Few dishes are so associated with a destination as fondue is with the Alps. After a cool day on the slopes there’s nothing that warms you up better than a toasty fondue. Whether it’s a cheesy Savoyarde or meaty Bourguignonne, these piping hot pot dishes will please the bellies of the entire family. Get your two-pronged fork ready to dip in at these best fondue restaurants of the Alps, including some great recommendations from our local luxury chalet experts.
Photo Credit: Prättiger Hüschi, Klosters
Prättiger Hüschi – Klosters, Switzerland
“There can be few places in the Alps which serve fondue in such intimate and traditional surroundings as the Prättiger Hüschi in Klosters,” describes James Palmer-Tomkinson of PT Ski. “The restaurant itself is in charming old wooden chalet close to the centre of the village and the rustic atmosphere inside is classically Swiss. This restaurant specialises in fondue, both cheese and meat. The meat fondue – fondue Chinoise – is classic to the area and comes as wafer thin slices of meat which you cook in a broth (which aficionados will drink as a soup afterwards), in contrast the better known Bourguignonne which is chunks of meat cooked in oil.”
Where to Stay in Klosters.
Fondue Bourguignonne. Photo Credit Yusuke Kawasaki / Flickr
Posthotel Pössli – Gstaad, Switzerland
After years spent touring the Alps Andy Castle of Ultimate Luxury Chalets doesn’t hesitate to Posthotel Rössli in Gstaad as the best fondue he’s found yet. The charming Posthotel Rössli is also the most traditional and oldest hotel in the middle of town. Dating back to 1823 it was first home to a post office, granting the building its name, and was converted into a guesthouse 1845. It has been managed by the same family since 1922 and this concern for heritage and quality is apparent in the fabulous food coming from their kitchen. The rustic decor with wooden tables and deer antlers adorning the walls adds to the experience as you devour their tasty reasonably priced cheese or meat fondues.
Where to Stay in Gstaad.
Photo Credit: Rote Wand Hotel
Fondue Stuben at the Gasthof Rote Wand Hotel – Lech, Austria
While fondue comes more from the western Alps, those vacation in the beautiful and luxurious resort of Lech can enjoy some excellent fondue at the restaurant of the Gasthof Rote Wand hotel. Specializing in fondue for over a half century, you can expect some of the best of the whole Alps. What’s more, their menu is varied and will please everyone in your group; meat lovers will be delight in their fondue Bourguignonne and fondue Chinoise, fish lovers missing their daily caught satisfy their cravings with the zug fondue and cheese lovers will adore their cheese fondue using local cheeses. Save room for dessert… they heat up a divine chocolate fondue!
Where to Stay in Lech.
Photo Credit: Hotel L’Avancher
L’Avancher – Val d’Isère, France
Located in one of the oldest hotels in Val d’Isère, is one of its best restaurants. Since 1949 L’Avancher has been preparing delicious local dishes for hungry skiers fresh off the slopes. While their speciality is raclette, which is well worth trying, their have a fabulous variety of different fondues which could include the likes of champagne and truffles or goat cheese, quail eggs and apple chutney. They also have a range of other dishes to please other palettes like magret de canard and deluxe burgers.
Where to Stay in Val d’Isère.
Steaming Fondue. Photo Credit Richard Allaway / Flickr
La Fromagerie – Courchevel 1850, France
One couldn’t go to the French region of Savoie without having a Fondue Savoyarde and it’s not surprising that one of the best in town can be had at La Fromagerie. 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 goes particularly well with a bottle of Pinot Noir de Savoie.
Where to Stay in Courchevel 1850.
