La Fonda combines elegant dining and authentic Mexican food, a cuisine hard to come by in the historic Los Angeles Downtown. La Fonda offers traditional and family friendly favorites, as well as a variety of fresh seafood and more contemporary
dishes influenced by Spanish and South American flavors. Well-known for
their margaritas, La Fonda boasts a full bar with different types of fine
tequila. La Fonda accommodates groups or individuals with a
moderately priced menu and is open everyday for lunch
and dinner; they also offer Sunday Brunch.

   

Historically known as the first restaurant in the country to incorporate live mariachi musical performances with sit-down dining while simultaneously revolutionizing the genre in Los Angeles, La Fonda is back with the same spirit. Founded in 1969 as
the home for the best mariachi music in Los Angeles, La Fonda reemerges with
its original recipe: enchanting mariachi productions and mouthwatering dishes. Reopening at its original Wilshire Boulevard location, this L.A. landmark remains a nostalgic reminder of the fusion of classical Mexican
folkloric music and a tantalizing dining experience.

Although long-time patrons may remember it as Las Fajitas, the ownership changed the name to La Fonda after the restaurant was taken to a new level by an extensive remodeling project and revamped menu. The elegant, new décor and design has artfully transformed the property into a fashionable dining environment equal to
any in the city. The same staff of friendly, accommodating employees
was retained during the construction process to insure that
their high standards would be maintained. 

 
  Chef Martin Garcia                              Mariachi Entertainment

This new incarnation now also offers a number of 'family friendly' items that will be popular with many of the younger diners. There is a greater emphasis on 'a la
minute' preparations of fresh seafood and dishes with subtle, Spanish
and South American influences. They also offer a
special Sunday Brunch menu.


Cadillac Margarita

On the evening of our visit, our knowledgeable and friendly
Chef Martin Garcia, brought us a couple of the house Margaritas as soon
as we were seated. They turned out to be fantastically flavorful and deceptively smooth; as was quickly discovered after a couple of them had been consumed.


Ceviche with  Fresh Fish, Shrimp and Scallops

Then Chef Garcia then arrived with a delightful selection of appetizers, you can see how wonderful and how big they are, just take a look at our photos, the Ceviche containing fresh fish, shrimp and scallops, which rivaled preparations that I have enjoyed at some of the better restaurants in Ensenada, Baja California. As a confirmed seafood lover, I was in heaven. Everything that I consumed was delivered at the absolute peak of flavor and quality.

 
Mole Sauce                                               Guacamole

Next we had a taste of their Mole Sauce, with Chicken enchilada, and a taste of their shrimp. It was indeed a delicious Mole sauce that we all enjoyed.

Our guests wanted to try the Guacamole; it was very good served with tortilla chips. Prepared with limejuice, cilantro, onion and jalapeno. The corn chips at La Fonda are light, crisp and always freshly made. They also provide a regularly refilled bowl of some of the finest chipotle salsa that I have ever tasted.


Black Bean and Chipotle Soup

Also, Chef Garcia, brought a sampler of their special soup
of the night, the Black Bean and Chipotle, very spicy and again, delicious.


Enchiladas de Tomatillo

We also enjoyed the Enchiladas de Tomatillo; a two cheese enchiladas filled with shredded chicken breast topped with green tomatillo sauce with a hint of jalapeno. Served with rice and beans.

 
La Fonda Salad

Chef Garcia, also brought us a taste of their famous La Fonda salad, with fresh baby green, cherry tomato, olive, cucumber, and radish all bathed in a citrus vinaigrette and topped with anejo cheese. A light salad, that goes well with your meal.


Mignon al Huitlacoche, a Succulent 8oz Filet Mignon

As far as entrée, Chef Garcia sent us the Mignon al Huitlacoche, a succulent 8oz filet mignon smothered with a corn mushroom sauce, served on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables topped with yucca strings.

 
Homemade Flan                                   Tres Leches Cake

After topping off our meal with a creamy, homemade flan and their famous Tres Leches Cake, we were ready to concede another smashing victory for
Executive Chef Martin Garcia one of California's most
talented and accomplished chefs in his class.

 
Mariachi Show

We stayed and enjoyed very much their Mariachi show, it was a great way to entertain their guests. I loved it and they all are great professionals,
that knows how to sing and play amazingly!

 

La Fonda's newly found success just goes to show
that no matter how good your product may be; if you put your heart
into it and work extremely hard, you can almost always make it even better!


For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.lafondala.com