So.. I'll start by saying I've been a devoted customer for 30+ yrs. However, recently bought a whole tete demoine, $80.00. One of only two in the store apparently (diminished lack of selection a different story). Tete Demoine is supposed to hard, shaved slowly using a proper cheese wheel which I own. Instead this one is soft and mushy. Clearly NOT what you'd expect from Ideal! But for the price wholly unacceptable. Will try again, but twice bitten, three times shy... So Ideal, get it together por favor, before I return! Soon! read more

Ideal Cheese Shop - Tete Demoine (soft and mushy) - Cheese Shops Near Me - New York, New York

Had a nice experience! We went in here to buy a couple of cheeses and we tasted a couple. They are very helpful in having us select a cheddar and a stilton. Very very friendly and you can learn a lot as well. I liked that it has been in the neighborhood for a very long time! read more

Long time fixture on First Avenue. Something wonderful happened a few years ago...their quality, product range and general friendliness went way up. They really do have a magnificent selection, even of non cheeses like biscotti. The store is sparkling clean, many products open to view and it just feels nice and comfy to be there. Staff very helpful with suggestions, try inquiring about cheddars! Not bargain-basement but well worth your time and attention. read more

OMG what a find! We were down the block looking, at tile and walked up a bit to hail a cab and came upon Ideal Cheese Shop. The hubby and I decided to check it out. The shop is bright, clean and well organized. The staff was super friendly and quick to make recommendations. We got four cheeses, crackers, artichokes and prosciutto. All were absolutely delicious. We will definitely be coming back....often! read more

Stumbled upon this place and decided to go in. Such a little gem full of different types of cheese. Friendly and knowledgeable employees too! Highly recommend - great selection of other things too! read more

Ideal Cheese Shop - various types of cheese on display - Cheese Shops Near Me - New York, New York

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Well what do you know a cheese store 2 blocks from the job I didn't know about, I only worked Midtown East 7 years so what you expect. So I'm thinking while looking at cheese wheels in the window, hey next time I cook pasta instead of whipping out the green container of Kraft Parmesan cheese that should get the real deal and grate it over the pasta like they do in those fancy Italian restaurants. Well the shop got more than cheeses, they got things you may eat with your cheese like crackers, sauces, meats, cold cuts, oils, pasta, and lots more. You can ask for samples here but I didn't have time to shop. But I did get me a nice chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano with the rind still attached and some Pecorino Romano because it had some of that cheese aroma going for it. I haven't ate my cheeses yet because you can't eat this $$ cheese with supermarket pasta can you ? Plus I got to do my own sauce now from scratch too. read more

Ideal Cheese Shop - Cheese Shops Near Me - New York, New York

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Ideal Cheese Shop is a great family business. The staff here is very friendly, welcoming and always ready to recommend the best cheeses for any event. The store not only has a very large variety of cheeses from throughout the world, they also sell a nice selection of imported pastas, oils, canned goods and housewares. Ideal Cheese is worth a visit. Once you visit, you will return weekly for a great variety of amazing cheeses along with imported grocery items. read more

Honestly if I could give zero stars I would. The shop is cute (though over priced) but it's the service that's horrible. We live close by and were excited to check it out. We didn't even buy anything and just walked out after they continued to ignore and not even serve us. As a woman of color, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt as why that might be... read more

Wonderful, expert, TAILORED service. I pass by sometimes but hadn't gone inside and am so glad I decided to go in to pick up some cheeses and assortments to bring to a picnic I was attending that day. While I learned they arrange plates with minimum 24 hours notice I still was recommended some PERFECT selections to take along with me that everyone loved! I'll definitely make this a regular stop. read more

This place is great and their service is fantastic! The guys behind the counter were friendly and knowledge, which definitely helps when you don't know much about cheese, like myself. With little understanding, they guide me through the process of cheese section which I though great. Best of all, they even let me sample the cheese to confirm whether I liked the flavor, texture and smell. The shop might look a little small but don't let that fool you. They are packed with lots of goodies, that are non-artisanal cheese. Goodies such as curd meat, nuts, oil, honey, vinegrette and so much more! read more

NEW FAV CHEESE SHOP in NYC .. liking it better than the famous Murray's cheese shop.. all the tourists & crowds can go there, i'll stick w/ ideal cheese love the selection here PLUS the cheese mongers really know how to please a palate! we loved all the suggestions he gave us after only asking us what types of cheeses we already knew we liked --holzhoffer cow's milk cheese: this was my fav of the ones we took home that day haven't tried their meats but i'll be back FREE SAMPLES in the back & of course you can sample anything you want to try out before committing to buying! read more

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I've lived in Midtown east for 20+ years and I've patronized and bragged about ideal. G shop the entire entire time. But something has changed. Staff is different and clearly do not have the depth of knowledge about cheese and how to handle it that the previously elite team possessed. During my visit, I admired some fresh mozzarella cheese, but remarked that it was too big for my use. I was told by the employee who was older than the other people working there and seem to be a manager, to cut it in half and freeze the other half. This like a cardinal sin with cheese! I could not believe my ears, but proceeded to order my other items that one employee is ignorance wouldn't affect the whole cheese cave. I ordered was ricotta salata, which I love for salads and also cubed and mixed into a pasta I make that has fresh eggplant and tomatoes in it. Anyway, I get it home and I open it up and I noticed it has a lot of little crumbs in the package. This cheese is crumbly by nature, but not to this level, I cut a couple small pieces off and they were disintegrating on the cutting board I cut deeper into the cheese, thinking it would be less dry but the same thing. Even I took a bite and choked to death for real because all the little crumbs got sucked into my windpipe. Never in 20 years have I ever had a negative experience with this shop but now not feeling so good about them. read more

Cheese Hall of Shame for this "Cheese Shop" We ordered through Mercato for delivery A Normandy Camembert ..... Although a more than usual ripe cheese smell wafting on our kitchen counter as we unpacked , we put in the refrigerator until dinner. We have bought that same brand from other cheese shops Horrible Horrible horrible Shame on a Cheese shop that sells RANCID Cheese read more

Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Wide selection to chose from in a very direct setting.

The in-store store is attentive and I felt I was being served by salespeople who "know their cheese." You may have to wait but in my experience that is because they give ample time to each customer and don't hurry them. The cheese itself was excellent. They also ship in and out of town and have a cheese club that I had been thinking of joining in which you can set up a standing order of cheese delivered at regular intervals. Sounds like a good gift idea. I myself had a very good experience ordering a selection of Italian cheese which they shipped in a timely fashion to the Upper West Side. I also sent a gift order to Florida of cheese and other small items. The cheese arrived spoiled but parts of the meat were still edible. read more

A most delicious shop! Yes, I know, a bit "cheesy!" Drum roll please! The workers were very pleasant and willing to share their cheese knowledge, along with some generous samplings of the vast array of cheeses offered. They also had a very nice selection of items to compliment the various cheeses one purchases; such as, gourmet crackers, chocolate delights, fanciful breads, unique beverages and the like. Forgot to carry along a cheese board, or cheese slicer in your picnic basket? Not to worry, they sell these items as well! A return visit is long overdue! read more

Walking into the store, you'll get smacked in the face with cheese smell. Warning for those of you that think stinky cheese smells, well, stinky. It is not for all but it is quite awesome. I must have been smelling the store for a good 10 mins. Good cheeses from all over the world. Delicious samples so you could try before you commit to a nice block of cheese. They also have a nice selection of gourmet cookies and jams/honeys. Get in line, buddy. read more

Fantastic cheese selection at very reasonable pricing! I love how they cut the cheese from the GIANT block rather than having it pre-wrapped in pieces. Also they give out sample before you buy! Very friendly and great service! read more

Ideal Cheese Shop - Cheese Shops Near Me - New York, New York

Um.. Can someone get a personality?? When you to Murray's, the cheeseman is your best friend! They're engaging, telling you how to pair cheese with food and wines, they're just fun! I walk into an empty store. I see the cheeseman behind the counter and the assorated cheeses. I ask about Truffle Cheeses, he tells me a few of them but its like pulling teeth. Cheese, along with wine needs to have an advocate for the product. When I walk into Fairway and talk to anyone behind the counter, they're talking to me: Hey, I have that cheese you described but first try THIS cheese. This behavior wasn't displayed during my visit. I bought a small slice of Brie, A slice of the Truffle Cheese I tasted along with some candied pecans. The store itself kinda reminds me of a Bodega. They have wire shelves of oils and crackers on them, it wasn't very inviting. The cheese I purchased was good, there's too much cheesy competition to deal with and this store needs a personality lift. I don't care if its from 1954. If you live in the area, then add a star. It's not my ideal cheese place so.. Smell ya later! read more

This is a great cheese store with so many wonderful cheeses and great service! I tried several raw cow, goat and sheep cheese, all great! read more

I'd give less than one star if I could tbh. The cheese was fine but the owner and one of his family member were there being extremely rude and arguing right in front of the customers. Like, take that home- no one wants to see that inn the morning. Pretty trashy. The shop seemed kinda dirty too. It's a lot tO pay for such a bad atmosphere. Good luck with your family problems tho loll. read more

Went there with a Groupon and saw items that are not easy to find. Furthermore, they treated me very well even though I was getting a discount. The Jamon Serrano was expertly sliced and the Himalayan dates are of the highest quality. read more

Lousy service! Sullen clerks. Poor selection. All in all a bad experience. I won't shop here again.

One of the city's best cheese stores. they are willing to give tastes until you find the taste you love. They couldn't be nicer. They also have a nice selection of crackers, olive oils and vinegars and other good tastes. read more

We were in Temecula for the weekend and found this cheese shop as we strolled downtown. Little cheese shop tucked in the back of the main drag. We ordered some wine to go and picked up some delicious Gouda that we enjoyed the next morning. Delicious food and the two ladies that helped us were just great. read more

This is the best cheese shop in New York because of the selection and knowledgeable staff. When you want the best cheese make the trip here. The result is a great shopping experience followed by a culinary cheese-eating joy when you get home. read more

I love cheese, and live around the corner, but still avoid this place in anything but a pinch. Here's why: -More expensive than comparable cheese shops -Product is generally not of the highest quality (store is always to warm for a cheese shop); particularly, I had some dried out olives once that were like little rocks -The service sucks, and there is always a problem there a) they hassle you if you want to buy less than 1/4 pound; no place else does b) guy just gave me a hard time about putting $11 on a credit card; even bodegas don't do that c) no matter how much you ask for, they're always going to cut you a piece that is 10-20% bigger than you wanted, and charge you for it, of course (the fish shop next door always charges you for what you asked for.) read more

This shop has a variety of products from around the world, excellent quality and reasonable prices. I travel extensively (pre-covid) and am ecstatic to find such a variety of products close to home. There are great gift ideas as well, for relatives or health care/doormen, etc. during the holidays which are reasonable prices. The owner goes out of his way to ensure high quality and customer satisfaction are met. I agree with Anthony, D. 3/22/20 - once you visit (as I did recently), you will return weekly!!! What a wonderful experience, and we need local, small business shops like this which offer high quality and variety!! read more

Good products helpful workers normal prices and some exclusive meat products from hungry

So it's Saturday 4:18, the store hours are open until 5 on Saturday but inside its already everything put aside so there is no way to see the cheeses names, don't forget that the store it's supposed to close in 45 minutes but for the guys responsible of the store today shop it's fuckin closed. One of guys have his afro comb insert in his hair and it's making faces because a 5 people group just walked in 2 seconds before I did...these 2 guys are still making faces the entire time so I go Are you guys closing already, he pretend not to hear me so I asked him again and he said , yes in 30 min but in reality is only 4 fuckin 18.. My thoughts goes out to the owner who rely in this kind of shit employee hoping they will be at least do their job properly because their money comes from the shop sales, but not too much to ask Will come back to tell this story to the owner so he is aware of shit like this read more

The shop is nice, good selection, reasonable prices for the neighborhood. The person that helped me could not have been less interested. I could barely understand his mumbled words, and any question I had (I asked 2) were met with a sigh and barely an answer. It was on par with going to the DMV or tow pound on the west side. I don't need to make a friend, but just want a teeny tiny bit of info and basic politeness. I'll admit I was jealous of the woman who came after me. The man who helped her was knowledgeable, engaging and friendly. Oh well, back to Fairway for my cheese needs. read more

Had a terrible customer service experience. Went in and asked for a specific cheese. They did not carry, but said they would order but it would take three weeks. I said no problem. I spent $80 at the store and went home. I received a call 3 weeks later that the cheese had come in. As I live in downtown Manhattan I called 4 days later and told them I was coming in the following day. They said no problem. Woke up early on Saturday, and traveled to the shop. They didn't have my cheese. The owner said they sold it all. Never asked me how much I wanted or offered to put my order on the side. I would have happily paid in advance. Just terrible customer service. Waste of my time, travel, and excitement. I will never visit this store again. read more

Best cheese shop I've entered in NYC, hands down. The selection is extensive without being overwhelming. The prices are very reasonable for the quality. Domestic and European sheep, cow, goat, hard and soft and fresh and funky. They give you good-sized tastes and make good suggestions without being pushy at all. As someone who works in retail, I really appreciated the level of service. They clearly care about their product and their customers. Can't speak to the other goods in the store (just bought 4 cheeses), but they have all the accoutrements for cheese. read more

Without a doubt the best cheese shop I have ever visited and purchased from. Besides an amazing selection of cheeses they have delicious meats and other goodies for a perfect wine and cheese night with friends and family. Also, I was so please to learn they ship so I can gift these items around the country. Obviously I am obsessed with Ideal Cheese Shop! PS, I don't get these bad reviews because the employees were feuding. You're buying cheese. Not interviewing your daughter's future husband. read more

My fav cheese shop in the city. The guys who work here are awesome and so knowledgeable. I never feel rushed. They have every type of cheese imaginable, plus meats and other fun table items like jams, crackers, etc. They will answer all your questions, let you taste things, until you know exactly what you need. And all inside a very cute boutique style store. I go here at least once a week as it's in my neighborhood, would die without this place. I prefer to buy all my cheese here instead of the grocery store, as their prices are more than reasonable for a local cheesemonger (you will be paying the same price for some crappy Kraft block otherwise). Love this place! read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. There was no waiting around for help or a line at checkout. Someone was available for us to ask questions, he recommended and give samples and finalized payment. In my opinion the products were not overpriced either. Quick and simple. Would recommend. read more

I could not be happier with Ideal Cheese Shop. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and they have a spectacular and reasonably-priced selection of cheeses. Although it's smaller than a lot of the more famous cheese shops in the city, I feel that their cheese can compete with these larger shops because they do such a good job of curating varied and less well known cheeses (and they stock an impressive number of cheeses given the space). It seems like they avoid stocking cheeses that you might find at even a normal high-end grocery store (like Whole Foods) or too many versions of a single type of cheese, so that customers (even those with a lot of experience with cheese) can always find something new or unexpected. It truly is a neighborhood gem and probably was my favorite thing about living in Midtown East. read more

The cheese man is funny. I came in all crabby pants and like "but whole foods has all the cheeses cut little so I can grab a bunch of random cheeses" and he said something like "how would you like to be chopped up into little pieces and wrapped in plastic?" lol. He let me sample some cheese and I went home with a delicious truffle cheese and something creamy from Vermont. I will be back! read more

Here's the scenario (read as: my worst nightmare): It's Tuesday evening, you're on your way home from work and you get a text..."can't wait to come over tonight!" You suddenly remember that you're having over BFF X and BFF Y. Shit, and here you were looking forward to secretly binge watching hours of reality TV and ordering in. With no food in the apartment, other than the basic staples (truffle butter and edible decorative gold flakes, of course), what do you do?! Head to the Ideal Cheese Shop and get the highest quality provisions to make a sumptuous (yes, sumptuous comes to my mind when describing feasts) cheeseboard and charcuterie plate. The Ideal Cheese Shop includes the welcoming and helpful service of an old-school mom n' pop but with the wealth of offerings of a specialty gourmet gallery. Having been open for over fifty six years, the Ideal Cheese Shop is aptly named because it carries over two hundred and fifty cheeses from seventeen countries. Everything is cut to order and the varieties of choices range from your go-to favorites to bizarre and interesting. Best of all, they also sell the finest accouterments to go with your board - oils, crackers, chocolates, cheese knives, fondue pots and even the occasional raclette or two... because you'd hate to be raclette-less. ...quite ideal, indeed. read more

As always, the world's greatest cheese store. While in NY I picked up a few pounds of my favorite cheese, Prima Donna, a Dutch gouda-type cheese. Ideal does extra aging itself to make their Prima Donna better than anyone else's. (I've tried them side-by-side.) Hundreds of cheeses, plus sausages, breads, crackers, spreads, other hors d'oeuvre items. I picked up some of their fabulous cocoa coated Spanish almonds too. If you don't know what you want, come in anyway. Everyone behind the counter has years experience and is always helpful. read more