Fonda: Contemporary Mexican Excellence in Mayfair

Nestled on Heddon Street in the heart of Mayfair, Fonda represents Chef Santiago Lastra's second London venture following his acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant KOL. While drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican family-owned eateries, Fonda elevates the concept with sophisticated techniques and locally-sourced British ingredients.

A Culinary Journey Through Mexico

The menu at Fonda celebrates regional Mexican cuisines through Lastra's distinctive lens. Diners begin with a trio of house-made salsas—from the fruity salsa macha with Cascabel chillies and sunflower seeds to the vibrant gooseberry-infused salsa verde. These accompany standout dishes like the Baja fish taco with beer-battered cod and pistachio salsa, and the sea trout ceviche with butternut squash and chili.

Larger plates showcase Lastra's mastery of traditional techniques, particularly evident in the short rib with mole poblano—a rich, complex sauce that critics describe as having "Mariana trench-depth and a sultry, dark-chocolate sweetness." Each main is served with freshly made corn tortillas kept warm in custom insulated bags.

Atmosphere and Design

The restaurant's interior, designed by A_nrd Design Studio, features warm earth tones, pink silks, and handcrafted Mexican art pieces. The space is divided between the main dining area with its open kitchen and comal (traditional clay griddle), and the downstairs private dining room, Sala Rosa, which can accommodate up to 40 guests.

The cocktail program deserves special mention, particularly the dedicated Paloma menu featuring creative variations on this Mexican classic, alongside expertly crafted mezcal and tequila-based drinks.

The Fonda Experience

What truly distinguishes Fonda is the passionate service—staff members enthusiastically explain each dish's origins and ingredients, guiding diners through the optimal combinations of salsas and accompaniments. As one critic noted, this creates "conversation-stopping" moments where guests can only mutter, "This is good" and "Oh my."

Whether you're seeking an introduction to Santiago Lastra's acclaimed cooking or a fresh perspective on Mexican cuisine, Fonda delivers a memorable dining experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation.