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    La Fonda

    3.3 (61 reviews)

    La Fonda Photos

    LA FONDA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Good for groups
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - La Fonda

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    We enjoyed delicious drinks on the patio.
    Ana Maria O.

    This is a great local spot for me to stay over night (or more) on the beach in Rosarito. They also have great drinks and good food. The staff is friendly and welcoming and to top it all off, they have live music on the weekends to dance the night away. If you're looking for a fun local spot, I highly recommend this place.

    Paella
    Christine W.

    Let me save you the time to figure out where To eat at whole you're in Ensenada. This place sounds like a great idea if you want to sit in a restaurant with an ocean view and drink margarita. However, I will dissuade you from choosing this place as a destination restaurant. If you're a foodie or not, you will be disappointed. Might as well stay in San Diego and eat at a local restaurant. We had the buffet and it was subpar. Maybe because they cook tons of food and lose the taste along the way. The stations are not well labeled and it's confusing. The food presentation doesn't look appetizing and when you decide to try them, it's okay (especially if you're hungry). In addition, the service was okay. The waiter visits you once in a blue moon. In short, I'm not Coming back.

    Nate M.

    If you don't stop here for breakfast during your Baja trip, then you're doing it wrong. La Fonda has ridiculous homemade tortillas, amazing decor, and beachside dining. You could basically call this heaven. I came here with a large group of friends and they easily accommodated us. We sat on the outdoor patio with the sounds of the ocean crashing just a few yards away. I went with the chili pork verde breakfast option. This plate was massive and every inch of it was covered with huge chunks of pork, a delicious green chili sauce, fluffy eggs, and potatoes... talk about a belly bomb. Everything was delicious, the sauce had the perfect amount spice and the potatoes were coated in a Mexican style seasoning, a lot like Tajin, but chunkier. The pork was good, but most of the pieces were super fatty, so my jaw defiantly got a work out eating it. I eventually gave up and stuck to the eggs and potatoes. The chips they put on the table were amazing! Freshly made, salty, greasy, and dipped in salsa, muy bien! Amazing views, solid food, and spot on service. In the words of Kip from Napoleon Dynamite, " La Fonda is the best to happen to me."

    Kathi B.

    La Fonda is located right on the ocean and has an amazing fireplace that is really romantic in the wintertime. We enjoyed our dinner thoroughly. They show up with a chalkboard and the selections that are available for that evening. During Christmas is super festive and they had a beef carver as well as someone who makes fresh tortillas per order. It's a funny story about la Fonda. There are two la Fonda's next door to each other and the owners/ ex partners had some type of dispute and split the restaurant into two parts. So there's North la Fonda and South la Fonda and it always still debatable which one has the best food. That's for you to decide! PS we favor the south side

    Roach in my wifes chicken taco.
    Ken K.

    I am so upset with this placee, here is a list: 1. My wife used the restroom and after she was done there was no toilet paper, soap or paper towel. 2. Cash only, its posted as you walk in and luckly we had enough to cover, they do have a small atm on premises but I prefer to withdraw from an actual bank. 3. The area where the taco bar was is extreamly lacking in condiments. 4. They were using packaged tortillas while claiming it was the best tortillas in town. 5. Prep area for the taco bar was dark and unlit, not really a problem till my next comaint. 6. Found a roach in my wifes taco. OMFG!! See pics. I don't know if my son and I ate some raoches in our food or if my wife ate some but she caught this on her last bite. I am so upset because this restaurant is advertised, "World Famous ". This restaurant was recommended so we took the drive and this was our experience. We made the staff aware and they tried to give us a refund but the damage is done. We refused and asked to please be more aware of whats going on with the food prep process. Im greatly disappointed with our experience.

    Cucarachas en la comida

    WARNING: This place has COCKROACHES!!!!! I was highly disappointed with this restaurant. It is very unsanitary and should not be allowed to serve people food. Right when I received my food there was a roach in it. I would not recommend this spot due to the fact there is roaches being served in the food. Not to mention the employees are rude which doesn't help. My experience was very unpleasant, I am sick to my stomach. Will not ever be going back! Porfavor No llegan aquí, es muy sucio y tienen cucarachas en la comida. Miren las fotos.

    Monse F.

    On my way to see my family, we stopped by this place passing Puerto Nuevo but also before the last pay booths to get to Ensenada. It was early like 10:30 a.m. very empty but heard it gets very packed. The place is beautiful. There are seats over looking the ocean. Very relaxing. When we were leaving the live music was just getting there. I would definitely come back for lunch. They were very friendly and accommodating to my dietary needs and made the enchiladas without meat and cheese. The food was delicious and so were the hand made tortillas that the lady in the front is continuously making. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to make a pit stop and eat before getting to Ensenada or wherever their destination is.

    Jeannie B.

    We were in the area and walked right over to this restaurant. Their English menu was handwritten on a chalkboard with prices included. The menu was comprised of mainly seafood and the choices were what you'd expect from a good seafood restaurant. Some examples of what you'd find on the menu: Lobster 1.5 or 2.5 pounds Swordfish Filet of Sole Coconut Shrimp Combo of shrimp, lobster, and scallops Stuffed Calamari (with Lobster) Stuffed Shrimp (with Lobster) Pork Cutlet Rib Eye Filet So we given chips and pico de gallo to start...then a simple garden salad. Our order came out fairly quickly. So the service was excellent. The servers were attentive and checked in a couple times to see if we needed anything and if our food was satisfactory. The lobster was super yummm. It was served with drawn butter and lime. The rice and beans were ok. I am guessing they scraped the bottom on the rice pot bc the rice was hard and too dry/crispy to eat in some spots. We did come in around 9:30 and they were probably closing shop. So I suppose that might explain, but not excuse it. Overall, dining was great with the exception of the rice. Really liked the ambiance. I would recommend this place, but come earlier.

    lunch list
    Craig G.

    We didn't actually stay at the hotel (it seemed to have seen better days), even though it is perched on the coast. We did enjoy lunch and a beer on the way to Ensenada. We had combo plates of tacos, enchilada, beans and rice. The flour tortilla chips and salsa were good and helped set the tone for the meal. The fish street tacos were large but not too flavorful. The crunchy chicken tacos were filling but again, the flavor was lacking. The view of the ocean is spectacular and worth the stop. Otherwise keep trekking down the road!

    Forget about your problems come down to Baje California and enjoy a beautiful day at my favorite restaurant.

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    3 years ago

    If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing spot on the beach, this is it. Great food, great service, great view

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    Great coconut shrimp, lovely cakes, higher end than I expected but good quality. Not inexpensive. Very clean.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Review Highlights - La Fonda

    There isn't too many great places to eat in la mision but Dymtri's la Fonda is the place to go.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    4.6(531 reviews)
    23.6 km
    $$

    For starters, this place is Michelin recognized, and was rated best breakfast in the world in 2015…read moreby FoodieHub. I told myself if I'm ever in the area again, I have to make an effort to eat at this place. Well, the opportunity arose as I was staying at a nearby winery. The biggest problem I encountered was finding a ride to get to this restaurant. Taxis are nonexistent in the area. Ubers are only in the area when someone from Ensenada requests a round trip to the area, so no they are not available to others. Therefore, I expressed my frustration with the front desk at my winery hotel and they took on the task of finding me private transportation. About 40 minutes later, they called my room to inform me that they located a driver. Unfortunately, he requested an inflated price for the to and from the restaurant. Private drivers down here know that you have few choices, therefore, they can ask inflated prices. Yes, I was in a pickle, but I really wanted to go. I did not rent a car because many of the roads hug cliffs and everyone drives fast, because they know where all of the mountain curves are. Being from Chicago, where we also drive fast but don't have mountain cliff roads decided to play it safe and let others do the driving for me. Anyhow, I debated, and in the end agreed to the expensive terms because when I going to get the opportunity again to eat at a place rated best breakfast in the world? How was the breakfast? It was absolutely delicious, everything was made from scratch. I ordered the cafe de la olla which interprets into coffee from the pot because typically it is prepared with raw sugar (piloncillo), canella (cinnamon sticks), and orange zest. How was the coffee? Delicious. I had some machaca (small bits of dried beef) with eggs which came with delicious refried beans. I also ordered the excellent chilaquiles with an egg and a side of bacon. I also needed to order the one thing most talk about on their menu which is the corn bread pancakes. They used the recipe for a typical corn bread sold down here called pan de elote to make the pancakes, and yes, they were excellent. Turning the batter from this recipe into pancakes was a brilliant idea. Also, I cannot leave out the great tasting freshly made corn tortillas that came with the food. The tortillas down here taste different from the ones back in Chicago because down here a white heirloom corn is utilized rather than the sweet yellow dent corn from the Midwest. Was it the best breakfast that I have ever had in Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter? Well, it definitely lived up to the hype the breakfast was amazing and I do highly recommend it. If you do decide to visit, my best advice is show up early because a line forms very early. I have been lucky to have also had other amazing breakfasts in Mexico and other places in my travels. The secret to this restaurant sits right behind it. On the restaurant grounds is an active ranch, which also doubles as a small zoo, where they source their milk and meats from. Yes, they raise their own animals which later become items on the menu. Does that fresh matter? Yes, it absolutely does make all of the difference. Does it sound cruel? Well, that is a whole other conversation. Let's just say the animals are treated humanely. All of the livestock looked happy as they roamed around the grounds. Unlike the way livestock is treated inhumanly in the United States in dirty overcrowded housing where some never get to see the sun or roam freely in the open air. Livestock in the US are constantly given antibiotics and growth hormones, also fed gmo feed with questionable health implications for those that consume them.

    We came here for my moms birthday with a group of 16 and I was not expecting it to be this good. I…read morecan only speak for my borrego tatemado, but everyone in our group was very happy with their food. They have a ton of staff that's taking care of your throughout. Filling chips, awesome tortillas, delicious salsas, and anything else you could want for a complete meal. This is very homey food and great for any type of occasion. 10/10 and recommend it to anyone that's in the area for wine tasting.

    Photos
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Machaca plate

    Machaca plate

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

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    Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

    Maganas

    Maganas

    4.2(27 reviews)
    3.0 km
    $$

    This place is awesome. We recently moved to La Mision. The restaurant is down the hill from our…read morehome. The owner is very nice. The servers are great. I am trying to figure out why people have rated $$, it should be $. The 4 of us can eat for less than $20 (including beverages).

    Maganas is a place you just have to visit if in the La Mision area. We stayed there in a beach…read morehouse for a week, and ate there twice. Dog friendly, they have a few outdoor tables that can get a bit dusty, but still nice. Burritos: We got a few breakfast burritos with sausage and bacon. These are huge. No one was able to even finish half of one in one sitting. A lady makes the tortillas by hand, and you can watch while you wait. My only gripe with these tasty burritos is the volume of potatoes. Tons, tons of potatoes. Carnitas: We ordered a kilo to take back to the house. Good, extremely tender, but better crisped up in oil to get those tasty bits. Came with tortillas and salsas that were also good. Tacos: Crispy shell carne asada, quite full of meat, and meat all crisped the way I like it. Very tasty tacos. Chilaquiles: Excellent! I am a huge fan of green chilaquiles, and these did not disappoint. Over easy eggs, beans, lots of cheese, sliced onion. Awesome! The bar: Yes, they have a full bar attached. Very good margaritas, super cold beer, very good bloody marys... A round of four drinks was ten dollars. Yes. Ten dollars. This place has an extensive menu, all cash only, so bring dinero. They accept US dollars. Service is very friendly.

    Photos
    Maganas - The restaurant features comfortable table, and bar stool seating.  The menu, posted in both Spanish and English, has all your favorites

    The restaurant features comfortable table, and bar stool seating. The menu, posted in both Spanish and English, has all your favorites

    Maganas
    Maganas - Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar is located at KM 65, in the small town of La Mision, on the west side of FREE Mexico Highway 1.

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    Magana's Tacos Restaurant Bar is located at KM 65, in the small town of La Mision, on the west side of FREE Mexico Highway 1.

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - Flan

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda

    3.6(110 reviews)
    0.1 km
    $$

    Dymtris La Fonda has been one of my must-visit stops for well over 15 years, and it continues to…read moredeliver the same authentic charm that made me love it in the first place. Few places stand the test of time the way this one has--it's not just a restaurant, it's part of the rhythm of life here. Whether you're a longtime local, someone passing down the coast, or a first-time visitor looking for something real, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you've been coming here forever. The menu highlights some of the best local seafood you'll find in the region. Everything from the shrimp and octopus cocktails to the fried fish plates and seasonal shellfish is consistently fresh, prepared simply, and packed with flavor. The seafood soups and stews are especially satisfying on cooler days--rich, hearty, and loaded with generous portions. One thing I always appreciate is that the flavors never feel overly complicated or drowned in heavy sauces. Instead, they let the ingredients speak for themselves, which tells me they're sourced with care. And of course, the homemade tortillas are an experience all on their own. Soft, warm, and hand-pressed throughout the day, they come out with the kind of taste and texture that reminds you why fresh makes all the difference. They pair perfectly with just about anything on the menu, but especially the seafood dishes and traditional breakfast plates like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. It's clear that these aren't just an afterthought--they're a foundational part of every meal here. The drinks are always ice-cold and refreshing. Whether you're ordering a fresh-squeezed juice in the morning, a chilled soda or agua fresca at lunch, or a margarita or cold beer with dinner, everything is mixed and served the right way. On busy summer afternoons, it's the perfect place to recharge with a drink in hand and salty ocean air just steps away. Over the years, service has remained friendly and attentive, even during peak hours. The staff works quickly without making you feel rushed, and they always seem tuned into the needs of both regulars and visitors. The casual, unpretentious environment makes it easy to stop in anytime--flip-flops or motorcycle boots, family breakfast or late-night bite, doesn't matter. This is the kind of place that bends to the moment. No matter the time of day--breakfast, lunch, or dinner--Dymtris La Fonda is a reliable stop for a satisfying, authentic meal that represents the local food culture perfectly. It's consistent, it's fresh, and it has soul. If you're anywhere along this stretch of coast, do yourself a favor and pull in for a meal. You won't regret it--and chances are, you'll add it to your list of tradition the way I did. Highly recommended for anyone craving comfort food, local flavor, and honest seafood done right.

    Word on the street is that Dymtri has passed away, which would explain the sudden downfall of…read moreDymtri's La Fonda. We stopped in on a Friday night and it was pretty much dead. One waiter working the whole restaurant. There was a sign out front that said "cash only" which was odd. We followed up and they said we could still pay with a card. We started with drinks which were watered down. Then a Mexican combo plate and fish tacos. The fish tacos was fried halibut, not grilled, topped with just lettuce and a spoonful of guacamole. The Mexican combo was a taco chili relleno and a cheese enchilada. Both came with rice and beans which were bland. The side salad was equally disappointing with a romaine leaf, cucumber tomato and papaya. The blue cheese dressing was from Smart & Final. The only good thing was the Mexican coffee that came with the meal. It's sad to see what La Fonda has become with its history and was once considered the best restaurants in the area.

    Photos
    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - View

    View

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - Flan

    Flan

    Dymtri’s Original La Fonda - The service is nice and friendly as soon as you walk in. Their Langosta was fire, 1st time I trying Indio beer.

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    The service is nice and friendly as soon as you walk in. Their Langosta was fire, 1st time I trying Indio beer.

    La Salina Marina Cantina

    La Salina Marina Cantina

    4.0(20 reviews)
    6.7 km
    $

    Beware of This Bar!…read more Initially, I liked this bar and had fun the several times I visited and stayed at a VRBO close to the bar. Until I didn't....... Someone who worked there as a bartender stole my phone. I tracked my phone which was inside the bar, and it rang from behind the bar. When I confronted the employee/son of the owner, he threw me out and slammed the door in my face. The bar caters to an older crowd, with an average age of 50-75. Despite the crowd, no one helped me even when they heard my phone ping. I went to the gate guard for assistance, but he also refused to help. I even asked him in fluent Spanish to call the police, but he declined. Watch your belongings here! Also, when confronted, they just throw customers out. They also charge a 5% tax on the bill without informing you. The food is microwaved and basic, definitely not worth it. I suspect the booze is watered down too. The DJ, who seemed to be around 80 years old, was trying his best to keep up. Later that night, after contacting the property manager of the house I rented, I heard a thud in the backyard of my rental and found my phone there. Very suspicious, but at least I got it back. You'd think they'd cater to guests and younger crowds, but they only price gouge tourists. I won't be spending my money here again, and I suggest others steer clear of this establishment.

    The food is good. The service is great. The views are spectacular! They have specials everyday and…read morehappy hour drink specials. Live music Thursday - Sunday. Closed Wednesdays. Stopped in many times for taco Tuesday never a disappointment with the tacos.

    Photos
    La Salina Marina Cantina
    La Salina Marina Cantina - Page 3 menu

    Page 3 menu

    La Salina Marina Cantina - Didn't take any photos inside (*cough*5-tequila-flaming-Birthday-shot*cough*) but here's the beautiful beach it sits on.

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    Didn't take any photos inside (*cough*5-tequila-flaming-Birthday-shot*cough*) but here's the beautiful beach it sits on.

    Encanto - Hot molcajete

    Encanto

    3.9(325 reviews)
    7.2 km
    $$$

    Encanto somehow just keeps getting better. The views alone are worth the drive, but they've really…read morebuilt up the patio area and it is gorgeous now. There's so much seating, so it feels open and relaxed even when it's busy. It's one of those places where you immediately want to grab your phone and take a few photos. The food is still just as delicious as I remember, and the service is unmatched. Everyone is attentive without hovering and you feel really taken care of. Honestly, it's worth stopping in even if you just go for a drink and soak in the scenery. Great cocktails, stunning backdrop, and such a good overall vibe. I'll definitely keep coming back.

    I recently visited Encanto in Ensenada and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience…read more When the bill arrived, I noticed that one of my dishes was priced incorrectly. I politely pointed it out to our server, Daniel, expecting it to be corrected. Instead, he casually dismissed it and said, "It's only 100 pesos more," which I found unprofessional and disrespectful. It's not about the amount it's about accuracy and customer service. Because of this interaction, I decided to remove the $20 tip I had initially left. When I did, he took the receipt to his manager and claimed that I hadn't tipped at all. I explained the situation, but he responded with a smirk, which felt mocking and made the situation even more uncomfortable. Additionally, the service overall was slow. We asked for water multiple times before ordering, during the meal, and even after finishing and it still took a long time for it to arrive. Unfortunately, this experience left a very negative impression, despite the setting. I hope management takes this kind of behavior seriously and works on improving both service quality and professionalism.

    Photos
    Encanto - Second story seating- the views are beautiful

    Second story seating- the views are beautiful

    Encanto
    Encanto

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    La Fonda - mexican - Updated May 2026

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