cheeses. The atmosphere is always lively, with staff offering cheese samples at every corner! It's definitely worth stopping by for a delicious sandwich or to pick up some cheese to take home! read more

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So much fun! Ken M was just great in helping us make our choices of cheeses. Very knowledgeable and most accommodating. A must place to visit when coming to Madison. read more

Definitely worth the trip! The staff Is friendly and quite knowledgeable about the cheese. The service could be a little faster, but that's really not an issue. My biggest gripe is there is nowhere to sit down and eat. The sandwiches are tasty, somewhat creative and they hit the spot. I'll be back, but it's not my favorite. Great atmosphere, large variety of fromage and perfect for quick lunch or snack read more

Cheerful whilst sampling Good chocolate selection & quality Why so many characters? Where's gacpacho read more

I came in today for the first time and I was so happy I passed by. Everyone I met was so friendly and willing to help and explain their products. Ian answered and gave me numerous taste of the wonderful cheese selection. There is no doubt he knows his cheeses. Needless to say ... I will be returning next time I'm in Madison ... so easy to find literally across the street from the state capital building. They gained a new customer !!! read more

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I usually don't eat a lot of dairy because it doesn't sit well with me but I still do appreciate a great cheese once in a while. I was in town for a wedding with my partner and my mom had recommended we stop by Fromagination because my partner really loves cheese. We had intended just to wander the store a little while we waited for a table to be ready at a nearby restaurant for lunch. However, once we saw the sandwiches we quickly changed plans. I had the pasture harvest sandwich, with was equal parts sweet from the maple mayo and fresh with the crunch of Granny Smith. The Swiss on it was absolutely worth the potential stomach ache later in the day. My partner's Pranzo Picante was also delicious, although he enjoyed it so much, I barely got a bite. The perfect stop for a light lunch after a morning at the farmers market eating all sorts of delicious treats. read more

Fromagination - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This place is a Madison MUST! I always enjoy stopping by to pick up a specialty cheese, a sandwich, or just a snack. The employees are polite, helpful, and so knowledgable, making an overwhelming choice of cheese seem more manageable. You can try a sample of nearly any cheese to make sure you like it before you buy it too. On Saturdays, they sometimes have cheese makers from creameries come to talk about their cheese while giving out samples. Beyond cheese, they have an amazing assortment of accompaniments, lots of locally sourced goods, and sandwiches, which are great too! If you want a true Wisconsin cheese experience, this is your place to stop. Couldn't recommend it more. read more

Delicious cheese offerings. Wonderful employees who are welcoming, kind, knowledgeable, and generous. Ready to go back on our next trip to Madison!! read more

Seriously the best sandwiches I think I've ever had! My partner and I shared the Val D'Aran and the Great Wisconsin. The latter turned out to be double decker, so we still had half of that left. Both were delicious and complex in their flavors. The customer service was also lovely from the moment we walked in the door. We were treated to a free cheese tasting - not just a couple samples here and there, a whole planned-out flight! That alone inspired two purchases, and I also couldn't resist grabbing a few of their small cheap pieces left from the ends of larger blocks. There's also a great selection of other treats, kitchen goods, and tchochkes. Really good place for gift shopping. I will say I'd recommend skipping the mac and cheese, believe it or not. It was room temperature, quite dry, and not very cheesy. But that couldn't detract a star from the excellence of everything else! read more

Fromagination - Mini cheese offerings - Cheese Shops Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Overall, these were solid sandwiches. I would make a few tweaks and I've had better but would come again. The stars of the show is the salt and pepper aioli and the breads were amazing! My husband had the Great Wisconsin sandwich which was lacking a sauce, something spicy would be good but the cheese bread was delicious and so soft. I forgot the name of mine but it was turkey, Brie, cranberry preserves and I subbed tomato for lettuce. The sunflower bread was delicious! The Brie lacked a little flavor so I added the aioli which helped. Overall good, not outstanding. read more

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Madison is an awesome place to visit. Everyone was super nice. When I first went to Fromagination, I was greeted by the sweetest gentleman who welcomed me with open arms. When I came back with my daughter the same guy welcomed me back. Unfortunately, he was NOT the same guy who helped us with the cheese tasting. I was excited to try the cheeses and by the 4th one, this guy said it will be the last one I was trying for the day.... (It was 4:30pm and not like they weee closing up) So I ended up just buying three cheeses and some meats. He wasn't very enthusiastic to let us try the cheeses. I don't know why cause I read on other reviews, they let everyone try as much as they wanted. So we were disappointed with this exchange and it left a bitter taste..... read more

Tiny, but mighty. A lot of dairy product purveyed in this small space, plus accompaniments. I ordered the Pranzo Piccante, which was an upscale mixed Italian on the best damn bread I've tasted in a long while- their web site describes as a three cheese miche. There was a definite sharpness of high quality Romano and some ineffable unami in the mix as well. I was going to stop at eating half, but holy crap this is is good, so I went all in. read more

Wide selection, great service and information on cheese options and wine pairings - and right in the Capitol Square. Considered the best shop in the Madison/Dane County area. read more

Need to build a charcuterie board? Look no further. My husband and I don't eat a lot of dairy, but when we do, this is exactly the place that we trust to find something high-quality that is worth indulging! The staff was so helpful & friendly. They helped us select a few sheep & goat milk cheeses that fit our preferences and let us sample everything before we committed. They also helped us pair the cheeses with jams and meats. They have everything you need to build the charcuterie board of your dreams; jams, dried fruits, nuts, mustards, chocolate, wine, beer, accessories, savory spreads, crackers galore (including GF), cookbooks, etc. This would also be a great spot to purchase a gift! read more

Was visiting from out of town and wanted to bring back cheese from my trip to WI. The staff were super helpful as my mother had requested an award winning aged blue cheese and they knew immediately what I was talking about. They also made wonderful selections based on types of cheeses was desiring to try. Very welcoming and a large assortment of cheeses. I am not a local, but would come back to Wi to just visit and purchase at your store! read more

I went here for my first meal in Madison and was impressed by the ambience. I thought it's just the typical cheese shop with cheese selections, but this place takes it a whole new level and makes the ambience very bougie and a little rural. Not only do they have cheese, but also they have meats as well as olive oils and mustards. When I walked in, they gave me hot apple cider to make myself warm and comfortable so that was a plus. Cheese sampling outside is limited but you can ask for samples. There are so many options of cheeses you can choose from, ranging from the local Wisconsin cheese by Carr Valley, Hook's, Uplands, etc) as well as out of state/country cheeses from Switzerland, etc. I got the cheese platter with 2 cheeses and 1 meat. One of the cheeses is recommended by someone working there and he honestly picked the favorite of the two, and the other cheese I got the Landmark Anabasque. I opted for the goat salami for the meat. You get mustard, pickles, raisins, and crackers as the accompaniments of the cheese platter, which is great as it is pretty much a charcuterie board. As you carefully select the cheeses, they give you ample time and unlimited amounts of sampling to get the cheese you want, so while the price is a bit higher compared to some of the places I walked by that offer prie fixe cheeseboards, here, you get the flexibility of choosing the cheese you want! I even got to sample the most expensive cheese they had, which was the 15 year aged cheddar which is very sharp and strong. Not for me, but it was a great experience just to try that out. read more

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Wisconsin is known for cheese, so it was a no-brainer to stop by and browse at Fromagination. Located right on the square downtown, they have cases and cases of cheese, including plenty of local Wisconsin cheese. I can't eat as much cheese as I used to due to my lactose intolerance, but it was still fun to look. What's also good is they don't just have cheese, but also sandwiches and salads and other snacks, so picking up a sandwich allowed me to try a little bit of the cheese without going overboard. We got the chile ancho chicken sandwich, which had roasted chicken breast with a poblano pesto spread, salad greens, and Wisconsin provolone cheese, and sat outside the shop to eat. (They had a whole section of tables and chairs outside, very comfortable.) The bread was soft and soaked up all the flavors of the pesto, the chicken was great, and you could definitely taste the provolone, which was so good and tied it all together. Very glad we stopped by Fromagination. read more

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Excellent service, great variety of Wisconsin cheeses. My favorite Three chili pepper gouda. read more