Red or white?
On a little street in Montmartre, just steps from the beautiful Sacré Coeur, you will encounter one of the most eclectic dining experiences in Paris: Le Refuge Des Fondus. The cheery, cherry-red storefront sets it apart from the surroundings, inviting guests with its window paintings and colorful lights.
The restaurant offers two mass-seatings per night, at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, so I would highly recommend a reservation. The room itself is far from spacious, with only two long tables lining the walls. The hostess will show you to your assigned seat, and half of your party will actually have to climb onto a chair and step over the table.
Once in your seat, there is really only one decision to be made: red or white? Your complimentary wine is served in none other than a baby bottle, complete with the restaurant logo. While sipping, or sucking, your wine, your eyes will begin to scan the walls, where colorful signatures from previous guests cover every square inch.
The meal itself begins with an appetizer board, full of meats, cheeses, pickles, and other small bites. The circumstances encourage you to socialize with your neighbors, and you will probably make some new friends before the main course even arrives. During my last visit, we chatted with an older couple who also happened to also be from Wisconsin (small world). They were giving their grandchildren a tour of Europe, and we exchanged stories and photos for hours.
While the atmosphere itself is enough to warrant a visit, the fondue is truly the star.
Bubbling pots of both meat and cheese fondue are served alongside fresh bread and potatoes. The smell is intoxicating, and a few more baby bottles elevate the experience.
After the course is complete, a dessert of fluffy, fresh meringue topped with almonds is served. Before you go, it is essential that you sign the walls yourself, and maybe even buy a baby bottle as a souvenir. If you want a lively, slightly bizarre, but unbelievably fun night, this is absolutely the place to be.
This is a really fun experience, and the fondue is amazing! Definitely on of my favorite out of the way places in Paris!