🧀 The Best Fondue in the DC Area: Why Cheesetique’s Swiss Classic Is Worth Melting For

When the weather turns cool in the DC area, there’s one thing guaranteed to melt away the chill — a bubbling pot of Swiss fondue at Cheesetique in Del Ray, Alexandria. Since 2004, Cheesetique has been the region’s go-to destination for wine, cheese, and cozy comfort food — and nothing captures that better than fondue.

Cheesetique’s version keeps things beautifully simple and true to tradition. Served over a live flame, this silky, golden fondue is made with an authentic blend of Gruyère and Emmentaler, the same duo that’s been delighting alpine diners for centuries. Each order arrives with warm baguette cubes, tangy cornichons, and fresh grapes for dipping — a balance of savory, crisp, and sweet that turns every bite into comfort on a fork.

🧈 The Art of Keeping It Classic

Many chefs experiment with bold add-ins or unexpected cheeses, but Cheesetique stays true to the timeless Swiss method for one reason: perfection doesn’t need reinvention.

“The key to a great fondue is moisture and meltability,” explains Jill Erber, Cheesetique’s founder and resident Cheese Lady. “Gruyère and Emmentaler are the perfect pairing — they melt like silk, keep their rich flavor, and create that irresistible stretch you expect from a true Swiss fondue.”

By honoring this balance, Cheesetique’s fondue remains ultra-smooth and deeply flavorful — never grainy or oily — proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most enduring.

🍷 A Fondue Experience Meant for Sharing

Part of what makes fondue magical is its communal spirit. At Cheesetique, it’s served tableside for four, presented on a rustic wooden board with all the traditional accompaniments. The flame keeps it warm and gooey from the first dip to the last, encouraging slow bites, conversation, and laughter — exactly the kind of relaxed connection Cheesetique is known for.

Pair it with a crisp white wine like White Burgundy or sparkling Blanc de Blancs, both favorites from Cheesetique’s winter wine list. The light acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite sing.

🫕 Fondue in the DMV — A Rare Treat

While fondue once graced many restaurant menus, it’s now a rarity in the DC area. A quick search for “fondue Washington DC” or "best cheese fondue in the DC area and Northern Virginia" brings up just a handful of places — and Cheesetique consistently ranks near the top. That’s because few spots capture the authenticity and joy of the dish quite like this Del Ray favorite.

For nearly two decades, Cheesetique has been the DMV’s local haven for cheese lovers, offering an experience that feels equal parts European bistro and neighborhood gathering place. Guests return year after year for the fondue — the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a little celebration.

❤️ Your Cozy Winter Ritual Awaits

When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Cheesetique’s fondue makes the perfect centerpiece for a date night, friends’ dinner, or family gathering. It’s indulgent yet familiar, comforting yet elegant — the ultimate Cheesetique experience.

So gather your favorite people, swirl your fork, and let the cheese pull speak for itself. Because in the DC area, there’s fondue — and then there’s Cheesetique fondue.

📍 Cheesetique Del Ray
2411 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA
🕒 Fondue available fall through winter
🍷 Pairs beautifully with our curated wine list
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