THE CHEESE COTTAGE MOBILE, AL: A LOCAL GEM & CHEESE BOARD TIPS

Updated May 2026

If you love cheese, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t, The Cheese Cottage is one of Mobile’s true gems. Tucked into a cozy spot with one of the most popular patios in the city, it’s the kind of place where a glass of wine and a thoughtfully built board can turn an ordinary evening into something special.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Stephenie Funaro to talk about her passion for cheese, the world she’s built at The Cheese Cottage, and how anyone can put together a board worth showing off. Here’s what we learned.

Meet Stephenie Funaro

Stephenie brings a real passion for cheese and a deep background in food and hospitality to The Cheese Cottage. Under her ownership, the shop has kept the warmth and charm that made it a local favorite while adding her own flair. She has a clear philosophy: a great cheese experience is about discovery, helping people try things they’d never have picked on their own and sending them home a little more adventurous than they arrived.

How to Build the Perfect Cheese Board

This is the part everyone wants to know. Stephenie shared the thinking that goes into a board that impresses, and the good news is it’s simpler than it looks once you know the principles.

Variety is everything. Aim for a range of cheeses rather than three versions of the same thing. A classic approach is to cover different milks and styles, something soft and creamy, something firm and aged, something with a little funk or blue character, so every guest finds something they love.

Play with texture. A great board isn’t just about the cheese. The contrast of a crunchy cracker, a soft fig jam, crisp apple slices, and toasted nuts is what makes each bite interesting. Texture keeps people coming back to the board.

Mind the accompaniments. Sweet and savory partners (honey, preserves, cured meats, olives, dried and fresh fruit) do more than fill space. They bridge the cheeses and give people a way to customize each bite to their taste.

Let it breathe and look good. Pull your cheeses out ahead of time so they’re at room temperature when served, that’s when the flavor really opens up. And don’t underestimate presentation. A board that looks abundant and inviting tastes better before anyone takes a bite.

A World of Cheese, Season by Season

One of the things that makes The Cheese Cottage special is the selection. Stephenie sources cheeses from all around the world, and the lineup rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to discover. If you find yourself there, ask what’s seasonal or what just came in. It’s the fastest way to taste something you won’t find anywhere else in Mobile, and a great chance to let the staff guide you somewhere new.

More Than a Shop

The Cheese Cottage is also a gathering place. Stephenie hosts events throughout the year, including cheese and wine pairing classes and special celebrations, and the outdoor seating is consistently one of the most popular places to dine outside in downtown Mobile. It’s worth following along to catch the next class or event, especially if you want to seriously level up your own cheese knowledge. You can see it alongside other great patios in our guide to outdoor dining in Mobile.

Why We Love Spots Like This

Mobile’s food scene is full of passionate owners like Stephenie who pour themselves into their craft, and those are exactly the people and places we love to celebrate. Discovering local gems, hearing the stories behind them, and tasting what makes them special is the whole reason we do what we do. When you support a place like The Cheese Cottage, you’re supporting the character that makes Mobile, Mobile.

We first sat down with Stephenie Funaro for a conversation on our Port City Plate podcast. The show is no longer producing new episodes, but the story of The Cheese Cottage is one we’re always glad to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cheese Cottage in Mobile, Alabama?

The Cheese Cottage is a cheese and wine shop in Mobile, Alabama, known for cheeses sourced from around the world, wine and cheese pairing classes, and one of the most popular outdoor patios in downtown Mobile. It is owned by Stephenie Funaro.

How do you make a good cheese board?

Start with variety by choosing cheeses of different styles and textures, from soft and creamy to firm and aged. Add contrast with crackers, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, honey, preserves, and cured meats. Serve the cheese at room temperature so the flavors open up, and arrange everything to look abundant and inviting. The goal is for every guest to find something they love.

Does The Cheese Cottage have outdoor seating?

Yes. The Cheese Cottage’s outdoor seating is one of the most popular places to dine outside in downtown Mobile, making it a favorite spot for a relaxed glass of wine and a cheese board.

Does The Cheese Cottage host events?

Yes. The Cheese Cottage hosts events throughout the year, including cheese and wine pairing classes and seasonal celebrations. It’s worth checking their schedule to catch the next class or special event.