Chocolate Fondue Delights: The Best Places In Zurich

If you're looking for a sweet treat, Zurich has plenty of options for chocolate fondue. For a cosy atmosphere, head to Swiss Chuchi, part of Hotel Adler in the Old Town, which offers a range of fondues, including a dark chocolate fondue with fruit for dipping. Restaurant Le Dézaley is another centrally-located spot, with a busy atmosphere. For something more unique, try a fondue cruise on Lake Zurich, or a fondue ride on a tram or tuk-tuk. During the winter months, temporary fondue restaurants pop up all over the city, including chalets at the Christmas markets.

Pop-up fondue chalets at Christmas markets

Pop-up fondue chalets are a common feature of Zurich's Christmas markets, providing the perfect opportunity to warm up and indulge after an afternoon of shopping. Here are some of the best pop-up fondue chalets to visit during the festive season:

Fondue Chalet at Weihnachtsdorf Christmas Market

The "Klosters Hüschi" pop-up fondue chalet is located at the Christmas Market near the opera house, providing a welcome respite from the chilly weather. With a capacity of 400 guests, this venue can accommodate large groups and offers a range of fondue options to satisfy your cravings.

Fondue Chalet Illuminarium

During the festive season, the courtyard of the Landesmuseum is illuminated with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical setting for your fondue experience. If you prefer a cozier option, you can book an indoor table at their fondue chalet and enjoy your meal in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Fondue Chalet Rapperswil

This traditional wooden chalet is located in the heart of Rapperswil, a charming village at the southern end of Lake Zurich. Before savouring your fondue, take a leisurely stroll along the lake, explore the old town, or wander through the castle grounds.

Uetliberg "Maiensäss" Fondue Chalet

Take a short train ride from Zurich's main station to the Uetliberg mountain, where you'll find the "Maiensäss" fondue chalet. From October to March, you can indulge in fondue while taking in the stunning views of the city and lake. The chalet is designed in the rustic style of a traditional Engadin region chalet, enhancing your dining experience.

Chalet Zürichberg

Chalet Zürichberg offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and a variety of fondue options, including cheese fondue, fondue chinoise with meat, and Raclette. It is located near the Zurich Zoo and is the perfect spot to warm up and indulge in some Swiss culinary delights.

Fondue rides on trams, trains and tuk-tuks

If you're looking for a quirky way to enjoy fondue in Zurich, you can find it in several unique locations, including on trams, trains and tuk-tuks.

Fondue Tram

As you ride around the city, you can enjoy a three-course meal, including a cheese fondue, a starter and dessert. There is also a vegan menu available, which includes a pasta dish for the main course. The Zurich Fondue Tram departs from Bellevue and costs 109 CHF for adults and 55 CHF for children under 12.

Fondue Train

The Fondue Train – Churchhill Red Arrow is a vintage train that was showcased at the Swiss National Exposition in 1939. It was later nicknamed after Winston Churchill, who travelled through Switzerland on this train. During the winter, you can enjoy a fondue dinner as the train travels through the countryside. The train departs from Zurich HB main station and costs 119 CHF per adult (minimum of two people).

Fondue Tuk-Tuk

Combine sightseeing with cheese fondue as you ride around Zurich in an electric tuk-tuk. The price includes a guided tour, fondue with accompaniments and a glass of wine. The tuk-tuk can fit 2-4 people and costs around 300 CHF for two people.

Fondue Boat

For another mobile fondue experience, you can take a boat ride on Lake Zurich while enjoying fondue or raclette. The boat departs from Bürkliplatz dock and costs 65 CHF for adults and 32.50 CHF for children.

In Zurich, you can also find fondue chalets, fondue cruises and fondue restaurants, as well as the option to enjoy fondue in a streetcar or a gondola.

Zurich's best fondue restaurants

Fondue is a beloved Swiss tradition and Zurich has no shortage of restaurants serving up this classic dish. Here are some of the best spots to indulge in a cheesy feast:

Swiss Chuchi

Located in the heart of the Niederdorf, Swiss Chuchi is easily recognised by the cow on the balcony. This restaurant is one of the most popular fondue places in Zurich, offering a variety of cheese fondues and raclettes all year round. The fondue is served in a rustic chalet-style atmosphere, with bright wooden panels and a full-size cow greeting you from the balcony. Their special blend of four aged cheeses is highly aromatic and authentic.

Restaurant Le Dézaley

This centrally-located restaurant in the Niederdorf is recognised by many as one of the best fondue spots in Zurich. It offers great fondue and a cosy atmosphere, although it can get quite busy. In addition to fondue, they also serve a variety of traditional Swiss dishes, including fried meats and vegetarian options.

Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten

Zunfthaus is an outdoor fondue restaurant located in one of the guild houses, offering stunning views of the city. Sitting outside, wrapped up in the winter warmth and seated on sheepskin, you can enjoy your fondue while overlooking Zurich at night—a truly magical experience.

Fribourger Fonduestübli

A cosy institution in Zurich, Fribourger Fonduestübli has been serving fondue for over 40 years. With its red-checked tablecloths and wooden interior, it exudes a classic Swiss charm. Here, you can taste two different Fribourger cheese blends: the moitié-moitié, a half-half blend of gruyère and vacherin fribourgeois.

Walliser Keller

Enjoy Swiss Alpine cuisine at Walliser Keller, a well-known and very cosy fondue restaurant. Located centrally in the city, it boasts a lot of wood and Swiss ornaments and decor. In addition to fondue, they also serve raclette and Swiss meat on hot stones.

Where to eat chocolate fondue with a view

When it comes to eating chocolate fondue with a view in Zurich, there are several options to choose from. Here are some recommended places:

Panorama Restaurant Felsenegg

Located on the Zurich "mountain," this restaurant offers a large terrace with breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Alps beyond. Getting to this restaurant is an experience in itself, as you can ride a cable car up from Adliswil or take a scenic walk through the forest from the Buchenegg pass. Their menu features chocolate fondue, as well as other classic Swiss dishes like rösti and raclette.

Uetliberg "Maiensäss" Fondue Chalet

Take a short train ride from Zurich's main station to Uetliberg mountain, where you'll find stunning views of the city and lake. From October to March, the "Maiensäss" fondue chalet offers a cosy atmosphere in the rustic style of a traditional Engadin chalet. It's the perfect spot to enjoy chocolate fondue while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Lake Zurich Fondue Cruise

For a unique dining experience, step aboard a boat on Lake Zurich and indulge in chocolate fondue while cruising around the lake. Most tables are indoors, but outdoor seating is also available for those who want to enjoy the fresh air. This option is popular for groups and offers an unforgettable dining experience with stunning views.

Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten

This outdoor fondue location is situated in one of the "guild houses" and offers a magical experience. Wrapped in warm blankets, guests can enjoy chocolate fondue while admiring the city lights and night views of Zurich. It's a central spot near the Limmat, providing a wonderful combination of delicious fondue and a beautiful setting.

Chalet Züriberg

Perched on the edge of Zurich, this pop-up wooden chalet offers a magical setting and a wonderful selection of chocolate fondue. The cosy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, makes it an ideal place to indulge in sweet treats while taking in the surrounding beauty. Be sure to save room for one of their fabulous desserts!

Zurich's best chocolate fondue pop-up restaurants

When in Zurich, indulging in chocolate fondue is a must. The city is known for its chocolate treats, and there are plenty of pop-up restaurants to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of the best pop-up spots to enjoy this decadent dessert:

Pop-up Fondue Chalet at Hotel Helvetia:

Also known as "Helvti-Chäschtli," this pop-up fondue chalet is located within the Hotel Helvetia. It offers a special in-house "Vintage" blend, crafted in collaboration with wine partner Martel and cheese maker, Maître Fromager Rolf Beeler. They also have unique side dishes designed specifically for dipping into the cheese. The pop-up is open from October 24, 2023, to January 27, 2024, from Tuesday to Saturday, 6 pm to midnight.

Frau Gerolds Garten:

This pop-up is located next to the Freitag building near Hardbrücke. Frau Gerolds Garten offers a variety of chocolate fondues in a festive winter garden or their indoor "Winterstübli." No reservation is needed for outdoor seating; simply order at the counter and find a table under the fairy lights. It is open from October 14, 2023, to March 16, 2024.

Widder Wonder Garden:

The Widder Wonder Garden, located in the cosy courtyard of the Widder Hotel, offers seasonal gondolas where you can enjoy chocolate fondue in privacy. Each gondola accommodates up to six people. The price per person is CHF 95 and includes an aperitif platter, salad, and a mandarin sorbet dessert with Perrier-Jouët champagne. It is open from November 23, 2023, to February 14, 2024.

Chalet Züriberg:

Chalet Züriberg is a beautiful wooden pop-up chalet perched on the edge of Zurich. It offers a selection of cheese and meat fondues in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Be sure to save room for one of their fabulous desserts! The pop-up is open from October 27, 2023, to February 10, 2024.

Fondue Tram:

For a unique dining experience, step aboard the Fondue Tram. As you ride around Zurich, you'll enjoy a three-course meal, including a chocolate fondue, starter, and dessert. They also offer a vegan menu with a pasta dish for the main course. The Fondue Tram operates from November 8, 2023, to February 29, 2024, with tickets priced at CHF 109 for adults and CHF 55 for children under 12.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, these pop-up restaurants offer a delightful way to indulge in the sweet delights of Zurich. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as these fondue experiences are highly sought-after and tend to book up quickly!

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