Winter is slowly settling over Paris, and with it that irrepressible desire for comfort, warmth and, let’s be honest, melted cheese. When the thermometer dips, the call of the raclette becomes almost an obsession, a veritable refuge from the dreariness.
We all think we know the drill: a warming appliance, some potatoes and cold meats. But what if we told you that a spot in the 9th arrondissement had decided to hack the concept and turn it into an experience that’s both designer and ultra-gourmet? We went to test Les Fondus de la Raclette, and discovered that the place hides its game (very) well.
More than a raclette, a designer chalet (and a sensational burger)
From the outside, the 22 Rue Laffitte address might appear classic. But forget the kitschy mountain decor; this is a real “modern chalet”. The space is superbly well thought-out, with clean lines, light wood and “hyper-cosy” banquettes. The highlight of the show? Each table, each island, is equipped with its own integrated appliance. No need to wait for the machine to heat up in the middle of the table, everything is built-in. It’s design, it’s practical, and it immediately sets the tone.
The concept is great, but it’s the products that make the difference. When it comes to raclette (available from €25 to €35 depending on the formula), there’s plenty to choose from: plain, truffle, morbier, smoked… you name it. But the real star is the charcuterie. Not just any charcuterie, but “Salaison du Mont Charvin“. An exceptional charcuterie, melting and tasty. The products are truly delicious. Of course, they also make fondues ( €25-30), which are just as comforting.
But the real secret of the house, the one you wouldn’t expect to find in a raclette restaurant, is their burger. We have to admit, we didn’t expect to eat such a good burger here. It’s honestly one of the best we’ve tasted in a very long time. The meat is delicious, the bun is plump and soft, and the whole thing is (obviously) drowned in a torrent of melted raclette cheese.
The integrated tabletop system isn’t just for cheese. You can also grill your meat while your raclette melts underneath. And for an aperitif, let yourself be tempted by the cheese and bacon fries. As for beverages, the theme is maintained with nuggets such as La bière verte du Mont Blanc and a small white wine.
Practical info
📍 Address: Les Fondus de la Raclette, 22 Rue Laffitte, 75009 Paris(they have several addresses, but this one is in the 9th).
💸 Price: Count around €25-35 for raclette and €25-30 for fondue, depending on the cheeses and formulas chosen.
💡 The little extra: They also have a lunch counter to take away great sandwiches. Perfect for an on-the-go lunch that smells just like the mountains.