Fonda Fora

Name: Fonda Fora
Address: 630 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2P 0J9
Telephone: (403) 764-6260
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

399 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Mexican

Top tags:

Located inside the Westley Hotel in the heart of Downtown Calgary, Fonda Fora is an exciting new contemporary Mexican restaurant brought to you by the folks at Thank You Hospitality.

Food and Beverage Magazine 30 under 30 winner, Chef Emilio Montenegro has crafted a menu based on his upbringing in Northern Mexico and his journey in kitchens across the world. Much of our concept is based around the heirloom corn of Mexico. We import four types of corn from a collective of heirloom farms in Mexico in order to provide the best product we can. We process this corn from raw and turn it into masa for dishes all across our menu, like our Sope, Tamal, and of course, Tortillas. There is a saying in Mexico that we live by at Fonda Fora: "Sin maiz no hay pais," meaning without corn, there is no country. Maiz is the lifeblood of Mexican cuisine, and we are excited to present it to you as it should be.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 21, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Mexican, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 6:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:30 am–12:00 am Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Phone number
(403) 764-6260
Website
http://www.fondafora.com/
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Chef Emilio Montenegro
Private party facilities
Located inside the Westley Hotel in the heart of Downtown Calgary, Fonda Fora is an exciting contemporary dining concept brought to you by the folks at Thank You Hospitality. We offer a wide range of options for all event sizes - big or small. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Private party contact
Tyson Duben: (403) 764-6260

Location
630 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0J9
Neighbourhood
Calgary
Cross Street
4th Ave and 6th Street SW
Parking Details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Cafe, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

Popular dishes

Fonda Fora Heirloom Corn Lager, Field & Forge (4%)$6.00
Wit, Two Pillars (5.5%)$6.00
New England Pale Ale, Blindman (5.5%)$6.00
Melody West Coast IPA Ol'Beautiful (6.5%)$6.00
Wild Sour, Dandy (7%)$6.00
Avilion Fruited Cider, Field & Forg (6.5%)$6.00
Jefe's Michelada$7.50
Worchesteshire, jugo maggi, lime, chamoy, tabasco, mirepoix, salt rim, Field & Forge Lager
Pick Your "Rita"
Choice of mezcal or tequila, triple sec, lime
- 2oz$12.00
Passionfruit Caipiroska
Vodka, lime, passionfruit
- 1oz$12.00
Back To the Fuchsia
Empress Gin, lime, grapefruit, agave, lemon-lime soda
- 1oz$12.00
House White | Spain | 12%$10.00
House Red | Spain | 13.5%$10.00
House Sparkling | Spain | 11.5%$7.50

What 399 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.2Service
4.6Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

399 Reviews

T
Tithi
San Francisco
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
Great food and service but surprisingly all the foods were served at the same time appetizers and entrees. By the time we got to the entree after finishing the appetizers, it got cold.
Is this helpful?
R
Rachel
Calgary
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience4
This is a great hidden gem! Unique and delicious Mexican fusion dishes. Amazing cocktails, especially the margaritas. This was my second time to visit Fonda Fora and I took some friends that had not been. They loved it too. My only two criticism were the drink service was very slow and the outdoor patio string lights were still not working so it lack a little on the ambience side. Otherwise, the food was absolutely outstanding. I can't wait to get back for more of that Guacamole...perhaps one of the best I have ever had!! And to try some more of the delicious margaritas.
Is this helpful?
CS
CatherineS
Calgary
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food2service3ambience5
Chic new Mexican restaurant. Nice margaritas. Didn't have a chance to try their flight of tequilas and mezcals. Guac and chips was A-mazing. Didn't like my main course at all, and they kindly removed it from the bill. My guest's meal looked slightly better. Prices are steep- margaritas from $16-$50- likely because they use higher quality tequilas. Lots of craft cocktails. Service was good but the server wasn't pleasant. Don't think I'll go back.
Is this helpful?
AU
AmakaU
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The meal was delicious. The team enjoyed it very much
Is this helpful?
S
Sandman404
Calgary
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food has a great amount of flavour (the flavour profiles on the dishes I had were complex). I appreciated the taste, preparation, and presentation. The staff are friendly and helpful. Dishes: Guacamole, Pork Belly, Lamb (note: on the lamb, this serving was very fatty, more than my companion would enjoy normally with lamb. I suggest cutting it back or ask at least). Thanks!
Is this helpful?
MF
MountainFoodie
Toronto
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and stunning ambience! Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
AF
AlFJR
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had never heard of this restsursnt before and wanted something close to Prince's Island. We love Mexican and gave it a try! I must say that this was probably top 3 of my meals of 2023 so far. Absolutely delicious at every turn. Fresh ingredients, creative yet comfortable presentations and unbelievable service. Just wow!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a very spacious beautiful place . With lovely ambience . We had brunch and food was unique and delicious . Very friendly service . Must try the fresh orange juice . Suitable for small amd large groups
Is this helpful?
YS
YunaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. I´m mexican so this is the best mexican food I tried in Calgary.
Is this helpful?
NM
NoorM
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I made a 5:30 reso to dine inside the restaurant. We were 15 late. Weather was nice so asked if we could be seated outside. They kindly obliged. Server was knowledgable about all the menu items. Food was service was pretty quick. Food was delicious and customer service was wonderful. Would definitely go back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Great selection and delicious menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place, the food is always so good and the cocktails are perfectly balanced
Is this helpful?
AG
AshG
Calgary
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always. Probably my favourite restaurant in the city.
Is this helpful?
RB
RachelleB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time and can't wait to go back. Best Guac and omg the Caesar salad was so different then anything I ever tried. 10/10
Is this helpful?
JF
JenniferF
Guadalajara
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Terrible!!! The manager was rude and discriminatory with me and my family, one of the waitress went to my table and crossed my father without even saying excuse me just to explain to another client something and then kept crossing my dad and she was laughing about it and did not even apologize about it. When I complaint about it with the manager she did not care and said it was not with a bad intention. We decided to pay for the drinks we had ordered by then and leave the place. I would never come back and definitely won’t recommend it. What a shame that now a days there’s still racism.
Is this helpful?
c
calcan5
Calgary
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
All foods & drinks was delicious Great happy hours deal Server was nice
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
Brunch menu very lacking. Food also did not match photos on instagram even remotely. Overpriced, taste and flavour lacking or over salty.
Is this helpful?
j
jonathanh
Calgary
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience3
This place is really great! Highly recommend it!
Is this helpful?
a
arlguy
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice patio setting with delicious, sharable dishes.
Is this helpful?
EB
EvBenj
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my second time to this establishment. The food is fresh and the services is friendly and consistent. We had the guacamole to start and the pork belly dish as the main. I cant wait to revisit to experiment with more items on the menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
One of the dishes we got was the Pollo Frito. The first time it came out it was raw and bleeding when we cut into a thighs so we sent it back. The second time was the same and they tried to convince us that it was a vein and that the chicken was fine even though it was red and dripping blood at the bone. They did end up taking it off the bill. The rest of the food and the margaritas were amazing.
Is this helpful?
V
Vanessa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
The food was incredible here! The ambiance was warm and welcoming. The aesthetics were also a 10/10! The only thing that is lacking is the service. It was really hard to get a servers attention from the time we were waiting to be seated and we had a reservation. The servers don’t pay too much attention to you unfortunately and our server hardly came to our table. Everything else was fantastic though! I’d definitely go again!
Is this helpful?
BF
BeautyFoodieYYC
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This cute restaurant has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes and drink list, along with a beautiful comfortable environment. You have to get the churros for dessert. I will recommend to everyone! I would like to come back here again!
Is this helpful?
HG
HilaryG
Calgary
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
The food was great! Would go back for the fried chicken and the lamb ribs especially . Nice quiet ambience and the space is bright and open
Is this helpful?
GM
GaryM
Calgary
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience, authentic high quality Mexican food.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
An initial informal, unprofessional greeting of explaining how our reservation wasn't marked as the accurate time after we called to confirm. Was not greeted until more than 5 minutes after being seated. Server only saying has anyone been over we are switching sections then took a drink order but wasn’t sure if she was our server. No, friendly greeting or guided questions like… have you visited before, no walk through the menu etc… Slow service over all. Took 15 minutes to get a second order of chips for salsa tasting. No explanation of which salsa was which. Just a table plop and walk away. We asked to move inside because there were several wasps around our table and small flies. Out of all the lovely tables that remained empty we were sat directly by the door. Chicken Tostada was fine but too Smokey in flavour. Our server didn’t return for quite some time and we were out of chips despite asking for more. We also had no water and our drinks were empty. Our lamb dish took almost an hour to come out and was dry, full of cartilage and was not fall off the bone. Very bland. A $40 dish. We sent to lamb back, and in doing so the server left it at our table. It was removed from the bill. The restaurant was not overly busy. Not busy enough to receive this level of service. Although the server was nice, she was very nonchalant with how our food was coming out and was not very professional in the reasonings of why. It was my husbands birthday and that was indicated on the reservation. It wasn’t mentioned once. Not only did our meal basically end up being just chips and salsa the only thing removed from the bill was the lamb we didn’t eat. Despite the clear disarray of our experience. We were happy to try a new place, the restaurant itself is gorgeous. But overall the quality of service and delivery of food failed us resulting in a ruined birthday dinner. A lot of things could have been done to save this experience. But no effort was really made. It was unfortunate.
Is this helpful?
ML
MarcoL
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A Nice surprise. We got to be seated close to the kitchen and could see the chef and his team work such in harmonie and preparing carfully the good foot. It was great and the food is great. The service was perfect.
Is this helpful?
TG
TrenaG
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always, the salsa sampler was devoured. I ordered the trout & it was delicious. My friend enjoyed the pork belly. We shared the chocolate custard for dessert. It was so very rich & fantastic.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Lovely experience dining at Fonda Fora. Food is excellent and tasty.
Is this helpful?
CJ
ChenteJV
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great ambient, service and food. Some of the plates are a bit pricey. Nevertheless, food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
c
charismagioandlib
Calgary
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
It has been some time since being back to Fonda Fora and the visit was a nice surprise with the atmosphere more calm with less noise compared to previous visits . The menu has changed a lot with not as much available in the main courses section of the menu . We really liked our server she was fabulous will be by again in the not to distant future . Thank you !
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
Food and drinks were great. Only issue is we went as a large group and they could not split the bills. Feel like I’m 2023 this should be very easy to do. Otherwise was a great experience.
Is this helpful?
s
spark23
Miami - Dade
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food was delicious! Try the carne asada !
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
Mariam was fantastic and if I return I hope to be seated with her. We had a reservation for a bridal dinner and when we walked in there wasn’t anyone to greet us so we were a bit confused on where to go. I approached the coffee/bar area and someone took us in and led us to a small table in the middle of the room. We were here for a special event and the table area was loud, crowded and not comfortable. We asked for a different table and were told there were none and they all had reservations, but so did we, booked a week ago. When our first server came we asked again if there was another table, she moved us to a similar table but at least it was off to the side so we could at least hear each other while talking. Aside from the ambience, Mariam is wonderful, she gave great food recommendations and was very personable. 10/10 to her and I’d return just for the service she provides. Order the salmon sashimi dish. It was delicious! The vegetarian zucchini pizza I would pass on. Next time we will have to save room for dessert!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience4
Have been here before and loved it. This time was disappointing
Is this helpful?
NS
NohaS
Calgary
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time being there and I liked the atmosphere and the food. Good experiance and will come there again
Is this helpful?
ML
MunroseL
Calgary
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the patio, felt like a mini vacation. Service was great, food delicious, and ambiance wonderful. Would recommend!!
Is this helpful?
V
Virgo
Calgary
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
It was a business lunch. The atmosphere is lovely. Food was very good - sharing plates is the recommendation and it worked great. Highly recommend the guacamole appetizer but everything we had was good.
Is this helpful?
BF
BestiesFloralCafe
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for a Team dinner and had the best time. The food was delicious. Loved how our server knew what to bring out and when since we ordered a lot of food for the team to share.
Is this helpful?
T
Tourist
Calgary
78 reviews
vip
5.0
78 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Visiting chef Hugo Chavez and the Fonda Fora team served sophisticated tacos and dessert. The tequila cocktail pairing went superbly with the food.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Fonda Fora offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (403) 764-6260.

Fonda Fora is rated 4.4 stars by 399 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 21, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

630 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0J9

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
4th Ave and 6th Street SW
Neighbourhood
Calgary
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 6:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:30 am–12:00 am Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Mexican, Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Public Lot
Executive Chef
Chef Emilio Montenegro
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Cafe, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

Website
http://www.fondafora.com/
Phone number
(403) 764-6260
Private party facilities
Located inside the Westley Hotel in the heart of Downtown Calgary, Fonda Fora is an exciting contemporary dining concept brought to you by the folks at Thank You Hospitality. We offer a wide range of options for all event sizes - big or small. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Private party contact
Tyson Duben: (403) 764-6260

Fonda Fora

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Salsas

Pork Belly Carnitas

Tostadas

Tacos

Pescado Frito$4.00

Panza$4.00

Hongos$4.00

Tostadas

Beet$4.00

Salmon$4.00

Drinks

Fonda Fora Heirloom Corn Lager, Field & Forge (4%)$6.00

Wit, Two Pillars (5.5%)$6.00

New England Pale Ale, Blindman (5.5%)$6.00

Melody West Coast IPA Ol'Beautiful (6.5%)$6.00

Wild Sour, Dandy (7%)$6.00

Avilion Fruited Cider, Field & Forg (6.5%)$6.00

Jefe's Michelada$7.50

Pick Your "Rita"

Passionfruit Caipiroska

Back To the Fuchsia

House White | Spain | 12%$10.00

House Red | Spain | 13.5%$10.00

House Sparkling | Spain | 11.5%$7.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

Does Fonda Fora offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Fonda Fora restaurant rated?

Is Fonda Fora currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information