so at 6:15 on a Saturday we get turned away because they have too long a wait..... about a third of all the tables were empty and all were clean. what's the point of paying rent if you don't let people in? Shocking Richmond Fonda read more

Fonda has been boarded up for what seems like aaaaages. We knew it was coming and we knew it was going to be 'Mexican'. We were holding our breath, hoping for something authentic, something punchy. We'd heard they'd make their own tortillas. We hoped there would be tequila. Okay, so by "we" I just mean me - but it always sounds more powerful when there's an army of you, right? It finally opened and one evening I went hoping that all my Mexican dreams would come true. Yes, they make their own tortillas. Yes, the food has some flavour. No, there's no tequila (or any booze for that matter ). No, it's not especially authentic. But did I like it? Did it rock my socks off? Hrmm... the jury is still out. The pork taco had good flavour, with a smear of avo underneath and crunchy slaw on top. It could have used some sauce and had I paid better attention I would have seen that there were bottles of the stuff floating around. I'd love to see these on every table, but then I'm just a chilli fiend. The fish taco - small nuggets of white fish covered in what looked like polenta and fried - has some crunchy pickled carrot and onion on top. The pickles rocked, the fish not so much. I liked the fun vibe here. It's quick, reasonably priced and I think think they're on the right track with their take on mexican food. A few small tweaks (including getting a liquor license) and I think Fonda will be getting thumbs up from Richmond locals. read more

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I was on the edge of 3 or 4 stars here. Hailing from North America, I know my way around my Mexican munchies. You should know, I really liked this place. It was light, bright and so unassuming unlike it's culinary cousins in Melb these days. Service was good and friendly. They even accommodated our two kids with a plain cheese quesadilla. So why 3? The food was good. Not traditional perhaps, but close enough. I went with the pork and wagyu tacos. When I go back, I'd strip off the pineapple and pickle like relish and perhaps that would send it into 4 stars. I may be just to harsh. The chips and guac were solid. The salsa was refreshing and tasty. I could have used some more heat but again, that is remedied. One note for the patrons....quesadillas are finger food. Knife and fork - only unless you use it for your Snickers as well (Seinfeld anyone?). On second thought, don't listen to me. Go and enjoy this place. read more

Fonda Mexican - Pork and wagyu tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, VIC

This joint gets so busy at night they have a door bitch to juggle the hungry patrons. The food is awesome, some of the best Mexican I have tried in Melbourne. The chicken salad was full of different ingredients and heaped with spices and juices. It's also pretty massive and I struggled to finish it. Order it to share. They also have some pretty nice wines and a few interesting cocktails on the menu. I will definitely head back...at a quieter time of day. read more

I put my Yelp app to good use last night when my friend and I were in the mood for some casual, tasty and cheap dinner, for our Saturday evening.... let's be honest, who ISN'T ever in the mood for Mexican?? I had heard good things said about Fonda prior to firing up the app and I read a previous review (on here) that after 6.30 it tends to get a little busy and there may be a wait for seating.... Just like that, 6.30pm on the dot and we were seated straight away. Scout the menu (drinks section first, of course!) and they have my favourite brew! - Two Birds - things have gotten off to a great start! Ordering takes place at the counter - don't sit there for 10 minutes trying to get the waitstaff's attention, like we did! *face palm*. We ordered the chicken enchiladas and beef burrito - that's enough for two to feel satisfied (and enough room for gelato on the way home). The beef burrito came out first... and I think almost fell in love! I've had my fair share of Mexican - Radio Mexico, Cantina, Bluecorn, Mamacitas, Newmarket Hotel and an endless choice when I was at college in LA! Safe to say, I love a good burrito. I sat there trying to distinguish the subtle crunch in the burritos - genius - they've got tiny tiny ?grated? corn chips in them! It was moderately spicy and may be a little too much if you're sensitive to spice, but for those who like to eat food that makes their eyes and nose run (it's totally sexy!) there's their "Jane Fonda" and "F&#! You" hot sauce. It's quick turnover of customers in here - simple menu, pay at the counter, the many chefs are on a mini production line, service with a smile and food comes out very quick. It's not your fast food, like Mad Mex... it's semi-healthy and HEAVEN, served quickly! Muchas gratsias, Fonda. hasta luego!! read more

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I LOVE my Mexican food but I am absolutely loathsome to the fare you often find at Mexican restaurants or chains (excluding the new wave joints like your Mamasita or Paco's et al). I was relieved to find that Fonda falls into the better category. Fun, fresh and delicious mexican. I love this place because it's everything I want in a Mexican cafe. It's easy to get in to, it's very casual and you sit down and have a big serve of juicy, dripping Mexican food and not feel hungry, sick or broke after. We spent $20 a head, which is what we find ourselves often laying out for breakfast so it was very reasonable for so much food. I have to put in a recommendation for the Kangaroo burrito. Wowsers. The meat was cooked perfectly and mixed with the black beans, avocado, slaw and the fresh baked tortilla - there was a lot of (happy) eye rolling at our table. Everything else was good but this was outstanding. Our burritos dripped with juice - they are messy but not sloppy. Nothing was hideously cheese laden. Perfect. Oh and they also do takeaway...I am making a bee-line for this place next time I have a hangover! read more

I love Fonda, especially now it's not quite as busy at their Richmond location since: 1) They opened other locations in the City, South Yarra and Hawthorn 2) the Richmond location doubled in size (albeit ages ago) I come here and order the same thing every time. Yep, every time. I've sampled other bits from the menu over time but have found my one true love and perfect Fonda meal: - Chicken salad to eat - Pineapple Mint to drink YUM! The chicken ensalata (not to be confused with an enchilada - you will be disappointed) is chock full of goodness: rocket, quinoa, sweet potato, fresh peas, black beans, corn, crushed crispy tortillas and so on. It is a taste explosion. The pineapple mint drink is fresh and tangy and just so refreshing - I can't go without it if I'm dining in. Good for a quick and easy and relatively healthy Mexican meal, I highly recommend Fonda! read more

I was hanging out to try Fonda after reading about it on Broadsheet. I arrived a month after they first opened at 2.30pm, I ordered the chicken burrito and was (unfortunately) very disappointed. Cons; Chicken was dry beans lacked favor Cabbage was cut thick and tasted bitter Table salsa was warm and tasted off Pros; Fitout Tortilla was fresh and tasty Jarritos was cold read more

Dined here on a Thursday night, the place was full and was vibing with people sprawled out onto the footpath. We put our names down and were told it would be about 25 minutes to be text for out table. At the 30 minute mark we went to remind them & were promptly seated as soon as a table left. Food & frozen margaritas were prompt. I had the Pork taco & it was nice. Not bursting with flavour but I liked it. I also had the asparagus quesedillas which also were nice. The margaritas were delicious and served in a cute jar. All in all the Fonda experience was okay & didn't wow me but I liked it. I may go back but I have many other eateries to conquest in the Swan street area first. read more

Fonda Mexican - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, VIC

Wowie! I have walked past here so often and have always put it on my list but never got around to going. Went with a few friends last night and I have been missing out! Big juicy burritos stuffed full of flavour and something I really loved is they use quinoa rather than rice inside them, major plus! Very busy place, not great for big groups unless you are happy to wait, which with the amount of bars around would not be a major deal, trust me the wait is worth it! The whole vibe of the place was just buzzing, very friendly staff who kept their cool regardless of how busy they got, or how long the line was. I think that in itself is fantastic and really makes the place work. Another Fonda has opened in Windsor so will be checking that out next. read more

OK. I am biased. I have a 'thing' for tacos. And Latin America. And Ricky Martin. Ok, this is going off topic... Back to the tacos... One Tuesday night after an Elite Yelp event, six of us ended up in Richmond looking for a quick and easy dinner. Fonda Mexican were uber accommodating and fabulous to deal with. First of all - there were six of us. Most restaurants would point and laugh at our naivety in trying to score a table for six without a booking, but Fonda was all action orientated. They swung tables around, grabbed chairs and moved giant umbrellas to fit six of us. It was a little snug, but hey human contact is good for the soul. The food and drinks was super tasty and delivered in a flash. I can't go past the pescado tacos, with coleslaw and chipotle. Make sure to grab one of the drinks as well - cucumber and mint was awesome. My dining companions feasted on giant burritos, and most couldn't finish them which was a testament to (a) size of burrito (b) too many chips with chipotle consumed on the night as well. The staff and service this night was excellent as well - prompt, efficient and friendly. Sometimes when you head to a trendy place, the service can be haughty - amirite? - but not at Fonda Mexican. Special shout out to the bearded dude who joked about Urbanspoon vs. Yelp - it's OK we forgive you. The chipotle sauce helped. Thanks Fonda. Consider this a high five and I will be back... read more

Fonda Mexican is an impressive and affordable Mexican restaurant in Richmond that brings as much cool as it does colour. This is not kitch Mexican for so many years served up by dodgy restaurant chains with cheap plastic fittings and one dimensional cuisine. This is a simple but imaginative offering that is tastefully done. The building is classical architecture and the ambience enhanced by polished floor, coloured walls and retro tiles, large windows looking into Swan Street, some chic lighting including a funky red chandelier, and high ceilings. Fonda Mexican is a place to come for the ambience as much as the food. Even on a weeknight I was amazed as Fonda Mexican began to fill before 6pm and had a convivial yet cosy feel. After all a fonda is a family home turned local restaurant. Dining extends to the street as well as an area out the back. Walk in and the staff greet you and ask you to order at the counter when you're ready. I'm happy as I take the opportunity for a brief chat. Straight away you realise Fonda Mexican is casual and a place to relax. Chef Ravi Presser has teamed with Mexican cooking sensation Lupita Manzo to create a menu of authentic Mexican flavours using Australia's premium fresh produce. The menu is simple but interesting. When it comes to Mexican cuisine the trend is for fresh ingredients (when should it not be?). The Mexican street food Antojiyos were delightful with succulent fresh corn on the cob slightly charred and with chipotle aoli, ricotta salata, and lime. I always love it when Mexican restaurants supply lime not just lemon. Street snacks also include Chipotle fat chips and Chicarons pork scratchings and guacamole. What to have, Burritos v Quesadilla? I was told the Quesadilla's were wonderful and cheesy but I opted for the Chopped Beef Burrito with beef and pork burger, black beans, salsa roja, and chipotle aoli. I was taken with the thick fresh burrito that arrived and the quality of the salsa. I was also taken with the flavour combination with the crunch of the onion and the excellence of the beef, along with the softness of avocado and black beans. All with a bit of kick (which I like). Next time I would like to try the Chicken Burrito or indeed the Kangaroo Burrito, and the Fish Tacos. Drinks are lively and include home made Mexican beverages and 100% Agave Tequilas. Fonda Mexican is a great place to meet with friends for excellent Mexican cuisine and a funky ambience. read more

"Mas o menos" sums up my feelings about Fonda Mexican so far. It serves good food; however, even though I cannot point to anything in particular that I didn't like, it just lacked that certain "something". That being said, I'm still planning a return (or 2) to Fonda to try some other items on their menu (actually, I would go back just for the horchata!). In relative terms: I would be willing to line up at Mamasita for an hour. I could deal with a 15-20 minute wait to get into Fonda Mexican. I wouldn't wait for any period of time for Paco's. read more

The original Fonda, small and intimate with a massive vibe. This is the Fonda that you will most likely have to line up for, but like the other Fondas, they will get you in and out quick smart. Still my local Fonda to pick up a sneaky post gym salad. read more

Came here with a group of friends on a Thursday night. We arrived at 6.30 and were seated straight away, but the place filled up quickly and there was a wait after that. They seem to manage queues well, with a waiter taking people's details, suggesting they get a drink at a local bar and sending a text when the table is ready. Between the four of us, we managed to sample a fair amount of the menu. The stand out favourites were the chargrilled corn, the chicken burritos and the pineapple mint cocktail. We'll definitely be back! read more

Been here before and loved it... Not so much this time. Beef burrito tasted like it had been on the grill three hours too long and was dripping in aioli. No deal. On the upside they have great feature lights. read more

- Really small place, always crammed full of people. Detracts from the atmosphere somewhat -Pretty good pork and beef burger burrito, with little crunchy corn chip pieces. Decent size, no monster though if you're really hungry -Try adding some of the spicy salsa in small jars on the tables, it tastes freakin amazing read more

I have only been to Fonda once so far - but I would definitely go back. The vibe is very casual with a mix of laid back through to hipster patrons. We sat outside on the footpath area which was okay as the tables have a reasonable amount of space. We squeezed 5 people into a 4 seater. We also had an overhead heater which made the fact it was mid-winter absolutely bearable. We shared a bit of everything and the food was great. The fish tacos were fantastic. We drank the fruity, icy drink that comes in a jar.. not sure I get this trend but I am not going to complain because jars are bigger than glasses. Throughout the 3 hours that we were there I noticed a lot of people coming to pick up takeaway. If I lived a bit closer I would definitely do the same on the regular. As a side note, I loved the silver ceiling in the second half of the dining area. Very nice touch. read more

Great variety and kid friendly flavours. Agree with all that fish tacos were great, but double mushroom and prawn & pineapple left them in the shade. Great share plates too read more

Fonda Mexican - Loving our Melbourne Staycation. Tonight doin' it Mexican style in Tigerland #fondamexican #olsenhotel - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, VIC

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I had pretty low expectations but ended up impressed with this place. The staff was friendly, the service was quick and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the food. The chicken burrito and cactus quesadilla are both tasty and had the right amount of punch and originality to keep things interesting without going overboard. For something to wash it down I would definitely suggest trying out a horchata (a vanilla and cinnamon elixir of milky goodness). read more

This Mexican places is amazing! I've been here before and a the boys from work wanted to eat Mexican for our catch up. We ordered in advance via email and was highly impressed with their response time. Business' in Melbourne are terrible with email correspondence and we didn't think we'd receive a reply. As we all work til late we pre-ordered our meals and I picked them up on the way to our meet up point. The food was ready, tagged and all I had to do was pay. The food was placed in take away containers which preserved the heat and formation of all the food. It was super delicious and we definitely over ordered. That was great news for our work colleague as he was able to enjoy the food for breakfast in the morning. Highly recommended! read more

There seems to be a Mexican fad pervading Melbourne (anyone from Sydney can probably tell you why this is hysterically funny) and everyone is jumping on board, getting inked with Dias de la Muerte faces, regurgitating rainbows of flavoured margaritas, and heading a quest for the authentic Mexican dining experience. Me, I just took the easy route and went to Mexico. Stuff yas. But on returning to Melbo, I got curious. Is there a truly authentic Mexican meal to be had in Melbourne, the Mexico of Australia? Mamista's is old news and the queue to get a table is even older (really, I'm pretty sure people started queuing before the place even had a cold opening, and they're still waiting to be seated). I'm too lazy and too hungry to chase down the Taco Truck, and Taco Bell is locked permanently in the JUST SAY NO cupboard of bad memories and worse gas. Fitzroy's Los Amates isn't terrible, but they've relented to the cliché of uber-cheesy Latino pop music (good) and uber-cheesy Grongo-Mexican food (bad). Then there's Fonda. I have lived around the corner from Fonda and never been in there for WAY too long. Until this week. Fonda is the sort of place that you know must be either really bad or really good, because I seriously didn't know what it was called until I tried to find it on Yelp. It's kinda too cool for a sign. This place is frequently so full there is a queue out the door and the clientele tend toward the hip and sexy. All in all a rather intriguing little joint, the kind of place my housemates and I walk past on the way to a bar and say "Oooh, we HAVE to go there soon," (and then on the way home "GOD DAMMIT THEY'RE CLOSED, I WANNA FREAKIN TACO."). Until finally one night when I met my friend after work at 9pm, and, shocking! Fonda had some vacant tables. Maybe because they were trying to close, but the good sports served us anyway. We grabbed a vegie taco and the recommended goat taco, plus a couple of margaritas (they come served in jars. JARGARITAS!!!). And you know what, I think these tacos might be the closest thing I have encountered to Mexican street food outside, well, Mexico. Soft handmade (?) tortilla, juicy/spicy/tangy filling and light/snack-size enough to conform the concept of antojitos - or 'little whims'. The beef burrito was more substantial but nothing like the volcano of cheese and sour cream you might associate with Mexican food if your experience is limited to Taco Bell and nachos. Mexican beers and tequilas. Nothing over $15. A butt-load of limes. Chilled out as Zipolite (with less naked Gringos). FOOT LONG QUESEDILLAS, GUYS. Fonda is a winner. read more

Excellent margaritas and amazing chicken tacos. This place really hits the spot for us California gals. Highly recommended. Oh, and the staff is great as well! read more

The concept is simple. And the burrito is amazing. My ladyfriend and I got a beef and a kangaroo to share. The beef did not disappoint but kangaroo, was off the chart, smokey and spicy in all the right places, coupled with the chipotle chips to start you will not walk out hungry. And it's cheap, 2 burritos and chips with a drink was 38 bucks! Definatey my new favorite Mexican place! read more

I've been to Fonda before and was a big fan of their food and cocktails. However when I popped in to grab a takeaway burrito after I had been waiting 30 mins I asked the staff how my order was going and found my order had been sitting behind the front counter for awhile. AND it was cold by the time I got it. Without even an apology from the staff. Very disappointing!! read more

A friend took me to Fonda tonight for dinner and I was very impressed. We had corn on the cob, very sweet and perfectly cooked. We shared a yummy Mushroom Quesadilla, a fresh and tasty Mex-Bim-Bap salad and then had one taco each. The tacos were overfilled with salad and fillings, and full of flavour. We shared our meals as my friend advised to order conservatively, he was right. Ordering and payment is done at the counter, after you have been shown to your table. The food and service were great, the only downside for me was the inability to reserve a table. We were told we would only have to wait 20 minutes, and that we would receive a text message as soon as our table was ready. It all worked like clockwork, after 20 minutes a text message came through and we were shown to a table. If it wasn't so cold and windy outside, I wouldn't have minded so much, but my friend said that he had never waited before, perhaps they were extra busy because of the long weekend? I believe you can book if you have a group larger than 8 people. I would definitely eat here again. read more

Fonda. Never in my short yelping life have I wished more for a 1/2 star option. A mere three seems a little critical given the bubbling, thriving, hectic yet systematic atmosphere, but four implies some of the best food I've had and while tasty, it is not quite in the realms of spectacular. I'm feeling generous, so four it is. Credit to Fonda's staff, our food came progressively, as requested and the meal felt like a real occasion. To balance this sort of service with the plethora of take away orders that were being called as we munched as well as the turnover of hungry Richmond locals (and I suspect many who travelled a little further for their feast) - I'm impressed. Generously slathered with aioli our hot chips were dish of the night for me (read my other reviews and you might sense a growing theme with my love of the deep fried spud) I love them and I loved these particular offerings, boy partner was already planning our drive by map for the next time we're feeling like indulging...you know the story who drives, where they park, where they u-turn, fastest route home while passenger tries to eat as much as possible without designated driver noticing the diminishing supply...... Oh ok back to the food. With our seasoned Fonda diner friends guiding the way, we split a burrito (beef and pork) and had a fish taco each. The fish taco was like a crumbed fish finger, certainly not as elegant an offering as Mamasita but tasty with cabbage and chipotle mayonnaise a nice combination. I'll try the beef brisket next trip. The beef and pork burrito was good value at $13 (I think) and too big for one person (well with tacos and chips) and was more on the tex mex side of things, high tech burrito style - no fault with that just not what I was expecting. Oh yes we also sampled the chorizo quesadilla, oily, tasted fried, the weakest dish of the night. I really enjoyed the meal and think it does sit somewhere between Mamasita and high tech buritto, there's a lot to like here. read more

The Mexican trend has finally reached Melbourne, and this burrito fanboy was eager to try out one of the latest contenders, but man was he disappointed. I ordered the beef burrito, and while the menu mentions cabbage in the chicken burrito, it neglects this little factoid for the beef. This cabbage monopolised valuable tortilla real estate, ensuring each mouthful was spent searching for anything to give the meal flavour. The beef itself had the consistency of overcooked, gristly three-star mince on markdown and the flavour of home brand taco powder. I think this was the first time I've ever failed to finish a burrito. My dining companion had similar complaints about his tacos. Should've gone to Mad Mex; we would have waited a fraction of the time for a far better meal. read more

It's so funny to me that people in Melbourne lament the lack of 'authentic' Mexican food in this city, yet flock to a place with kangaroo meat burritos. Everyone's going to have their own idea of authenticity, but to me the food here falls well short. The interior is cramped, food is average and waiting time is out of control. Bah. read more

Really tasty pulled-pork quesadillas! Love that they sell actual Mexican beer as well and not just boring Corona's. Would highly recommend this place. Being from Southern California, I definitely was surprised and pleased with their food. read more

I just picked up a beef taco on my way, and it was very good. Tasteful and nice and fresh. I haven't tried anything else here yet, and also don't know how the whole dining experience would be here, but the person behind the counter seemed nice and the place looked nice and reasonable for a taco shop. read more

The properly face burning hot sauce is not to be missed. Fish tacos did not disappoint but the roo was a little lacking. Pork taco was solid and I'd die to have that pineapple salsa included in my Sunday breakfast. Not sure what it is that makes the whole place so loud though, kinda subtracts from the ambience when I can't hear myself licking the plate... read more

Pretty sure the burritos have shrunk in 2013. Shame. Usually I cannot move after one of these, now I'm off to get hot chips. :(

This place is great, they press their own tortillas. Everything about the food tastes custom and freshly made. Homemade salsas with a nice smokiness. They deliver. Ordering is quick, this place is busy and full of staff. Staff are friendly and full of energy. I recommend the beef buritto and fish tacos. I thought the margarita was very tasty and unique in flavour. I was a little bit bummed about the glass milk bottle it came in though. I don't know about you but I like to have my cocktail look like its going to a party. read more

fonda is really really good and pretty cheap. the staff are friendly, the place is cute, and the food is pretty delicious. avoid the burritos they are flavorless and lame do not avoid the chorizo jalapeno quesadilla, it is a gift to all those that are living the corn is awesome, margaritas are pretty good, tacos are aiight but all i'm saying is fonda if you're reading this you better bring back that damn pork taco. the beef taco is shit, you have been warned. but seriously, a great quesadilla and the only salad i will pay money to eat. read more

Nice little spot to meet up with friends for decent food and a few tequila's. Definitely better Mexican out there - such as Mamasita's - but it's still worth a revisit every now and then. read more

Great for easy noms. No fuss, no frills, pretty tasty food. Cool space with a kind of cafeteria vibe - very open and lots of share tables. Is it a stand out dining experience? Probably not. But it hits the spot if you're hungry, and the service is quick. read more

Great cheap Mexican food that can't fail. The chips are a great starter, the drinks are fun and the Chorizo Quesadilla is delicious. A small place that can often have a queue so get in early! read more

I just really didn't enjoy Fonda. As much as my misses hates that fact and keeps trying to drag me back there, I just don't think it is going to happen. Nothing really stood out for me, the food was ok, the service was ok and the margarita's were actually terrible. Who says that about tequila right? But seriously. There are much better Mexican places I would rather go and enjoy. If I get dragged there again I will keep you updated on my thoughts. read more

My friends and I went here because we heard how good it was and were all Mexican food lovers. We were all actually very disappointed in the quality of the food as weve tasted better read more