The Spotlight – Fondue
Is there a better remedy for winter than plunging bread, meat, vegetables or fruit into pots of bubbling melted cheese and chocolate? Didn’t think so.
From traditional recipes to modern renditions, Toronto restaurants prove there’s truly something for everyone with this fun, social, interactive dish.
Take a look:
For chocoholics
If you’re of the mind that a balanced diet is chocolate in both hands, these are for you.
Cacao 70
Multiple locations
What began as a chocolate drinking bar in Montreal has quickly expanded into a popular chain specializing in cocoa confections of every variety.
Here you get a choice of nine chocolate fondues (single $11.95-$13.50, dbl $18.25-$20.75), all served with fresh fruit, chocolate brownie bites and classic waffle bites: Black and White Classic (milk, dark or white chocolate), Coffee Chocolate, Earl Grey Chocolate, Matcha Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and for the serious sweet tooth, Triple Chocolate.
Dunk ‘n Dip Resto & Chocolate Lounge
Two locations
Whether you’re in Richmond Hill or Mississauga, Dunk ‘n Dip has got your chocolate cravings covered.
So grab your friends and fam, and gather ‘round a Chocolate Lounge Fondue ($43.85) with your choice of Belgian chocolate served with fresh seasonal fruit, marshmallow, brownies, and éclairs.
The Reservoir Lounge
52 Wellington St. E.
Dinner and a show.
Cozy up over Chocolate Fondue for Two ($14) a duo of fresh strawberries and cognac-infused chocolate fondue, while catching a live swing or jazz band.
For traditionalists
Don’t mess with a classic.
Good Cheese
614 Gerrard St. E.
Date night is made, thanks to the east side cheese shop.
On Fridays and Saturdays, head out for a timeless Cheese Fondue for Two ($19) with bread, pickles and fruit, paralleled with a choice of carefully curated wines and local craft beer.
For beer lovers
Beer and cheese are a magical pairing, especially when they’re in the same bowl.
Beerbistro
18 King St. E.
These folks know beer. They’ve been at it since 2003. And with 22 taps, +100 bottles, and a food menu “inspired by, cooked with, and paired alongside a whole lot of really good beer,” you’re in expert hands.
Take their Cheese and Lager Fondue ($18), for instance. A blend of Asiago, aged Cheddar, Emmental, and Beau’s Lug-Tread - a certified organic lagered ale – delivers serious après ski feels without having to climb a single hill.
C’est What?
67 Front St. E.
Toronto's original craft beer venue first opened in 1988 and shows no signs of slowing down. Their affordable food in addition to their vast beer selection has made them a popular haunt for decades.
Pair a Beer Cheese Pot for Two ($16) - baked stout cheese pot, grilled chicken skewers, house-made chorizo, tapenade, toasted naan - with one of their 42 Canadian brews on tap or wine from their exclusively Ontario VQA list for a quintessential Canuck spread.
For carnivores
Meat lovers, unite!
Barberian’s Steak House
7 Elm St.
There are a gazillion reasons to go to Barberian’s: the steaks, the wine list, it’s been around since 1959, et cetera.
The ‘After Ten Theatre’ menu certainly tops the list. Every evening after 10pm, a select number of dishes are available, including Beef Fondue Bourguignon for Two ($105), featuring some of the best meat in the city.
Going the dairy route with Cheese Fondue for Two ($62) wouldn’t be a horrible idea. Just make sure you leave room for dessert: Baked Alaska ($46), Crêpes Suzette ($48), or Grand Marnier Soufflé for Two ($48).
For rule breakers
Who says fondue has to be made a certain way? These Toronto restaurants are serving up the cheese-centric dish on their own terms.
Cluny Bistro
35 Tank House Lane
The quirky French spot in the Distillery puts their unique spin on the traditional melted cheese dish.
A Flash Fried Fondue ($21.95) showcases Quebecois Camembert, with pickled cauliflower, maitake mushrooms, and maple sabayon.
Tio's Urban Mexican
2584 Yonge St.
Classic fondues may have Euopean roots, but Tio’s proves the dish doesn’t have any borders, with their oaxaca cheese fondue - Queso Fundido ($17) - served with six tortillas.
For meal seekers
While most fondues are classic cheese, hot oil, or chocolate in a pot, a few downtown eateries have incorporated the melty cheese into full-on dishes.
Campagnolo
832 Dundas St. W.
The longstanding Italian resto on Dundas West serves up Grilled Polenta ($23) with gorgonzola fondue and radicchio.
Wish
3 Charles St. E.
The popular brunch spot offers Benedict-Poached Eggs ($19) over peameal bacon with leek and parmesan fondue.
For night owls
Early birds need not apply.
Le Swan
892 Queen St. W.
Dig into fondue after hours at the new French diner from 11pm to 2am.
For animal lovers
No animal products? No problem.
Away Kitchen + Café
536 Queen St. W.
Vegans, plant-based Fondue ($15) is here for you, with cashews creating the creamy “cheese” base. And instead of being served in a typical pot over a flame, it comes in a housemade bread bowl, accompanied by an assortment of dippers - grapes, broccoli, mushrooms, and apples.
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Note: menu items, ingredients and prices subject to change.