Cheese Fondue In Zurich: Best Restaurants To Try

Fondue is a beloved Swiss tradition and Zurich has plenty of restaurants and pop-up experiences where you can indulge in this delicious dish. The typically Swiss cheese dish can be enjoyed in many different ways in Zurich, from the traditional cosy chalet setting to a boat on the lake, a streetcar, or even a gondola. During the winter months, temporary fondue restaurants pop up all over the city, offering the perfect opportunity to warm up with some melted cheese. For those looking for a more unique experience, there are also fondue tours of the city available by tuk-tuk, or you can ride the vintage Churchill Red Arrow train for a fondue dinner as it travels through the countryside.

Cozy chalets

Zurich is home to many restaurants offering the Swiss delicacy of fondue, especially during the winter months. If you're looking for a cozy chalet experience, here are some great options:

Uetliberg "Maiensäss" Fondue Chalet

Take a short train ride from Zurich's main station to Uetliberg mountain, where you'll find breathtaking views of the city and lake. From October to March, the "Maiensäss" fondue chalet opens its doors, offering a rustic and cozy atmosphere in the style of a traditional Engadin chalet. The chalet is open daily from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, and reservations are recommended. The fondue starts at CHF 34 per person, with additional sides available for purchase.

Fondue Alp Grossmünster Zurich

This charming wooden chalet pops up during the Christmas season next to the Grossmünster cathedral in Zurich's old town. The interior is cozy and inviting, making you feel like you're in the Swiss Alps. It's a popular spot for groups, so booking in advance is recommended. Enjoy their classic fondue for CHF 33 per person, with sides available at an additional cost.

Fondue Chalet at Weihnachtsdorf Christmas Market

Located near the opera house, the "Klosters Hüschi" popup fondue chalet is the perfect place to warm up and take a break from exploring the Christmas market. With a capacity of 400 guests, this venue can get lively, especially on evenings and weekends. Fondue starts at CHF 31.20 per person, and the chalet is open daily from 11:30 am to midnight (until 11 pm on Sundays).

Chalet Zürichberg

Chalet Zürichberg is a traditional chalet house that offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace. Here, you can indulge in cheese fondue, fondue chinoise with meat, or Raclette. Their fondue options range from CHF 32 to CHF 42 per person, including bread, potatoes, and pickles. The chalet is typically open from late October to early February.

Fribourger Fonduestübli

Fribourger Fonduestübli is a cozy eatery located just a 15-minute walk from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the main train station). They offer a variety of fondue options, including the classic moitié-moitié, a half-and-half blend of gruyère and vacherin fribourgeois cheeses. Pair your fondue with a glass of white wine, and don't forget the kirsch at the end to aid digestion!

Christmas markets

Zurich's Christmas markets are a delight for the senses, with their festive decorations, inviting aromas, and culinary delights. Here are some of the top Christmas markets in Zurich, Switzerland, where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and indulge in the famous Swiss cheese fondue:

• Zurich Sechseläutenplatz: One of the largest Christmas markets in the city, held directly in front of the Opera House. It offers a wonderful variety of gift options and beautifully decorated market stands. You can warm up with a glass of punch or mulled wine and enjoy delicious fondue or raclette.
• Zurich Old Town: Spread out across the picturesque Old Town, this romantic Christmas market captivates visitors with its historic surroundings. It's the perfect place to stroll, shop, and indulge in Swiss cheese fondue.
• Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Train Station: This market boasts one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. With a towering 15-meter (49 ft) sparkling Christmas tree, it's a sight to behold. You'll find an extensive selection of gifts and the opportunity to savour fondue and other Swiss delicacies.
• Zurich Werdmühleplatz: This Christmas market enchants visitors with its unique daily concerts. Along with the musical delights, you can indulge in fondue and warm beverages to complete the festive experience.
• Zürcher Weihnachtsallee: Located in the heart of the city, this market transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. Stroll through the illuminated wonderland while enjoying the festive atmosphere and delicious treats, including the ever-popular fondue.
• Fondue Chalet at Weihnachtsdorf Christmas Market: Within the Weihnachtsdorf Christmas Market, you'll discover the "Klosters Hüschi" popup fondue chalet. It's the perfect spot to warm up and rest your feet while enjoying a delicious fondue. With a capacity of 400 guests, this venue offers a lively atmosphere, especially during evenings and weekends.

Boats

There are several options for eating cheese fondue on boats in Zurich. One option is the Cheese Fondue Cruise, where guests can enjoy the Swiss national dish during a leisurely boat trip on Lake Zurich. The boats depart at 7:30 pm and return at 9:45 pm, offering a wonderful trip on the lake while guests indulge in a delicious cheese fondue. This cruise is an ideal choice when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop.

Another option is the Lake Zurich Fondue Cruise, which offers a similar experience. This cruise runs on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings, departing from the Zurich Bürkliplatz dock at 7:15 pm and returning at 9:30 pm. It includes all-you-can-eat cheese fondue or raclette, a Swiss speciality, along with buffet sides like potatoes, onions, pickles, and apple slices.

Both cruises provide a unique and enjoyable way to savour the traditional Swiss cheese fondue while taking in the beautiful scenery of Lake Zurich.

Streetcars

Zurich offers a variety of unique ways to enjoy cheese fondue, including on a streetcar or tram. Here are some top spots to consider for this experience:

Zurich Fondue Tram

Ride around the city on the Zurich Fondue Tram while enjoying a three-course meal, including a cheese fondue, starter, and dessert. They also offer a vegan menu with a pasta dish as the main course. The tram departs from Zurich Bellevue and reservations are recommended, especially during the busy winter season. This experience combines sightseeing with a delicious meal, providing a memorable way to spend an evening with friends or family.

Fondue Tram and Boat

For a twist on the traditional fondue experience, you can opt for the Fondue Tram and Boat, which includes a fondue dinner on either a streetcar or a boat. The fondue on these tours may not be the best in the city, but the experience itself is definitely worth considering. The tram and boat tours offer a unique way to explore Zurich while enjoying a meal with friends, a date night, or a work party.

Fondue in a Streetcar or Other Venues

In addition to the Zurich Fondue Tram, there are other options for enjoying fondue in a streetcar or unique settings. During the winter months, temporary fondue restaurants and pop-up chalets appear throughout the city. Some of these venues include the Fondue Chalet Europaallee, Fondue Chalet Illuminarium, and "Zum Fondue" Rapperswil. These spots allow you to enjoy fondue in a cozy and festive atmosphere.

You can also find permanent restaurants that offer fondue year-round, such as Le Dézaley - Cave vaudoise, Panorama Restaurant Felsenegg, and Swiss Chuchi – Hotel Adler. These restaurants provide a more traditional setting to savour your fondue.

Whether you choose to dine on a streetcar, in a pop-up chalet, or at a classic restaurant, Zurich offers a variety of wonderful options for enjoying cheese fondue.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants in Zurich where you can enjoy cheese fondue. Here is a selection:

Restaurant Swiss Chuchi is an authentic Swiss venue with a focus on cheese fondue, raclette, and chicken dishes. It offers a selection of traditional sides, like potatoes, in a cozy setting.

Raclette Factory - Rindermarkt serves traditional Swiss cuisine, featuring a variety of raclette and fondue options complemented by side dishes such as sausages and flammkuchen in a cozy setting.

Walliser Keller The Swiss Restaurant is famous for its fondue, which many people seem to order. It also offers other traditional Swiss dishes.

Restaurant Le Dézaley Zürich is famed for its Swiss fondue and presents a variety of traditional dishes, including fried meats and vegetarian options, in a typically busy atmosphere.

Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten is an eatery along the riverfront, presenting a menu of Swiss favourites, including a variety of fondue and veal, complemented by ample bread and potatoes. It offers outdoor seating with views of the river.

Fribourger Fonduestuebli is a restaurant dedicated to fondue, with a menu offering two fondue varieties and some starters. It is also known for its pineapple and pear fondue.

Chäsalp is a unique spot to enjoy fondue, as it is located in a farmhouse with animals running around outside. They offer a wide variety of fondue flavours, including Moitié-Moitié, Chäsalp Fondue, and fondue with chilli, buffalo mozzarella, or morel mushroom. They also serve Raclette, Alpine cheese macaroni, and other Swiss dishes.

Panorama Restaurant Felsenegg is located on the Zurich "mountain", offering beautiful views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The restaurant serves fondue and other Swiss dishes in a cozy setting with traditional Swiss charm.

Chalet Au Lac in the Baur Au Lac Hotel offers a fancy fondue experience with a magical atmosphere and divine food. It offers a four-course menu that includes options such as filet, fondue, Fondue Chinoise, and Raclette as a main course.

Fondue Chalet Züriberg is located in the Sorell Hotel Zürichberg and provides a cozy fondue experience with a view of the city. They offer original Fondue, Raclette, Fondue Chinoise, and a vegan option.

These restaurants offer a range of fondue options, from traditional chalets to cozy eateries, and even unique experiences such as fondue cruises and fondue in a former farm.

Frequently asked questions