Nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls… oh my!
Among the bars and restaurants of Melbourne sits the hot spot for local foodies, and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Smith St. If you’re craving a fix of Mexican cuisine, look no further than the heart of a beloved Australian franchise where you’re greeted with a smile and served in style… Fonda Collingwood!
Alive with colour, Fonda Collingwood breathes in yellows and pinks among the neutrals of brick and wood panelling. It’s almost as if the theme of the décor is to match the flavour and vibrancy of their drinks and dishes!
The first floor sports deep blue booths where your party can dine by the bar and sneak a peek into the kitchen to see the wonderful staff churning out your next mouth-watering order. A personal favourite touch of mine is the sheer amount of impressive greenery that you sit among while you dine, making Fonda feel like a little slice of paradise just out of the city. With high ceilings and plenty of sunlight streaming in, you’ll never be down dining here.
The second storey (past the punchy geometric mural) is an entertainers paradise, with your favourite house plants scattered about the empty space ready for you to bring your own energy to your next event. With your own bar and an outdoor dining area set among the trees, you can squeeze in 40 of your loved ones for a seated event or 100 for a cocktail party.
As the Melbourne summer slowly, but surely, rolls in, Fonda’s drinks menu starts to look like a holy grail in the heat. Choosing between six different margarita varieties might sound daunting, but if your heart is set on more than one (I totally get it) the day is saved by the tasting paddle with a sample of each! If the margarita isn’t your forte, you can opt for a classic (or frozen!) cocktail for yourself or to split with a few mates.
We got to try the fiery Makrut Lime and Chilli Margarita which packs a phenomenal punch in the spice department, and the Strawberry and Mint House-Made Soda which is going to be the flavour of the summer with its sweet and fresh zest.
For our mates who prefer things simple, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options are always available. Nobody is left behind with Fonda’s drink list!
I’ve never met someone who didn’t love Mexican dishes, and it’s impossible not to love the way Fonda cooks them up. With a menu stacked with the classics, it’s absurd to choose just one dish to try.
We dug into the chargrilled chicken quesadillas… and they vanished much quicker than I care to admit. Packed with smoky chicken, baby spinach and house-made pico de gallo, they are simply irresistible. We also grabbed the Give It To Me Straight (Up) Nachos which were perfect for the afternoon munchies, and the chipotle chips which are not your average fries! Seasoned with mexi-salt, they carry an almost smoky tang to your tastebuds.
To top it all off, if you still have the room, how can you beat the sugary, crispy goodness of churros for two (or one, we don’t judge) dipped in chocolate sauce? You can’t! And that’s how you have the perfect end to a perfect meal.
Take a hop, skip or jump away from the CBD and be welcomed with open arms here at Fonda Collingwood, where everyone wears the biggest smiles and the food is absolutely delicious. What are you waiting for?
