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Simply Fondue

2300 1st St, Livermore, CA 94550
$$$
French

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Simply Fondue 7.9
First Street Historic Core
Interactive fondue format—cheese, entrée, and chocolate—makes it a go-to for birthdays and group toasts. Dim lighting and leisurely pacing set a celebratory tone.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Fondue, Beef & Shrimp Entrée Fondue, Chocolate Fondue
Scores:
Value: 6.4 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Celebration-friendly, interactive fondue experience.
Who should go: Birthday groups and double-date crews
When to visit: Evenings; book weekends ahead
What to order: Cheese course, surf-and-turf entrée, chocolate finale
Insider tip: Plan a two-hour window—courses are paced for lingering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along First Street and nearby side streets; free public lots within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but most groups dress up slightly for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; upbeat music and sizzling pots make it festive but still manageable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; dinner-only service starts earlier on Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cheese and vegetable fondues are available with plant-based entrée substitutes.
Vegan options: Limited – most courses contain dairy, but a few customizable options can be arranged on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free bread and dipping items available; fondue bases can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for an established couple or group date—shared pots and long pacing suit a fun, social setting more than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights for smaller groups, but weekends are packed—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids over 10 may enjoy the novelty, but it’s a long meal with hot fondue pots; best suited for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Celebration dinners and interactive group experiences where the meal itself is the entertainment.
Skip if: You prefer quick service, quiet conversation, or a short dining timeline—fondue pacing is intentionally slow and immersive.
Simply Fondue 7.9
First Street Historic Core
Interactive, multi-course fondue dinners—cheese, entrée, and chocolate—served in a relaxed, lingering format right on First Street. Locals book it for birthdays, date nights, and group celebrations with a wine-and-martini list built for toasting.
Must-Try Dishes: Gruyère–Emmental cheese fondue, Filet mignon & shrimp entrée (tableside cook), Dark chocolate fondue with fruit & cake
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 7 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A full evening of Swiss-French fondue courses designed for shared, celebratory dining.
Who should go: Couples and groups planning a celebratory night
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm to avoid long waits
What to order: Classic cheese; steak & shrimp entrée; dark chocolate
Insider tip: Pace courses—order entrées in smaller rounds to keep the grill sizzling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on First Street and nearby lots on Second Street; tends to fill up after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests dress up slightly for date nights or celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz from group tables, but conversation is still comfortable for couples.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner-only service with little to no wait on early weeknights.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several cheese and vegetable fondue courses available, plus customizable entrée options.
Vegan options: Limited—broth-based entrées can be adapted, but cheese and chocolate courses contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free dipping items available upon request; cross-contact is minimal but possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it’s an interactive experience that encourages conversation and pacing, ideal for breaking the ice or celebrating milestones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly early on weeknights, but reservations are highly recommended for weekends and holidays due to long meal durations.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens; the fondue pots and long dining time make it less suited to very young children.
Best For
Better for: Long, shared dinners with wine or cocktails—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and double dates.
Skip if: You’re in a hurry or prefer a quick à la carte meal—fondue dining takes time and is more about the experience than speed.