Grace C.

WOW! This adorable cheese shop is in the Freemason District, a historic neighborhood in Downtown Norfolk. The vibes here are amazing!! Fantastic sandwiches, a great cheese and wine selection, and everything you need for a delightful charcuterie can be found here. The staff here were a joy as well!! My friend and I were using a gift card here and it was quick and easy. I ordered the Cheese Curd Grilled Cheese with the Deep River Maui Onion chips. She got the Lemon Whipped Feta and one of the blood orange San Pellegrino sodas. WOW really captures our experience here!! My grilled cheese was garlicky, melty, cheesy goodness! The breads used on their sandwiches is great - my sandwich was grilled nice, buttery, and crispy and had fresh tomato on it. Yumm!! The Lemon Whipped Feta my friend got was a large, hearty sandwich - big enough to take one half home as well! She is a longtime fan of this company, hence me getting her a gift card. I'm really glad I did now, because I got introduced to a great place to eat!! She also got charcuterie goodies to take home with her. There are lots of unique finds here! Crackers, cured meats, honeys, jams, and more! Definitely will be bringing my friends and family here again! Honestly? My sandwich was better than any sandwich spot I've been to. I'm a longtime fan of TASTE, but I think I've found a new favorite!

Caroline R.

I love their Whipped Lemon Feta Sandwich, very delicious. They have other sandwich options and a whole variety of different cheeses to choose from. They also have a few different wines to choose from if you desire a glass with your cheese board or sandwich. So if you love cheese too or are looking for a new unique sandwich shop, this is the place! Make sure you look at their hours on their website before running over there. 10/10 recommend to my fellow cheese lovers!

Rachel R.

This local cheese shop and eatery is nestled in the heart of Norfolk's Freemason District. In addition to an assortment of fine wines and cheeses, they carry locally sourced goods + sundries, ideal for gifting. You can order cheeseboards to-go or to enjoy in house, and they also offer a variety of sandwiches and salads featuring their cheeses. I particularly appreciate how they source their bread from Chelsea Bakehouse and La Brioche - and now, are offering Gluten Free options. The small and cozy space is perfect for a fondue night with friends (which they have quite often); you can even rent it out for private events. Since I'm no cheese connoisseur, I ordered the Norfolk Club and took it to enjoy as a picnic lunch overlooking Norfolk's waterfront. It was dense and delicious - I was full the rest of the day! Clearly made with quality ingredients. Unfortunately the focaccia was overly salty, but Chelsea Bakehouse is generally consistent so it nah just have been that batch. 10/10 would return and try another sandwich.

Alexis P.

Cute cheese shop/cafe in Ghent! It's not too crowded and not loud at all. Inside is clean and there are a few tables as well, although most people take their orders to go. It's a good spot for a casual lunch or chat! The staff member there was the sweetest gal and she was very attentive. I got the Norfolk club and OHMYGOSH when you take a bite you just know. It has amazing flavor and the sandwich is pretty thicc so well worth the price. Overall, great restaurant all around but that Norfolk club is to die for!

Michaela D.

I've visited Virginia Cheese Co twice so far. Had an easy five star experience the first time, when my mom and I stopped in to grab some goodies to bring home. Their selection of cheeses (and related snack/gift/drink items) are unrivaled for a shop like this. It is truly a unique establishment in one of my favorite areas of Norfolk. I'm a huge cheese lover, so the fact that I can have it in so many variations here makes me like the place automatically. My second visit, today, was also good. I was drooling over the seasonal grilled cheese I saw on the menu, so I knew that's what I wanted to order. I was a bit disappointed as I unwrapped the white paper around my sandwich. There seemed to be much less cheese than in the advertised photo; I've posted both together for a comparison. Of course I understand that F&B advertisements are often styled and can be misleading for that reason. However, the amount of cheese in the grilled cheese is clearly not comparable based on the thinness of my sandwich. There were also far fewer pomegranate arils than I expected. They were a delicious component, so I wished there were more. Overall, the flavors of the sandwich melded together beautifully. I just wish it had been fuller, especially for the price (~$10). There are a few tables inside and out. My friend and I chose to sit farthest from the other occupied table (where the owners were sitting) but unfortunately our table was pretty dirty. There were crumbs and greasy spots across the whole thing. In COVID-world, I was pretty bothered and surprised by this as we were the only customers there; hence, I don't understand why the tables weren't cleaned in between customers. On my first visit, the owner's husband was extremely welcoming amidst a line and full room of customers. I appreciated his enthusiasm as he told us about his wife's dream of having this cheese shop. He asked how we heard of them and really engaged us as customers to their new business. My experience today was different. It definitely wasn't bad service, but I guess I was expecting a bit more hospitality. Maybe I have high standards for service, but I would argue some other places in the area have set the bar high. I plan to go back and try some of the delicious sounding house-made spreads on another sandwich. This shop has huge potential; maybe I just caught them on a bit of an off day today.

Dennis C.

Virginia Cheese Company, a long awaited gourmet cheese shop and eatery, opened last month on August 2nd in downtown Norfolk's historic Freemason District. It is housed in the former site of Hummingbird Macarons & Desserts in about 1300 square feet of space, next door to the Cure Coffeehouse. They had originally planned to open in March until COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Their employees were already hired before the virus hit. Their Facebook page was launched in August of last year. It is a local woman owned business led by Ashtyn Greene, who decided to become an expert cheese monger after spending several years traveling abroad. Her husband sometimes helps out as well. Their business is described on their web site as "a cheese counter service featuring a rotating selection of rate, artisanal, and farmstead cheeses from both local and international cheese makers." Rare is definitely the right word. They offer a mind blowing selection of cheeses, many of which I had never heard of before. According to Ashtyn Greene in a quote from a recent news release: "Everything in here is pretty unique to us. You're not going to see it in many places." You can create your own cheese boards. Luncheon catering is also available, including cheese boards and a mix of their salads and sandwiches, with at least 48 hours of notice. A retail section showcases a number of gourmet grocery items, wine, beer, grab and go cheese sampler kits, and various cheese accessories on its shelves. Their exclusive selection of wine and beer is available, either by the can or bottle. Beer is also available on draft. You can even enjoy wine on tap. Their cheese counter features printed suggestions for wine and cheese pairings. One that caught my eye was Alpine Cheese with Pinot Noir. They offer contactless payment with credit card only at this time. Their employees have been wearing masks and keeping the place as clean as a whistle. Most of their service is take-out. For dine-in service, I counted eight tables for two and a couple of outdoor tables as well. Parking is available in the York Street Parking Garage, the Voila parking lot before 6:00 pm, and on street and metered spaces in the neighborhood. Those who belong to the downtown Norfolk YMCA can also use their parking garage a short walk away. They currently offer a limited lunch menu of four sandwiches and three salads at this time. A build your own sandwich option is also provided. Their sandwiches use Focaccia bread from The Bakehouse At Chelsea and Baquettes from La Brioche Bakery. Their breads are top notch. I have enjoyed three of their sandwiches to date: CYPRIOT HALLOUMI: Halloumi Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Red Onion, Tomato, Arugula, and Pistachio Pesto on Focaccia Bread. Halloumi is a semi-firm cheese from Cyprus and a favorite in Greek cooking. The combination of ingredients worked together beautifully for an exhilarating taste adventure. I did not miss the presence of meat. The Pistachio Pesto gave me a near mystical experience as it worked its magic upon my taste buds. My Rating: 5 Stars. PROVOLONE AMORE: Salami, Capicola, Ham, Provolone, Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes, Hot Peppers, Red Onion, Oil & Vinegar, and Mayo in a Baquette Bun. This was a huge sandwich, and I ate the whole thing in one sitting. Its top quality ingredients set off an explosion of flavors in my mouth, and I couldn't put it down. I was not hungry for dinner that evening. My Rating: 5 Stars. NORFOLK CLUB: Ham, Turkey, Bacon, Cheddar, Romaine, Avocado, Roasted Red Peppers, and Basil Mayo in Focaccia Bread. All of the flavors came together beautifully. The meats were scrumptious, and I especially enjoyed the avocado and the added crunch of bacon. The Focaccia bread was soft and pillowy, delivering a heavenly contrast of textures. My Rating: 5 Stars. After enjoying these sandwiches, I have to say that Virginia Cheese Company has emerged as a premier spot in Norfolk for a gourmet sandwich experience. I also enjoyed one of their salads: GOAT CHEESE SALAD: Spring Mix, Figs, Red Onion, and Housemade Creamy Pistachio Pesto. You can add a protein for an up charge, but I declined. The goat cheese was intensely flavorful. Most of the greens were buried under the cheese and most plentiful. The combination of the Figs and Pistachio Pesto sang to my taste buds with a melodic taste experience. I was still a bit hungry afterwards, but only because I had a light breakfast and didn't add an additional protein to my salad. I'll do so next time. My Rating: 5 Stars. With a slam dunk 5-Star rating, this spot is a true gem and is becoming one of my favorite lunch spots after exercising at the downtown Norfolk YMCA. My applause goes to the owner for putting together a truly class act operation. I eagerly look forward to my next and future visits and hope to expand my appreciation of fine cheeses as well.

Ordered a charcuterie board using their online order form via their website. Due to my own mistake of putting the wrong date, my board was not in the system properly for the needed date and the owner still made time to get my board done on the same day it was needed. I truly appreciated her for going above and beyond. The entire staff that helped us was nice and welcoming. They have plenty of options to choose from and you can customize your board to your liking. They also have a variety of beverages in store from waters to booze as well as grab and go snacks and a salad and sandwich menu made to order. We ordered two sandwiches. I did a build your own sandwich and my fiancé got the Norfolk sandwich, both were super filling, fresh and yummy! The inside was clean and super cute! They also have some outdoor seating. We got all of our items to go. We will definitely be back to try more menu items and possibly the fondue for a date night.

This is a gem of a restaurant with a timeless and classic ambience and amazing food. The service was quick, and whether you're getting a sandwich, cheese, wine, or other delicacies, you will not be disappointed.

Kathryn M.

This is a cute little local cheese shop in the heart of Downtown Norfolk. It is in the shop formerly of Hummingbird Macarons. It's absolutely adorable. My daughter and I came in on a Saturday afternoon and even though they are socially distancing, there were a good number of people waiting to get their hands on some cheese. As you walk towards the front entrance, you'll see chairs lined up against the outside wall to accommodate seating. The wall furthest from you, you'll find wines, beers, specialty drinks, fondue kits, seasonings, meats, jellies, and more! The showcase presents lots of different cheeses from all over, all types and flavors. It's definitely a cheese lover's dream! We did not get to order any of their sandwiches made in-house but their menu looks amazing! They also have lots of salads made with their cheeses and you can also make a cheeseboard in house to take or eat there. I can't wait to come back and try their sandwiches and to bring home more of their cheese!

Ryan H.

Okay so this is my GO TO PLACE for a perfectly made charcuterie board. When I first saw this place, I had my eye on it for a while. Literally foot tapping ready to go there. I was in no way disappointed, and I love that for me! LOL. I was helped by someone very awesome!! She showed me the newest cheeses they've had shipped in, all of the options for my board, and amazing drinks they had on tap. I picked 3 different types of cheese, and salami as my meat. I love how many things they add to the board, it's literally so enjoyable to just has different small delicious bites while sitting outside and enjoying the area with a delicious wine. This place does not and will not disappoint. I'd suggest going with someone you enjoy and ordering a board. With the amount of options there's so many things on the board for everyone involved. The cheese options are INSANE, so many flavors and styles. I could literally go here everyday. I HIGHLY suggest this place if you love charcuterie boards like I do.