Fondue Chalet brings seven-week winter dining run to CBD
Fondue Chalet will return to Federation Square from 14th May 2026 to 28th June 2026, locking in a seven-week winter run in Melbourne’s CBD. The pop-up will again take over the square with private timber chalets, positioning the site as a seasonal dining draw through the colder months.
This year introduces a clear shift in how the experience is delivered. Guests must now choose between fondue or raclette before entering, bringing a defined decision point into the booking process. The change reflects a move towards more focused, pre-selected dining formats as operators tighten service flow and manage demand.
Founder Vincent Hernandez said, “Across France and the Alps, fondue and raclette bring millions of people together around the table every winter. It’s what we simply call the joy of the table. They are not just meals, they are moments shared with family and friends. Seeing that same ritual happening here in Melbourne is incredibly special.”
The concept continues to lean heavily on authenticity. An all-French team will run the chalets, while each space is styled on a French ski resort setting with enclosed timber interiors and heating elements designed for winter trading conditions in the city.
What guests will eat and how it is delivered
Each booking centres on shared dining. Guests start with a charcuterie board before moving to their selected main dish. Fondue features a blend of four French cheeses, while raclette is melted and served over potatoes, pickles and cured meats at the table.
Organisers confirmed that around two tonnes of cheese have been imported for the season. Recipe development involved testing close to 20 variations before finalising the offering. The scale signals continued confidence in demand for premium, experience-led dining during winter.
Additional revenue streams sit around the core experience. A curated list of French Alpine wines will be available in-chalet, while guests can add a chocolate fondue using Koko Black chocolate. Beyond the chalets, an outdoor bar will serve digestifs, schnapps from Casa Spirits and hot chocolate, extending dwell time across the site.
Sessions are split across multiple time slots, with earlier sittings suited to families and later bookings targeting group dining. Chalets are configured for six or eight guests, with pricing starting at $79 per person.
The return of Fondue Chalet reinforces Federation Square’s role as a winter events site, particularly as operators compete for city foot traffic during colder months. It also signals sustained demand for immersive dining formats that combine food, setting and group occasions into a single booking.
Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
Dates: 14th May 2026 to 28th June 2026
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday dinner at 5pm, 7pm, 8:30pm. Friday to Sunday lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 5pm, 7pm, 8:30pm
Cost: From $79 per person for six or eight guests per chalet. Children under six free
Add-ons: Chocolate fondue $59 for six guests or $79 for eight guests
