Winter warmers: Where to enjoy a fondue or pop-up restaurant experience

If you are home for the holidays or simply want to enjoy some alpine ambiance, check out these chill-busting winter dining options.

From restaurants specialised in mountain dishes to heated chalets, ski cabins, glass pods and even Mongolian yurts, a toasty warm experience awaits.

BRUSSELS

The Secret Chalet - La Chaloupe d’Or

The Grand Place brasserie installs its seasonal Secret Chalet every winter. Enjoy a selection of raclette and fondue dishes amid a Swiss alp-themed atmosphere with Helvetica produce supplied by master cheese man Julien Hazard. The alpine specialities are served with charcuterie and other traditional accompaniments. Open at lunchtime and for two services in the evening. Until end February, Grand Place 24

Le Chalet d’Altitude

A rooftop winter chalet installed in the Grand Casino Brussels Viage is a welcome refuge from the urban bustle below. Its lofty location and mountain hut decor all add to the retreat experience, while the Savoyard dishes are sure to ward off the blues along with the live DJ sets and after-ski vibe. A variety of cheese fondues await (minimum two people), along with tartiflette, raclette and other seasonal specialities. The interior is heated, while an outdoor area boasts 180° views. Until 31 December, Boulevard Anspach 30

Au Petit Suisse

This established Uccle address serves up delicious fondues and raclettes at affordable prices all-year-round, while the decor instantly transports you to the Swiss Alps. Other specialities await, including potato Rostis and croutes (open cheese toasties). There is also an array of platters and dishes to order for home enjoyment. Rue du Postillon 4 (Uccle)

Les fondus de la raclette

French Savoyard specialities are on the menu at this city-centre eatery that transports you to the Gallic mountain region. It is a convivial place where you and your fellow diners are invited to stir fondue forks and grill tasty morsels thanks to the tables specially-equipped with grills. Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 28

Chalet Robinson

This favourite island spot in Bois de la Cambre opens a Swiss-style winter chalet for raclette evenings, complete with musical accompaniment. The menu includes tartiflette and a Savoyard buffet. Alternatively, the restaurant serves fondue – lunchtime and dinner – if you prefer a melted cheese-fest. Sentier de l’Embarcadère 1

WALLONIA

Kbane

Mountain cabins serve as rustic chic dining spaces at this bistro where alpine specialities reign. Raclette, fondue and tartiflette all feature quality cheese, and aperitif sharing boards offer even more of the country’s speciality dishes, such as croquettes, carpaccio, soup and melted camembert. The individual cabins seat four to eight, but larger groups can also be catered for. Just bring along your playlist for a total immersive experience. Until 30 March, Wed-Sun evenings, Avenue Reine Astrid 92, La Hulpe (Walloon Brabant)

Le Chalet du 32

For its winter gourmet experience, this address proposes Savoyard raclette or meat-based fondue Bourguignonne. While the chalet seats 26, there are also two igloos for private bookings - raclette menus only. These heated cabins for six to 12 diners, festooned with pretty lights, are perfect for a spot of night sky watching. Chemin de l’Herbe 32, Chaumont-Gistoux (Walloon Brabant)

Les Serres d’hiver – Domaine de Béronsart

This grandiose greenhouse palace is now an established destination in the Namur gourmet scene, with visitors from further afield appreciating its secluded forest setting. In winter, the pop-up restaurant proposes a three-course menu with a choice of Savoyard fondue, steak, tartiflette or Sayoyard burger for mains. Live music accompanies diners on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, while Sunday brunch is a convivial affair. Until 15 February, Wed-Sun, Rue de Houyoux, Gesves (Namur province)

La Valaisanne

This is an all-year-round restaurant in the city centre of Liège specialising in fondues and raclette as well as meat and charcuterie. Its winter menu also features a raclette party grill for groups, a variety of fondues and a stone grill (pierrade). Other brasserie-style mains are also available. Place du Marché 15, Liège

FLANDERS

Mohican 

For a real culinary splurge, consider dining in a yurt installed in the magnificent grounds of a castle. The Mohican concept recreates a wild glamping experience in cosy Mongolian-inspired tents with all the food cooked on open fires for an authentically flame-seared smoky taste. Hyper seasonal, with local foraged ingredients taking pride of place, a five-course ‘Into the Wild’ menu includes pairing wines and drinks. Kasteel van Laarne, Eekhoekstraat 5, Laarne (East Flanders)

Winterdroom

This pop-up gourmet and fondue restaurant invites diners to cook their own dishes on Ofyr gas fire appliances. Take your pick from meat, fish or vegetables and then finish off the experience with a cheese fondue atop the cooking pot. The setting on the banks of the E10 lake is an additional attraction. A winter lounge bar is ideal if you just want to pop in for a warming drink or snack after a bracing walk. Until 1 March, Elzendreef 30, Schoten (Antwerp province)

Bubble BQ Rivers Castle

Why not enjoy a winter barbecue? That’s the concept of this sophisticated outdoor dining option boasting a beautiful castle and nature setting. The pop-up restaurant, consisting of individual domes for two to six people, is decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. Choose between meat, fish and vegetarian options and start cooking on individual barbecues. The castle in the background is festooned with illuminations for a magical setting. Until 1 February, Castle Van Rivieren, Begijnendijksesteenweg 22, Gelrode, Aarschot

Glass House on the Lake - Terland

This beach restaurant with a difference lies in the picturesque Terland national park. The bar and restaurant proposes drinks, aperitifs and a five-course winter barbecue - prepared on an Ofyr fire bowl. Themed evenings include live music on Thursday and Saturday and jazz on Friday, while brunch is popular on Sundays.  It is also open for lunchtime drinks and tapas at the weekend. A new outdoor bar on the site, The Shelter, offers drinks and snacks. Nationaal Parklaan 1, Dilsen-Stokkem (Limburg)

Fonduehuis Leuven

Conveniently located between the Grote Markt and the train station, this all-you-can eat fondue restaurant also boasts a covered and heated garden terrace. The Fonduehuis also has outlets in Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Sint Maartenstraat 12c, Leuven

Photos: (main image) Castle Van Rivieren ©Bubble BQ; Mohican by FSS-Wijnegem