If you love cheese, then you’ll probably want to celebrate National Cheese Day. This made-up holiday, which is held on June 4, will allow cheese fans to explore and learn (and taste) everything there is to know about cheese. From goat cheese and sheep cheese to almond cheese and vegan cheese, National Cheese Day is a great opportunity to try something new. Check out these San Diego neighborhoods where you can buy cheeses as well as enjoy a variety of delectable cheese dishes.

North Park - Venissimo Cheese

Photo courtesy of Venissimo Cheese

If you’re all about cheese, then Venissimo Cheese in North Park is the place for you. With locations in Mission Hills,  Liberty Station, and Del Mar, this cheese shop has grown and flourished and is on a mission to “do for cheese what Starbucks did for coffee.” Co-founder Gina Freize proudly claims, “Someday, camembert will be as well-known as cappuccino.” The shop is staffed by knowledgeable cheesemongers who informs customers about each product’s country of origin, pronunciation, and milk type so that they too can be an artisanal cheese expert. This is probably the best place to begin your celebration of cheese, as Venissimo offers tours, free tastings, cheese tips, classes and special events, nutritional tidbits, and more. And if you can’t make it down to this neighborhood cheese shop, no need to worry as Venissimo ships all orders upon request.

Golden Hill - Giorgino's

Photo courtesy of Giorgino's

If you want some steak with your cheese, check out family-owned and operated Giorgino's in Golden Hill. Determined to bring their East Coast flavor to Golden Hill, this spot has a variety of mouthwatering cheesesteaks. They offer not only a standard cheesesteak that’s served on Philadelphia’s Amoroso’s rolls, but also bell steak, mushroom steak, the Works cheesesteak, pesto steak, and pork rolls. Their variety of cheeses include white American, provolone, mozzarella, and of course Cheez Whiz, which all come from Philly’s Dietz & Watson.

La Jolla - Cheese Shop

Photo courtesy of Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop is a local mom-and-pop shop in La Jolla that was opened by husband and wife duo Dorothy and John Schutz in 1972. Their mission was to supply and sell not only food, but imported cheeses from all over the world. Their shop has evolved from selling classic sandwiches and a variety of cheese selections to including baked cookies and roasted meats. Patrons can try their overstuffed sandwiches, imported specialty foods and sweets, homemade cookies, retro foods, and sodas in glass bottles that will take you back to a simpler time. Of course, you can always order their famous grilled ham and cheese sandwiches that come with your choice of gooey, melted cheese.

Gaslamp - Gaslamp's Cafe 21

Photo courtesy of Gaslamp’s Cafe 21

This list just wouldn’t be complete without a fondue restaurant in Gaslamp. Rounding out this list is the Gaslamp’s Cafe 21. Their site states, “If you’re looking for a delicious, gluten-free, and organic restaurant in San Diego, then you’ve come to the right place.” They offer a creamy fondue made with a four-cheese blend that also comes with seasonal fruit, vegetables, and toast points. Cafe 21 also offers a cheese and compote board, loaded with an assortment of cheeses, seasonal fruits, house seasonal compotes, nuts, dry fruit, and house sourdough bread. They even offer live, local music every day of the week.