Fondue Destinations: Where To Indulge In This Cheesy Delight

Fondue is a Swiss delicacy that has become a global phenomenon, with restaurants and sets now commonplace across North America and Europe. But where can you eat this ultimate comfort food, which consists of a delicious combination of fine Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere?

In Switzerland, fondue is available in family-run restaurants in alpine villages and long-standing establishments in cities such as Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne. It is also served in ski resorts as a hearty après-ski meal.

Outside of Switzerland, fondue can be found in restaurants across the French and Swiss Alps, and even in Courmayeur in Italy.

Top spots to eat fondue in Switzerland

Fondue is a Swiss delicacy and a national icon. Cheese is central to Switzerland's identity and cuisine, and fondue combines the finest Swiss cheese and wine in a communal atmosphere. It is a delicious way to warm up after a day of skiing or playing in the snow.

La Buvette des Bains (Geneva)

La Buvette des Bains is a café-restaurant located in Geneva’s Bains des Paquis, a 1930s-era public swimming baths on the right bank of Lake Geneva. It offers hearty fondue in a heated cabin during the winter and is open all year round.

Café du Soleil (Geneva)

The Café du Soleil is known for its delicious homemade fondue. The majestic house that shelters the café welcomes clients from all over the world. It is like a picture out of a fairy tale.

Le Chalet (Gruyères)

Le Chalet is a cheese lover's paradise, located in the Lake Geneva region. Here, you can join the cheesemaker in crafting the locale’s signature Le Chalet cheese in a cauldron over an open fire. Once the cheese is ready, you can indulge in a classic Vaudois moitié-moitié (half-half) fondue of Chalet and l’Etivaz cheeses.

Fribourger Fonduestübli (Zurich)

Fribourger Fonduestübli is a cosy restaurant in Zurich, popular for its wide variety of cheesy dishes and flavoured fondues, including chilli, mushroom, and peppercorn. This cheese haven at the edge of town is a favourite among tourists and locals alike, so booking in advance is recommended.

Chäsalp (Zurich)

Chäsalp is a local favourite for fondue and raclette, located in a former stable at a farm above Zurich. In true alpine-hut fashion, this atmospheric restaurant offers a range of flavour options in a cosy setting.

Swiss Chuchi (Zurich)

Nestled in Zurich's old town, Swiss Chuchi offers a quintessential Swiss dining experience with its cosy ambiance and delicious fondue varieties. The restaurant's rustic decor, complete with wooden furnishings and Swiss memorabilia, adds to the charm. Swiss Chuchi is a great choice for fondue enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The best places for fondue in the French Alps

There are few dishes as synonymous with a destination as fondue is with the Alps. And after a day on the slopes, there's nothing quite like a toasty fondue to warm you up. Here are some of the best places to find fondue in the French Alps.

L’Avancher – Val d’Isère

Located in one of the oldest hotels in Val d’Isère, L’Avancher has been serving delicious local dishes to hungry skiers since 1949. While their specialty is raclette, their fondue is also fabulous and varied. You could find the likes of champagne and truffles, or goat cheese, quail eggs, and apple chutney on their menu.

La Fromagerie – Courchevel 1850

When in the French region of Savoie, a Fondue Savoyarde is a must, and La Fromagerie is the place to get it. The friendly staff welcomes you into a cozy dining room of candlelit tables surrounded by wooden beams, a stone fireplace, and local memorabilia. Their special fondues can be served with various vegetable combinations, potatoes, and charcuterie, and go particularly well with a bottle of Pinot Noir de Savoie.

Chalet des 2 Lacs – Les Deux Alpes

With fantastic reviews, this restaurant is described as the "best place to eat in Les Deux!" by one patron. It's a great spot to warm up with a hot drink and a fondue after a day on the slopes.

Le Chalet des Colosses – Tignes

With excellent food and service, this restaurant is a great spot for fondue in Tignes.

La Table Savoyarde – Les Menuires

With consistently good food and a lovely restaurant, La Table Savoyarde is a great choice for fondue in Les Menuires.

Le Terroir Savoyard – Val Thorens

With great food, atmosphere, and service, Le Terroir Savoyard is a fantastic option for fondue in Val Thorens.

Where to find fondue in North America

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in North America in the 1960s. It typically consists of melted cheese and wine served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks. While the classic cheese fondue remains a favourite, the term "fondue" has evolved to include other dishes where food is cooked and eaten from communal bowls. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fondue in North America, specifically the United States:

Geja's Cafe, Chicago, Illinois

Geja's Cafe is a romantic spot in Lincoln Park known for its fondue, which is crafted from Swiss Gruyère and spiked with Kirsch cherry brandy. It is served with bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of surf and turf dinners, including a vegetarian option, that come with fondue. The dim lighting, live flamenco and classical guitar music, low ceilings, and cozy booths make it an ideal spot for a date night or a special occasion.

Kashkaval Garden, New York City, New York

Located in Hell's Kitchen, Kashkaval Garden has been serving cheese-infused dishes since 1997. Their fondue specialties include four varieties: cheddar and cider with caramelized onions, kashkaval (Bulgarian sheep's milk cheese), truffle (Gruyère and truffle oil), and classic (Gruyère and Raclette). The fondue is served in a cast-iron pot with a baguette for dipping. On Thursdays through Saturdays, they offer a "Wine Prix Fixe for Two," which includes fondue as the main course, along with a starter and dessert.

The Little Dipper, Wilmington, North Carolina

Tucked away in historic downtown Wilmington, The Little Dipper offers a variety of fondue options, including seven cheese choices such as Baja Cheddar and Smoky Gouda Bacon. The fondue is served with bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping, and they also have a wine menu to complement the meal. You can enjoy your fondue indoors or outdoors on their deck.

La Fondue, Saratoga, California

La Fondue offers a mind-boggling variety of fondue options, including 11 cheese choices in categories like cheddar and beer, Swiss and white wine blends, and four-cheese blends. They also offer exotic meat selections like Louisiana alligator, Japanese Kurobuta, ostrich, and American Wagyu. The interactive fondue experience makes it a fun and romantic spot for a date night or special occasion.

The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant, Manitou Springs, Colorado

The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant offers a four-course fondue dinner, including a salad, cheese fondue, entrée, and chocolate fondue. They have eight cheese fondue options, including a dairy-free option, and unique creations like cheddar with strawberry salsa and brie with basil and almonds. The restaurant also features a basement wine bar with a selection of local wines.

Simply Fondue, Dallas, Texas

Simply Fondue is a restaurant dedicated to the Swiss dish. They offer a variety of fondue options, including five cheese fondues such as Loaded Whiskey Cheddar, smoked gouda, and a monthly chef's creation. The dim lighting makes it a great spot for a date night. They also have signature martinis and cocktails to pair with your fondue.

Urban Fondue, Portland, Oregon

Urban Fondue offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of fondue options, including local specialties like smoked local farmhouse cheddar and Willamette Valley black truffles blended with Swiss fondue. They also have unique combinations like brie and gorgonzola cheeses and a pesto-caprese fondue. Portland, Oregon, seems to be an up-and-coming fondue mecca, with multiple fondue restaurants to choose from.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is a nationwide chain of fondue restaurants with locations across the United States. They offer a four-course meal that includes cheese fondue, salad, an entree, and chocolate fondue. The Melting Pot has been a popular choice for fondue lovers and is worth mentioning, although it is not as unique as the independently owned fondue restaurants on this list.

The ultimate guide to fondue etiquette

Fondue is a Swiss delicacy and a national icon. It is a combination of the finest Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere. It can be enjoyed in an alpine restaurant, during après-ski, or in the comfort of your home.

The right tools and materials

Bread is the main accompaniment to fondue, although boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons or other pickles can also be served. Veggies, fruit, and boiled eggs are not traditionally used in Swiss fondue. Use a fondue fork to spear a piece of bread and dip it into the pot of melted cheese. Make sure you don't pierce the bread all the way through, as the same fork will be redipped into the communal pot. Instead, use your front teeth to pull the bread off the fork without touching the fork's tines. You can even use a regular knife and fork to pull the bread onto your plate if you want to be extra cautious.

Stirring and twirling

It is customary to stir the bread in a clockwise or figure-eight motion to keep the cheese mixed properly. Do not dip your bread in the pot while someone else is already swirling. When you pull your bread out of the cheese, twirl it at least three times to allow all the excess to fall back into the pot. Do not tap or scrape your bread on the side of the pot and absolutely refrain from double-dipping!

The right heat and consistency

Fondue should be kept warm enough to keep the cheese at a smooth consistency, but not hot enough that it burns. If you maintain the right temperature and stir the mixture regularly, you will be rewarded with a thin crust of toasted cheese at the bottom of the pot. This is called "La Religieuse" or "the nun" in French and is considered a delicacy. Make sure to share it between those at the table.

The right beverage

Traditionalists insist that only dry and acidic white wine, kirsch, or warm herbal tea should be consumed alongside fondue, as they supposedly aid in digestion. Beer, carbonated drinks, and cold water are to be avoided as they are believed to have the opposite effect. While there may not be scientific evidence to support this belief, failing to comply will likely attract disapproving looks from your Swiss counterparts.

The right dessert

Cheese fondue should never be followed by chocolate fondue, as this may be too much of a good thing. Instead, it is customary to eat acidic fruits, like fresh pineapple, to help digest all that creamy cheese.

The best foods to dip in your fondue

Fondue is a Swiss delicacy, a combination of the finest Swiss cheese, wine, and a communal atmosphere. While bread is the main accompaniment to fondue, there are several other foods that can be dipped into the cheese. Here are some of the best foods to dip in your fondue:

Bread

Bread is the classic choice for dipping in fondue. French baguettes, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels are all excellent options. Toasting the bread slightly before dipping will help it hold up to the warm, creamy cheese.

Potatoes

Crispy potatoes are a great option for dipping in fondue, providing a similar experience to cheese fries. Homemade french fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or potato chips can be used for dipping. For a more unique option, try tortilla chips or sweet potatoes.

Fruits

Fruits such as apples and pears pair surprisingly well with cheese fondue. The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple is a perfect match for the melted cheese.

Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms are all great vegetable options for dipping in fondue. They add a bit of freshness to the rich, cheesy dish.

Meat

Meatballs, sausage, steak, and chicken are all excellent protein options for dipping in fondue. Salty, cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are also a great choice for adding a savory element to the dish.

Seafood

Shrimp is an excellent choice for adding a unique, fancy element to the classic cheese fondue. Bacon is another surprising but delicious option, adding a crispy, savory element to the dish.

Frequently asked questions