Venissimo Cheese - Del Mar is an artisan cheese shop and wine bar at 2650 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014, tucked inside Flower Hill Promenade on the lower level of the west end. The Venissimo brand was founded in 2004 by Gina and Roger Freize, who opened their first storefront in San Diego's Mission Hills neighborhood inspired by the intimate cheese shops they discovered across Europe. The Del Mar location is one of three current San Diego shops, alongside Mission Hills and North Park, and the business recently transitioned to new ownership under Rob Graff, a longtime team member known to customers as Professor MacCheese. The shop stocks over 100 rotating artisan cheeses sourced from around the world, supplemented by charcuterie, gourmet crackers, olives, honey, chocolate, and seasonal accompaniments. Prepared items include grilled panini sandwiches, cheese plates, and fondue, all available for dine-in with a glass of wine or beer, or for takeaway. Venissimo's Academy of Cheese hosts regular tasting classes at the Del Mar location covering topics from beginner pairings to advanced regional cheese exploration, and the shop runs a monthly Cheese Feast happy hour on the third Thursday of each month from 3 to 6 PM featuring unlimited cheese and a glass of wine for $30 per person. A Cheese Lovers Club subscription rounds out the offerings for dedicated enthusiasts, and the shop ships cheese platters and gift boxes nationwide. Richard Walker's Pancake House shares the Flower Hill Promenade complex for visitors planning a full morning of food exploration in the same center. The women-owned small business label still reflects the founding vision, and the monger team includes Certified Cheese Professionals and national Cheesemonger Invitational award winners who make every visit educational. Venissimo is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.