5 to Try: Cheese Plates

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

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Updated: July 09, 2009

Whether it's just a nibble to enhance the Cab-Franc you just splurged on, or a decidedly decadent, creamy dinner for two, sometimes a great cheese plate is just the ticket. Based on a criteria of price, selection and originality (we love a surprising smoked gouda), our editors rounded up 5 of the best cheese plates in San Diego.

5 to Try: Cheese Plates

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Starlite
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    3175 India St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    What we love most about Starlite's cheese plate is that it's always different: A wedge of mild colorouge from Venissimo one day, a pungent bleu the next, and always some interesting fruit garnishes like kumquat or cranberries.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cafe Chloe
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    721 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Sure it's a bit pricey at $20, but we love Chloe's sophisticated cheese plate presentation on a marble pedestal with real silver spreaders. Honey comb, almonds and seasonal accoutrements make it extra special.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bites
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    1417 University Ave , San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    We love Chris Walsh's entire small plates menu, but the cheese course really stands out with a garnish of fig paste, French burnt walnuts and seasonal fruit. At $13, it's the perfect share plate for two with a glass of wine.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Extraordinary Desserts
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    1430 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    In a shop where sweets are king, sometimes it's that one savory bite that really helps balance the experience. Enter the Extraordinary Desserts cheese plate. It's always simple--usually a creamy brie, a nutty Italian crumbler and something smoked--and perfect for pairing with chocolate.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Venissimo Cheese
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    754 W Washington, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    The self-proclaimed "cheese heads" here will customize a cheese plate for any size party. Just be sure to get in touch at least a week or so in advance, as the secret is out about this venerable cheese shop tucked away in Mission Hills.