Cheese Fondue: Where To Find This Decadent Dish

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and remains popular today. Fondue restaurants can be found across the U.S., from New York City to Portland. For example, Kashkaval Garden in New York City has been a Hell's Kitchen staple since 1997, while Urban Fondue in Portland, Oregon, offers a cozy atmosphere and a rotating monthly fondue. Other notable fondue restaurants include Geja’s Cafe in Chicago, The Little Dipper in Wilmington, North Carolina, La Fondue in Saratoga, California, The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant in Manitou Springs, Colorado, Simply Fondue in Dallas, and The Melting Pot with locations across the U.S.

Geja's Cafe, Chicago

Gejas Cafe in Chicago has been serving fondue for over 56 years, making it a longstanding favourite for Chicagoans and out-of-towners alike. The restaurant offers a romantic and atmospheric dining experience, with dim lighting, live flamenco and classical guitar music, low ceilings, and cozy booths. The fondue itself is crafted from Swiss Gruyère and spiked with Kirsch cherry brandy, and is served with bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping.

The restaurant offers four surf and turf dinners, as well as vegetarian and plant-based options, all of which include fondue. The most expensive option, the "Prince Geja's Combination," features cold-water lobster tail, beef tenderloin, shrimp, scallops, and boneless chicken breast. For those who want to indulge solely in cheese, the fondue can also be ordered à la carte, which can be an entire meal depending on how much one dips!

Gejas Cafe also offers a celebratory wine list, with 6 sparkling wines, as well as Champagne from Laurent Perrier, Taittinger, and Dom Perignon, among others. The restaurant is located in Lincoln Park and is open from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm, depending on the day.

Kashkaval Garden, New York City

If you're looking for a cheese fondue fix in New York City, Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen is the place to go. Since 1997, this restaurant has been serving up cheese-infused delights, including grilled halloumi and peppadews (spicy-sweet feta and peppers stuffed with goat cheese). Their fondue menu features four mouth-watering varieties, all served in a cast-iron pot with a baguette for dipping. Go for the classic combination of Gruyère and Raclette, or try something different like the truffle fondue with Gruyère and truffle oil, or the cheddar and cider fondue with caramelized onions. For a real treat, the "Wine Prix Fixe for Two" offers a three-course meal with fondue as the main course, plus a starter and dessert.

Kashkaval Garden's cosy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a get-together with friends. And with its convenient location in Hell's Kitchen, just two doors down from its original spot, it's easy to find. So, whether you're a fondue fanatic or trying it for the first time, Kashkaval Garden is definitely worth a visit.

The Little Dipper, Wilmington, North Carolina

The Little Dipper in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a fondue restaurant that has been a fixture of the city's historic downtown since 2005. Owner Jason McGhinnis is proud of the fondue menu, which is based on his "love for fondue". The restaurant offers seven cheese options for its fondue, including Baja Cheddar (cheddar with a spicy kick) and Smoky Gouda Bacon. The fondue comes with bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping. The Little Dipper also has a wine menu, including a Chasselas from Switzerland and Provins L'Alpinage. Guests can enjoy their fondue indoors or, on a nice day, out on the deck.

The Little Dipper has received recognition for its offerings, being voted 'Best Special Occasion Restaurant', 'Best Dessert', and 'Best Overall' in the Taste of the Town awards. The restaurant's menu includes premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, and more, with more than a dozen house-made dipping sauces. New features include vegan cheese, vegan chocolate, and non-alcoholic 'fauxtail' options.

For the main course, The Little Dipper offers filet mignon with a warm au poivre sauce, sashimi tuna dipped in sesame ginger sauce, and shrimp with wasabi lime aioli. The dessert menu includes decadent chocolate, smooth peanut butter, creamy caramel, and fluffy marshmallow, accompanied by fresh fruit and an assortment of sweet and savory dippers.

The Little Dipper encourages reservations and has a phone number of (910) 251-0433 for bookings. The restaurant is located at 138 South Front Street in Wilmington, North Carolina.

La Fondue, Saratoga, California

La Fondue in Saratoga, California, is an award-winning restaurant specialising in fondue. It offers 11 cheese fondue options, including cheddar and beer blends, Swiss and white wine blends, and four-cheese blends. The cheddar and beer blends include a classic sharp Wisconsin cheddar with mustard spice and Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Romano cheese. The Swiss and white wine blends feature Swiss cheese with basil pesto and Parmesan, or roasted garlic. The four-cheese blends include Emmentaler, Gruyere, Raclette, and Fontina, as well as a blend of Kirschwasser brandy, nutmeg, pear cider, Maytag bleu cheese, and toasted pecans.

The cheese fondue is served as part of a four-course meal, which includes a choice of salad, an entree, and chocolate fondue. The entree options include a selection of meats, such as chicken, shrimp, and beef, as well as more exotic choices like alligator, wild boar, and ostrich. La Fondue also offers a large selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to accompany the meal.

The restaurant caters to large parties of 9 or more, with a private events space available. It also provides a late-night chocolate-only menu from Monday to Friday, starting at 8 pm. La Fondue has received the OpenTable Diners' Choice Award for 2024, making it a popular choice for fondue lovers in the Saratoga area.

The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant, Manitou Springs, Colorado

The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a family-owned restaurant that has been in business for over 30 years. It is known for its four-course fondue dinner, which includes a salad, cheese fondue, entree platter, and chocolate fondue. The restaurant offers a variety of cheese fondue options, including a dairy-free "cheese" fondue, cheddar with strawberry salsa, and Greek Isle, a blend of Emmental and Gruyère with blue cheese and feta. The entree platters feature tabletop raclette grilling, where guests can cook their own meat and vegetables. In addition to the four-course dinner, the restaurant also offers an extensive wine and beer menu, with wine flight experiences available. The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions and romantic dinners, with a charming atmosphere and excellent service. It has received local and national awards and is listed among the most romantic restaurants in the Pikes Peak region.

The restaurant is located at 733 Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs and is open from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The four-course fondue dinner starts at $61 per person, and reservations are recommended. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, private dining rooms, and gluten-free options.

Frequently asked questions