Bon Appetit

Bon Appetite is an absolute gem. The selection is outstanding, from perfectly aged cheeses to unique items you won’t find at a regular grocery store. What really sets it apart, though, is the staff. They’re incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely eager to help, whether you need a recommendation for a dinner party or guidance on pairing cheese with wine. They take the time to ask questions and make spot-on suggestions without ever feeling pushy. I can’t wait to go back soon!

Bon Appetit is hands down the best cheese shop in CT. I've been coming here for years, and every visit there are new cheeses to try and unique imported products I can't find anywhere else. They even have fresh bread delivered daily from NYC bakeries like Balthazar and Pain D'Avignon! What makes this place truly special is the staff. They're welcoming, knowledgeable, and always steer me in the right direction, whether I know exactly what I want or need guidance. Every visit is a lovely experience. Their cheese and charcuterie boards are seriously stunning, too. Beautiful, delicious, and consistently impressive. They're absolute show-stoppers at every function I bring them to! Easily my favorite small business in the area. Can't recommend them enough!

What a hidden gem! If you want to be the hit of your party or gathering shop here! Cheese selection is amazing, along with all their snacks, cookies, sweets, and candles. The staff is amazing and goes out of their way to assure your experience is second to none. For the reviews complaining about price, this is a speciality shop, with high end items, if you want cheap feel free to go get your treats at Dollar General or Walmart. But, if you want quality and the opportunity to obtain craft products look no further.

Until today I would have given this place 5 stars. Food is excellent. I had a full house of family coming to celebrate Christmas and I got a call from Valerie early morning telling me she was cancelling my order. We had 7 inches of snow last night. By morning all the roads were cleared. She didn’t even try to accommodate me by the afternoon. She said she couldn’t get out of her driveway. She didn’t even try. That’s someone not committed to their business. All my company from even Upstate NY had no problem getting here. Really?

If you’re looking for all things cheese and charcuterie, this is the store to go to in CT! They had a fantastic variety of charcuterie accompaniments, meats, cheeses, and even dessert! You’ll find international products, as well as locally-sourced ones, like Luce’s tomato sauce. We had one of their small charcuterie boxes and it was great! So happy to know about this store so we can shop local more often!

I recently visited this charming cheese and charcuterie shop and absolutely loved it! The selection was thoughtfully curated, with a great balance of local and imported options. The staff were knowledgeable and genuinely passionate, offering great pairing suggestions that made the experience even better. Everything was beautifully presented, and the flavors were top-notch. Whether you’re building a board or just want to treat yourself, this place is a gem. Highly recommend!

The absolute best cheese boards with such unique and delicious cheese & meat selections. Everything is so fresh and there’s always new product in the store which I love. The staff is so knowledgeable on everything sold in the store and even if the store is busy someone will take the time to walk you through their cheeses, meats, and other products and help you choose what’s right for you. I travel from NY to come here to get my cheese, charcuteries, crackers, and jams. I also love their selection of bakery items too because it makes for a great driving home treat. I’d recommend everyone stop by this store at least once in their life. You won’t regret it!

I recently ordered a charcuterie board from this amazing small business, and I was absolutely blown away! The board featured a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and thoughtful extras like local honey and gourmet crackers. Everything was fresh, high-quality, and visually stunning, Instagram-worthy! Beyond the spread, what really sets this business apart is the passion and professionalism behind it. Communication was smooth, the owner was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the final product exceeded all expectations. Support this small business you won’t regret it!

I only let myself visit a couple times per year, but that's only because I'd go broke if I didn't limit myself. If you like fancy, unusual, and rare cheeses, this is the place to visit. I always leave with more than I planned to, but that's because the selection always surprises me, and they're always willing to let you try things before committing to the purchase. (They have more than just cheese to; I've picked up some amazing preserves and mustards as well; the store is basically a massive charcuterie board!). As for the staff, they're alwayss friendly and accommodating. On my last visit, I was running late and arrived less than 10 minutes before they closed; they still accommodated me, even though most things had cleaned up. I highly recommend!

We had my daughter's bridal shower over this past weekend-her future mother-in-law and her sister brought two large charcuterie boards for us. All I can say is wow! The assortment was amazing! They were delicious and everyone there enjoyed them immensely!

If you're looking for all things cheese and charcuterie, this is the store to go to in CT! They had a fantastic variety of charcuterie accompaniments, meats, cheeses, and even dessert! You'll find international products, as well as locally-sourced ones, like Luce's tomato sauce. We had one of their small charcuterie boxes and it was great! So happy to know about this store so we can shop local more often!

I just sent my second gift basket from Bon Appetit and my recipients were absolutely thrilled!! It was packed and wrapped just as requested. For the first basket, I took a look on their website and called and placed an order. This time I stopped by since I was only about 20 minutes away. What a wonderful shop full of gourmet delights for gifting or enjoying at home. There are some items you might find at Whole Foods, but I was blown away by all the unique products they have on hand. Plenty of international treats, too! There's a huge cheese case and I even sampled a few cheeses before making my choice. My basket also included Hanukah candies and cookies, snack crackers, candies, and more. I even took home a candle that was made locally. I'll definitely be back to try more of their delicacies!!

Where is all of the good products??! I go in there and there is NOTHING that used to make the store special available anymore. The cheese case was practically empty and they had no soft cheese. At a cheese shop? NO soft cheese! Ever since the old owner sold, the store has gone to s***. I will never return again

Gorgeous meat and charcuterie boards! This shop has an extensive variety of cheeses and other items perfect for entertaining or a special date night in. Reasonably priced and if you bring your own board they will create a beautiful custom order.

The Charcuterie board I ordered was absolutely wonderful, the minute I placed it on the table within seconds it was devoured, everything was fresh and what a fantastic variety of meats, cheeses and fruit. Will definitely recommend your store to others. Thanks again

I asked whether they had gift baskets already made up. They did not , so I asked if it was possible to have one made for that day. They were more than accommodating and able to do this in the price point I wanted and let me customize what I wanted in the basket. I picked up the basket a few hours later. Everyone I dealt with there was very nice. A really nice shop and I would definitely recommend it and plan on returning.

Amazing cute find in Hamden! Great quality product and service! Asked for a gift basket with candles and other assortments and couldn't be happier with the end result!

This cheese shop is such an experience! The employees are wonderful and are very patient in answering all of my questions. You are able to sample some cheeses from the case and it's WOW every time. You have to try the truffle cheese & drunken goat. I've already placed my charcuterie board orders with them for the holiday season.

Ok so this shop is AMAZING and the woman behind the counter (OWNER) so knowledgeable!!! I am definitely coming back here!!! So many items of cheese from everywhere and fantastic brie selection. There are wonderful chocolates, crackers and meats, if you can't find many items to take home, you need to step up your taste buds games. We left with 3 cheeses and some chocolates, none of which I walked in there for. There are also plenty of jams, sauces, artisanal treats and baked goods, salads and home made gifts. Can't wait to eat my way through their items, and the best part, she loves talking cheese and listening to you! It seem to give her a better idea of what you may want to sample and contrasting flavors pending what you are doing with the cheese! SHOP HERE!!!

Bon Appetit was a outside my neck of the woods but by far well worth the trip. The store owner, Gina, and staff were not only knowledgable and friendly but equipped me with a kick ass cheese platter including Tete de moine, Roth monroe, Sartori Balsamic Bellavitano, Red Dragon English Cheddar with mustard seed to name a few in addition to sopressata and flambé raspberry preserves. Super Bowl comes but once a year and let's just say my Superbowl platter was the GOAT!

My SIL sent us a gift basket from this place... everything was delicious Several weeks later I stopped by and picked up some meats, cheeses and spreads. AWESOME.

I don't know how I haven't Yelped about Bon Appetit yet. Shame on me! With that being said, I must say that I've been coming here for years. I always look forward to stopping by and chatting with Roland or Andrea when I'm on the hunt for cheese or other culinary delight. They have unique foods, foie gras, cheeses, saffron, truffles, and more! I never feel rushed and I love seeking out a new cheese to try tasting samples and discussing it along the way. Definitely remember that they put together some of the greatest gift baskets that I've seen. Great job Bon Appetit! Keep up the good work!

If you're anywhere near Hamden, CT..you HAVE to stop in at Bon Appetit! Not only do they build beautiful charcuterie boards and gift baskets, but you'll want to purchase everything in the shop! They have an incredible selection of cheeses and meats (which their super helpful & friendly 'fromagers' will let you taste!). They also have soups, sauces, olive oils and balsamic, chocolates, cookies...and on and on! If you're looking for a gift of any kind, for any one, this is the place to go! I wish I didn't live so far away (California) - we don't have anyplace like this one near me. Major thumbs up...don't miss it!

What a great shop. It goes way beyond cheese and has a tremendous selection of all sorts of goodies. The gift baskets are fabulous. Gina is welcoming and attentive. Bon Appetit is a weekly treat for us.

bon appetit is a cute little store that has a focus on high-end cheeses and pates and gift-basket oriented food goods with a few baked goods along for good measure. (and also organic poultry and game) the store was a little hard to find - i have been by this plaza many times and never have seen a sign telling me this shop was out back, not sure if they have a sign on the main street. the parking lot could have been laid out a little better, the driveway didnt seem big enough for the SUVs pouring into the plaza. the stock in the store was all high quality - imported chocolates, local baked cakes, nice cheeses, crackers, pastas, etc - if i am ever making a food gift basket for a friend this would be a good place to stop for interesting things to fill it. the staff in the store was super-friendly and helpful with what i was looking for.

This place is WORTH the visit! Gina, the new owner, is so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. There is a huge selection of not only cheese but whatever else you could be looking for. The store is adorable and I can't wait to see more of what she brings to the place. I will be back!

Super cute shop with very friendly people and interesting/unusual food items. Awesome selection of cheeses, chocolates, crackers, and things you just don't find anywhere else.

I came in here last week for the first time to purchase some items for a Christmas cheese tray. The store is lovely and they had a lot of interesting items and reasonable prices, compared to other cheese shops I have been to. It was easy to find and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back in the future.

This place is great...a thoughtful selection of cheeses, and some nice patés, as well as good specialty meats (like D'artagnan..some stocked, others available on order) and butters. In addition to Guilford's Take the Cake desserts, they feature some "homemade" baked goods that will impress guests (and look like you made them yourself!)...the almond cake is especially good! The couple who own it are also lovely and very helpful. This is a gem that should be supported!

I love this place! Such a nice shop - the balsamic cheese is just one of my favorites . Great assortment of specialty items too from oils to biscotti. Owner and staff are knowledgeable and so nice. You need to check it out

What a treasure! So happy I came upon this amazing shop! Gourmet selection of cheese - snacks - felt as though I was in a fine European market! Staff is extremely knowledgeable about the products and it's a perfect spot to get a unique gift basket with items you choose! And as a bonus - there is an incredible wine selection right next store! You won't be disappointed!

Bon Appetit is my favorite store for cheeses and interesting food items. The gift baskets come in handy for many occasions. Though we've always picked them up in person, I understand that they'll ship on request.

Love this little shop! Stumbled upon it on my way back from New York and couldn't have been more impressed! The ladies that work there are so nice and very helpful, there were delicious samples and a great selection! I loved everything I bought (cheese, crackers, jam) and will definitely be going back to get some gift baskets for the holidays. Highly recommended!

As a chef, I found this place to really blow my mind. Stumbled across it, and had no idea what I was in for. Let's talk cheese! The selection and quality are amazing . It doesn't matter what you mood is Creamy, Sharp, Hard, Soft, and if you're into it stinky. The woman working there was knowledgeable (I think her name was Dani, or Debbie) and extremely personable. she offered samples of different cheeses that I was interested in . The best thing I had was the cranberry Stilton thanks to (Dani/Debbi?) she was the selling point on it. I went in there looking for a cheddar I walked out with a Stilton. Then they had so many different little accompaniments to go along side all the cheese, from charcuterie, Pate, Spreads, and preserves. It really got my pallet thinking. If you are in the area and are planning a small get together forget going to Whole Foods or anything like that stop by Bon Appetit. You won't be disappointed

I stumbled upon the cutest little cheese shop over the weekend. Its a bright blue storefront with an inspiring selection of cheese, pates, cured meats, olive oils, pastries and cake! To my excitement, they even carry an assortment of Gluten Free options. I was stumped on a housewarming gift for friends and Gina came to the rescue. Like magic, she whipped up the most beautiful gift basket...my friends LOVED it. My boyfriend was so jealous that we went back and had her help us create a "date night" basket (The duck pate, just do it!! You wont regret it). Thank you so much, Bon Appetit & Gina!

If you are looking for something good to eat, stop looking and get to this gourmet shop! Cheeses for every craving, d'Artagnan meats and pates, and all sorts of accompaniments. Why not make up a cheese tray for the next concert on the green? And don't get me started on the baked goods of every kind (including cakes to die for). Stop in and meet the friendly, knowledgeable staff who will help you pick out the perfect bite.

Have to review this place which was just taken over with new management! I was looking for something different to send as a thank you for some special people who helped me at an event and checked this place out. The new owner Gina came up with some great basket ideas that didn't break the bank! I had six baskets done per her wise suggestion to not have meltable items in case it was too hot outside if left on a porch. I received 6 personal thank you's with comments on how much they loved the yummy basket they received. Having just been ill, I got so many of the same things (all appreciated), but how much fruit and cookies can one eat? This was unique and yummy and I have people asking where I get some of the items I now buy there. Check it out and you will see what I mean. I hope this place is here for years to come!

Amazing place with amazing employees. Very knowledgeable across the board. This is a must visit if your a cheese lover. They also have so many other treats you must see for yourself.